TARANAKI RUGBY UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 82, 10 April 1915, Page 7

TARANAKI RUGBY UNION.

THE ANNUAL MEETING. i At tlu? an mm I meeting ot the Taranaki Rugby Union last night,- Mr -las. McLeod (New Plymouth) presided, and the following delegates were present; Messrs J. S. McKay (Waimate), A. Lees and H. Mynott (Okaiawa), R. ■Masters and E. Jackson (Stratford), E. Nalder and W. Cowper (Hawera), r r. Buchanan (Clifton), -1. Garcia (Okato), J. Gillick and -1. F. Morrison ■ Eastern Sub-union). B. Fearon and F. Mills (Kaponga),Alf. Hansen and -L Doro (Eltham), and W. Roch (representing the Referees’ Association). Report and Balance-sheet. The report (which has already been published in the “Post”) and the balI a nee-sheet were taken as read. Ihe 'principal items of the balance-sheet jwero as follows: — i Receipts, j By balance at Ist March, 1011, £135 ISs'lOd. I Refunds.—N.Z. Rugby Union, £22 'ids; Do. 1913, £35 ss; Auckland Rngjby Union for 1913, £O3 7s 0d; delegates’ expenses, £5; N.Z.R.U., school -rant. £ll ; Clubs subs, and 10 pci ’cent, gates, £3O 7s Sd. Wanganui Education Board, £5; Tamil Relief Fund, £ll ; revenue from matches played, £059 0s lOd; D. J. Hughes’ sub., 10s (id; Dr. balance, Ist March, 1015, £2O os Id; total, £lOl4 15s sd. Expenditure. i Xo 1913 outstanding accounts — Rent of grounds, £l3; management expenses, £5 14s: uniforms, £l7 17s Od ; advertising, £4O 10s 9d ; sundries, £3 9s 0(1; drags, motors, etc., £lO 7s; referees’ expenses, £2 12s; football, 18s 0d; travelling expenses of players, £4O 3s lOd; board (hotel accounts), £3O Is; Referees’ Association, £l2 12s; total, £2Ol 15s Id. 1914 accounts, £77 3s 9d. Bavlv Scholarship, £24 8s Gd.

N.Z. Rugby Union, £B4: 7s id. 'Pours. —Wanganui, £2O; Auckland “B” team, £6O; Auckland “A” team, £7] Os 3d; total, £lsl 9s 3d. Matches. —Change, £25 ; sundries, £8 Is Id; hoard, etc., £B6 Is; advertising and printing, £B3 3s 3(Jf; carrying. £1 Is; uniforms, £2l 17s Id;,footballs. £2 12s;- drags, motors, etc., £44 16s (id; rent of grounds, £43; players’ expenses, £SO Is 5d ; referees, £lO Is '(id; gatekeepers, £2 ss; medical expense's. £1 2s (id; Wellington IUJ. travelling expenses, £39 9s 2d ; Southland Rugby Union. £25; Wairoa SubUnion, £2O; total, £4i») 11s 9d. (Jland total, £lOl4 15s sd. Assets and Liabilities. Assets, —Taranaki Education Board, £5; Bayly Scholarship Trustees, £11; [Auckland Rugby Union, £34 4s; balance, £64 0s 9d; total. £ll4s 4s 9d.

Liabilities. —To Referees’ Association, £ll 11s; Imperial Hotel, £l3 19s; 11 aw era Star. £7; N.P. Sports Ground Committee (approx.), £2O; .1. Avery £1 Is; players’ travelling expenses, £4, 8s 8d; Clifton Football Club (approx.), £10; Waimate Football Club (approx.), £2O; N.8.N.Z., Ltd., overdraft, £26 5s Id; total, £ll4 i4s 6d.

N.Z. Rugby Union Loan Account. 1914, March Ist.—By balance, £175; 1915, March Ist.—Paid off during year, £SO; balance, £125; total, £175. The Chairman, in welcoming the delegates, apologised for the absence of Mr F. T. Bellringer (president of the Union) owing to an emergency meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council. As to the Union’s affairs, the chairman said they were in rather an unfortunate position. All the records had been lost in the lire in the municipal buildings in Stratford, and, practically, the delegates could only take the annual minutes as read. This was agreed to, and the Chairman formally moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. They had done what was possible to explain the position. Had it not been for the war the Union would have possibly had as satisfactory a balance-sheet to put before them as had boon presented for many years; at any rate, they would have been in credit, as many good matches were played. But, instead of this, on practically every match, owing to the war, there had been a loss—with one exception only. The result was that instead of having made money and being in a position to face the southern tour this year with money in the bank, the Union was £64 to the bad. At the same time from the point of view of the game itself they had had a very fair season. They had hoped to hold the Shield, but it had happened otherwise. Still, there was some satisfaction in the fact that it had gone to Wellington, and was on tour instead of remaining in Auckland. Now it had the opportunity of going round the Dominion. Everything being right, the Taranaki Union would have had a very good

