FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5410, 12 April 1929, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

PAEROA RUGBY UNION. ANNUAL MEETING. The Paeroa Rugby Union met on Tuesday night in the Soldiers’ Hall, a fair gathering being presided over by Mr W. Marshall, president. Report for 1928. The following is the report of the executive to the president and members of the Paeroa Rugby Union “We, the members of the executive of the Paeroa Rugby Union, submit our report and balance-sheet for the 1928 season. Although a very successful year in football has been witnessed by the public and enjoyed by the players, our finances, unfortunately, show a debit balance. The amount of the debit balance as recorded in the. balance-sheet is £9 14s lid, and there are liabilities to the amount of £6 15s lid, making a deficit of £l6 10s lOd. Wc started the season’s operations with a credit balance at the bank on March 31, 1928, of £22 14s Id, and the amount handled and put through the bank was £230 12s 3d, our expenditure being £263 Is 3d. There are some items in the expenditure that may, perhaps, seem rather high, in so far as transport and entertaining of visiting teams is concerned, but when it is taken into consideration that in promoting the enthusiasm and interest necessary in the national game locally, also in and outside the district, it will be seen that our endeavours, both from the public and players’ viewpoint, have been successful, and our finance, we think, wisely handled. Moreover, it is a criterion that outside competition is being established, which augurs well for the future of football in Paeroa.

“Players in Union. —There are four •senior, three junior, two third-grade teams, and the primary schools playing under the jurisdiction of our union. The membership included 89 seniors, 74 juniors, and 47 thirdgrade, making a total of 210 players. “Pirates Club.—lt was resolved by our union to accept the affiliation of the Pirates Club, which club placed a senior team in the competition. “Referees’ Association. — The thanks of the union are due to this association for their unfailing support in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the union, and to the interests of football generally. At the moment we regret to record the unfortunate accident which befell Mr Ernest. Smith, who has for many years been, an active member- of the association in administering the laws of the code, and very often refereeing matches at an inconvenience to himself. .

“Competitions.—A challenge was entered for the Peace Cup competition, and our senior representative team journeyed to Morrinsville for the purpose of trying to lift this much coveted trophy. The team displayed much eagerness to win, and after a hard-fought and enthusiastic game suffered defeat only in the last quarter.

“Our senior representatives also competed in the Birch Cup competition, the match being played at Paeroa instead of at Thames, which showed the sporting spirit of the Thames Rugby Union. However, we were defeated after a keenly contested game. “Poland Memorial Cup : Paeroa, Hauraki Plains, Waihi, and Piako were the competitors for this treasured trophy, which was finally played off for at Waihi, owing to Paeroa and Waihi having drawn with the same number of points. It meant additional expense in having to journey to Waihi, they having won the toss. The game resulted in a win for Waihi, our representatives being runners-up. “Local Competitions.— Senior Grade : There were four teams entered in the senior grade—East, West, Suburbs, and Pirates. The football generally was of a high standard, as afterwards evidenced in representative matches, it enthusing keen interest in football circles. This competition was won by the West Club after most stirring games, particularly with Suburbs. These two teams played an extra game after having drawn three times, and the result was in favour of West by the narrow margin of 6 points to 3. “Junior and Third Grades.—The junior and third-grade competitions were won by the West Club’s teams. In both these grades it was noticed that the players taking part were keen and earnest that their teams should win the respective cups. It is from these grades that we look for our future footballers, and we are pleased to state that there are many promising players who will soon be taking part in major matches. “Primary Schools.—De have again to record the victorious manner in which the primary school boys’ representative team won the Roller Mills Shield. Teams competing in this competition were representative of outside unions. The visiting teams competing were billeted in different homes in Paeroa, and thanks are due to those who so kindly assisted in this respect; and also to those who provided cars to convey the rhembers to various places of interest, such as the Waikino Battery, which, no doubt, was educational. Wc might state that our union allowed 50 per cent, of the gate-money taken at these matches, and also assisted in collecting funds, to send the boys to Auckland in recognition of their meritorious win.

“Drysdale Cup.—The four senior teams and the Veterans team took part in this knock-out competition, which was won by Suburbs.

