THE ALF. BAYLY MEMORIAL

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13635, 14 April 1908, Page 4

THE ALF. BAYLY MEMORIAL

The Taranaki Rugby Union has decided to invite subscriptions from players and followers of the good old game of football towards erecting a memorial to the late Alfred Bayly. "SVo do not as a rule believe in the habit of hero worship which has become s© common in New Zealand,' but here is a movement which we feel that we can heartily support. Football is the national game of the Dominion, and New Zealanders have £> rove d their supremacy at the game. The late Mr Bayly did more for football perhaps than any other man in New Zealand, certainly as far as Taranaki is concerned. As a plaj'er he was the finest exponent of the game wo have had; he played it as it should be played, strenuously and fairly ; and ho was as honourable and manly on the field as off it. As a supporter of the game he has had no equal in Taranaki, though few outside of the inner circle know the extent of his support. Therefore footballers ought to delight to honour his memory. Followersi of tho game, indeed all lovers of manly sport, will readily acknowledge his sterling worth as a sportsman, while those who take no interest in the game, butj knew him only by repute, will sympathise with the movement to perpetuate his memory as a footballer and a man. We do not know, in fact it hs*s not been definitely decided, what form the proposed memorial will take, but if it is of a suitable nature no better or more appropriate location can be found than at the Recreation Sports Ground, which was the scene of so many of his triumphs. Lists have been circulated — one of them lies at this office wheiosubscriptions may bo paid— and it is desired to have them returned by the end of this month, so that the memorial may be erected before tho close of the football season now commencing. i