loasou this year, hut it must be re-

membered that there was the “B” team, and they would have their home matches as usual. Several of the ] “H’’ players had made names for themselves and were worthy of places in the “A” team, and that was as it should lie. Taranaki had pub up a i remarkable record in response to the “country’s call.’’ All should be proud, he said, of the footeballers of New Zealand, and indeed, of the Empire, in the interest they had taken in the great fight. (Applause). Wherever and whenever they read of athletes responding to the call, none were more ready and willing than footballers—players in any style of the game—to go to the front. They were all proud of those who had volunteered from !their own province. As to the present position of the Emon. it was entirely in the delegates’ hands. His advice to them was to encourage junior football, and in this respect the chairman expressed his pleasure at seeing representatives of the Eltham Club present. There was also the position of the Eastern Sub-union to be considered, and tor the absence of any reference to the Sub-union in the report he could only apologise in so far as the unfortunate fire had destroyed the records in connection with its inception. He might say, however, that the executive had discussed the question of the boundaries to he fixed, but it would be for the delegates to further deal with it later. The chairman then moved the adoption ol the report and halance-

sheet. Mr Buchanan. in seconding the motion, congratulated tile management on the position put before delegates in view of the unfortunate circumstances which had arisen. As to the balance-sheet, they could not help it, Mr Buchanan said he did not agree with those who advocated what „; s practically shutting down on the game—that was a very wrong view in his opinion. As far as the question of giving support to the Empire was concerned, it was undeniable that football was a splendid training school, and that players made ideal soldiers. Ho was sure that the Taranaki representatives would uphold the credit of the province and also New Zealand. The present would he a unique season in face of the fact that the> would be dependent upon junior players to look to Taranaki’s reputation in representative matches. It was all very fine to stick to th “old horse,” but they should always remember that the Union had eventually to look to the young players to complete theii representatives. Referring again to the balance-sheet, Mr Buchanan said the question of expenditure had been well looked after, but he wished to emphasise specially the services rendered by the gatekeepers, the expenditure for whom amounted only to ,C2 os. These men deserved the thanks of the Union. It was noticeable that the Auckland Union was still in debt to them to the extent ot £-'!!. Some of the items in the balancesheet were shown as approximate amounts, and it might he that next year part of those would have to bo met. In conclusion, Mr Buchanan again congratulated the Union on its position under the adverse circumstances. Travelling Expenses. The question of players’ travelling expenses at the play-off matches was discussed at length.

'lhe Secretary said that for the last ten years ho had been endeavouring to get the finances in this respect in a decent position. Once or twice he had arrived at a fair credit balance, hut that was before the advent of the motor, since when the expenses had gone up in lumps. The items shown this year under this head were in one total! instead of being particularised as usual. It was time they gave the Union a leg up. At the play-off matches members should pay their own expenses, seeing that throughout the vear they carried out this practice.

Mr Buchanan pointed, out that in the play-off matches the Union took the gates whereas in other cases tiie club took the gate-money.

The Secretary replied that the Hawera Club had written him making the suggestion, and stating that to get the Union out of the difficulty members of their club would be perfectly willing to pay their expenses.—(Applause).

The question of paying expenses of the juniors was raised by Mr Mynott. He said he understood from the chairman that the Union paid the expenses, but he believed this was not the case.

.Mr Logs was of the opinion that the gates in the play-off matches should he pooled. The expenses of senior and junior players should he paid proportionately as far as was able. This should he taken in hand as soon as possible. Mr Masters agreed that as a matter of fairness to all players the juniors should have their expenses paid, livery endeavour should he made to decrease the liabilities of the Union.

