FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9123, 16 April 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

RANGITIKEI RUGBY UNION

The annual meeting was held last evening; Present: —Messrs S. J. Gibbous (President), A. Way, J. A. Pawsou and Rev. Father Molloy (Marton), H. A. Thompson and B. Warner (Huuterville), W. Saunders (Rata), A. Nicholson and O. Binkley (Bulls), H. Broome and H. Martin (Fire Brigade Club). The report was read as follows: —

Gentlemen—Your committee have pleasure in submittug a report for 1907 football in Rangitikei Union last season. It was decided eaily in the year to frame a set of by-laws to govern cup contests. This was a step in the right direction and removed many difficulties which hitherto existed. The appointment of referees was also left to the management committee, consisting of members who had no direct connection with any particular club. The contest for the Senior Championship was keenly fought out between Hunterville and Bulls, the former winning by 9 points to 3. The Marton Club found it necessary to withdraw, which was to be regretted. In the Junior contest the Rata Club put up a big performance, winning all their matches. The Marton 111 again won the cup, which now becomes their own property. As it was discovered that Bulls Juniors had won the Junior Cup right out the previous year a subscription was started by Mr Pawsou, who was successful in collecting sufficient funds towards purchasing a shield. The money was subscribed by officials of the Union and the order for the shield should now be completed.” Opportunity will be taken of making the presentation - in a suitable form. For the third class contest this year, a shield has been donated by Mr H. Broome, and the thanks of the committee are due to him for his generous offer. Last year the conference of delegates to the N. Z. Union brought down a recommendation that with a view to the encouragement of Rugby in primary schools, the Union give a grant towards this object. The Rangitikei Union thought the proposition a most important one, as bearing on the future of the game, and applied to Wanganui Union for a portion of the vote. A sum of £3 was allocated, and it was decided to present the winners with an enlarged framed photo of the team. Representative matches were played against Waugaauui at Wanganui and,Bulls. In each match Rangitikei suffered defeat. Tiie Wanganui Juniors played Baugitikei and were defeated by 18 points to 12. A representative game was played against Horowheuua, at Manakau, and again Rangitikei suffered defeat, and a loss in travelling expenses—to the extent of £7 18s. During the season Mr Mace Walters generously handed to the Union a set of maroon and ‘white jerseys, which have been kept for representative matches. Your committee is indebted ;to the referees for their capable services and it is pleasing to note they gave general satisfaction. The insurance scheme worked satis factorily, and the committee recommend continuing same on similar lines. As there is every prospect of a record football season in Rangitikei this year it is hoped existing liabilities will be paid off. Your committee in conclusion desire to congratulate the winning teams in last year’s contests. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs Mace Walters and H. Broome for their donations to the Union. The following teams were nominated ; Marton Fire Brigade “Excelsiors” (senior), Hunterville (senior and junior), Marton (senior and junior), Rata (junior). The Turakina Club has not yet entered. Officers were elected as follows: — Patron, Mr John Stevens, M.P. ; President, Mr S. J. Gibbons ; Vice-presi-dents, Messrs A. Paterson and W. F. G. Levin (Marton), H. McManaway and J. G. Barthorp (Hunterville), O. H. E. Rhodes and J. B. Pybus (Rata), L. McKelvie and T. Nolan (Bulls) and J. H. McDonald and A. Williams (Marton Fire Brigade dub). , t . Mr H. H. Hunt was re-elected Secretary and appreciation of pastservices was recorded. A ballot was taken for the election of a management committee, and resulted as follows:—Rev. Father Molloy, H. W. Saunders, C. Hinkley, A. Parkes, A. Way, H. Martin and J. A. Pavvsou. Mr Mountfort (Wanganui), was appointed delegate to the Wanganui Union. The question of giving power to schoolmasters interested in the school football competition to form a sub-committee to control the management, was favourably discussed. The matter was left with Mr A. Train to deal with and report to the management committee. Mr A. Nicholson announced that a silver cup had been presented by Mr Thomas Cameron, for a eeveu-a-side football tournament, to be played at Bulls. —The donation was accepted wth thanks. Messrs J. A. Pawson, O. E. Gibbous and A. Parkes were appointed a selection committee for representative matches,. The question of delegating the power to the Referees’ Association to appoint referees for all matches, was brought forward by Mr H. Broome. It was pointed out that the rules governing cup contests provided that all referees must be appointed by the management committee. Mr Broome announced his intention of giving notice of motion to alter this rule.

It was ■ decided to continue the Union insurance scheme, the secretaries of various Clubs to be requested to collect fees as soon as possible. It was decided that the management committee meet at an early date to arrange fixtures so that matches may be commenced soon after the Easter holidays. Per Press Association. Auckland, April 16. Auckland Rugby Union, replying to an invitation from Wanganui, sattes that as the Union is not sending a team to Taranaki, it will be unable to visit Wanganui. Press ' Association—Copyright. 2 Received AprilpG, 10.55 a. m. Sydney, April 16. T The New Zealand football team will play at Newcastle on the 23nd and 25th, Now South Wales at Sydney on May 2nd, 6th and Bth ; Queensland at Brisbane, on 16th, 30tli and 20rd ; Australia at Sydney on June 6th.