RAETIHI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 203, 29 August 1938, Page 10

RAETIHI

SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANGITIKEI REPRESENTATIVE TEAM Mr. S. Sims, co-manager of the Rangitikei Primary Schools’ Rugby representative team, which was successful at the Hutt Valley tournament, returned to Raetihi on Thursday evening. He stated that the team had performed wonderfully and the boys representing Raetihi, Ohakune and Rangataua had all played their part wonderfully in attaining the victory. A pleasing feature was the splendid play’ of boy’s who had been selected from some of the one and two teacher schools. The best wing three-quarter in the tournament was a boy (Holloway) from the Waipura School—a school with an attendance of only 15 pupils. Two prominent forwards were Reid and .Warbrick from the Parewanui School a school possessing about 45 scholars. All these boys rose above serious handicaps to shine at the game of Rugby. Mr. Sims stated that one of the bright spots of the trip was the visit to Parliament Buildings. The boy’s were first of all shown over the Native Committee Room—a room decorated with betutiful examples of native carving, Mr. S .G. Smith (Taranaki) explaining things of interest to the boys. They were then conducted to the galleries where they witnessed the debate for an hour. Next an adjournment was made to Bellamy's, where a sumptuous afternoon tea proved to be the main item of a reception accorded to the boy's by the Hon. Walter Nash (member of the district where the tournament was played). After afternoon tea Mr. Nash welcomed the boys and his remarks were briefly 7 added to by Mr. O. Wilson, M.P. (Rangitikei), Mr. Hunter, M.P. (Horowhenui), and Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P. (Taranaki). Another pleasing and unexpected function was the civic reception accorded the Rangitikei team on its arrival at Mailon Junction. Congratulations were extended to the team by Mr. Hempieman, president of the Rangitikei Schools’ Football Association. Mr. Purnell (Mayor of Martan) and a representative of the Rangitikei Rugby Union, Mr. Sims, briefly replied to the welcome on behalf of the boys.