TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 189, 12 August 1932, Page 3

TAIHAPE

RUGBY FOOTBALL PIRATES OR HAUTAPU? “Who will win—Pirates or Hnutapu”’ This question is being freely asked by local Rugby enthusisasts in discussing to-morrow’s match between the rivals of old. When the Pirates and Hautapu met in the first round, victory rested xvith the blacks by a “potted’ 'goal to nil. The second clash between the rival teams resulted in a win for Pirates by 8 points to 5. Hautapu had the better of the game, but were compelled to suffer the mortification of sei ng victory snatched from them on the call of time. Pirates never know when they arc beaten, and always fight to the last ditch. The blacker the outlook the more dangerous do they become. They have frequently been several points behind at half-time, and have gone on to win, when victory for their opponents seemed assured. One cannot but admire their fighting spirit, which has carried them so far. Pirates have not yet won the honours for 1932, but they are in the happy position of being three points in the load, with two matches to be played. A win or a draw against Hautapu to-morrow, or against Old Boys on August 27 (there is a rep. match with Taumarunui on August 20), will give Pirates the cup. With an unbeaten record to date, it is unlikely that Pirates will lose, their last two matches. The blacks possess an excellent pack of forwards and sound defensive backs —a combination of which any team might fell proud. To-morrow they will be without the services of their full-back, Doug. Thompson, who has been selected to fill the position of custodian in the Wanganui representative team to play Taranaki, ami needless to say his loss xvill be keenly felt by Pirates. Thompson is one of the mainstays of the Pirates’ rearguard, and has saved his side time and time again. How they will fare against Hautapu without their star full-back remains to be seen.

Hautapu have only been beaten twice this season, each time at the hands of Pirates by narrow margins, as already mentioned. They have the best balanced team in the competition and have severely trounced sides that Pirates could pust manage to beat. The blue and blacks were unlucky to lose their last match against the blacks, and are out to avenge that defeat to-morrow. They have the best set of backs in the competition—a set that is particularly strong on attack. The Pirate forwards will naturally do their best to keep the Hautapu backs ont of action as much as possible to morrow, and whether they will succeed remains to be seen.

The best back line in New Zealand is not worth much if it cannot get possession of the ball, as was forcibly demonstrated in last Saturday’s match between Auckland and Wcllintgon. Wellington had an All Black back line, but the Auckland forwards seldom allowed the Wellington rearguard to attack. The Pirate forwards may treat the Hautapu backs in a similar manner to-morrow. The Hautapu vanguard xvill be without the services of Jones and Joblin to-morrow —two forwards who will be greatly missed. Another factor to be taken into consideration is the fact that Hautapu have not played for a month. Victory means a great deal to cither side and a keen contest is assured. Two-thirds of the gate receipts will he• devoted to the Injured Players’ Fund. RUGBY FOOTBALL, The following are the fixtures arranged for to-morrow: — Seniors. Hautapu v. Pirates, No. I ground at 2.30 p.m.; referee, Mr. C. L. Mullany. Huia v. Old Boys, No. 2 ground, at 2.30 pan.; referee, Mr. C. H. Transom Juniors. Utiku v. Hautapu, No. 2 ground at 12.30 pan.; referee, Air. J. Graham. Huimai v. Mangawcka, No. 2 ground, at 1.30 pan.; referee, Air W. Foley Pirates v. Old Boys, No. 1 ground, at 1.30 pan.; referee, Air. H. Chase. Third Grade. Hautapu v. High School, No. 1 ground at 12.30 pan.; referee, Air. W. Alako. Representative Matches. Taihapo will play two representative matches on the Oval Domain next week—one on Wednesday, against Rangitikei for the Pownall Trophy, and the other against Taumarunui the follow ing Saturday. The proposed referees’ match between Taihapo and Rangitikei as a curtain-raiser to the Pownall Trophy game on Wednesday has been abandoned. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Constance Bennett, whose latest screen triumph “ Bought” will be finally screened at the Majestic Theatre tonight (Friday) is one of the most elusive, exclusive and seclusivc stars in nil Hollywood. She seldom appears in public—never has been known to make a personal appearance in connection with the opening of any of her pictures —and hut rarely is seen in the few smart shops where the celluloid beauties do their buying. When Aliss Bennett is not working nt Warner Brothers’ studios, she spends her time in her hide-away beach home, far from the madding crowd, the location of which is known to no more than four other persons in Hollywood. Featured in “Bought” art* Ben Lyon, Richard Bennett (father of the. star'', Dioroth v Peterson, Raymond Milla ml, Arthur Stuart Hull, Edward Nugent, Mae Madison, Maude Eburne, Clara i Blandick, and Doris Lloyd. Archie .Mayo directed. GENERAL NEWS Three members of the Taihapo railway staff have received notice of their transfer to other parts of the North Island. Air. A. W. Brown (shift clerk) has been transferred to Lambton ami will be succeeded by Mr. .1. Martin, stationmaster at Foxton. Air. ('. Edwards has been transferred to Wanganui and will bo replaced by Mr. Glover, of Waipukurau Air. Jaycock (

has received notice of his transfer to Auckland, and will leave on Saturday to take up his new duties. His successor will be Air. Willocx. On Tuesday, Mr. W. P. Miller, district traffic manager at Ohakune, was m Taihape, and interviewed tho presi dent of the Taihapo Chamber of Commerce (Mr. W. H. Nicholls), in regard to certain railway matters discussed at the last meeting of the chamber. It is understood that the Railway Department is unable to provide a late train service south on Saturday nights. Tho matter of reducing the freight on livestock carried on the railways is to receive the attention of the Railways Board. The request of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce for a postal box on tho railway station so that letters can be posted after 8 p.m., and catch the south-bound express, is under consideration by the Post and Telegraph Department, from whom no definite reply lias yet been received.