METHOD OF ELECTION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4958, 31 March 1926, Page 2

METHOD OF ELECTION.

RUGBY UNION COMMITTEE.

CLUB REPRESENTATION.

At the a,nnual general meeting of the Paeroa Rugby Union, held last night, the matter of club representation on the management committee was, introduced by Mr C. H. Potter (Netherton), who, having given notice of motion, moved: “That in future the clubs appoint the management committee, each senior club to appoint two members and each junior club to appoint one member.” Mr R. B. Penlington seconded the resolution.

Speaking to the resolution the mover sajd he was of the opinion that if the resolution was qarlqed it would be the means of a more equitably representation of clubs on the committee. He pointed out that the resolution would mean that the committee would be selected on the same lines as last year.

Mr V. Young (Suburbs) opposed the motion, contending that the rule would not be workable. ’He thought it far better to stick to tjhe system Jof election in vogue.

Mr ' Eugene Shaw thought the change would destroy individualism in football.

Mr W. Pennell stated that, in his. opinion, the .resolution gave greater s,cope to the country clubs, and he favoured the change. . Mr E- Edwards (West) objected on the grounds .that representatives appointed on the lines of the resolution would be holding office purely 'for the of their respective clubs, and not in the interests of’football generally.

Mr D. A. Vincent (East) said that his club had agreed to support -the resolution because it was considered to be a more equitable w.ay. The system had worked successfully for years on the Hauraki . Plains, ,and he thought that it was i.n the interests, of the local union to give, it a trial.

Mr W. Welch (Suburbs) stated that his club was quite satisfied With the old system. 1

Mr J. E. Bigelow (Schools) suggested that the resolution was a sound one, but he thought two disinterested persons should be added to the committee. '

Mr J. H. Walmsley spoke in opposition to the motion, and pointed out .that if the system was'adopted there would be continual difficulties arising through delegates not attending the meetings. He foresaw jnany obstacles ahead for the union if the resolution w.as carried. For tii'e last seven years the present system had worked satisfactorily, and he would be sorry to see any alteration. Mr R. B. Penlington (Referees’ Association) said that under the present system it was possible to put a really good man off the committee, as had been evidenced a couple of years ago, when one of the most enthusiastic and hardest working members in the district had been defeated, by .a. block vfcte. If the resolution would alter that, in his. opinion, a change was desirable.

On-the motion being put it was declared carried' on the showing of hands, the voting being 19 for, 14 against. Only delegates' and union officials were allowed to votje.

The president explained that rule 6 would have to be altered to meet the case, and rule H would requilte to be repealed altogether. . This'was. agreed to by resolution.

On the motion of Mr Edwards it was resolved that clubs elect their delegates q.t. their annual meetings nand 'forward the names .teethe secretary of .the -union in time for the union’s annual meeting.