INTENSIVE WORK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27386, 11 May 1950, Page 8

INTENSIVE WORK

Rugby Union Officials PREPARATION FOR GAMES IN DUNEDIN To thousands of Rugby enthusiasts, the dates, May 20 and May 27 mean Carisbrook and the appearance of the British team. The chief concern of the spectators will be the standard of play and the result of the games against Otago and New Zealand respectively. For officials of the Otago Rugby Union, however, the opening whistle, especially in the test, will mark the conclusion of many weeks of intensive work. An indication of the preliminary work involved was given to the Daily Times yesterday by the secretary of the Otago Rugby Union, Mr E. S. Wilson, who has been acting on behalf of the New Zealand Union. Not the least of his worries has been the allocation of seats. Referring to the test, Mr Wilson said that approximately 1400 seats under cover and in front of the stand will be available to the general public. Under instructions from the New Zealand Union, seats had to be allocated

to all the Otago Sub-unions and adjacent unions in the South Island. Preferential bookings had also to be given to members of the New Zealand and Otago teams, as well as to the British team itself. The remainder would be taken up by officials of the New Zealand Union. There was also the possibility that the GovernorGeneral and the Prime Minister would be attending the match, and allowance for these and others had to be made. There would, however, be many more seats available for the Otago match, “ The public can rest assured that every endeavour has been, and Avill be made, to accommodate those patrons who so regularly attend club matches at Carisbrook,” Mr Wilson said. To help cope with the thousands who will be leaving the ground, an additional exit has been provided beside the press box. This should allow a complete clearance within 10 minutes, for last year 25,000 people passed through the existing exits in seven minutes. Additional conveniences for both men and women have been installed, and three refreshment stalls will be in operation. Entertainment in the form of curtain-raisers and band music will help to while away the time after the gates open at 10.30 a.m., and a loud speaker will be available for last-minute announcements should there be any changes in the teams.