{{Short description|New Zealand international rugby league player}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=June 2021}} {{Infobox rugby league biography |name = Horace Neal |fullname = Horace Richard Neal |image = |image_size = |caption = |position = {{rlp|HB}} |birth_date = 6 April 1896 |birth_place = Newton, Auckland, New Zealand |death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|1951|11|7|1896|4|6}} |death_place = Princes Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand |height = {{convert|165.1|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} |weight = {{convert|61.69|kg|stlb|abbr=on}} |club1 = Ponsonby United |year1start = 1919 |year1end = 20 |appearances1 = 11 |tries1 = 1 |goals1 = 0 |fieldgoals1 = 0 |points1 = 3 |club2 = Maritime |year2start = 1920 |year2end = |appearances2 = 1 |tries2 = 0 |goals2 = 0 |fieldgoals2 = 0 |points2 = 0 |club3 = Grafton Athletic |year3start = 1920 |year3end = |appearances3 = 2 |tries3 = 1 |goals3 = 0 |fieldgoals3 = 0 |points3 = 3 |club4 = Maritime |year4start = 1921 |year4end = |appearances4 = 2 |tries4 = 0 |goals4 = 0 |fieldgoals4 = 0 |points4 = 0 |club5 = Ponsonby United |year5start = 1922 |year5end = |appearances5 = 8 |tries5 = 0 |goals5 = 0 |fieldgoals5 = 0 |points5 = 0 |teamA = Returned Soldiers |yearAstart = 1919 |yearAend = |appearancesA = 1 |triesA = 1 |goalsA = 0 |fieldgoalsA = 0 |pointsA = 3 |teamB = Auckland |yearBstart = 1919 |yearBend = |appearancesB = 1 |triesB = 0 |goalsB = 0 |fieldgoalsB = 0 |pointsB = 0 |teamC = New Zealand |yearCstart = 1919 |yearCend = |appearancesC = 1 |triesC = 0 |goalsC = 0 |fieldgoalsC = 0 |pointsC = 0 |updated = 16 September 2021 |source = <ref name="Papers Past">{{cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers|title=Papers Past|publisher=National Library Of New Zealand|date=16 September 2021|access-date=16 September 2021}}</ref> }} '''Horace Neal''' was a rugby league player who represented New Zealand in one test match in 1919 against Australia at halfback. In the process he became the 128th player to represent New Zealand. He also played one match for the Auckland representative side as well as playing for the Ponsonby United, Maritime, and Grafton Athletic clubs from 1913 to 1922. Horace Neal also served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War I.
==Early life== Horace Richard Neal was born on 6 April 1896, while his parents were living on Randolph Street, Newton, Auckland.<ref>{{cite news | title = Births Deaths & Marriages | publisher = New Zealand Government, Internal Affairs | url =https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search | accessdate = 2021-09-16}}</ref> His parents were Adelaide Victoria Neal (née Cantell) (1870-1952), and William Neal (1868-1943). Adelaide was born in 1870 in London, England, while William was born in 1868 in Alford, Lincolnshire, England.<ref>{{cite news | title = Adelaide Victoria Neal | publisher = Geni.com | url =https://www.geni.com/people/Adelaide-Neal/6000000063236252977 | accessdate = 2021-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = William Neal | publisher = Geni.com | url =https://www.geni.com/people/William-Neal/6000000078237063852 | accessdate = 2021-09-16}}</ref> Horace had 7 siblings: Priscilla Jane (b.1892), Archibald William (b.1894), Herbert Henry (b.1898), Roy Samuel (b.1900), Richard (b.1901), Daniel (b.1901), Richard Emanuel (b.1904), and Jane Adelaide (b.1906).<ref>{{cite news | title = Births Deaths & Marriages | publisher = New Zealand Government, Internal Affairs | url =https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search | accessdate = 2021-09-16}}</ref>
==World War I== On 18 October 1915, Horace and his brother Archibald were part of 52 recruits who were called up to "proceed to Wellington" by train to join the New Zealand Rifle Brigade (Earl of Liverpool's Own). They were part of the 4th Battalion, D Company. At the time of their recruitment they were living at 2 Harcourt Street in Grey Lynn.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Zealand Forces/The Rifle Brigade/Fifty-Two Recruits/Men Go South To-Day | page = 9 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16051 | date = 1915-10-18 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19151018.2.100 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> On the Nominal Roll it was stated that Archibald was a seaman and Horace was a storeman.<ref>{{cite news | title = Nominal Roll, Volume 2 (Roll 24) | page = 30 | publisher = New Zealand Government | url =https://ajrctguoxo.cloudimg.io/v7/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.api.aucklandmuseum.com%2Fid%2Fmedia%2Fv%2F321568%3Frendering%3Doriginal.jpg?ci_url_encoded=1&force_format=webp,jpeg&org_if_sml=0&width=2000&height=2000&func=bound&gravity=face | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Horace was employed by Samuel Parker Ltd at the time.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neal, Horace Richard – WW1 26/1073 - Army | page = 1 | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19791952 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> They were a galvanised iron and sheet metal works company based on Wellesley Street in central Auckland.<ref>{{cite news | title = Galvanised Iron And Sheet Metal Works | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 221 | date = 1921-09-16 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19210916.2.110.4 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
