OBITUARY

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 240, 17 October 1935, Page 8

OBITUARY

e MR ERNEST MCDONALD The death occurred in Wellington ref cently of Mr Ernest Bernard McDon--1 aid, who was a well-known interprovineia] Rugby Union footballer and r for some years resided in Wanganui, i’ Educated at St. Patrick’s College, i Wellington, he represented his school in 1901, and four years later gained > his colours for Wellington. He then went 'to Christchurch and was a member of. the Canterbury team that defeated the Anglo-Welsh combination in 1908. Transferred again to Wellington, Mr McDonald .played for his province in 1912, and he also played for tho West) Coast and Auckland. After the war Air McDortald was captain of the Otlago team, and on going back to Ghristehureh he took control of the Marist team, which won "the Canterbury championship for five years in succession. Although he was at an age when most players have retired. Air McDonald took his place when required behind the Afariist forwards, _ and .as half-back or five-eighths he proved tho brains of a really good ifleam. A great tactieiam, he was recognised as a very (Solid player, equally good on defence and attack and ever ready to open up the game and provide spectacular football. As recently as 1922 he was in the trial matches for Canterbury honours when a sprained ankle put him out of action. But for this accident Tie wonlu have established a record that few will

ever equal. Mr McDonald was on the staff o£ the Bank of New South Wales for many years, and was stationed at different periods in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, West Coast, and Wanganui.