RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20389, 21 April 1928, Page 12

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

This afternoon Rugby football will resume its familiar sway over the public in Dunedin. The popularity of this particular pastime is unquestionable and unchallengeable. The data collected by the Government Statistician show that Che number of persons who play Rugby football in New Zealand exceeds the number that is engaged in any. other two pastimes There is, clearly, something in the game that specially attracts the youth of the Dominion to participation in it, And there' is a very great deal in Rugby football to recommend it to public support. The disciplinary value of the game and- the faculty for tke organisation of team work which it calls for are . sufficiently obvious. ■ So, also, is the develop ment which it encourages of such" qualities as alertness,, resourcefulness, unselfishness, quickness.of decision, and physical endurance. These, are qualities, pf course, which are demanded of those who take part ’in most of the manly games that flourish in British’ countries, but it may be affirmed that they are more essential to the player who desires to excel in Rugby football than they are to the player of any other gamer No doubt the vogue which this, pastime has acquired in New Zealand may be attributed largely to the proficiency in it that has been acquired by players in the. Dominion., It has been claimed that the tour, upon which a team of- New Zealanders has just embarked, will 'determine whether 1 the supremacy in Rugby, football is enjoyed by South Africa or by -New Zealand. Whether such a claim may or may not .be justly made, it seems tolerably certain- that there is a distinct risk that a false importance may be given to the game by the emphasis that is placed on the issue of international matches. These matches' play a distinctly useful■service in the sense that they contribute -to the strengthening of the relations of friendship which subsist between the countries that are represented, and contribute, also' to the breaking, down of barriers raised by prejudice and ignorance. The New Zealand team left to the accom. panimeht of the warmest expressions of goodwill ‘ and pf public confidence. The Prime Minister bestowed his benediction upon it. Even, the .Labour Party, in conference assembled, -.was-mindful enough of the popularity of Rugby football to ex, press its “ heartfelt good wishes ” to the team., . But, while the desire Will be general throughout the Dominion that the New Zealand team will meet with success in South Africa,- any idea that it will be a national qalamity if it should be defeated is grotesque and preposterous. It. were preferable, indeed, that the team should acquire- a high reputation for sportsmanship and be defeated than that it should be victorious at the expense of such a reputation. For,, -.when all, is, said ana .done, ” the play's the thing.” And the importance of protecting the game against the introduction of abuses and evils, ui which every pastime which attains wide popularity is liable, must be recognised. A correspondent, whose letter we publish this morning, makes an earnest plea for the .protection of Rugby football from the evil of betting on the results of matches. The absolute prevention - of betting on any sport may frankly be admitted to be impossible. But the corrupting influence of betting is notorious, and the responsible authorities must realise the necessity of imposing a check as strict as is practicable upon the practice.

As Wednesday next will be Anzac Day, there 'will be no publication of tho Otago Daily Times. The postal authorities advise that the R.M.S. Tahiti, which is due at Wellington on Monday, morning from Sydney, is bringing 14ST bags' of mail (including 113 bags from beyond Australia) and 58 ham pers containing second-class matter for DunetLn. The mail is expected to come to hand on Tuesday afternoon. The R.M.S. Niagara is duo at Auckland on Monday from Vancouver, with European, Continental, American and Canadian mails. The Dunedin portion should arrive on Wednesday afternoon.-

Owing to the great dissatisfaction among citizens at the decision of the Christchurch City Council to place the Art Gallery upon the site near the Canterbury Museum an effort will bo made to secure further investigation into tho question of a site before tho plans are prepared. Our special correspondent states that a body of representative citizens is confident tha* a site which will meet with approval from all sections can be found

A large octopus, or what is familiarly known a? a blood-sucker, was harpooned by a waterside worker near tho old ferry berth yesterday afternoon. It was a gruesome looking .monster as it swam lazily around,' its tentacles being fully thr«. feet long. The waterside worker was perched in a precarious position along the star board thwart of a waterman’s launch. He lay in this position for some time watching! the movements of the swirling tentacle; At the right moment ho thrust the harpoon home, and with a cleft turn of the wrist threw tho squirming monster on to the wharf. A crowd quickly gathered and watched its struggles, but a few thrusts with a large knife quickly put an end to it. Tho shallow water at the corner of the Cross and Rattray streets’ wharves appears to bo a regular feeding place for the octopus, ’as scores of these dangerous denizens of ’ the sea are caught there.