Horace trained at Trentham Military Camp for 178 days before embarking on 5 February 1916, from Wellington to Egypt. Both he and brother Archibald were aboard the Mokoia ship.<ref>{{cite news | title = Mokoia | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/custom-search?v=Mokoia&srt=lna&pp=500&p=7 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> During his service overseas Horace spent time in Egypt in 1916, and joined the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in the same year. On 7 April he embarked for France from Alexandria in Egypt. He then spent the remainder of 1916, and all of 1917 and 1918 fighting in France with periods of time in England resting or recovering from illness.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neal, Horace Richard | page = 5 | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19791952 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He was a Lance Corporal for the majority of his service. While on active service Neal was deducted 10 days pay on 10 November 1916, for "insolence and using obscene language" in the field, and on another occasion was reported as being "absent without reason from 2pm, 6.8.17 until 2pm, 20.8.17" and lost 15 days pay.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neal, Horace Richard | page = 5 | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19791952 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> In April 1918 Neal marched into camp at Étaples and joined his company. On 28 October 1918, he was transferred to hospital and admitted to the general hospital at Rouen on 11 September suffering from influenza. He was later declared unfit for service after contracting dysentery and suffering from trench fever while on active service. It was thought that he would be unfit for 12 months and so he was sent back to New Zealand, departing Liverpool on board the S.S. Oxfordshire on 19 December 1918. Although the war was largely over by this point anyway. Neal arrived back in New Zealand on 1 February 1919.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neal, Horace Richard | page = 3 | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19791952 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> After returning Neal was discharged on 11 April 1919 and gave his intended address as 41 Edendale Road, Mt Eden. He was awarded the British War Medal on 22 June 1921, and the Victory Medal on 23 February 1922.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neal, Horace Richard | page = 1 | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19791952 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
==Rugby league playing career== ===Ponsonby United=== Prior to joining the war effort Neal was a Ponsonby United rugby league junior. He played in their 4th grade teams from 1913 to 1915 (aged 17 to 19 through this period).<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby United/4th Grade | page = 9 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15303 | date = 1913-05-16 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19130516.2.122.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby United Club/Fourth Grade | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 115 | date = 1914-05-15 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19140515.2.119 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby United/Fourth Grade | page = 4 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15911 | date = 1915-05-07 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150507.2.6.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Following his return to New Zealand after the war Neal began playing for the Ponsonby senior side early in the 1919 season. His height and weight when he enlisted were recorded as 1.65m and 62 kg respectively so unsurprisingly he was playing in the halfback position alongside the brilliant young Frank Delgrosso who was also in his debut season in the senior side at first five eighth and fullback.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby United | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 134 | date = 1919-06-06 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190606.2.125 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> In a round 5 match on 7 June for Ponsonby against Maritime, which Ponsonby won 15-6, it was reported that "Neal made a commendable showing at halfback". The match was played before a crowd of 5,000 at Victoria Park.<ref>{{cite news | title = Maritime's Better Showing | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 137 | date = 1919-06-10 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190610.2.107 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> A week later at the same venue he scored a try against City Rovers before 7,000 spectators who witnessed Ponsonby win 18-13. His try came after he "was prominent in several attacking movements, and eventually from a good opening made a fine run, and scored near the corner".<ref>{{cite news | title = Under League Rules/Ponsonby Defeats City | page = 7 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17188 | date = 1919-06-16 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190616.2.118.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> On 21 June on a "heavy" Auckland Domain surface Neal had to be taken off injured in their match with Newton Rangers. The Auckland Star reported that he had put his "best effort forward" while the Observer said "little Neal, Ponsonby's half-back, is to be complimented".<ref>{{cite news | title = Newton V. Ponsonby | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 149 | date = 1919-06-24 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190624.2.71.