Crosses the Line For Last Time

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 13

Crosses the Line For Last Time

FAMOUS FOOTBALLER DEAD MR. “BOB” WHITESIDE The death occurred in Auckland this morning of Mr. Robert Whiteside, one of Auckland’s most famous old-time Rugby players. For a considerable time Mr. Whiteside had been in failing health, but news of his death at the opening of a new season in Rugby football came as a painful shock at Eden Park this afterIn the eighties, “Bob” Whiteside, as he was affectionately known to a host of football friends up and down New Zealand, was in the heydev of his great career. As a three-quarter he was one of the finest scoring men in the game, combining a fine turn of speed with great determination and grit in his play. He represented Auckland at intervals from 1882 to ISSB. Last year, when Sir Henry Braddon, of Sydney, was visiting Auckland he made a special visit to Mr. Whiteside’s home to renew old acquaintances with his great rival on the football field. Sir Henry was a member of the first New Zealand team which toured Australia in 1884. and as an Otago representative full-back had cause to remember the flying Auckland winger, and his tremendous rushes for the goal-line.