RUGBY PROSPECTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 303, 9 May 1941, Page 5

RUGBY PROSPECTS

UNION AND HOME GUARD OFFICIALS MEET

WHAKATANIv LAGGING

In pursuit of a suggestion that the aid of the Home Guard be enlisted as a means of keeping the game of Rugby alive in the Whakatane district during the war a meeting of Union and Home Guard officials; was held at Taneatua on Wednesday night and prospects fully discussed'. It was found that country districts had created' some enthusiasm, but that the Whakatane delegates had" failed' to create much interest in their territory. Mr W. S. Henderson.,, president of the Whakatane Rugby Union, wa". in the chair, also present being: Messrs A. K. Bell (Waimana), Rev, Rangi Wharetini (Ruatioki). D. Old. P. Anderson (Tanmtua), R. WoolWarns (Refe'reas), B. Denne.hy (Whakatane) and Company Commanders Merritt (Ruatoki) and McDonald (Waimana). An apology for absence was received from Company Commander Smid>t. The prospects 1 for thei coming season were thoroughly discussed and the following, teams were.nominated: A Company Waimana (Senior and Junior); B Coy Ruatoki (Senior and Junior), C Coy Taneatua (Senior and, Junior). Whakatane delegates stated that they could enteT only one junior team and that the prospects of a senior team being fielded were not bright.

Others present expressed concern and surprise that the centre could not enter a -tefim. Mr Merritt stated that Whakatane area included Poroporo, Paroa and; the Borough and surely one senior team could be fielded from that district.

The president stated that ho had made efForts to' set up a combined and interested committee to sponsor a senioir team, but had so far net met Avith any enthusiasm. The juniors werei again very keen. However he hoped that something would be done Avithin the neixt Aveek. Mr Henderson said that he was concerned over the prospect of being no senior matches , played in Whakatane. "If," he stated, "no senior team is entered there will be no senior games on the Whakatane Domain and. this would be most regrettable."

It was decided that all' players must be members of either Homo Guard, E.P.S., Military, Naval or Air Force Services.

It was also decided that thei junior age limit be under 20 years of age at commencement, of season which would, open on Saturday, May 24.

A sub-committee was set up to make the draw and grounds on 17th insit. These to be advertised < n Wednesday 21 and Friday 23.

The president stated that he would be absent until May 24 but advised delegates to hold a meeting prior to opening day. This meeting is to be he'ld at Whakatane on Monti ay, May 19.

The meeting elected Mr C. H. Brcbner, No*. 1 Battalion Commander, and Vice-president of Union.

The Home Guard headquarters is to be written to and asiked if a part of the time spent by Guardsmen playing Rugby could be included in the physical training programme of the Guard.