MAROONS LEAVE TO-DAY

Southland Times, Issue 22956, 31 July 1936, Page 6

MAROONS LEAVE TO-DAY

THE SHIELD MATCH NO ALTERATION IN TEAM TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ' IN DUNEDIN The Southland ‘earn to play Otago for the Ranfurly Shield at Dunedin tomorrow, leaves Invercargill by the express this afternoon. The team nad its final practice last evening. Every member was reported fit. It is understood that the team will take the field at Carisbrook as selected and that no rearrangement of the backs will be made unless necessary. Reports from Dunedin yesterday stated that heavy rain had fallen during the week, and last evening it was still raining, although showing signs of clearing. In the circumstances the surface of Carisbrook is almost certain to be heavy to-morrow. Contrary to the general belief, these conditions are not welcomed by Southland teams, but there is no doubt that they should favour the Maroons. The decision of the selectors to pack a 3-4-1 scrum formation against Otago has been well received by players and supporters alike, and it is felt that this formation will produce good results. Special Trains To-night. Two special trains will leave Invercargill for Dunedin this evening. These will carry the first of the big contingent of Southland supporters who will travel to Dunedin for the game. It is expected that this contingent will number over 1000. Mr W. Graham, organizer of the supporters’ pilgrimage, reported last evening that all arrangements had been finalized for the march on Dunedin. He hoped to see at least 5000 Southlanders in the big crowd which would be at the game. Two to three thousand of this number would go by special trains tomorrow morning, he said, and the rest would be going by motor. It promised to be a record in every way. The Southland supporters would have over 40 banners and ten bands and would take part in the procession in Dunedin. He hoped that there would be a big crowd at the station to-day to see the Southland team off.

About a fortnight ago two mascots for the Ranfurly Shield match were presented by three football enthusiasts at Lome Infirmary, to the Dunedin community sing officials for disposal. The Otago mascot was purchased by Mrs S. Holley, of Dunedin, for £2 10/- and presented to Mr R. McKenzie, the well-known sporting broadcaster. An offer of 15/- was received for the Southland mascot, but the officials decided to give Invercargill enthusiasts an opportunity to secure the trophy, and Mr Graham was communicated with. Mr J. Himburg, treasurer of the Dunedin sing, has received advice that the Southland Invasion Committee will purchase the mascot for £2 10/-, and it will be presented to Mr J.- M. Barron, secretary of the Southland committee, at Dunedin. Advice for Motorists. Advice has been received from Dunedin about the parking arrangements for motor cars and the streets which will be closed to all vehicular traffic at certain hours. There will be a special parking area in Gillies street, near the Carisbrook ground, for Southland cars, and motorists who intend visiting Dunedin are invited to save themselves some trouble by procuring a specially printed red sticker with the letter “S” on it for their cars. This sticker will entitle them to the privilege of parking in this special area. <lt is obtainable from the office of the Southland Automobile Association. The following Dunedin streets will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday:—Burns street (from Ferguson street to Cargill road); Neville street (from Burns street to Gillies street); McGlashan street (from Cargill road to Neville street). These streets are those nearest to the Carisbrook ground. Southland motorists driving to the ground from Dunedin city are requested to proceed along Princes street south, and turn into Anderson’s Bay road at the Oval (parallel to the railway line), thence via Bridgman street (the Drill Hall street) to Wilkie road, and under the railway bridge to Gillies street and Ferguson street. This will take them to the Ferguson street gate of the ground. Vehicles returning to Dunedin city after the match are asked to proceed along Princes street to Manor Place, turning off at this point into Crawford street. This will help to relieve the congestion of traffic in the vicinity of the Stock Exchange. A CABLE IN VERSE SOUTHLANDERS IN SYDNEY. Two Southlanders at present touring in Australia, Messrs Gordon Macauley and George McChesney, have not forgotten that to-morrow Southland plays Otago for the Shield. Last evening the Southland Rugby Union received the following cable from Sydney signed by these two enthusiasts:—

The Southland boys will never yield They’ll bring home the bloomin’ shield; Although we’re far across the blue, May all your sweetest dreams come true.