N.Z.'S NATIONAL GAME.

Shannon News, 29 March 1927, Page 4

N.Z.'S NATIONAL GAME.

LAST SEASON IN HOROWHENUA REVIEWED. BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR COMING YEAR. The second annual meeting of the combined Manawatu - Horowhenut, took place last week when the followin report was presented:— ;'The committee has the pleasure District Rugby Council delegates will of again congratulating the District Councils and players on the fact that Rugby mantains its pre-eminent position as the popular winter pastime of the District. The season under re-, view has been, in all respects, the most .successful that the' Union has enjoyed; the standard of play throughout the district has showed -a marked improvement in all grades, with the result that a representative team was fielded that has made a name for itcelf in Rugby. The representative team had a successful tour to Eltham and ' Wanganui, whilst the most important match of the season was against the redoubtable Hawke's Bay fifteen and resulted in a draw—a most creditable performance, one that any Union in the Dominion would be justly prous of. "The method of assembling the team for training and coaching a few days prior to the match was resorted to during the past season and the results obtained should be sufficient encouragement to be continued with in the future. The results of the representative games played were as follow: —v Taranaki at Eltham, won B—6;8 —6; v Wanganui at Wanganui, won 11—3; v Hawke's Bay at Palmerston North drawn 14—14; v Wellington at Palmerston North, won 17 —16. "The annual Te Mori Rose Bowl match between the North and South Island Maoris was played -at Palmerston North jutt prior to the final selection of the Maori team to tour France and England. Finance,

The financial position of the Union is sound, notwithstanding the fact that the representative team had been on tour. With careful nursing the funds of the Union should be strong enough to permit the sending of a team on a tour to tho South Island during the 1928 season." Insurance

"At the present time the Union has no insurance scheme under which injured playero receive financial assistance, this expense is now borne by the District Council from which the player is drawn. .This is a matter that the Union will have to give eerious consideration as it may lead to heavy expenditure to either of the District Councils or the SubUnions." General. "In conclusion the Committee desires to thank the District Councils for their cordial co-oporatiOn, the Horowhenua Referees Association for referees provided for representative fixtures, Drs. Hunter Will, King and Mackay for valuable services rendered to injured players, Mr. R. Andrews for firt.t aid Messrs W. Dustin, M. Winiata, selectors and J. A. Colquhoun for his valuable services as coach to the teams, the Police and Railway Department for the many courte&ies extended. To the Press of the district, thanks are due for the keen interest displayed and the large amount of space devoted to the doings of Rugby. And finally thanks are due to the representative players fo r the manner in which they have played tho game, and it is due to their example that the committee feels justified in looking forward to an even more successful season in 1927."