CHAMPIONS HONOURED.

Southland Times, Issue 20617, 16 October 1928, Page 7

CHAMPIONS HONOURED.

RUGBY SEASON FINALE. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. The 1928 Rugby season of Invercargill was officially wound up last evening, when the Southland Rugby Union tendered a complimentary smoke concert to representatives. of the winners of the various competitions, the Southland representative team and representatives of bodies affiliated to the Rugby Union. The function was held in the Federal Tea Rooms and was attended by upwards of 50 players and Rugby supporters. Mr D. K. Torrance (president of the Southland Rugby Football Union) presided, and welcomed all present. A series of toasts was proposed and responded to, the list being interspersed with songs by Messrs S. Richards, A. Clark and J. Howden. Mr W. Henry made an efficient accompanist. After the Loyal toast was honoured Mr E. Budd, representing the Southland Referees’ Association, proposed the toast of “The Southland Rugby Union.” The proposer stated that the referees did not always see eye to eye with the Rugby Union, but for all that the utmost good feeling existed between the two bodies. He paid a tribute to the work done by the Rugby Union and expressed the opinion that Southland footballers were better off than any others in the Dominion, mainly because of the excellent facilities offered them on Rugby Park.

Replying, Mr. Torrance said that Rugby Union members did give a lot of their time to the game, but they made it a hobby and enjoyed it. One thing they aspired to do and-that- was to be all. “We are criticized,” said Mr. Torrance, “but we are able to take them in the spirit they are given. We endeavour to do the best for the most and Jiave no axe •to grind about any particular club.” Touching on the finances of the Rugby Union, Mr Terrance said that they were in effect looking after the footballers’ money and endeavouring to get the best return for it by placing it on the /best market. The union started the season with a debt of approximately £lOOO. It had been stated that this season’s “gates” would be a win ferr the union but such was not the case. One “gate” was wiped out in the amusement tax payable to the Government; another, amounting to £275, was paid to the corporation for improvement to the Biggar Street ground, and the sub-unions’ tour absorbed more than a “gate.” He char acterized the Government’s action in taking so much from an amateur sport for amusement tax as a “crying shame.” Despite all this the prospects of football in Southland were the beet. Fortunately the Sports Trust was behind the union and it could be regarded as a most liberal body, although the union was still paying nearly £5OO per year back to that body in capital and interest. “It will be seen,” concluded Mr. Torrance, “that the union has to nurse its finances just as much as its players.” (Applause). Mr C. A. Davis proposed the toast of the competition winners and in doing so congratulated the various clubs on their performances. The standard of football, said Mr Davis, could be much better if more younger players linked up with the clubs. There were too many on the bank. The Star Clfib, winners of the Galbraith Shield (first grade), seemed to be irrepressible and like the Turk—always bobbing up again. He was delighted with the success of the'Second grade winners (Waikiwi) and hoped to see them in the first grade ranks next year. . Other winners congratulated were the High School team, third grade, winners of the A. J. Geddes Challenge Cup; Southern, fourth .grade, winners Ritchie Crawford Cup; Marist, fifth grade, winners of the Rugby Union Cup and Aggregate Cup, and Southern, Wednesday team, winners of the Wednesday competition. Mr Torrance presented the trophies won. Replies were made by Messrs J. Howden (Star), I. Smith (Waikiwi), A. J. Deaker (High School), D. Martin (Southern), P. Meffin (Marist), and H. Philphott (Southern Wednesday). Mr A. H. Courtis proposed the toast of the representative team and congratulated the members- who made up a side Worthy of the province. The forwards had been particularly good, able to hold their own with the best in New Zealand. The season had been a heavy one for them, but they had got through it well and their efforts were appreciated by the union and public alike. Mr R. Bell (captain), responded. Other toasts honoured were “St. John Ambulance,” proposed by Mr W. Robison and responded to by Messrs Barham and 'Skipworth; and “The Press” proposed by. Mr A. J. Geddes.