“Social. —The union held its annual social, the proceeds of which were donated to Mrs R. Hodson, in recognition of the valuable services rendered by her late husband as secretary of the Paeroa Rugby Union,

symathy is extended to the relatives of the late Keith Lockett, who was a playing member of the Pirates Club snd a prominent member of the tive team,

“In conclusion, we wish to place on record our thanks to the selectors of the various grades for their- untiring efforts and the efficient manner in which they carried out their arduous duties ; also to the timekeepers, Messrs Butler and Slyfield. A special tribute is due to the local Press for the publicity given to meeting and the reports on the different matches ; also to Mr Arnold, the ground attendant, who has been so energetic in his care of the union’s material.”

The report was adopted, and the meeting decided to adopt the balancesheet subject to audit.

Expenses Account.

Mr Silcock, in opening a discussion on the balance-sheet, pointed out that the excessive expenditure was principally due to the cost of entertainment and of travelling. In his opinion the union had done a little more travelling than was necessary. The gatemoney received from return visits of clubs travelled to would not cover expenses. He asked Mr Pennell whether the gate-money receipts were as itemised in the statement, a certain amount due to the parent body—he understood 20 per cent, of the receipts, to aid in sending a Thames Valley team on tour—not having been paid over. In particular Mr Silcock asked for information concerning the Waihi match on June 30, Piako on July 14, and one against Hauraki Plains.

Mr Allen replied that 10 per cent, of gate receipts was due to the Thames Valley Union, and that £3 12s was now owing. Mr .Silcock pointed out that the Paeroa Union itself and other unions had decided to create this fund.

In answer to a query Mr Marshall stated that the bank charges consisted of the usual 5s for keeping a current account and three cheque books at 4s each.

Mr J. Crosby mentioned that there had been a lot of talk about the Union’s expenses, and he suggested it would be advisable to go into the matter of £94 13s 6d paid for travelling expenses, so as to clear the air.

In answer to this Mr Pennell explained that heavy expenses had been incurred by sending teams to Morrinsville and Tauranga, which unions returned the visits ; an extra Waihi match, and the sending of third-grade teams to Thames and Te Aroha. In his opinion the Tauranga match should be an annual so as to bring the two towns together.

Mr Silcock, while agreeing that it was a very good idea, said that funds would not permit it. For matches outside of local ones it was up to the players to put their hands in their own pockets. Return matches with these teams certainly did not pay. Mr Eugene Shaw, although not in favour of the state of the balancesheet, maintained that the Paeroa Rugby Union was not the only one in trouble with its finances. The Thames Valley Union was in a difficult position, and the Paeroa union, as well as all the other unions, subscribed money to send them on tour. In his opinion restoration meant more money spent.

Mr J. Crosby thought that the debit balance of £9 14s lid was a comparatively trifling amount. When he was secretary he had found that there was just sufficient to carry on from one season to another. Perhaps a saving could be made by cutting out the visiting of neighbouring towns and cutting down the entertaining of teams. As for the Thames Valley Rugby Union, the Paeroa union must assist it even apart from the 10 per cent. Each sub-union should do as much as possible for the parent body. Going further into the balance-sheet, Mr Crosby asked why no mention of the proceeds of the social for Mrs Hodson had been made. How had the money been paid. The secretary replied that a crossed cheque for £4 7s had been sent to Mrs Hodson, made out payable to her. A crossed cheque for £l2 5s 3d had also been made out to order and sent direct to Mr H, Robinson at Auckland. Another £7 8s was now due to Mr Robinson. Mr Marshall remarked that it was a pity that any public function funds should not have been put through, the club funds. It was wiser to do so. As the balance-sheet had not been audited it was contrary to the rules that the meeting should attempt to adopt it. He had every reason to believe that the balance-sheet was in order. The present secretary had audited his predecessor’s books, but naturally he could not do his own—someone else must be appointed. In the meantime the annual report could be adopted, but not the balance-sheet.

Mr Marshall decried the “being a good fellow” business and running all over the country. The union must live within its means : it was not fair to spend otherwise, and it had to cut its coat according to the cloth and not spend more than could be afforded. At the same time Mr Pennell and his managing executive must be thanked for their boosting of the game, etc. Anent what Mr E. Shaw had said’ about restoration, Mr Marshall remarked that such a statement would make outsiders think that a lot of the entertaining money was for drinks. Mr J. M. Crosby rose to take exception to Mr Marshall’s last remark,’ and stated emphatically that the money spent was for meals and not for drinks ; whereupon Mr Marshall was careful in declaiming that what he had said about, restoration could have been interpreted in that light.

The Netherton Club.

