FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1083, 23 March 1911, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

/ /.WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Wellington K.ugby Union, to bo presented at the general,meeting of delegates next Wednesday, shows that during the past season there were 1400 active players in Saturday matches, 108 in Wednesday matches, and 500 in school matches. Eleven teams played in the senior grade, in which the championship was won by Oriental, 13 teams in,the junior grade (won by Petone), 19 teams.in tho third class (won by Petone), 12-' teams in tho fourth class (won by Oriental), 12 teams in the fifth class (won by Athletic), and four teams in the \Vednesday competition (won by Tramways). The total number of grounds used during the year was thirty-two, and with an equitable division of the city reserves a satisfactory number will be nvailable lor the coming year. Finance. Although the season was very successful from a Rugby standpoint, tho financiiil position, as disclosed by tho accounts submitted, show a considerable debit on the vear's operations. It will be noted that "the total actual expenditure in tho general account amounts to *Clsil 155., compared, with JJ1359 Os. ild. of last year. In the former total, however, there nro extraordinary charges amounting to about j;100, i.e.,. ioO extra for northern tour, aild' .£SO ISs. 6d„ costs of two actions brought against the union. The park takings show some falling-ott from that of the year 1909, due, not to want of public support, as on nil occasions the attendance was well maintained, but to bad Neither and postponements. The anticipated expenditure for the coming .year should, result iu considerable reduction, chief of which will 'be £350 rental paid for Jliramar Park, and the elimination of extraordinary expense named above. It will be noted, too, in tho Athletic Park trustees' account, that extraordinary expenditure has been necessary to the extent of over <£100 in the shape of repairs to buildings. The committee feel confident as,to the future finance of the union, but recognise that care in administering this department is necessary. •Reference is made to the representative team's northern tour, and thanks is- extended to the Auckland, Taranaki, and Wanganui Unions for entertaining the team. Reference is also made to the Marlborough trip and to the visit of the American Universities'. team. . Rules and Referees. During the season the committee found it necessary to insist on the enforcement of;! tho rules, with the result that tho members of tho Johnsonville Club wero suspended pending explanations which, up to; the nresrant, huve not been forthcoming. Tho Referees' Association continues to-do good work (says tho report). Its members worked harmoniously with tho uilion, and the only difficulty experienced was in tho shortage of activo referees, which'would allow of a proportion being giyen a spell each week, which is not now possible. During tho season a deputation ft rim the Referees' Association placed their views regarding tho constitution of the .-.'-Appointment Board beforo the committee, but to give effect to their views wbitkl ■ necessitate an alteration of the rules. Notico of motion has been given so that the matter may be considered by delegates.

Thanks are extended to the St. John Ambulance Brigade for attendance at the union's grounds, aud to tho press for kindly.'consideration and .assistance. Athletic Park. 'The Athletic Park trustees report that tKelrirgo amount shown, as gate receipts for'the previous year has not been niainiairied for the current period. Expenses, jespite several extraordinary amounts for repairs and upkeep, have been reduced oii 'compared with" that of 1909. Tho aiiiount handed to the Wellington Union u'os £1216. Considering the falling-oft of'receipts this result must 'b&'regarded as satisfactory. Prior to the commencement.of the season, attention was directed toward 'improving those parts of the playing'area,which showed signs of wear, arid, tha result was that the turf showed a ■marked improvement during tha season. Since the closo o- tho season practically the whole of the ground has been topdrossed and resown in patches. .The Wellington Union require still further funds to' enable accounts to be settled for the year, and the trustees desire to sound a note of warning as to the necessity of curtailing expense. At the present time the trustees are- holding little'more 1 than sufficient to meet liabilities.