A RUGBY ENTHUSIAST

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11652, 17 October 1923, Page 10

A RUGBY ENTHUSIAST

AUCKLAND GOING AHEAD. ■ THEI AMENDED RULES. Mr "Tom” Aitken, of Auckland, who is spending a few days in Wellington, has been associated with football and cricket all his life. He* was secretary of the Thames Club in 1875,’ and* since that time has held every office in the club. When the. Union was formed he became chairman, and held office for several years. On removing to Auckland he was made president of the Ponsonby District Club, and is now a vice-president of the Auckland Rugby Union. He has several times toUred the with the football teams.

"There is-no question but that the Rugby, game has improved. tremendously in the last two or three said Mr Aitken I to a ; "Times” reporter. "For eome year*;we had a stem Settle with the League gaine, but with the advent of the amendfea rules,'introduced by the chairman of the: Auckland Union, Mr Harry Frost, a new*, era opened, and Rugby is now more popular than ever in Auckland. There was an. attendance of 25,000 at the . recent.. match • between Hawke's Bav and Auckland,, the hold the game has retained.- The Auckland War Memorial benefits to the extent of over jBIOOO as a result of the game. .'‘Judging by reports from all over the Dominion, concluded Mr Aitken. "they should, be able to get: a-team for England next year fully equal to the celebrated All Blacks of 1905.”