ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2418, 25 March 1915, Page 3

ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LOCAL CENTRE. Mr. A. E. Wells presided at the twenty-fifth annual meeting of the Wellington Football Association last evening. There was a large attendance of delegates. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet the chairman said that he thought that the association had good reason to be satisfied with, the results of last season. The outbreak of war had considerably, interfered ivifch the concluding stages of the competitions, several- of the clubs having been seriously affected. In this connection it was gratifying to know that the Empire's call for men had been quickly responded to by so many players, and supporters of the "soccer" game in Wellington. He suggested to the incoming committee the advisability of compiling a roll of honour containing tho names of those players who have civen their services to their country. Mr. Wells said that he thought it would bo a mistake at the present stage not to go on with the various competitions. A matter which had to be considered was the question of playing representative matches. If the war continued for any length of time, and more men were required, the incoming committee Would have to consider' the advisability of postponing or cutting short the 1915 season. During the past season there had been only two accidents, and both players had benefited undor the insurance scheme inaugurated last year. The hope was expressed that a larger number of juniors would avail themselves/ of the scheme this season. Touching on the association's finances, Mr. Wells- pointed out that "gate money" last season amounted to £75. This item would have been considerably increased had it not been that a number of days (upon which permission to charge had been granted) had been allotted to matches in aid of various benefit funds. The gain .from such matches could not he estimated in £ s. d., but there was no doubt that the gamo received a large amount of public support by the committee's action. Referring to the item' of sundry debtors amounting to £48 17s. 6d., he was pleased to say that since the report had been published the sum of £26 had been received, thus bringing that total down to £22 17s. 6d. This latter amount was also practically assured. In conclusion, Mr. Wells said that he thought that the balance from the 1914 season should be expended in the purchase of more shares in the Association Football Grounds Co., Ltd. Ho also appealed to players and supporters to take up more shares in the venture.

Mr. F. Bolton seconded the motion, and the report and balance-sheet were adopted.

The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr. C. H. Izard; president, Mr. C. P. Skerrett: life vicepresidents, Messrs. A. E. Gibbes, P. J. Courtenay, H. G. Mayer, W. Auld, R. Pye-Smith, R. H. Davenport, J. J. Roberts, H. M'Keowen, T. Shields; vice-presidents, Messrs. H. N. M'Leod, H. L. Godber, A. J. Abbott, J. F. Atkins, J. Lewis, W. N. MatTieson, G. K. Dick, J. Paton, J. Pye-Smith, Major C. D. Macintosh. Dr.-G. Hassell, Dr. R. 0. White; hon. secretary, Mr. A. Williams; hon. treasurer, Mr. W. Duncan; management committee, Messrs. A. E. Wells, T. Thompson, A. Yarne.v, H. Yoeman, P. Pye-Smith, J. M'Ardle, F. Bolton: hon. auditors, Messrs. H. D. Vickery, W. 'Auld; delegates to New Zealand F.A., Messrs. R. Y. Walls, J. M'Crorie; trustees, Messrs. F. J. Courtney, H. G. Mayer: vice-presidents to N.Z.F.A., Messrs. F. J. Courtney, J. J. Roberts.

Eugolistic reference was_ made in regard to the work accomplished by Mr. A. Williams, who was elected as secretarv for tho twelfth year in succession.

Mr. H. Green (St. David's Club) moved: "That the Third Division ape limit be abolished." This was seconded by Mr. A. E. "Wells, and after considerable discussion it was carried.