A WHITESIDE MEMORY

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 91, 8 July 1927, Page 10

A WHITESIDE MEMORY

Mr. R. Gibb. Royal Hotel, Goulburn, writes to the Sydney “Referee’ as follows: “The photo of Bob Whiteside in the ‘Referee’ brings back memories of when I was a boy. I saw the Englishmen play Auckland in 1888. Bob Whiteside was one of the threequarters, and I can remember all the backs and one of the forwards, who was captain of the team. He was Tim O’Connor, who was for many years after mine host of the Victoria Hotel, Victoria Street, Auckland. Bob Lusk, fullback, was latterly Supreme Court judge in New Zealand, and was in Sydrfey not long ago. Reg Masefield was another tlireequarter, and Alf and Joe Warbrick were the others. Alf was killed in an eruption at Waimangu geyser while acting as Government guide. Joe was drowned in a river between Opotiki and Whakatane while carrying his Majesty’s mail. ‘Barlow’ Madigan played five-eighth, and ‘Mother’ Elliott halfback. At least I think it was that way; if not, it was vice versa. I was only a boy of nine years, but the reason I «an remember them so well is that I came in touch with them in after-life. Auckland was very strong in Rugby Union then, just as good players were left out as played —for instance, Albie Braund and ‘Bubs’ , Edmonds.”