WELLINGTON RUGBY; UNION

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 152, 23 March 1939, Page 13

WELLINGTON RUGBY; UNION

Mr. E. Price President

FINANCES SHOW SLIGHT LOSS

Mt. E. Price, Petone, was elected president of the Wellington Rugby Union and Mr. J. N. Millard was reelected chairman of the management committee at the annual meeting last night. Mr. J. Prendeville presided over about 60 delegates. . Mr. Millard moved the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet. The union, he said, catered for about 2780 grade players, 1000 secondary school players, and 1900 primary school players. The Petone club had a phenomenal year, winning five grade championships. Referring to the work of the junior advisory committee, Mr. Millard said there was no doubt the junior grades were run much more efficiently anil harmoniously than formerly. There had not been a complaint from the lower grades during-the season. Special mention was made by Mr. Millard of the consideration shown by the Director of Parks and Reserves. Mr. J. G. MacKenzie, and his department. More than once, he said, grounds had been made available when the union might have expected them to be closed. Expenses in the past season—upkeep of grounds, insurance of players, and travelling expenses—had proved too much for the revenue, resulting in a slight loss. Athletic Park alone was costing £3OOO a year to maintain. Officers Elected. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr. E. Price; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. J. Prendeville, J. W. Heenan, C.8.E., J. Murray, D. W. Armour, Sir Alexander Roberts; delegates to the New Zealand Rugby Union, Lieut.-Col. T. J. King, Messrs. J. N. Millard, J. Prendeville, M. F. Nicholls and F. D. Kilby; management committee, Messrs. J. D. King, J. N. Millard, H. B. Simmons, H. Murphy, H. D. Morgan, J. Moffitt and F. J. Tilyard, the Rev. Father T. Cleary, Professor E. J. Boyd-Wilson; bon treasurer, Mr. G. F. Jackson; auditors, Henry Kember and Sons. • . The newly-elected president said ne regarded his election as a compliment not only to himself but to the Hutt Valley districts he represented. It was the first time they had been represented. Lieut.-Colonel T. J. King did not seek re-election to the management committee. On the motion of Mr, Millard who paid a tribute to Colonel King’s work for the sport, he was elected a life member.

A suggestion from the Eastbourne club that lower grades be grouped geographically to save travelling expenses was referred to the junior advisory committee.

The management committee was recommended to reintroduce the seventh grade.