A curious circumstance is narrated by an angler resident at Waitahuna. It may ie best described as nearly as possible in his own words. Having first mentioned rtiat ducks are plentiful at Waipori, and that ho had seen two birds that he took to he hen pheasants, ho stales that be was sit ting with the live “bully” ’at the side of a hole when ho saw a ferret on tho opposite bank, going, as ho thought, for a drink. It appeared on the hank witu something m its mouth, which it proceeded to devour. It (hen went along the bank, and every foot, or so descended and entered the water. Each time it did this it would return to the hank and shake itself. Finally he saw it come up the I ank carrying something which it. commenced ea f i#ig. The angler then went forward { n got a closer view. After finishing the morsel' it hud taken from (he water, the ferret re-entered tho lake, and the angl-r then discovered that it was making a good meal of crawfish, probably taken from under the stones in tho water, or caught while incautiously prowling about.

A now step has born taken in the ranks of tho Temperance Party in New Zealand in tho formation of tho Y.M.A.A (Young Movement Against Alcohol), and Mr M If. Iloclder is expected to arrive on Mon day to open a campaign in Dunedin The organi-ation is being formed throughout New Zealand to enlist the interest of *he youth of the country iu temperance work

The residents of Tomahawk are' nothing if trot energetic and loyal to their district, and through their efforts the debt on the local hall which, some eight years ago stood at £BOO, has now been reduced to £l4O. The building, which u one of the most commodious country public halls in Otago, has accommodation for 700 people, and is fitted with every modern convenience. A Tomahawk resident, in the course of conversation with a Daily I’.mcs' reporter yesterday, remarked that' the district now had a hall and a church .to bo proud of. The next requirement was a new school, and it was hoped that in the near future the Education Department, which already realised the necessity for this, would tee its way clear to erect one

With regard- to a recently cabled report of the impending amalgamation of the three leading gramophone companies of the world, the Wellington representative of the His Master’s Voice Company has received advice from his principals that the report is absolutely without foundation (says a Press Association tele l gram).

Messrs Rupert Augustus’ Fountain, George Groves and John Watson have been nominated as candidates for two vacancies in the Port Chalmers Borough . Council. The vacancies were caused by the death of Ct -R, Allan, and the. resignation of Or T. Mackie. A poll of the electors will be taken on Wednesday May 2, in the Port Chalmers Town Hall. . .

The game shooting season commences on May 1, and information about the birds that may be shot and the duration of the season, in so far as the Otago district 's concerned, will be found in our' advertising columns. Last year the season for Cab quail was opened, on' May 2. This year the season for these birds* is from June 1 to July 31. The 'Minister has decided that n 6 Paradise duck shall ■’ shot this season. Shootists are requested to note the regulation that • shooting may begin not earlier than one hour before sunrise and must cease not later than onq hour after sunset. These regulations , Will be enforced.

Another illustration of the extent of the activities of the Department of ,Sc ion tific and Industrial Research; is provided in the statement made by the acting chairman (Mr Q. Donald) at the last meeting of the Research Council, that .as the result of a meeting of tanners It has been’ decided to establish a . leather ' research association in New Zealand. Funds will bo secured by block contributions at specified rates from the various coioperatirig' firms.. The organisation has progressed sufficiently, to enable applications to be called 'for ft chemist with a practical knowledge of tanning- processes; One of the objects ofthe research work will be to establish jb.e' product of New Zealand tanneries as being of such merit as will assist to overcome the prevailing prejudice. • *’

Variable weather prevailed in Duneoin yesterday.' The morning was fine &nd cleat, and a light wirid from the south-e&sf and later the north-west caused the atmosphere to be very warm. Bright sunshine flooded," the land at intervals up to mid-day.' The sky afterwards became_ . overcast,. with ominous black clouds and heavy rain commenced to fall about 3 p.m., and continued fairly steadily thereafter, the indications last night giving little promise' of; fine weather for the week-end. The barometer showed considerable movement during the day. The reading at 8 a.m. - was 29.85. There was a drop of 24 points. at noon, and a further drop of 2 points at 5 p.m,, avvhen the reading was 29.59. The thermometer registered a high readi v, ~ the mercury rising as high as 69 degrees. Tnis was the third highest reading recorded' during the past 20 days, .the previous high readings being on April 3 (68deg.) arid April 13 (69deg.J. ’’ ’ ...