For various reasons, the Netherton Club having been withdrawn, at least temporarily, it was decided to aid then in every way possible to a position whereby they could field a team. Mention was made of an increased number of football players now living in the Awaiti district, and the hope was expressed that perhaps a club could be formed there. Referee as a Member,

Mr Walmsley, in commenting on Mr E. Shaw’s proposal to act as a referee during the coming season, said h« did not consider it wise to

have a member of the union acting in that capacity.

Mr Shaw stated that if Hikutaia could get another representative he would sooner take the whistle. Mr Shand said he saw no reason why Mr Shaw could not carry on : it was quite legal. Sheep Nuisance on Ground.

Mr E. Shaw brought into discussion the question of sheep being allowed on the playing area too long. The ground was often in a filthy state, and visiting players had complained.

Mr Marshall informed the meeting that careful thought had been given to the subject. The unsatisfactory state due to sheep droppings was admitted, but it was difficult to find a remedy. To import a motor mower was out of the question. Of the last loan £7OO had been spent to make the playing fields, and it cost the ratepayers £2OO a year for upkeep. The Rugby Union paid only £l2 10s a year, while a little money was derived from the grazing of sheep thereon. He suggested as a remedy that the lessee of the grazing rights might be approached and asked to remove the sheep a week prior to representative matches. The field could then be harrowed and made into a fit state. At the same time Mr Marshall intimated that perhaps in the near future the union would find it better to use the new field across the river. It was well drained, and had sandy subsoil, added to which the stop-bank would provide an ideal grandstand. He pointed out that, into the bargain, it was a municipal reserve without restrictions. It was left to the committee to go into most of these questions. Election of Officers. Upon the proposal of Mr Pennell, seconded by Mr W. D. Nicholas, Mr Marshall was unanimously re-elected president of the club. Mr Marshall, in thanking the members, said that he had accepted the office in the first place ex-officio for the year as Mayor of Paeroa, hoping later to retire from that office also. He suggested that the president’s position should always be held by the Mayor of Paeroa. Mr Pennell did not agree. The union wanted Mr Marshall as president, not because he was Mayor but on account of the services he had rendered it. Mr Allen further emphasised the point by stating that in Mr Marshall it was not the Mayor, but the personal element that counted. Amid general acclammation Mr Marshall consented to continue in office and thanked the members for the honour. The" filling of the secretary’s office, rendered vacant by Mr Alien’s resignation, caused some difficulty. Eventually Mr Walmsley agreed to act pro tern without an assistant, but was agreeable to carrying on for the season if a paid secretary was appointed to assist him and do the outside work. This question was left to the committee, Mr Walmsley’s offer to act as secretary pro tern having been gladly accepted. Mr J. Crosby’s proposal that a secretary shared with the Thames Valley Union should be appointed at a,honorarium of £l5 15s a year found a certain amount, of support from Mr Silcock, but eventually it lapsed for want of a seconder.

On Mr J. Crosby asking when the season would open, it was decided to commence play on Saturday fortnight. Mr Marshall paid a fine tribute to the retiring chairman, Mr Pennell, who, he said, had put in a great deal of time and energy for'the union. The state of the finances in no way detracted from the good work Mr Pennell had done for the union.

Mr Marshall also proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring secretary, Mr Allen, who had stepped- into the breach and had very generously prepared the balance-sheet, etc. Mr Pennell, in returning thanks to Mr Marshall and the members, said that although he had left the town for Waihi he would remain with Paeroa, and hoped that when the union’s team came to Waihi it would take home the Poland Cup. In conclusion Mr Pennell made appreciative reference to all those who had helped him. Mr Allen, in returning thanks, said he remained always willing to assist the union in any way he could. The list of officers is as follows :—

Patron, Mr H. Poland ; president, Mi’ W. Marshall; vice-presidents, Mrs J. Corbett and Messrs, J. Brenan, M. Crosby, E. Edwards, A. P. Grant, W. D. Nicholas, E. Shaw, T. P. Vuglar, J. Walmsley, and J. Young ; secretary pro tern, Mr J. Walmsley ; Auditor, Mr G. E. Allen ; committee, Messrs H. Robinson and W. Neil (East Club), J. M. Crosby and L. E. Shaw (West Club), M. Crosby and E. Shaw (Suburbs Club). Representatives of the Pirates Club were absent, while Netherton and Karangahake have no clubs this year. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr W. Bain for the use of his rooms, and just prior to the conclusion of the meeting members stood a few moments in silence in tribute of the late Mr Keith Lockett.

The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Marshall.