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby And Newton | page = 10 | publisher = Observer, Volume XXXIX, Issue 43 | date = 1919-06-28 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19190628.2.21.3 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> In a 19-3 round 8 win over Newton he was said to be "more adroit and resourceful than the half-back who opposed him, and consequently the Ponsonby back division was able to monopolise the attack".<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby V. Newton | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 155 | date = 1919-07-01 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190701.2.95.2 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Against City a week later Neal had another strong game in a crucial 7-4 win before 6,000 at Victoria Park. City had a slight advantage in the forward play but it was "more than outweighed by the handle Neal's work behind the scrum gave to Ponsonby", where he gave "several pretty openings to his backs".<ref>{{cite news | title = City V. Ponsonby | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 160 | date = 1919-07-07 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190707.2.111 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The New Zealand Herald said he was "always about and got the ball away in good style. He was of great assistance to his side".<ref>{{cite news | title = Notes On The Game | page = 5 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17206 | date = 1919-07-07 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190707.2.25 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The Observer said "Neal for Ponsonby was as nippy and dodgy as of yore, and set his backs going on many occasions".<ref>{{cite news | title = For The Ponies | page = 22 | publisher = Observer, Volume XXXIX, Issue 45 | date = 1919-07-12 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19190712.2.17.3 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
On 12 July Neal played in Ponsonby's 3-3 draw with Maritime which secured Ponsonby the 1919 Myers Cup for winning the first grade championship. It was their third consecutive title after winning for the first ever time in 1917. He was said to have been "prominent" in the greasy conditions.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby V. Maritime/Notes On The Game | page = 6 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17212 | date = 1919-07-14 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190714.2.83.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The Auckland Star said "Neal, the little junior who has not long come up from [the] juniors, is a player the team will do well to hold on to".<ref>{{cite news | title = The Drawn Game | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 167 | date = 1919-07-15 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190715.2.98 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
===Returned Soldiers, and Auckland selection=== Following Ponsonby's championship winning match Neal was selected for the Returned Soldiers side to play against Auckland at the Auckland Domain as part of the Peace Day celebrations (which were in fact spread over 3 days). He was chosen to play halfback with James Hing and John Lang partnering him in the five eighths positions.<ref>{{cite news | title = Auckland V. Soldiers | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 166 | date = 1919-07-14 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190714.2.96 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Before a crowd estimated at 20,000 the Returned Soldiers won the match by 26 to 24. The day of their match also saw a rugby game between the Returned Soldiers and Auckland (coincidentally also won 26-24 for the Soldiers), a football match between the "Diggers" and Auckland, and a trial hockey game between Auckland and The Rest.<ref>{{cite news | title = Northern Union Game | page = 9 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 172 | date = 1919-07-22 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190722.2.130 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Neal scored the Soldiers first try of the game after a "passing bout" saw him score under the posts.<ref>{{cite news | title = Exciting League Match/Soldiers Win By 26 to 24 | page = 5 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17218 | date = 1919-07-22 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190722.2.19 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
On 25 July Horace was back in the jersey of Ponsonby in a round 1 Roope Rooster match with Newton Rangers. The match was marred by Ponsonby spectators encroaching on the field in protest at the referee and after refusing to move off the field the match was called off with Ponsonby trailing 8-10.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby V. Newton Undecided | page = 7 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17223 | date = 1919-07-28 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190728.2.109.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> It was reported that Neal "got the ball away a little slicker" than his opposite, Jack Keenan, on the Newton side who he had been up against in the match against Auckland also.<ref>{{cite news | title = The Ponsonby – Newton Game | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 178 | date = 1919-07-29 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190729.2.93.2 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Following the game he was chosen at halfback with Bert Laing at standoff in the side to play Hawke's Bay at the Auckland Domain.