FOOTBALL INVASION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21998, 6 July 1933, Page 7

FOOTBALL INVASION

RANFURLY SHIELD QUEST ENTHUSIASM OF SOUTHLANDERS. (Feb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 5. ' According to a letter from a group of Southland football enthusiasts, received by the. Canterbury Rugby Union last night, the Southland Rugby team will invade Christchurch on August 19 with brass and pipe bands, and hundreds of supporters. They confidently hope to return with the shield. The letter stated that the present intention of the visiting Southlanders is to march from the city to the park in a procession 1000 strong, and that they are bringing two bands. They asked the Canterbury Rugby Union to pay part of the cost. After discussion the union decided that no financial assistance could be given. The transport of the bands would cost £75. “ That’s hardly our function,” said the chairman. ■ There was some laughter when the part about the bands and procession was road. “ It is hardly our function to help to bring up hands,” said Mr A. E. MThail (chairman). “ Especially pipe bands.” added Mr J. K. Moloney. Mr S. Hollander suggested that it might be a good advertisement. Mr E. V. Phillips: We have excellent bands here in Christchurch. Mr A. Thompson said that the course of procedure suggested in the letter was rather undignified. Mr H. B. Davis: It is just a game of football after all. “ Has this committee any authorisation from the Southland Rugby Union?” asked Mr A. Duggan. It was decided to inform the committee that no financial assistance could be given. The Canterbury Hockey Association wrote asking that the representative hockey match, Canterbury v. Southland, be played as a curtain raiser to the Can-terbury-Southland shield Rugby match at Lancaster Park. “ It appears all Southland will be here,’ said the chairman. It was decided to comply with th: request.