FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5263, 16 April 1928, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

THAMES VALLEY UNION. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The sixth annual general meeting of the Thames Valley Rugby Football Union was held at the Soldiers’ Club, Paeroa, on Saturday night, the president (Mr J- W. Silcock) presiding over Messrs S. H. Walmsley, W. Pauli, and H. Mullins (Waihi) ; C. Kennedy, F. Lockyer, and P. Heathcote (Piako) ; W. P. Pennell, M. Crosby, and D. S. Kerr (Paeroa) ; H. Dent, R. C. Abe'l. and W. Madgwick (Hauraki Plains) ; D. G. McMTlian (Referees’ Association), and the secretary, Mr W. D. Nicholas. Prior to proceeding .with business the president referred 1 to the loss to the Union of Mr R. Hodson, a member of the executive committee, who had died, recently. On 'his motion a vote of sympathy with Mrs Hodson and family was earr’ed, membars standing in silence. WELCOME TO MEMBERS. , A welcome to the new members of the union was extended l by the president, who' expressed the h-upq that t'he business would be transacted in an impartial manner and in the interests of football in the district. REPORT AND BALANCEI-SHEET. The following annual .report and balance-sheet was presented by the secretary (Mr W. D. Nicholas) :— “Your Committee has ptlmsure in submitting to delegates the sixth annual report and balance-sheet for the yea.r ended January 31, 1928. “The Past Season.—lt is gratifying to be able to report that, generally speak’ng, football was on. tlie upward grade during the past season, in spite of the wretched weather conditions which obtained dining almost all the

period. “Sub-Unions. — Four sub-unions, namely, Waihi P’ako, Hauraki Plain®, and Paeroa, affiliated. “Representaivc Games. —Four representative games were played, namely : King Country, at Paeroa ; Waikato, at Te Arolia ; Bay of Plenty, at Rotorua ; and. Auckland, at Paeroa. Although we were only successful in the last match the games were; all! very even, and a creditable showing was made. “Senior Grade.—A striking improvement was shown in the senior grade, and it is to be hoped that it will continue. The improvement in the Waihi team wa,s vi/ry marked. Some excellent contests were made for the Frank Polaiul Memor al Cup, which was won by tlie Waihi fifteen:

“Junior Grade—More attentionshoifid bo given to both the. junior grade and school teams, as it is from this s-ouice that our future players arq to be drawn. “We would earnestly recommend clubs to endeavour to have a coach : this would greatly assist the players. “Assembling Teams. —Last year th’s cost the Union £29 4s, which is a great strain on tire finances of the Union. A suggestion has been made that sub-unions be responsible for bringing representative players to their own centre, this being the procedure with most country unions. This, might easily be arranged now that there are so many private} cars in use by supporters of. football. “Travelling Fund.—lt wil'i, be seen from the statement of receipts and expenses that the- Union has gone back approx’mately £6O this last year, due mainly to the, bad weather conditions when the representative matchesi were on. If it is the intention of this Union to’ send a team -op tour next year, or qven in 1930, some means should- be started to create a travelling fund. We would recommend that a percentage of the gate money of .all sub-union matches be taken.

“Referees’ Association.—Splendid work was done by this body during the past year, and the Union’s best thanks are due to Mr Mannix, the secretary, for his valuable • work in that capacity for the association. “Obituary.—Your Committee regrets tb record the dcatli of Mr Roy Hodson, who was .secretary to the P.R.U. and a delegate on this Union. He was a keen supporter and worker for the Thames Valley Union. “Thanks.—The special) thanks of the Union are extended to tlie Press for its continued valued assistanceand for giving publicity to the many important features of the game.” The baliince-sheqt showed that the rece’pts totalled- £336 9s 3il, which included a credit balance of £llB 9s lid brought forward from the 1927 season. The expenditure for the- seasonamounted. to £302 OS Id, leaving a. credit balance of £34 9s 2d. to start the present season with. The heaviest items of expenditure were travelling, £43 l-sis 4d ; enteitainment of visiting teams, £36 12s 6d; guarantee K’ng Country Match, £30,; assembling teams, £29 4s. The capital account showed- a< credit balance of £54 9s 2d„

Discuss’ng the item of expenditure on assembling players for matches, Mr Lockyer urged that this charge could very well be placed on subunions.

The president said that prior to a few years ago the union did not pay for the transportation of players ex 1 - cept from the sub-union centre. He did not know why the change was made.

Mr Mullins (Waihi) stated that His sub-union had not charged l the union with the full cost it had incurred. He thought the union should pay the whole of the/expenses, as it deckled where the matches werf* to be played. Waihi ihad- not -ha I a Thames Valley Rugby Union representative match for four years. Mr Walmsley urged pooling all thq expenses and dividing the cost among among all the sub-unions. Mr Pauli pointed out that subunions were put to considerable expense in assembling players for the ihterl-union competition -matches, and to charge them with tlie cost of Thames Valley Rugby Union matches would be imposing.a heav-,- burd-ein. Mr Lockyer stated that the Piako sub-union had never charged’ the Thames Valley Union with such costs.