<ref>{{cite news | title = The Rep. Team/To Play Hawke's Bay | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 177 | date = 1919-07-28 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190728.2.99 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Unfortunately the weather was particularly bad and the Hawke's Bay side were held up on board the Mokoia by rough seas at Gisborne so the match was postponed.<ref>{{cite news | title = An Unkind Fate/Hawke's Bay League Game | page = 3 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 181 | date = 1919-08-01 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190801.2.10 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Instead a replay of Ponsonby's called off match with Newton was played. Newton won the game 12-10 to eliminate Ponsonby from the knockout competition with 8,000 in attendance. Neal was involved in many of his sides attacking movements.<ref>{{cite news | title = Eight Thousand People/Watch Newton Down Ponsonby | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 183 | date = 1919-08-04 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190804.2.64 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The NZ Herald said that he did "clean work ... behind the pack" and "played his usual fine game...[feeding] his backs well and played cleverly, both in attack and defence".<ref>{{cite news | title = Notes On The Game | page = 7 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17229 | date = 1919-08-04 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190804.2.104.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
The match between Auckland and Hawke's Bay was rearranged for 9 August and was played at Eden Park.<ref>{{cite news | title = Auckland V. Hawke's Bay/At Eden Park To-Morrow | page =7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187 | date = 1919-08-08 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190808.2.81 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> There were 9,000 people on hand to see Auckland run out comfortable 38-13 victors. Neal was involved in many attacking movements and "got the ball well away from the scrum, and was always about to take part in a passing movement".<ref>{{cite news | title = representative Match/Auckland V. Hawke's Bay/Home Team Wins By 38 To 13 | page = 9 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17235 | date = 1919-08-11 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190811.2.111.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> In a critique of the match the Auckland Star said that "Neal is a good boy, but he is inclined to that machinery-work for which Ponsonby halves have for quite a while been notorious".<ref>{{cite news | title = Northern Union | page = 8 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 190 | date = 1919-08-12 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190812.2.84 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The Observer said that "Neal, at half-back, set the machine going in good style, and on his form this season will be in the running for a game against the Australians".<ref>{{cite news | title = For Footballers/The Provincial Flutter | page = 11 | publisher = Observer, Volume XXXIX, Issue 50 | date = 1919-08-15 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO19190816.2.17.3 | accessdate = 2021-09-16}}</ref>
===New Zealand appearance=== At noon on 15 August Horace Neal was named to play in the first test against the touring Australian side at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Zealand Versus Australia | page = 6 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 193 | date = 1919-08-15 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190815.2.82 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Neal along with the other Auckland-based players sailed on the Rarawa on the Monday so that they could prepare during the remainder of the week for the match.<ref>{{cite news | title = First Game At Wellington | page = 6 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 193 | date = 1919-08-15 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190815.2.82 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He had been picked to play in the halves in the "inside half" position with John Lang at "outside half".<ref>{{cite news | title = The New Zealand Team | page = 4 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17245 | date = 1919-08-22 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190822.2.6.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
New Zealand was to lose the test 44-21 before 7,000 spectators though the score line was much closer for most of the match with New Zealand only trailing 23-17 at one point in the second half. Neal was slightly concussed early in the second half which "affected his subsequent play". It occurred after he had "stemmed a rush... and play ceased until he was able to resume".<ref>{{cite news | title = First Test/Australia v. New Zealand | page = 11 | publisher = Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 47 | date = 1919-08-25 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19190825.2.229 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Earlier in the match he had thrown an interception after he had "worked the blindside" to Harold Horder who "side-stepping, beat seven men and scored". At halftime Neal had switched positions with Lang before his injury happened.