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The Autobiography of a Maori

Te Aute and Football

Te Aute and Football

Te Aute College is famous throughout Australasia for rugby football, and Tom Ellison, who was a member of Warbrick's Maori team which visited England and other countries in 1886, could be regarded as the greatest exponent of the rugby code. I was a member of the first Te Aute College team that went on tour in 1888. This team went as far as Timaru and won the majority of the matches played against leading clubs. The team was welcomed with open arms, particularly in the South Island. It was an eye-opener to young Maoris to meet charming young gentlemen at parties.

One outstanding incident during the tour still lingers in my memory. We were on the balcony of a hotel at Masterton when an elderly Maori in the crowd below addressed us, the burden of his remarks being a criticism of Te Aute College for the part it took in advancing the interests of a dangerous game like football. Since the man seemed to be directing his words page break
The author clad in Maori garments.

The author clad in Maori garments.

The author, an undergraduate at Canterbury University College.

The author, an undergraduate at Canterbury University College.

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A group of students at College House, Canterbury University College, Christchurch.

A group of students at College House, Canterbury University College, Christchurch.

First Matakaoa County Council, 1920-29. Back: R. T. Kohere, W. Walker, Kingsford Reid, A. E. Kemp, C. R. E. Wood, Dr. Wi Repa. Front: C. I. B. Beckett, W. F. Metcalfe (Chairman), D. J. McNaught (County Clerk).

First Matakaoa County Council, 1920-29. Back: R. T. Kohere, W. Walker, Kingsford Reid, A. E. Kemp, C. R. E. Wood, Dr. Wi Repa. Front: C. I. B. Beckett, W. F. Metcalfe (Chairman), D. J. McNaught (County Clerk).

page 81 at me I took it upon myself to reply defending the sport. I pointed out that it was essential and natural for the young to indulge in some wholesome form of sport, and, though I do not know whether my arguments convinced the old man, he certainly seemed to admire my pluck in replying to him on such an occasion.