RUGBY MERGER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 124, 29 April 1925, Page 5

RUGBY MERGER.

HOROWHENUA AND MANAWATU. OBSTACLES TO SUCCESS. The proposal of tho Horowhenua Rugby Union to amalgamate in regard to representative matches with the Manawatu Union was carried forward a further step at last night’s meeting of tho management committee of the Manawatu Union.

The subject was introduced in a letter from the Horowhenua Union advising that it was desirous of meeting the Manawatu Union to consider the question of an amalgamation of the two unions for representative fixture purposes. The chairman, Mr A. Hannay, mentioned that it had been the intention of a deputation of four members from the southern body to meet a similar number from the local union that evening, but he had advised Horowhenua that he would prefer that the matter bo held over pending the meeting of his union. He invited an expression of opinion from the members on the matter. Mr C. W. White set the ball rolling by remarking that it appeared to him that the Horowhenua Union was under a misapprehension as to the monetary assistance gained by the Manawatu Union in the big matches where the assistance of the Horowhenua players had been sought. Mr Lyon: If the proposal to amalgamate is discussed tho various aspects will require careful consideration. Mr Pagan: On the face of the proposal, if the published account reveals the true position, it is impossible to entertain it. Is it not so that, if the representative teams want to come in. together, the unions must he amalgamated V If four members from each union bo appointed to meet and discuss the subject, they could bring down definite proposals. Tho chairman mentioned that Mr Moynihan, one of the delegates from the Horowhenua Union, had called on him on Sunday, and had explained the mooted amalgamation. The proposal had been that the respective districts be ternled sub-unions with a metropolitan union governing the whole. Further, that 50 per cent, of the gate moneys go to the main union and tho other 50 per cent, to the sub-unions; representative matches to he played in the ratio of two in Palmerston North to every one iri Horowhenua. It would be better, added the speaker, that a committee be appointed and concrete proposals drawn up. Mr Faire explained that he had been a member of the original deputation which had waited on the Horowhenua Union to consider the question of amalgamation and at that time the deputation had had in mind one big union. Manawatu was the stronger union, added the speaker, and from the point of view of the future should possess the balance of power. It might, nevertheless, lie possible for a scheme to be devised whereby the two unions could b considered ltugby districts, each to play under its own rules, and to control and promote football in its respective area. Such a scheme would probably prove less cumbersome than the proposed one. The objection amalgamation was the sacrificing ot a number of representative games, while the funds would go to the main body, with the result that this'union would have to depend on club gates for its revenue. It would certainly mean better representative teams and gates and, if arrangements could be made for the disposal of the surplus funds of the main union, ho would not hesitate to enter into it. They would, however, be making the greater sacrifice and it would bo only right that they have the preponderance of power on the controlling body, such to be estimated on the basis of affiliated players on the books of the two unions.

Air White: While I hold practically the same viewß as Air Fnire, I am not agreeable to the SU-50 basis. So far as the representative team, which would Result, is concerned, it would be equal to any of the four main centres, and if Horowhenua would be agreeable to the amended conditions, then I think we should meet them. Mr Crawford: Would they come in as a sub-union P The chairman: No, I don’t think so.

Air Faire: If football i 3 to be. imE roved it would not be advisable to o too parochial, but I am not prepared for this union to sacrifice too much. The chairman stated that he was informed quite candidly that the Horowhenua Union would be prepared to make reasonable concessions to enable an amalgamation to be arrived at.

Air Wardrop finally moved, and it was seconded by Air Lyon, that a committee consisting of Messrs Hannay, Faire, White and Pagan meet the Horowhenua delegates next Tuesday evening to enable the position to bo clearly defined and to Bring down a report at the following meeting of the union.

When put to the meeting the motion was carried unanimously.