The Late Alf. Bayley

Southland Times, Issue 12012, 17 December 1907, Page 2

The Late Alf. Bayley

Per United Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, Dec. 16. The death of Mr Alt. Baylcy at Wanganui on Sunday removed one of the heroes of the football field in New Zealand. A man of ample means, he was ever liberal in assisting the Taranaki Rugby Union in its pre-affluent days, and he was for many years president of the Union. As a player ho was one of the brightest of many brilliant stars turned out by Taranaki when the province was at the height of its football fame. He was almost in-

comparable as a five-eighths of throe quarters, and was a wonderful skipper. He represented Taranaki every year from 1885 to 1901, inclusive — a record that will always lake a power of beating. In his last match against Wanganui ho had a log broken. He had not intended to play in the match, but was managing, and as the team was a player short the veteran donned the amber and black rather than see his province undermanned. Cheers greeted the idol of the spectators as ho took the fieldOne of the most painful incidents in Mr Baytey’s football career was the accident which resulted in the death of Barney Armit in a match against Otago in 1899. Armit was running with l the ball and Dayley faced him, to collar him. Armit was always adept at hurdling a low collarer and he jumped. Bavley was too seasoned to he deceived and rose and took Armit around the ankles. A fearful fail resulted a*d Armit seriously injured his spine, and in a few weeks died. Bayley was terribly cut up about Arndt's death and is said to have wept like a child. This event made n deep impression on Mr Bayley. He was ever a changed man after it—in short it hastened his end. Besides lieing a representative of Tarfinakj, Bayley was one of New Zealand’s most famous backs. He was a member of the New Zealand teams of 1893, 1894 and TB§7. About a year ago the Government purchased his estate near Stratford and he was entertained at a valedictory gathering. In failing health he went some months ago to reside at Wanganui, and the end was not unexpected.