Albert Baskerville |
The tour was tough for Mr Baskerville as not only did he play but he was also responsible for the tour manager as well. Clearly it would have been a challenging responsibility that he had willingly undertaken.
Unfortunately Albert Baskerville contracted pneumonia on the way home during the final leg of the tour in Australia and died in Brisbane at just 25 years of age. While the team finished their tour, some returned his body home to Wellington where he was laid to rest at Karori Cemetery.
His legacy was starting rugby league's international connection. The tour brought about the formation of the game in both New Zealand and Australia. Without the efforts of a postal clerk in New Zealand, it's doubtful that the game would would have come down under.
How did the code grow from these small beginnings? Part 3 will follow with that theme....
Part 3 can be read by clicking here.
For Part 1: Click here.
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