THE AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL.

Shannon News, 18 July 1922, Page 3

THE AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL.

MANAWATU DELEGATES VISIT

LEVIN

On Wednesday night Messrs. A. M. Ongley, C. W. While, A. Fair, J. Devine and J. B. Proud, of the Manawatu Rugby Union, visited Levin and met the Horowhenua Union to discuss the amalgamation proposal of the two unions. The Horowhenua delegates were Messrs. E. J. Nash, W. Bevan, W. Thomson, M. Winiata L. S. Carmichael and Father Vibaud. Mr Nash preided. Mr. Ongley addressed the meeting, and said that under the amalgamation there would be no question of Horowhenua losing any of its matches, and there was the adavntage of the combined Union getting matches with larger outside unions than was the case now. The junior matches could go on as now, and a match could be plaeyd each year between the northern and southern portions of the combined districts. If the amalgamation were agred to, would be coming in with a more financial Union. The great adavntage, however, was the combined team would get matches with larger Unions, and he pointed to the increased public interest in the game in Palmerston North after the two combined matches there last year. After those matches interest waned again. Another advantage! to Horowhenua was that it would get a percentage of the gate of combined rep. games played ih Levin. Th Manawatu Union had £6OO to put to the credit of the combined Unions.

Replying to questions, Mr Ongley said the question of headquarters would have to be discussed. . He thought an executive should be lormed and meet in Palmerston. If une amalgamation were agreed to he considered the rep. team would tour south next season. The executive ol the Union would he appointed by the clubs in the two districts.

Replying to Mr Thomson, Mr Ongley said all the receipts in the two districts would go into a'common fund, and the expenses would also come out of a common fund.

The chairman said he was in accord with the proposal, the only question being the location of the rep. matches.

Mr Thomson said under the scheme this district would get matches that it had no hope of getting uncler ordinary conditions. Horownenua, however, would still be able to play Jts Bebhington Shield and other ordinary rep. matches.

Mr Ongley said that, under the amalgamation, Manawatu would not undertake many rep. matches outside the.-.combined matches.

Mr Winiata considered that the combined scheme would give greater chances lor local players getting into big football than now. In reply to the chairman, Mr Proud said the combined team would probably get six rep. matches next season, possibly eight. Cup' competitions would go on just the same when the combined team went on tour. Mr Thomson suggested that the Manawatu Union put their offer on paper, and the Managament Committee could lay r it before its clubs. > The chairman said the objections from this Union would be in regard to the name of the combined Union, and the proportion of rep. games to he played here. Manawatu suggested having two rep. games to Horowhenua’s one.

HOROWHENUA SUGGESTIONS. Alter further discussion the Horowhcima delegates submitted the fol-lowing-proposals'to Manawatu:— That the name of the combined Union be Manawatu-Horowhenua. That the allocation of combined rep. games he two in the / nortli (Palmerston) to one in Horowhenua.

The adoption of a similar insurance scheme in Manawatu and Horowhenua.

That the annual general meeting ot all delegates to be held in Palmerston North and Levin alternately. That all finances be pooled, and that each Union have an imprest account.

Each division to control its own Cup matches as at present, the winner of each division to play off in the north and south alternately.