GISBORNE MAORI RUGBY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19743, 23 September 1938, Page 10

GISBORNE MAORI RUGBY

LESSON FROM TE AUTE

EFFORTS OF EX-STUDENTS

PROSPECTS FOR 1939

By "Sideline"

All patrons at the Oval last Saturday were treated to a Rugby match as it should be played, the Te Ante College team defeating Poverty Bay Maoris by 26 points to 14. There was not an incident in the game that could have come under the heading of unnecessarily rough play and it is pleasing to learn that the Poverty Bay Rugby Union is anxious to have the college team back in Gisborne again next season. Although the visit was made possible by a grant from the Rugby Union, the tour would not have been such an outstanding success if the local natives, mostly Te Aute College old boys themselves, had not assisted with the billeting of the visitors. The local Maori players and ex-players did their part admirably and it is certain that they will keenly await the next visit of the boys from Pukehou. More Enthusiasm Wanted A prominent representative of the Maori race in Gisborne was interviewed to-day in connection with the possibility of getting the Y.M.P. club active again next season, but he doubted if that would be possible or that any Maori team would be participating in the competition next season unless there was more enthusiasm among the younger natives of the district.

It was to be regretted that the position had come to such a pass because he was confident that if the team that played on Saturday was kept together, or certain members of it, a combination could be worked up that soon would be "cock of the walk" in the senior competition. One of the main requirements of a Maori club would be the services of an active secretary and a committee behind him that would throw in all its weight with the object of placing the Maori team at the top of the competition ladder again. Members of the committee representing the various districts could meet each Saturday morning when in town to discuss matters relating to the administration of the club. Maori concerts were always popular and a series could be organised and an effort made to encourage some of those in poor circumstances to come into Gisborne on Saturday afternoons. In many cases the Maoris were not able to afford the necessary travelling expenses involved in taking an active part in Rugby.