<ref>{{cite news | title = Australia v. New Zealand/Win For The Visitors | page = 2 | publisher = Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1725 | date = 1919-08-25 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19190825.2.6.3 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> After the concussion the Dominion reported that he was "practically useless". They also noted that early in the first half "wild passing" by him "spoilt several good opportunities". Later on however he saved a try when he tackled Gilbert when he "was nearly over". He was also involved in a passing bout with Karl Ifwersen and George Bradley which nearly took New Zealand to the line when the score was 23-17 to the visitors.<ref>{{cite news | title = Australia V. New Zealand/A Win For Visitors | page = 7 | publisher = Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 282 | date = 1919-08-25 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19190825.2.88 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> And again in the final moments of the match he was involved in an attack with Bill Scott and Alec Morris before the final whistle sounded.<ref>{{cite news | title = First Test/Australia v. New Zealand | page = 11 | publisher = Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 47 | date = 1919-08-25 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19190825.2.229 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> It was reported in the Evening Press that Neal required medical attention after the match.<ref>{{cite news | title = League Game/The First Test | page = 12 | publisher = Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 52 | date = 1919-08-30 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19190830.2.145 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> For the second test to be played in Christchurch Neal was named in the reserves with the selectors choosing Mike Pollock at inside halfback.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Zealand Representatives | page = 4 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17251 | date = 1919-08-29 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190829.2.7.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The first test was to be Neal's last match of the 1919 season.
===Transfer to Maritime and Grafton Athletic=== Horace Neal began the 1920 season named in the Ponsonby side to play Marist Old Boys.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby United | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 103 | date = 1920-04-30 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19200430.2.104 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> However less than two weeks later he had a transfer granted by Auckland Rugby League to Maritime seniors.<ref>{{cite news | title = Transfers | page = 9 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 114 | date = 1920-05-13 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19200513.2.87 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He was then named in their side to play Marist for 15 May.<ref>{{cite news | title = Northern Union/Teams For Saturday | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 115 | date = 1920-05-14 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19200514.2.97 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> Somewhat surprisingly Neal transferred again during the following week, this time to Grafton Athletic.<ref>{{cite news | title = Under League Rules | page = 6 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17475 | date = 1920-05-20 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19200520.2.90 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> On 19 June it was reported that Neal had been out injured as he "had his shoulder broken", though it was not stated when or how this had happened.<ref>{{cite news | title = Football/Northern Union | page = 18 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 146 | date = 1920-06-19 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19200619.2.126.2 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The injury cannot have been as serious as it sounded as he was back playing 7 days later on the 26th when Grafton played against his former club Ponsonby. He was "doing well until from an order by the referee he was compelled to leave the field", being sent off.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ponsonby V. Grafton | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 153 | date = 1920-06-28 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19200628.2.100 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> This appears to have been his final appearance of the season as he was not named in team lineups or mentioned in any match reports again.
In 1921 he transferred once more, back to Maritime.<ref>{{cite news | title = The Management Committee | page = 9 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17761 | date = 1921-04-21 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19210421.2.109.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He played in matches for them against City Rovers and Fire Brigade which was his previous club, Grafton Athletic's new name.<ref>{{cite news | title = Maritime | page = 7 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 101 | date = 1921-04-29 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19210429.2.73 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He was not named in their side for the remainder of the year.
