HOROWHENUA RUGBY UNION

Shannon News, 24 April 1925, Page 2

HOROWHENUA RUGBY UNION

FAVOURS PROPOSAL. FOR REP. MATCHES ONLY. The question of amalgamation of the Horowhenua Rugby Union with Manawatu, for the piirpose of playing rep. games, was discussed ' at the annual meeting of tlie Rugby Union on Monday evening, when after a lengthy discussion it was decided that it was in the best interests of both Unions that such amalgamation take place. The question of representation was the only ■point at issue. The notice of motion advocating the amalgamation, which was moved by the Shannon Club, was as follows: — “That in view of the fact that the Horowhenua Rugby Union being neither financially nor individually strong enough to warrant the playing of first-grade unions with a reasonable ■hope of being recognised as a firstgrade union, that a special committee be set up to confer with the Manawatu Rugby Union with a view of amalgamating with that body for all representative matches, and such finances gained from these matches be placed in a separate fund and operated upon by a special committee for the expenses of representative fixtures either at home or on tour, each Union to have equal representation on such committee. ’ ’

Mr. Moynihan speaking in support of this motion said that as soon as a big visiting team came along, Mrnnawatu called on Horowhenua to help them, grabbed all their good players, took the “gate,” and paid Homwlionua’s expenses, with the result that Horowlienua got neither credit nor money out of the business. He suggested that a small committee be set up to go into this matter'. Regarding rep. matches the suggestion of Shannon was that these should be played at the rate of two in Palanerston North and one in Horowhenua. AH big games would naturally be played in Palmerston North. Both Uhions should retain their separate indiyiduality except in the case of uniting, to play big visiting ■teams, or for touring. At present Horowhenua could not hope to get big matches. They might have excellent players, but these never got a chance to appear in big football. He had discussed the matter with Mr. Hannay, the secretary of the Manawatu Union, •who had stated that they, in that Union, were anxious to work in with Horowhenua, and would be prepared to allow them a 50-50 basis. A big game ■like the All Blacks match would possibly bring in a couple of hundred •pounds to the Union, which would be a god-send. At present Horowhenua helped Manawatu in these mutches and got nothing out of it at ail. Mr. Robei'tshaw supported Mr. Moynihan’s statement and suggested that a meeting of two or- three delegates from each Union should meet and discuss the matter fully. In order that ■there should be no difficulty about the preponderance of voting-power as the result of the chairman being elected from either one Union or another he would suggest that the gentleman should be elected from an outside body. The secretary stated that rtwo years ago, Mana'watu had approached them with a sheaf of proposals, but nothing on paper. Nothing had conic of this as there was nothing binding on Manawatu. He suggested that the meeting do something more definite and decide exactly what they wanted, set up a delegation, and give them a free hand. The proposal of the Manawatu Union was that they should amalgamate for rep. matches, the Manawatu Union to put all rep. match monies into a common fund, and Horowhenua to take all profits from matches played in the Horowhenua. This looked all right until they found that according to the representation allowed, Horowhenua would be hopelessly outvoted. They would also lose their position on the N.Z. Rugby Union, which was of the Greatest importance to a country Union. 'He agreed that it would bo a good 'thing to amalgamate, but they must see that proper safeguards were imposed. The chairman said that the important point was that the Unions should ; both have equal representation. Mr. 11. McDonald urged amalgamation, provided reasonable terms could be secured, even if representation were not equal. The motion avus carried.

Messrs Moyniluan, Hubert.slut \v, Hi aimer and the secretary, were elected to represent the Horowhenua Union, with power to conclude arrangements- provided equal representation were Secured.