FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3765, 4 May 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

The following is the Secretary’s report to be presented to the SubUnion Committee to-night:—lt is my displeasure to report a deficiency of is on the Sub-Union’s working for the 1906 season. However, this unsatisfactory fact is due to the cost of the Sub-Union Ball odd), which, though a social success, did not receive the support it merited from outside club members. Regarding finance, I am of opinion that the Sub-Union should endeavour to lease some other ground in Foxton, as the opportunities afforded of obtaining admittance to the racecourse will not favourably tend to the best interests of the Sub-Union’s finance. Gate money should materially increase on a ground elsewhere ; besides, your officials would have mgre power on the ground than at present. It is with regret I have to record the death of our late Chairman (Mr H. Austin), which occurred during the off season.

The thanks of the Union is due to all those who aided the SubUnion by financial donations, and especially to Mrs H. Austin for the presentation of the handsome senior competition banner; to Messrs Coley, Watchorn and Stiles, and E. A. Coley for competition cups ; to Messrs E. Wilson, A. Eaing, W. Howan, J. Gillespie, E. Nash, A. Shadbolt, and others, for medals, etc. The sports and concert were again popular, and proved a fitting finale to the season.

As to the game itselt, Sandon proved victors in the senior contest, though the concluding matches were interesting. Awahou won the runner-up cup, after an interesting contest with Huia. In the junior contest Sandon eventually won from Albions; unfortunately, disputes arising between these two clubs throughout the season, caused the competitions much delay, but I am of opinion that the rule now in force—that playing members be debarred from acting on management committee — will tend to considerably minimise troubles of this nature in the future. That our standard of football is progressing is proved by the close games our boys put up against both Manawatu and Horowhenua, and with Bulls doing battle this year, the quality should further enhance. Much has been said of the definition of the districts, as it is likely to affect Foxton, but nothing, can be done until the annual meeting of the N.Z. R.U., when Foxton Sub-Union may be wise to urge that their district remain as a SubUnion of Manawatu as at present. This could be done through the agency of the Manawatu delegates present at the New Zealand Rugby Union meeting. A good suggestion has been put forth that Foxton Sub-Union form an insurance fund of its own, which seems feasible, and which could be accomplished without difficulty, if all players were compelled to join the scheme and clubs compelled to contribute. With the possibility of five teams competing for the Austin Banner, and three for the Junior Championship, there is to reason why a very successful year’s work should not be recorded for 1907. baeance-sheet. Receipts.—Donations, £4 108 6d; affiliation fees, £\2 12s ; gate receipts (Foxton) 10s, (Oroua Bridge) £2 9s 6d, (Sandon) £5 los 6d ; concert and sports profits, £g 6s 6d ; total 19s. Expenditure.—Petty cash, £$ 8s gd ; trip to Palmerston, £7 6d ; to Eevin, £7 3s 3d ; Manawatu Reps, entertained (at Foxton) £6 3s, (at Eevin) £6 17s 6d ; ordinary expenses, affiliation fees, jerseys, medical, printing and advertising, and gatekeeper, 4s ; loss from ball, £ls 7s ; referee’s expenses,