Mi- Madgwick supported tlie president’s argument.

Mr McMillan opposed the suggestion, contending that the Thamqs Valley Union received the benefit of the gates from the matches while the sub-unions got no benefit whatever. Mr Pennell considered that the Union was asking too much in wanting sub-un ; ons to pay theise. charges and also contribute a portion of their sub-union gates. RULES. The president reported that the rules drawn up in the past season had-been approved by the N.Z. Rugby Union subject to certain minor alterations which really did not make any material alteration. The amendments were explained by the secretary and; the rules were adopted. HEADQUARTERS. On the mot’on of the president, seconded by Mr Lockyer, the headquarters of the Union, for the season was fixed at Paeroa-. OFFICERS. Tlie following officers were elected : Patron, Mr H. Poland ; president, Mr J. W. Silcock ; vice-presidents, Messrs W. C. Kennedy (Piako), H. Dent (Hauraki Plains), W. P. Pennell (Paeroa), and S. H. Walmsley (Waihi) ; secretary, Mr W. D. Nicholas (Paqroai) ; treasuier, Mr J. H. Walmpley (Paeroa) ; auditor, Mr G. E'. Alien (Paeroa) ; delegates to N.Z.R.U., Mr F. Lockyer and Dr. Lawrence; selectors, referred to sub-unions. POLAND CUP COMPETITION. The president moved-, and Mr Kennedy seconded, that the Frank Poland Memorial Cup competition be played in two rounds. Mr Dent (Plains) urged that one round be played. His union had found that the two rounds caused undue interference with inter-club matches. Mr Lockyer (Piako) supported two rounds, while admitting that in 'his district the club matches were interfered with. The competition was the sub-union’s main source of. revenue.

The Paeroa delegate stated, that he had been instructed to vote for two rounds.

Mr Mullins stated that he had been instructed to vote for two rounds, although personally he was strongly in favour of one, round on account of the interference with club gamep. Mr W. Madgwick (Plains), in supporting one round,- pointed out that it was not in the interests of football to have numerous players -standing idle while a few players werei engaged in inter-union matches.

Mr D. G. McMillan (Referees’ Association) supported one round, contending that the present system was unwieldy, the younger, inexperienced pflajiers were not given a chance, and better football would be attained by playing different teams. Mr Walmsley (Waihi) countered the arguments of the one round supporters and urged the sub-unions to commence their inter-club competitions earlier in the season- than in the past.

Mr R. C. Abel (Plains) pointed out that the difficulty was general, and in Auckland had been dealt with by organising another inter-club competition while representative matches were being played. As this could not be done in this district he would advocate one round.

Mr F. Lockyer (Piako) expressed the opinion that the Plains sUbriihion could find time to play matches with Thames.

Mr H. Dent (Plains) pointed out that only one match was played against Thames. Members expressed regret that they had thought Hauraki Plains had favoured 'Thames in- preference, to the Thames Valley. They were glad to Hear that this was not the position.

Mr Pauli (\Vailii), and also Mr McMillan, pointed out that the final matches for the Poland Cup were not supported in those unions which had no chance of winning the> competitionIn putting the motion the president expressed the opinion that sub-unions had too many senior grade If tihe standard of tlie first grade players was raised and. more second grade teams were formqd it would be greatly to the advantage, of football. This would make the sub-union games much betteir, and would be of advantage from a financial viewpoint. The spectators were to be considered', and it was too much of a drop to reduce the number of sub-union matches to two -in each centre. Speaking particularly to tlie Hauraki Plainjs delegates, Mr Silcock said that he agreed with the statement in that union’s annual report that there were too many senior grade teams. He was .of th'q opinion that it would be of adF vantage to the Plains to have fewer, and therefore better, senior grade tea.ms.

Mr Dent agreed, and stated that the -matter had received, and would continue! to receive, very 'car.efill consideration by the Plains sub-union. It would be realised that it was a difficult proposition. The motion that t'he competition be played in- two rounds was carried. SHAREBROKERS’ CUP. Mr Walmsley moved, a,nd Mr Pa till seconded, that, the Sharebrokers’ Cup competition, for junior teams be played in one round.—Carried. COMMITTEE MEETING. Tlie annual meeting was tliqn closed and -a meeting of the executive committee was (held. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The executive 'committee appointed was : The. president, Mr J. W. silcock, bhe secretary, Mr W. D. Nicholas, and the treasurer, Mr J. H. Wallmsley, axofficio, and Messrs W. P. Penhell, M. Crosby, and) D. S. Kerr. ADMISSION CHARGES. The matter of the charges to be made for. admission to representative matches was then, discussed. Tihq president explained that it ‘cost £6O-odd to have an outsi.de union match, and this took a lot of finding. The matter had arisen when tlie charge of 2s was fixed last season, and it was desirable to arrivq at a decision which would apply to all representative -matches, no matter in what centre theff were played. Mr Pauli said that it would require the services of two world champion heavy-weight boxers to act as ghte

collectors at Waihi if the charge for admission was 2s.