The original messages conveying the, instructions to cease hostilities which were received at the headquarters of ,the New Zealand Division in France, on the morning of November 11, 1918, are to be offered to the Auckland War Memorial Museuci. The first order to cease fire was received at the Divisional ’ Headquarters it 8.23 a.rri. from fEe headquarters‘of the Fourth Army Cdrps,' and Was taken,; down Vby Sapper, Ainos. A second riipEMge down by Sapper Cliff© to. the varfbuk brigades' of the ' division,' and all were advised ,of the news;-by 8.55 A few days after the armistice the signal-mastor-setgeant in . the signal office at the head ouarters of the New Zealand Division was instructed to destroy certain" files' of routine messages. He first, 'however, perused .the files to see if they contained any messages of importance, and found the ’ two rather insignificant slips of coloured, paper beating the instructions for the division to cease hostilities. .These he kept arid brought back to New Zealand. The sergeant, who wishes to remain anonymous, rccentjV rediscovered the slips and made kriowri their existence to Major W. F. Stilweli, ail exofficer of the Divisional Signal Company, and on the latter’s suggestion agreed that they should be placed in safe keeping.

“The disestablishment of the Ohurch -vroiil'd mean the break-up of the Empire as it would be followed hy the abolition of the Monarchy, which had been clearly proved at the last Imperial Conference to bo the one link which bound the Emipre together,” declared tho Bishop of Wellington (Dr Sprott) at the C.E.M.S. conference in Wellington on Tuesday, when it was proposed to change the title of the society to the “ Church of New Zealand Men s Society.” He added that he could conceive of no one in New Zealand advocat ing an independent State: they did not wont to demand to be called the Church of Ne-.y Zealand; it was sufficient to be so, He thought it unwise to alter the titlfc of the society, but saw no reason why it should not be called, as had been suggested, tho “ New Zealand Church of England Men’s Society.” The motion to alter the title in any way was defeated, A Press Association telegram from WeiHngton states that the property of Messis Dwan Bros., next to the Grand Hotel, in Willis street, with a frontage of 37.9ffc to Willis street, was sold by auction yesterday for £3s,SCO—about £837 a foot.

At the Magistrates Court at Mosgicl vesterduv, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., Joseph Gunton- and Stanley Jco, (or whom Mr Irwin appeared, were charged with being found on licenser premises during prohibited hours, and pleaded’ not guilty. After hearing tho evidence of Constable Findlay for tho prosecution, and Joseph Gunton and Saverio Massetti for the defence, the charges wore dismissed. William Hayes, East Taicn, was charged on the information of Mr Ryan (attendance officer) with failing tc send his three children to school. On ono charge ho was lined 2a and 10s costs, and on tho other two charges he was fined. 2s without coats. Judgment was given for Mrs C. Smith against James Reid, on a claim for £1 16s, with costs (13s).

“ Ip presenting his last annua! Hallways Statement, the Prime Minister fordshadowed transport control through a properly constituted Ministry of Transport, but no further announcement has been made,” said Mr C. M. Bowden in his address to the annual meeting of the. Wellington Chamber of Commerce. “If the proposal means the establishment of a. new Government Department it will’be strenuously opposed ; hut if it means a comprehensive inquiry, by an impartial board, flw expenditure • would be a wise investment.”

