SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32421, 21 April 1944, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

PAEROA RUGBY UNION REVIEW BY THE CHAIRMAN PROBLEMS FACING THE SPORT “We have to report another successful year for football for 1943, both from the good standard of football provided and also from the financial position shown,’’read the annual report of the chairman Mr D. G. McMillan to Monday night’s meeting of the Paeroa Rugby Football Union The report continued: “Owing to the depletion of from our town and district, chiefly due to players joining the armed forces, it was not possible to stage club competitions. An arrangement, which worked very well, was made with Te Aroha to play home and home matches. “Our junior team did very wed, losing only two matches during the year and winning the coveted Johnston Cup, defending it successfully against strong opposition from Thames, Waihi and Te Aroha. “Our thirds did not do quite so well in winning matches, but they had very strong teams from Te Aroha to play against and they gave a very good account of themselves.”

Financial Position “Our credit balance for 1942 stood at £ll-10-4, and for 1943 we show a credit balance of £27-2-7, a very credit able position due mainly to our treasurer, Mr R. L. Darley. Our Insurance Fund made a further gain of £lO-3-0' for the year, making a total of £35-7-3 to our credit in the bank and also £2O in the 3rd. Liberty Loan. It will be for the incoming committee to say whether a further sum should be put on a fixed deposit.

“It is with extreme regret that we have to report the departure from this town of Mr- H. McGregor who was our very efficient secretary and referee. Although we are very pleased with his promotion to Auckland, this town is definintely poorer for his go--ing. We offer him our congratulations and best wishes on his promotion.” Policy This Season “Just what will be the best method of carrying on the game in the coming year is as yet uncertain but we suggest if possible we carry on, with last year’s arrangements, that of home and home matches, which should suit both the players and the public. “Many of the players are still on active service and many will be going when their time comes. What our boys achieved on the field of battle is now famous history and we in Paeroa share with the rest of 'New Zealand in the glory of their achievements. Paeroa football boys were in all the toughest and hardest fights. We are all very proud of them. Some of our players have made the supreme sacrifice and many have been wounded and disabled and returned home. To the relatives and friends of those who gave their lives we offer our deepest sympathy and to those who have returned we extend a sincere welcome home and the hope that they will be soon restored to good health once more. St. John Thanked “We extend our sincere thanks to St. John Ambulance for services rendered at all times on the field of play and we suggest to the incoming committee that a sum of £2 2s be paid’ to them out of the insurance fund. “We also extend our best thanks to one of our selectors, Mr W. Faber, who also gave valuable service coaching all the players. “In conclusion we wish to thank the Hauraki Plains Gazette for the fine publicity given to rugby at all times. “The committe wishes a very successful season for 1944 and asks all players and supporters to give of their best to carry on the good old game until peace reigns once more.”