Mr McMillan thought that a reduc- F tion in the charge would not increase the attendance. On thq motion of Mr Lockyer the charges were fixed at 2s for men, Is for ladies, and- 6d for school children for all inter-provincial matches. TOUR OF TEAM. Mr Lockyer pointed out that as the N.Z. Rugby Union had let the Thames Valley Union down, in regard, to a ■ _ match with the Native team, it was V* probable that it would make a grant towards the cost of sending a team on tour. It might be possible to play Waikato on a weekday, Auckland on a Saturday, and, say, North Auckland on the following Wednesday. A match , with North Auckland was due. After a discussion on the action of the Waikato Union in, cancelling an appointment last season, the delegate to thq N.Z. Rugby Union was asked to take the matter to the annual meet* iiig. Mr Dent criticised the tour to Rotorua, which was made at the request of the Rotorua Union to foster, Rugby in that district. The visitors were treated very casually, and the visit did-no good whatever in the direction intended. Tliei.match was very poorly advertised and very poorly attended. The president said that the matter should not bq passed over. Probably the fault was due to tlie Rotorua officials, but for the benefit of the Bay of Plenty Union and any other union the matter should be mentioned. With a view to creating a fund to enable a team to.be sent on tour in "y 1929 the president moved, and Mr Lockyer seconded, that 20 per cent, of the sub-union matches be forwarded to the Thames Valley Union. Mr Mullins expressed the opinion that this was too great a proportion, and moved; as an amendment that the share bp 10 per cent. This was seconded by Mr Kennedy and carried. THE PATETONGA CLUB. Mr Dent reported that on account of the state of. the roads the Patetonga club desired to> play for the Morrinsville Union. The Plains Union had; declined to give the permission, fearing that complications woult resuit. The Plains Union, however, was ’’’j desirous of doing all it could for the Patetonga players, and would like the matter arranged to the best possible advantage.' The president said that if the Plains Union made a, recommendation to the Thames Valley Union it could forward it to the N.Z. Union with a recommendation.

Mr Madgwick urged that an opinion be expressed at the meeting, as the season was getting on. Mr Walmsley said that there was no possibility whatever of granting Patetonga permission to play for Morrinsville without p prior alteration of the boundaries by the N.Z. Union. Mr, Madgwick put forward thei recommendation that the Pateitongii. team be permitted to play in the Morrinsville Union for one year, provided the Waikato Union was agreeable. He did this to put the onus of deciding./ on the Thames Valley Union. Mr Kennedy supported l the motion, urging that every facility should be given to backj-blocks players. Mr McMillan said it was a wa£te of time. Permission could not be granted without the approval! of the N.Z. Union, which would not agr.ee to any alteration in boundaries for one year only.

As an amendment Mr Walmsley moved that the P’atetonga district be declared neutral ground for one year, and that the players be ail,lowed to play for any club in the Thames Valley Union district provided the Hauraki Plains and the other unions 'concerned were agreeable. I COACHES. Mr McMiDan urged the appointment of coaches, particularly for the lower grades. Members supported, and a recommendation to Sub-unions on those lines was adopted. UNION WITH THAMES. Mr Madgwick asked if any steps had been taken to bring about a fusion of the Thames Valley and Thames unions. The president expressed the opinion that a fusion was very desirable, and a conference might bring that about. The secretary said that from inquiries he had made therej seemed little chance of a fusion. The chairman said that times and * conditions were changing, and a conference might clear the'air. Mr Madgwick agreed, and moved, that the Thames Union be invited to a round-table conference on the matter. In seconding. Mr Lockyer mentioned that the Auckland Union would favour the project. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. THAMES VALLEY REFEREES. L ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Thames Valley Rugby Referees’ Association was held at Paeroa on Saturday evening, Mr T. Turner (Te Aroha) presid- . in.g over Messrs W. Jones (Te Aroha), ! J. Mannix and J. Atkinson (Waihi), E. Smith and D. G. McMillan (Paeroa), and J. Reid (Hauraki Plains). The following officers were appointed : President, Mr T. Turner; vicepresidents, Messrs. E. N. Emmet (Waihi) and H. M. Shand (Paeroa) ; secretary, Mr J. Mannix (Waihi) ; ' delegate to Thames Valley Rugby Union, Mr H. M. Shand (Paeroa). It was decided that it be left to the president and secretary to submit || the names of referqe® to tha Thames Valley and N.Z. Rugby Unions who were capable of refereeing inter-pro-vincial matches, and that the Refereed Appointment Board, which previously did this, be abolished. A vote of condolence with the wife and family of Mr R. Hodson was carried in silence. A discussion on rules occupied the rest of a long meeting.