For the last 12 or 14 months a man named Anthony I.uke has been touring round tho Pacific Islands on mail beatsmostly at the expense of other people. This week he arrived at Auckland from Samoa by the Tofus, a forlorn-looking figure, without funds and without an v definite plans about anything. The authorities in Auckland will not allow him to land as he has no pas-port, and it is expected he will he sent back to Samoa, from where he came. This is what has been happening to Luke for tho last 12 months No body wants him, so they keep sending hita from place to place, evidently with the idea of eventually getting rid of him. A valuable greenstone tiki, which was recently found by Mr J. Cullen in a slip in the neighbourhood of the Taiuanga public baths while ho was engaged in repairing tho pathway, has been purcha-cd by Mr W. E. Goffe, Native land purchase officer. Mr Goifo, w'So is an authority on Maori antiques, says he believes the tik' was calved by a Ngapuhi artist. The work is' of a very high standard, and will form a splendid acquisition to Mr Goffe'- - collection of Maori antiques, which is one of the best in New Zealand.

Two recent Scottish arrivals in Auckland, with that natural prido of country common to all Scots, thought, when they saw the Scottish, flag flying from the pole of tho Harbour Board offices, that it warput up in honour of the considerable number of Scots who had just come to the country They could account for it in no other way, as they Ijnew it was not any Scottish anniversary. Expressing their gratification . to, a fellow countryman who had , for many years been working for the Harbour Board on the wharves, they received rather a • shock (says the Auckland Star), when .they were, told that the flag had been hoisted because the chairman of the board was that day leaving for n world tour,’- and that, being a Scot, one of the countries he would naturally visit would be Scotland. It had also been re ported that Mr Mackenzie, was taking, homo a letter of introduction to Provost Lewis of Aberdeen, and that this might have a “ wee bittie ” to do with the lion rampant fluttering in the breeze. All the newcomers could say was: “ Those Aberdonians always seemed to be on top, and no one else had a chanco when they were about.” On second thoughts, they agreed that there was a good deal to be said for them, as every Aberdonian on the ship coming out had a job to go to when he arrived in New Zealand. “It must bo said to the credit of American and' British Governments in Samoa that their endeavours are for the benefit ®f the Samoan people,” said the Rev. H. Darvill, tho London Missionary Society's representative In Samoa, addressing a meeting in Auckland. He explained that (hero were 10 islands in the group, six being under American administration, and the remaining four under British. There were 40,000 people under the' Union Jack. There were 300 churches. , under the London Society, self-supporting, and all had Samoan missionaries. The church system ran parallel with that of the Governmental native administration, which had been the subject of so much criticism. During 1926 some £7005 had boon collected for church mission work in Samoa alone, and £SOO had been sent out for'mission work abroad The Samoans were a kindly, courageous people, of a strictly religious nature. There is a tradition that in Marlborough’s early days a cave was in existence at Rerangi, which gave, access from that beach to the splendid bathing bea-h at White’s Bay proper, and it is stated that this cave has become filled with drifting sand- and forgotten (says the ~ Marl borough Express). In .view of . the present popularity of both Rarangi and White'» Bay, and the fact, that access between the two rosorts is. possible only after a very Steep climb over the intervening headlands, the importance of rediscovering the cave—if it ever existed—is manifest, and great publio interest has been taken during-the past few days in t|ie efforts of Mr Watson, «£ Ronwicktown, to locate the reputedly lost passage.. Mr Watson has opened up seven sand-filled caves, any of which may be the one of which he is ia search. The Frenchman who gave up the idea of learning tho English language after hear ing someone remark that of all the saws he ever saw, ho never saw a saw like this saw saws, would have come to tho same conclusion if he had been present at the last meeting of the Nelson Education Board- (says tho Mail) when a discussion arose on saws and the sharpening of saws, following a request by the woodwork instructor at Motueka ” for permission to have saws at tho manual centre sharpened. Members sec-sawed on the question to some extent, but the chairman saw eye to eye with tho architect who said that in nis day the first thing a, carpenter saw to was that apprentices could not only saw, but sharpen a saw. Members generally, saw there was something in the argument, and it was decided to ask what steps were taken to give instructions- regarding saw sharpening. The board, however, will probably find that saw sharpening is a job which nowadays is usually handed over to an expert in the'.'art for it’s an old saw (more or less) that sharp saws'saw best, ,

