It would be interesting to know how many out of town dollars have been spent in Dargaville from all the rugby activity over the last three weeks. Since the beginning of July a four-day Under-13 Northland tournament brought supporters from all over the north and Western Sharks met Hikurangi here two weeks ago in the final round robin game of the season.

A semi-final game was played at Mangawhare last weekend with Beaurepaire premier Western Sharks meeting and beating Hora Hora 23 points to 18. That result sends Sharks into the final against Mid-Northern at Okara Park next Saturday. Morfett Autos Western Sharks reserves ended their season when they lost their semi-final to Kamo 14-11. As a bonus an Auckland versus Northland provincial game was contested mid-week at Rugby Park. It has all added up to much enjoyment for rugby fans, many visitors and a lot of business for Dargaville.

The grounds have held up well thanks to the loads of Pinaki sand carted from Paul Nash’s property about 25 years ago and spread over the playing fields. But it’s a shame that there is still no grandstand at the park.

You might have thought it was a flash back in time if you happened to be in Hokianga Road last Saturday night. The people in Victorian dress seen arriving at the Anglican Parish Hall were not from the past and about to go to Church. It was a crowd of diners who were there to enjoy a dress-up mid-winter dinner in the hall. Dargaville’s Anglican Church was built in 1878 around the middle of Queen Victoria’s 64-year reign. The hall has been there since 1914.