HOCKEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 117, 16 April 1940, Page 12

HOCKEY

MANAWATU ASSOCIATION. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual meeting of tlie Afanawatu Hockey Association was held last evening, Air IV. 11. AVilson. presiding. Reference to the qualities of the late Prime Minister was made by the chairman and tho gathering stood in silence as a mark of respect. In moving the adoption of tho report and balance-sheet, the chairman of the executive (Air L. Alartin) spoke eulogistically of tho work of the president, the grounds committee (Alessrs D. Wilton, AA 7 . Gough and J. D. AlcDonalcl) and the secretary (Air R. A. Brace). In congratulating the association on a successful year, Sir It. L. C. Aitchison paid a tribute to those who had the foresight to build up the trust account. The association was able to afford relief in fees as well as earn income from the trust funds. The more junior members there were the better would become tlie standard of play. The insurance account, for which Air AATIson deserved credit, was the envy of every association in New Zealand. He would like to see the account reach £2OO before the benefits were increased. The election of officers resulted; Patron, Air A. J. Graham; president, Afr AV 7 . H. AVilson ; chairman of executive, Air L. Alartin; vice-presidents, Alessrs R. L. C. Aitchison. A. E- Alansford, AV. J. Fitzgerald, K. N. Struthors, F. AlcLaehlain, E. 11. Smith and Professor G. S. Peren; vice-president on New Zealand Hockey Association. Afr AA’ilson; delegate to New Zealand Association. Air C. Rogers; lion, auditor, Air K. S. Glendinning; lion, secretary-treasurer. Air R. A. Brace. AIEAIBERS AVITH FORCES.

In returning thanks following llis reelection, the president mentioned that the association was proud of those members who had joined tlie forces. It was the first occasion ior many years that Mr \V. J. Fitzgerald, who was serving overseas, was not present; the speaker understood that he had joined a hockey team among the troops in Egypt. Afr AVilson referred to various proposals aimed at improving the game and maintaining membership despite depletion owing to tho war. Ho also detailed steps taken to encourage the sport among schoolboys. Sticks had been supplied to Standard 4 Iwys, so that when the Intermediate School started there would he an opportunity for hockey to he a recognised game there. It had been impossible to obtain imported sticks owing to the import restrictions, and this was a serious matter. AA’hilc one department of the Government fostered sport another placed an obstacle in the way. He expressed thanks for the association’s appreciation of his stewardship. Tho trophies won during the season were presented by the president as follow: —Women’s championship (Goss Cup). Broad wav Gold; men’s senior A championship (Dawick Shield), United; men’s senior B championship (Cleaver Cup). Broadway; juiror championship (Do Luen Cup). AAoodvillo; •senior A scaled handicap (Alania ger’s Clip), United; senior B sealed handicap (AValk-Inn Cup), High School; junior sealed handicap (Aitchison Cup). United. PROPOSED AIR FORCE TEAAI. Corporal H. H. Hickey, representing the Ohakea Air Station, stated that a team was desirous of joining the association’s competition. It would he able to visit Palmerston North regularlv for matches.

Tho president said the matter was raised at the last executive meeting. The Air Station was in the Feilding hockey district, but lie understood the hockey players were anxious to travel to Palmerston North with the football team and thus save expense. Every facility should be afforded the airmen to join, and members would agree that no fees be charged them. AVliilo no friction was desired with the Feilding Association, it was considered Feilding should waive any claim it might have for Ohakea to be in its territory. Air Aitchison moved that a delegation of three wait on the Feilding Association and discuss (1) a suggestion that the Feilding Association combine with the Manawatu for the duration of the war, and (2V. failing an agreement, that the Feilding Association waive its territorial rights regarding the Air Force team and allow them to play in the Afanawatu district. After some discussion in which some delegates expressed concern at the proposal to join forces with Feilding, Air Brace outlined tentative discussions with Feilding and stated that in the event of Feilding refusing permission for Ohakea to play in the Manawatu, authority would have to be. sought from the New Zealand Association. Afr Aitchison emphasised that the question of finance should not arise. Tt was highly desirable to strengthen hockey during tho war, and that was the object of the motion. An amendment to delete tho first portion of the motion was lost and the motion was carried. A lengthy discussion arose on a motion submitted by the Broadwood Club that the rules be amended so that players he eligible to act as delegates on the association’s executive. Air L. A 7. AVinks, in introducing the motion, emphasised that it was desired that clubs should have the option of appointing playing delegates. He . referred Io instances where suggestions advanced by the clubs had been shelved bv the executive. Tho motion was' lost on the casting vote of the chairman. Al> AVinks, in bringing forward a motion that Alanawatu apply to be regraded as a minor association, referred to defeats which appeared last season and the need for curtailing travelling. He considered hockey had deteriorated in this district and a more interesting season would he experienced as a minor association. Several members considered tho move would be a retrograde one and that the results of representative - matches were not conclusive. Mr H. Hoare considered the way to improve the standard was to play better teams. The chairman considered no advantage was to bo gained by becoming a minor association. The motion was lost. The insurance fee for players was fixed at 2s,'as previously. It was decided to recommend to the incoming executive that the accident benefit be increased from £3 3s to £4 4s. It was decided to open the season on April 27 with an open cleven-a-side tournament. The club competitions are to open on May 4. A recommendation that a sole selector bo appointed was adopted. The meeting decided that trophies be presented two weeks after the end: of the playing season. I A resolution was passed that the association forward a letter conveying best wishes to members serving with the forces, also a copy of the annual , report. j

A blue rose is the p;oal of chemistry experts at Cornell University, who are i now working to produce colour changes) in flowers.