Stories ,of the war and the trencher were exchanged by the Revs J. R. Young and E. S. Emmitt at a welcome social to the latter at, Hawera a few nights ago. One told by the former delighted the listeners. He described an, experience with a .“hard cash” corporal who, in return for a service don© by the padre, told him that “though Tam'no good at Bible banging, if at any time you want, anything stolen come to me." The occasion for taking advantage ci the oiler arose after the armistice, when the officer in charge of a regiment at Cologne, with the army of occupation, asked the padre’s assistance in checking. the spread of gambling. It was mentioned'.that a “crown and anchor board ” was, the greatest attraction to the men, and the padre, recalling the corporal’s offer, sent for him and told him ha wanted that board. “ But," said the corporal, “it is a nice little school and it would be a pity to disturb it.” However the padro insisted,, and got the board. Later, when the men were being repatriated, the corporal, when saying good-bye, asked for the board, a request which was refused. The padre later on found that the man had gone through his kit and again annexed the crown and anchor' board.

“ A fact which com© under the notice of tie Society for the Protection of Women end Children during the year just closed which seemed to call* for modification was the Marriage Act,” stated the report which was submitted- at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Society on Thursday evening (says the Lyttelton Times). It was pointed out that the general public was not generally acquainted with the fact that while the age of consent was 16 years--and there was l desire that it should be raised—the ago at which a boy or girl could be legally married was U and 12 respectively. The attention of the Govern ment had been drawn to the matter, and it was exoected' that some suitable log.sia ■ tion would be brought down at an early date.

, -The Dunedin Starr Bowkett Building Society will dispose o f£2°o o 4,5, and 6 groups on May 2in the Oddfellows’ Dali, Stuart street. The Railways Department will observe ’Anzac Day, April 25, in all respects as if it were a Sunday, and only DunedinPalmerston, Dunedin-Port Chalmers, and Dunedin-Mosgiel Sunday trams will be run.

An Anzac Day service will be held at the Musselburgh School on Wednesday morning, when Lieut.-colonel H. C. uarrowclongh will deliver the address. The Dorothy Wedding Ring is the toewest shape. It’s neat and comfortable. At Williamsons’, The Jewellers (next Bristol Piano Company)...

Best Electrical Service in town—Barth Electrical Supplies Co., Ltd., 90 Princes street, for all kinds electric supplies and fittings, also proprietors Silkies Fishing Tackle. —Advt. Trusses for rupture sufferers. Trusses should ‘fit exactly end firmly, but yet comfortably. Let H. L. Sprosen, Lta., chemists. Octagon and George street, fat you with your next truss. All sizes and stvles. Advice free. Advt. _ Those desirous of having electricity installed in their houses should consult the Stewart Electrical Company, 171 Rattray street. Time payments arranged, from ze 6d a week.—Advt. Arthur Malcolm, rheumatic expert of ggi years’ practical experience, now offers those afflicted a remedy ch sen from Eiuaeroue old family formulas proved by previous generations, beneficial for rheumatics, neuritis, bad back, stiff ant * swollen joints, knees, feet, ankles, or hands, also cramp. This has also been used with success during my many years practice. A trial solicited, which you will not regret. Price 4s posted 4a 6d. Obtainable at my depot. Carbon Chambers. If your case is chrome communicate with me. —Arthur Malcolm, rheumatic expert, CP.O. Box 397, Dunedin.—Advt. ' If feeling out of sorts, Pearson s cines will do you good. We prescribe for your ailments. Pearscn’s Pharmacy, George street (next C. and W. Haywards). —Advt. Many years' experience, plus tne most trp-to-date'equipment scientific optometry ca - suggest, entitles W. V. Stnrrner, G.A.O.CX, D. 5.0.1.. Octagon, Dunedin, to guarantee complete satisfaction in all eye troubles. Advt. A. E. J. Blakeley and W. E. Bagley dentists, B. 1: of Australasia, corner of Bond inti Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office) Telephone 12-359.—Advt For Diamond Engagement Rings, Reliable Watches, and Optical Service. Peter Dick, the most reliable Watchmakers, Jewellers, and Opticians, 490 liar ax nlaco (opposite City Hotel).—