Wanganui Rugby Referees Association Annual “Smoko"

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 August 1948, Page 8

Wanganui Rugby Referees Association Annual “Smoko"

Tribute to the valuable contribution made by Wanganui Rugby Referees’ Association to the game of Rugby Footbaii was paid bv several speakers at the association’s annual smoke concert, held on Saturday night in the Cadora Hall.

Mr. J. Ross presided over a large attendance. After welcoming the visitors Mr. Ross referred to the day’s challenge for the Ranfurly Shield oy the Wanganui representative fifteen. While not successful, the team had acquitted itself with marked credit, said Mr. Ross. The Otago line had been crossed, something which both South land and Canterbury had failed to achieve. Proposing the toast of “Rugby football,’’ Mr W. R. McElwain, referred to Rugby School and Dr. Arnold, it was at Rugby School that W. Webb Ellis made history by running with the ball and thus pioneered the game ol Rugby, said Mr. McElwain. Rugby Football said Mr. McElwain was never on a higher level than it was today. The splendid record of the Wanganui representative side in the past two seasons nad given the game a big impetus throughout the district and was attracting large crowds to Spriggens Park each Saturday. At the end of Mr. McElwain’s remarks the gathering sang "On The Ball.”

“The Wanganui Rugby Union and Managaemem Committee” was proposed by Mr. W. Molan. He referred to the good feeling which exists between the Referees’ Association and the Rugby Union. A spirit of cooperation and team work had made for the progress of the game in the Wanganui district, and concrete results were to be seen in the achievements Of the Wanganui team which had placed it in the forefront of New Zealand Rugby. Mr. Molan praised the services ol Mr. J. Moye, chairman of the management committee of the union, who had been instrumental in arranging the southern tour, which had just concluded with Wanganui winning three out of four matches. Replying to the toast, Mr. Lloyd Stewart (Waverley), a member of the committee acknowledged the support given to Waverley Rugby by members of the Wanganui Referees Association.

“The Wanganui Rugby Referees’ Association was held in high esteem in Waverley,” said Mr. G. Couchman (Waverley), proposing the toast of the association. All footballers owed referees a debt of gratitude for giving their time and services to the game.

Replying, Mr. Ross thanked Mr. Couchman for his kindly references to the association and said it was the aim of the association to assist the game of Rugby as much as possible. "The Appointment Board,” was proposed by Mr. R. E. Thomas, who paid tribute to 1 he work of Messrs. J. Richardson and W. Molan. The rely was made by Mr. Richardson. The loyalty of football clubs was stressed by Mr. A. Reeve, who proposed the toast of “Wanganui Rugby Football Clubs.” Representatives of various clubs replied.

Other toasts honoured were: “Kindred Sports,” proposed by Mr. W. Broadhead and responded to by Mr. W. Heath; “Old Timers in the Referee World,” proposed by Mr. K. Parnell, replied to by Mr. N. Reid; “The St. John Ambulance,” proposed by Mr. D. McGonigle: The speaker acknowledged the spirit of co-operation which was always forthcoming from the Ambulance Association. Theirs was a valuable contribution to the game. Mr. F. W. Bridges replied.

“The Press,” and “The Artists” were the concluding toasts proposed and were replied io by representatives present.

During the evening items were given by the Benefield trio. Mr. G. Broome and Mr. Pl. Goldsmid. The accompanist was Mr. R. Benefield,