HIS EARNEST WISH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19829, 2 May 1927, Page 6

HIS EARNEST WISH

RE RANFURLY SHIELD WANTED BACK IN WANGANUI At the official opening on Saturday of the new improvements at Spriggens Park, Mr A. Weekes, president of the Wanganui Rugby Sub-Union, expressed the hope that with a ground and grand*stand second to none in New Zealand it would not be long before his wish that the Ranfurly Shield would come to Wanganui would be fulfilled. The Sub-Union, ho said, hail d;,ne its bcsl in the iiJerests of the *poit an/’, £4OOO had be 'n spent on the improvements. They were not altogether clear of debt, but rhe assets were tnere and nene need have any fear as to the result. He thanked support*', sof iLe game for the in ttrest they had n in the game and referred to the healthy state of the players’ insurance fund which was the result of the lib-eral-mindedness of the public in contributing an extra 3d in tho admission charge. Mr G. Spriggens referred to the commencement of the work 22 years ago and also made mention of the support accorded by the public. Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., and Mr Hope Gibbons congratulated the Union on having such a good ground and stand, and the latter declared the new playing area officially open. Cheers were given for all responsible for the work. At a gathering of officials held, later in the afternoon, Mr Hope Gibbons and old Rugby enthusiasts presented photographs of players of earlier days, which will adorn the walls of the committee room in the basement of the stand.