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The Nelson Photo News

 

24

Nelson Rugby Club Centenary

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New Zealand's oldest Rugby football club, Nelson, celebrated its centenary last month with a smoko. The club was formed on May 30, 1868. In two years time, further celebrations will be held to mark the playing of the first Rugby match in New Zealand, between teams from the Nelson club and Nelson College in 1870 at the Botanies. At the smoko concert, tributes were paid to all who had helped the game, and young and old mingled to talk over games won and lost. Helping with the refreshments, in Rugby gear of 100 years ago, were Stewart Robinson, Ross McNabb, Graeme Fryer, Gary Bright, Ross Wiechern and Jim Granger.

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The club's front row of the 1940's (also the representative front row) comprised "Did" Ward Holmes, Roy Connolly and "Tub" Ramsay (today the three average 16st weight - a formidable front row).

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Mr Merv Ingpen represented the New Zealand Rugby Union council.

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Club president, Mr Bill Reed

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Two club stalwarts: Noel Barton and Bill Andrews

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Enjoying the evening: Ken Miller and Ted Reed (now of Riwaka)

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Mr Ingpen presents Bill Reed with the two volumes of Arthur Swan's "History of New Zealand Rugby" for the club's library.

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Jim Williams brings two old timers, Tom Houlker (who played about 1900) and Jim White, together.

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Some of the younger generation, Alan Reid, Alan Richards and Peter Chandler.

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In this group are three past members now living in Amberley. From left: John Allen and Peter Croft (Amberley), Ray Glanville, Mike Hargreaves (Amberley), Don Harley and Mike Heath.

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Another old player: Henry Goad.

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Talking over old times: Dick Wiechern, Bev Small, Keith Burten-shaw and Dave Humphries.