One too Many

The Tai-Tokerau (North Auckland) came to Gisborne to meet the Tai Rawhiti (East Coast), holders of the Prince of Wales Cup. The match caused intense excitement among the tribes, for added to the Maoris' love of rugby, the match provided the first meeting of the northern and the East Coast tribes since Hongi's invasion of the Ngati-Porou territory in 1818. Tai-Tokerau had no trouble in lifting the Royal Trophy. The next day the two teams were entertained by Lady Carroll and her people at the Awapuni marae. In reply to the complimentary speeches of the local leaders, one of the visiting elders attributed their success to the help of the Almighty. No sooner had the speaker resumed his seat than Tom Parata, who had come all the way from Waikanae to referee the match, was on his feet and, facing the northern visitors, said, "The law of rugby football is that each side should not field more than fifteen players; if I had known that Tai Tokerau had placed sixteen players on the field, I would have blown my whistle and ordered the game to stop." All present enjoyed the joke, with the exception of the northern speaker who appeared conscious of having said something out of place.