Rugby Football.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 40, 6 April 1901, Page 21

Rugby Football.

Tho most remarkable thing at the annual meeting of the Rugby Union, on Saturday evening, was the number of last season's officers who were reelected. Only in one instance was an officer defeated who offered himself for re-election. This shows a healthy state of affairs, and is convincing proof that the delegates are satisfied with the management of the Union. Mr. Galbraith was honoured with a Vice-Presidency, but it is his intention to still retain his active connection with the Management Committee, and not become a mere figure-head. His services as chairman of the Management Committee deserved recognition at the hands of the delegates, and the gift of one of their honorary offices was one of the least things they could do. The President (Mr. J. P. Firth), Dr. A. K. Newman, Dr. P. James, and Mr. G. F. C. Campbell (Vice-Presidents), the Secretary (Mr. D. McKenzie), and the Treasurer (Mr. J. H. Pagm) were all re-elected. Messrs. J. T. King, A. J. Kellow, J. H. A. Laughton, and A. W. Stevens were re-elected to the Committee of Management, and Messrs. J. Murray, A. Campbell, and J. Pudney to the Senior Selection Committee. Messrs. G. C. Fache, N. Galbraith., and A. Campbell were re-elect>-ed as delegates to the New Zealand Union, Mr. D. McKenzie filling the vacancy caused by Mr. Coffey's retirement. The new blood on the Management Committee, caused through the retirement of Messrs. Coffey and Murray, and Mr. Galbraith's elevation to a VicePresidency, are Messrs. G. A. Hill, T. Brodie. and W. Beck. Mr. G. A. (Alec.) Hill (who, by the way, must not be confused with G. S. of that ilk, of Association football and swimming fame), has done good work in Wellington as the leading officer of the Oriental Club, and should prove a decided acquisition to the Committee. Mr. T. Brodie, of the representative three-quarter line, is a gentleman who has the entire confidence of the footballing public of Wellington, and, although perhaps a novice, should become a first-class committeeman. Mr. W. Beck, who did good work last season as the secretary of the Referees' Association, has had a long experience in connection with football matters — both as a player and as an executive officer — and may be relied on to keep the interests of Rugby football ever to the fore. The Committee last year was a good one, and performed its duties with an immense amount of satisfaction, but I am inclined to think that the delegates have got a stronger Committee together this season. A graceful compliment was paid Mr. W. Coffey in tendering him a hearty vote of thanks for his services to the Union and Rugby football in Wellington. That it was deserved, anyone who has had an intimate acquaintance with him in football matters such as I have can well bear testimony. The foremost thought in Mr. Coffey'b mind either in or out of season was Rugby football, and, from what I know of him, I feel convinced he has only transferred that interest from one part of New Zealand to the other. Mr. A. W. Stevens is returning in another week or two to Wellington, and the delegates have re-elected him to the Committee with that knowledge in their minds. The Kia Ora Club have also re-elected him their secretary. The Senior Selection Committee have established themselves in favour by the work they did last season, but in this connection I think more satisfaction would be given if Mr. Campbell devoted his attention solely to the work of the Committee, and left the refereeing alone. Practical experience has convinced me that to referee with any manner of success it is impossible to individualise the work done by any particular player, and, that being so, the two positions must clash if held by the one person. The daily papers made one or two trifling mistakes in their reports, which, perhaps, are excusable. The "Times" misprinted Mr. Hill's initials, and stated that tho letter from the Refereet>'

Association was referred to the Management Committee. This was not so, the meeting deciding to forward the letter on as requested. The "Post" stated that it was decided to write to the Registrar of Unclassified Societies as to whether the secretary and treasurer should be honorary or paid officers. The motion to this effect was lost, but Mr. Grant said, he would write privately for the information. The "Post" also omitted Mr. Stevens' name from the members of the Management Committee. Mr. G. H. Dixon, the Secretary of the Auckland Union, was proposed for a seat on the Management Committee, but declined nomination. Mr. Dixon tells me he will not take any office yet awhile in connection with football in Wellington, business reasons being the main cause. The letter from the Referees' Association to the Athletic Park Company was a request for passes to the Park for all its active members, but, till the decision of the company is made known, I will not comment on the matter. A move was made against the grounds at Butler's Paddock being used this season for junior matches. It is, no doubt, a bit hard on the juniors to have to travel out of town so much, but still it would prevent the country teams competing in the championships if they had to journey into town every week. There is one point, however, that the executive of the country clubs should attend to, and that is having the touch and goal lines distinctly marked. The spectators then could be kept well clear of the ground, and the main cause of complaint would thus be removed. Mr. Meredith has been approved of as the manager of the Wellington Club team that travels to Christchurch at Easter. Mr. D. McKenzie will act as referee in the Petone-Addmgton railway workshops match, to be played at Petone on Saturday. The suburban team intend entertaining their visitors at a dinner in the evening, and a drive is on the boards for Sunday. I have to thank Mr. Arthur O'Connell, the secretary, for an invitation to both events. The Oriental Club journey to Levin during the holidays. The match between the Oriental and Wellington Easter teams last Saturday ended in a win for the latter by 13 points to 10. Some good form was shown by players on both sides, the play of Callender at full-back for Oriental being especially good. Mr. Katterns had the whistle, and pleased both teams.