RUGBY FOOTBALL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 494, 30 March 1933, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

ROTORUA SUB-UNION ' GOOD ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING •OFFICERS FOR ENSUING YEAR A good attendance of delegates and members of clubs was present at the annual general meeting of the Rotorua Rugby sub-union held in St. Luke's Hall last evening. The president, Mr. T. S. Robertson, presided. The annual report and balance sheet was read and adopted, Mr. A. G. Holland congratulating the committee on the fact that for the first time in eight years a credit balance was disclosed. The following officers were elected 'for the ensuing year. — Patron, Mr. W. Galbraith; president, Mr. T. S. Robertson; * vice-presidents, Colonel E. G. Fraser, Messrs. A. G. Holland, A. Walden, D. W. Steele, A. de Luen and H. W. Fuller; hon. auditor, Mr. J. W. Webber; hon. surgeons, Drs. Bertram", Wallis, Hay and Dorset; hon. sec., Mr. W. S. Henderson, executive committee, M. Henderson, H. Rogers, A. G. Cottrell, J. Windeler, vT.-Anderson, L. Dixon. Member of executive on referees'- appointment board, Mr. A. G. Cottrell. When the question of selectors for 'the coming season was introduced Mr. R. G. Webb moved that sole selectors for the senior and junior grades be elected. Mr. L. Clarke introduced an amendment that three selectors be 'appointed to select both senior and 'junior grades. Raising a point of order, Mr. W. G. Harwood said that they were only concerned at that juncture with the appointment of selectors and that the system of selection of the junior grades could be decided later. The point of order was upheld by the chairman and the mover of the amendment withdrew the section of his motion ref erring to junior grades. Not a Success. Mr. T. Anderson said that the system of a selection committee had not proved a success in the past, but on the contrary pointed out that under the system of sole selectors more success had been achieved by representative teams. The amendment was carried by a small margin, and Messrs. N. McRae, H. Rogers and S. Emery were elected 'senior selectors.

After a motion by Mr. R. G. Webb that a sole selector be appointed for the junior grades had been carried a ballot elected Mr. J. Windeler to the position. It was decided to open the season on April 22. The question of insurance of players was left in the hands of the committee, Mr. P. Taiapa suggesting as a. recommendation to the committee, that a definite tax be placed on each club towards the administration of such a scheme. Discussing weights for junior grades, Mr. Taiapa suggested that the grade be open, pointing out that it was not weights but skill which de'cided a senior player. The president suggested that the better way would be to have four senior, four open junior teams and the others limited to a certain weight. Mr. Harwood suggested that an intermediate senior grade be introduced with a weight limit of 12st 71bs. This would provide for those who were not of the standard expected of senior teams. ■ A motion that the executive committee consider the limiting of the senior and junior grades and start a third grade competition was carried. Mr. R. G. Webb recommended to the incoming committee that the number of representative teams sent away from Rotorua be seriously restricted, pointing out that over £50 had been expended in travelling expenses during the past season, against a return of £10 from outside gate receipts. President's Report The following report on the 1932 season was presented by the president: "I have the honour to report on the activities of the Rotorua Rugby Union for the season 1932. After con'siderable delay and expense affiliation with the Waikato was finally granted. The representatives' efforts for the major Waikato trophies, the Peace Cup and the Finlay Cup were unsuccessful, the team being beaten decisively on both occasions. In all, eight senior representative matches were played, two being won and six lost. The two junior matches were excellent contests, one being drawn and one.lost. The senior championship was won by Whaka, and the Mitchell Shield knock-out for seniors was won by ... Rotoiti. The junior championship was won by Kahukura and the third grade by Old Boys B. I take this opportuntity of express■ing the union's appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Arawa Tribal Team and also of the co'nsideration received from the Arawa Park Domain Board. "This year the union commences Hhe season with a small credit balance which is quite creditable in view of the heavy expenses in connection with the secession from the Bay of Plenty and the outstanding liabilities amounting to £17 10s owing' since 1928 season, which have been discharged. Application has been made to the Minister of Internal Affairs for 'participation in an art union for the encouragement of Rugby football in this district. "I would like to recommend the advisability of reducing the number of senior teams to four, junior to six, and the running of a third grade competition. If some of the clubs were to combine it would assist materially, and by so doing I consider that the standard of play would be considerably improved. Club com- ' mittees should pay a great deal more attention to their teams and also ap~ point a keen delegate who will attent management meetings fegularly. I would advise the chosen representatives to take the.&ame seriously and 'train hard. "On behalf of my exeeutive I have 'to thank all officials and supporters who helped to mahe the 1932 season a success."