===Return to Ponsonby and retirement=== The 1922 season saw Neal once again back playing for Ponsonby. He played 8 matches for them and was said to be "in excellent form, and did great work for his side".<ref>{{cite news | title = Under League Rules | page = 4 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18085 | date = 1922-05-09 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19220509.2.6.1 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He was not reported to have played any more beyond a 29 July match against Devonport United.
==Personal life== In the 1919 census he was listed as a plumber and living at 1 Harcourt Street, Grey Lynn.
In October, 1922 it was reported that he had been the victim of an assault in a city motel in Auckland. It was said that "following on an argument in a city motel on Saturday afternoon, a man named Horace Richard Neal sustained a blackened optic, with the result that James A. Lee (24) was charged ... with assault". Neal was appearing before the court with a heavily bandaged eye and said that Lee "struck him without provocation".<ref>{{cite news | title = Police Court News | page = 9 | publisher =New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18229 | date = 1922-10-24 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19221024.2.120 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> The Justice of the Peace, Mr. Edmond George Twohill said "I know about you Lee boys,... you have a penchant for going around the hotels, looking for drunken men..." to fight. Lee was subsequently fined £5.<ref>{{cite news | title = Five Pounds For A Punch | page = 5 | publisher = Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 251 | date = 1922-10-23 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19221023.2.83 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
Horace listed himself as a Methodist on his enlistment papers for World War 1.<ref>{{cite news | title = Neal, Horace Richard | page = 1 | publisher = Auckland Museum | url =https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19791952 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> On 29 June 1921, he married Dorothy Madge Baker at St Stephens Church on Khyber Pass Road.<ref>{{cite news | title = Horace Richard Neal | publisher = Rootsweb | url =http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~groome/genealogy/pedigree/79252.htm#2 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> On 26 May 1922, they had a son, Desmond Francis Neal.<ref>{{cite news | title = Desmond Francis Neal | publisher = MyHeritage/Library Edition | url =https://records.myheritagelibraryedition.com/research/record-1-300554451-1-2762/desmond-francis-neal-in-myheritage-family-trees | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> They had a daughter, Daphne May Neal (Tomkins) in 1923, and another son, William Thomas Neal in 1924, followed by three more daughters Betty Marguerite Neal, Colleen Neal, and Robyn Beryl Neal in December 1926.<ref>{{cite news | title = Horace Richard Neal | publisher = Rootsweb | url =http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~groome/genealogy/pedigree/79252.htm#2 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
From 1928 to 1949 he was listed as being a "sugar worker" on the census records.
In 1943 Neal was living in Birkenhead when his eldest son Desmond became engaged to Gwenyth Blomfield.<ref>{{cite news | title = Engagements/Neal-Blomfield | page = 7 | publisher = New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24768 | date = 1943-12-16 | url =https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19431216.2.68 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
Horace died on 7 November 1951, after falling from a roof at 55 Princes Wharf on the Auckland waterfront.<ref>{{cite news | title = Horace Richard Neal | publisher = Rootsweb | url =http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~groome/genealogy/pedigree/79252.htm#2 | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He was a Harbour Board Employee at the time and was living at 39 Rawene Road, Birkenhead.<ref>{{cite news | title = Horace Richard Neal | publisher = My Heritage/Library Edition | url =https://records.myheritagelibraryedition.com/research/record-1-126892451-1-326/horace-richard-neal-in-myheritage-family-trees | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref> He was buried at Waikumete Cemetery, Glen Eden, Auckland, in Soldiers Plot k13.6 on 9 November 1951.<ref>{{cite news | title = Horace Richard Neal | publisher = MyHeritage/Library Edition | url =https://records.myheritagelibraryedition.com/research/record-1-184261702-10-170/horace-richard-neal-in-myheritage-family-trees | accessdate = 2021-09-17}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Neal, Horace}} Category:1896 births Category:1951 deaths Category:20th-century New Zealand sportsmen Category:Auckland rugby league team players Category:Grafton Athletic players Category:Maritime Football Club players Category:New Zealand national rugby league team players Category:New Zealand rugby league players Category:Ponsonby Ponies players Category:Rugby league players from Auckland