Buller Rugby Union

Grey River Argus, 14 April 1948, Page 8

Buller Rugby Union

At the annual meeting of the Buller Rugby Union it was decided to ask clubs to nominate candidates for junior and third grade selection committees.

A remit from the Ngakawau Club, that the referees for senior matches be varied as much as possible, was referred to the Referees' Association. A United Club remit concerning extra payment for All Blacks whilst on tour, was met with an explanation by Mr W. A. Craddock (a member of the Council of the N.Z. Union) that the matter could safely be left to the meeting of delegates, as he felt certain that there would be some developments following a report by the representatives who attended the international conference at London. He said, however, that the Buller delegates would be pleased to press for extra allowances. The secretary referred to a recommendation from the Star Club, that where there is a possibility of regular competitions being interfered with, no byes be given to teams, as a very sound one. He agreed that a lot of extba work was placed on him last season arranging for matches with clubs.

Mr L. Martin (Star) said that even now, if Buller retained the Seddon Shield, it would take over seven months to complete all matches without giving teams permission to travel. Mr D. Gear (Mokihinui) suggested that the number of representative fixtures should be kept down, rather than impose restrictions on clubs. KARAMEA’S REQUEST Mr G. Hawes advanced a sound case for the admission of Karamea teams into the Buller competitions instead of playing occasional friendly games with sides from this district and in their own limited competitions. He thought that regular competition with good combinations would improve the standard of rugby in Karamea.

Mr Neil Christinson supported Karamea’s case, saying that a senior and junior team would be willing to come to Buller- to play matches. He added that at Karamea teams were either made up of boys of 15 to 16 or old players of 45 to 50, and if one strong team could play in the Buller competition it would do a lot of good to the game in the district. It was agreed by delegates that if Karamea came in to play matches in a country section of the Albion Cup competition, they would be pleased to recommend that return matches be played at Karamea. It was decided that the Town v. Country junior and third grad“ matches be revived.

Mr J. Mason (Old Boys) requested the raising of the third grade age limit from 17 years to 18. He considered this would help in getting more third grade sides, especially from the country, and would encourage fourth grade competition. No action was taken. Messrs A. Lake (Technical School) and J. Connelly (Star) opposed any change. There was a short discussion on the Railway competitions, as they were played on Sundays. Delegates said that clubs were affected by members electing to play Sunday matches on the trotting course, .games which often affected attendance at legitimate matches the day before, but the Union had no power to stop Sunday games. CANTERBURY’S BENEFIT Mr Hansby mentioned that the Canterbury Union benefited by the playing of two matches in one outing during the King’s Birthday week-end at Westport and Greymouth, in a reduction of travelling expenses, compared with those incurred by the Buller and West Coast Unions in making trips at different periods to provide two good gates at Lancaster Park; also (that the Canterbury Union was on. a good wicket, as the round trip through Westport did not cost it nearly as much as it did the two Coast bodies to send teams to Christchurch. On top of that, Canterbury made a lot of money out of two gates at home. ~ , His suggestion that the four gale proceeds should be pooled is to be, put before the Canterbury Union. An appeal made by Mr J. Mason for more matches on Victoria Square for third grade teams was referred to the management committee.