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The Gisborne Photo News

 

47

Sociable Wallabies

From the overwhelming hospitality and social whirl to which touring international rugby teams are subjected during their stay in our mis-named Bay, the 1962 Wallabies emerged unscathed, with many pleasant experiences and friendships lingering in their memories.

Their "off the field" programme proved to be an extensive and entertaining one, including the P. B. Rugby Union's official welcome at Rugby Park, the Waikohu Sub-union's hangi dinner and concert at the Takipu marae, Te Karaka, and the after-game cabaret at the Poho-o-Rawiri meeting house. Also on the agenda for the tourists was a scenic drive through the district and school visits where they were idolised by enthusiastic youngsters.

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Rival captains and vice-captains enjoying the pork dinner at the P. B. Rugby Union's official welcome' at Rugby Park. They are from left: John Thornett, Alan Rowlands, (captains), Jim Lenehan, and Brian Johnson (vice-captains).

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Doug Katae and Ken Catchpole

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Poverty Bay masseur, Howard Clare, and 74-year-old veteran trainer-baggage man Taffy Davis, enjoying a joke together.

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Jim Lenehan presenting George Marsden with a souvenir Wallaby badge

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The Waikohu Rugby Sub-union's hangi dinner at the Takipu marae, Te Karaka, was for many of the Aussies, their first taste of Maori hospitality.

On arriving at the marae, the team was traditionally challenged by Mr Baby Tuhoe, who left a flax headband on the ground. The captain of the team, John Thornett, came forward and accepted it, and wore it for the rest of the evening.

When the hangi was uncovered from the steaming ground, some of the guests' faces showed signs of apprehension, but these later turned to expressions of delight as they did justice to the delicious meal of pork and vegetables.

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Watched by coach Alan Roper and Captain John Thornett, (right), Ngata Ruru commences opening the hangi

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Whare (Star) Rutene, explaining the principles of hangi cooking to John Thornett, wearing his flax headband, is watched by John Ruru and friend.

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Mr H. Te Kani Te Ua describing the hangi to apprehensive Wallabies A. R. Town, R. P. G. Marks, J. K. M. Lenehan, and A. A. Laurie.

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John Thornett looks somewhat alarmed at the gesticulations of challenger Baby Tuhoe.

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Cook Whare Rutene chatting with manager Jack McLean

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Hostesses passing a plate laden with food down the delivery line

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Enjoying their novel meal are Jim Lenehan, Geoff Chapman and Sean Spence

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The combined Whatatutu and Te Karaka Maori concert party entertaining their guests after the meal