RUGBY MERGER.

Shannon News, 1 May 1925, Page 1

RUGBY MERGER.

MANAWATU KEEN FOR ONE BIG UNION.

The Horowhenua Rugby Union, without, submitting definite proposals, notified the Manawatu Union at its meeting on Tuesday of a desir e to meet it regarding an amalgamation of representative teams, Horowhenua briefly suggested that as a basis of discussion and that four delegates from each union confer under the presidency of an independent chairman. '

Mr. Lyon was of opinion that if amalgamation in the proper sense be intended, the Union should seriously consider the matter.

Mr. Pagan said that the proposal was impracticable. Representative teams could not be amalgamated without a Joining-up of the unions as a separate entry. The chairman explained that he gathered from Horowhenua that they were prepared to meet any reasonable proposals put forward by the Manawatu Union to cover amalgamation and the formation of one big union. It was such a scheme that made Rugby in Taranaki and Hawke's Bay.

'Mr. Faire stated that the potentialities were greater in the Manawatu and Rugby was certain to progress more rapidly here and he outlined a scheme of control were amalgamation to be decided upon. He could see no objection to the one big union scheme, except for the sacrificing of all rep games to go into the controlling fund. On the other hand, there would be better .football, better gates and the combined team would eventually be capable of holding its own with the best provincial sides in New; Zealand Regarding representation, Mr. Faire thought Manawatu should have a preponderance consistent with its present strength. This union should have a definite idea of what it intended when the Horowhenua delegates came down with their proposals. Mr White supported Mr. Faire and said he quite believed that the combined fifteen would be equal to any side put.-in the field by any of the major unions.

Mr. Faire had a copy of the proposals put before Horowhenua a couple of seasons ago/ Manawatu's* ideas of a governing body were not acceptable to Horowhenua and no progress could bo made.

Mr. Wardrop thought the Union was beating about 1 ho. bush and suggested a sub-committee consisting of the chairman, Messrs. Faire, Pagan and White be appointed to meet the Horowhenua four and bring down a report to the Union.

Mr. Crawford said the only practicable solution was for Horowhenua to come in as a sub-union.

'Mr. Lyon was emphatic that unless straight-out amalgamation were involved, the proposal was not favourable to Manawatu.

The chairman was of opinion that the suggested sub-committee had a pretty fair idea of what Manawatu wanted and could meet the Horowhenua delegates with a definite counter-proposal.

Mr. Faire said it was necessary to approach the question with an open mind and Manawatu would not have to take too parochial a view of the matter.

A. motion was then carried that the four members named meet the Horowhenua delegates and report to the Manawatu Union.