RAT ANA FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL TEAMS ON TOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 July 1950, Page 8

RAT ANA FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL TEAMS ON TOUR

Mangatangi Pa was the scene of a large gathering of Maoris and pakeha friends recently to mark the visit of the Ratana football and basketball teams from Wanganui. The party was welcomed on the marae in traditional manner. Princess Te Puea Herangi, of Ngaruawahia, was present to join in the official welcome. The official welcome was given by Mr. Hori Paki, of Huntly. The handsome trophy for competition was presented by Mrs. Ho Moata Ratahi, only sister of the late Mr. Ratana, M.P., and president of the Ratana Church. During the morning practice matches were played and basketball finals played in the afternoon resulted: Mangatangi 13, Mercer 0; Kaiaua 6, Mangatangi 4. , , , A rubber of three matches played by Ratana Railway and Mercer Railway resulted in three wins for the visitors. The local girls played well but met brilliant teams whose combination and play was very good. Mrs. Goodall and Miss M. Gulland, of Pokeno, and Miss E. Motu, of Mercer, capably handled the duties of referees. Enthusiasm for the sport among the young people was greatly enhanced by the display of the visitors.

On the Saturday night a concert and social evening was held in the meeting house. Action songs, pois, and hakas were well done by 20 young folk, who showed that the Maori traditional arts are not being forgotten. Popular music was supplied by the local orchestra, comprising Simon Tomo, W. Tomo, N. Tomo, Waiiki, Ramanui, and W. Pompey, who kept proceedings going. On the Sunday morning all assembled on the marae for church service, which was conducted by the Rev. Muiu Kapa (Tuakau). Football commenced in the early afternoon, when the curtain-raiser was a match between Ratana Railway No. 2 and Mercer Railway juniors, won by the visitors, the game being fast and providing plenty of thrills for the spectators. The big match between No. 1 Ratana Railway and Mercer Railway Seniors then took place The first try was scored for the visitors by R. Banks and converted by J. "Tomi. Another by Paurinui was also converted by Hemi and C. Tamati kicked a penalty. The first try for Mercer was scored by D. Butler, but was unconverted, then R. Davies crossed the line and Butler’s kick was successful, making the half-time score, Ratana 13, Mercer 8. During the second half the visitors scored a further try, Kapea crossing and Tamati converting. Mercer also scored but the kick failed, leaving the final score: Ratana Railway 18, Mercer Railway 11.

Mr. Waller was the referee. The visiting team had a splendid pack, their hooker, J. King!, being particularly outstanding. The captain, C. Tamati, also played well. Mercer followed through resolutely but were slightly overshadowed by a heavier pack. .1. Taka played a good game and a young member

showing great promise was K. Pene. The match was bright and interesting and well contested as the score shows. Mr. W. Fisher presented the cup and said that all had enjoyed lhe visit and the hospitality provided. Numerous hangis were pul down and taken up during the two days visit.