Mr Buchanan suggested that instead of playing om* final they should play three, the club taking the proceeds of two matches, and the Union the final one. The discussion of the report was proceeded with and the matter was discussed later, | “Complimentaries.” j The matter of indiscriminate giving away of complimentary tickets was j referred to. In reference to this, Mr Mackson stated that great numbers of the public had got into some of the i matches at Stratford in this w ay, and Liu l practice should be stopped. The Chairman explained that the I tickets were issued by members of the 'committee, who were supplied with la hook for the purpose and the tick-

ets should he easy to trace. He did j not understand how the matter could j be so serious as was represented. It j I must be remembered that old players j and supporters ot the game were entitled to complimentary tickets, and at any rate they were only following the custom carried out in other centres. No I uion was more caret ul than theiis. He mentioned that in one case tickets , which had not been issued by members of the committee had been foisted upon the gatekeepers. Several members of the committee denied having boon anything but very careful in the distribution of compli'meutaries. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was then put to the meeting and carried, num dis. Alterations to Rules. The Chairman moved that the words “two vice-presidents” he inserted in the rule after the word “president.” Mr McKay seconded pro forma, and moved that the officers he a president and two vice-presidents, one to bo •elected from each district, and that j they he ex-officio members of the (management committee, and that the 1 word “eleven” be substituted for “nine.”

The amendment was seconded by Mr Mahler and was carried by 11 votes to 4.

Mr Masters moved and Mr Lees seconded as an amendment that the vice-presidents have no seat on the committee. This was lost. Mr A. Lees moved the motion, notice of which was given by the Hawera Club: “That the president of the Union shall be chosen alternately from the Northern and Southern ends of the Province.”

Mr Jackson, in seconding the motion. said he thought it was a good idea the position should go round. Mr Buchanan said that his club thought it would not he in the interests "of football. If they had a good man in the south, they should elect him, but of they had a good man in the north, they should stick to him. The Chairman said he did not think it was in the interests of the game, especially if the motion meant that they must elect them annually. Mr Lees: It was not intended to be annually. Mr Buchanan: It might read as being compulsory each year to elect presidents annually from north and south. The secretary said he thought it would he a good idea to have a change of president every year. It did not mean they would have fresh men eveij year. The Chairman was of the opinion that they should not hind themselves to make a change every year. Mr Xaldor moved as an amendment that the word “annually” he inserted. The amendment was carried. Office Bearers. The election of officers resulted as follows; President, Mr A. Lees; vicePresidents, .Messrs A. L. Humphries and J. Lamhie; honorary secretary, Mr P. Skogluml; lion, treasurer, Mr K. Masters; auditor, Mr A. Coleman; committee, Messrs T. Buchanan, J. McLeod, A. Hansen (for Northern district), E. Nalder, Ryan, B. Ecaron (southern district). The Eastern Sub-Union.

Mr Gillick, one of the delegates from the Eastern Sub-union, said that ho considered it was to the advantage of players in the eastern district that they had been formed into a subunion. The confirmation of boundaries marked out at a meeting of the subunion was the most important business they had to deal with at the meeting. Prior to the sub-union the Stratford Club’s district extended to Huiroa, and if this remained, the Toko Club would be wiped out of existence. He hoped the matter of boundaries would be settled once and for all. Mr Morrison said that every player in the eastern district should play for that district. U ’

The Chairman said there would be no fear of the Stratford Club taking men from the district.. The Stratford Club met the Union very fairly last year, and they pointed out that they only took one or two men from the eastern district.

Mr Masters, speaking for the Stratford Club, said that no obstacles would bo put in their way. He pointed out that with the boundaries proposed by the delegates, Stratford would be the smallest district in Taranaki, if they wore cut out of the cast, they must look for something somewhere else. The Club bad not had their annual meeting, and he did not think it lair that the boundaries should be confirmed at that meeting. He was pleased to hear the views of the representatives of the Eastern Sub-union, and did not think the Stratford Club Had been hard on them, but rather the reverse.

Mr Jackson pointed out that they had uo instructions from the Stratford Club, and were in the dark on the question of boundaries. Ho thought, therefore, that the boundaries should not be decided at the meeting, and suggested that a special mooting bo held.

The secretary pointed out that the question of boundaries would .have to he considered by the committee.

Mr Lees moved: “That the football districts in the southern division be re-adjusted,” notice of which motion I had been given by the Okaiawa Club. This was seconded by the chairman and carried. The Chairman moved, and Mr Masters seconded, that the Management Committee meet on Wednesday next to go into the question ol boundaries, and that a meeting of delegates be held to consider the report. Ihe motion was carried. Horne-and-Home Matches. Mr T. Buchanan brought up the question of playing three matches to decide the provincial championships and it was decided that it he a recommendation to the Management Committee to play home-a mi-home match-

es, t!ii' gate to ho taken by the union and expenses to he paid hy tiie union. In the event of a play-oil, it "ill he decided on neutral ground. Honorary Members. Tin' Chairman referred to old players who wished to help the i nion, and |said that there was no district in the Cnion which could not send along many honorary members. The New Pmfosnt. The President (Mr A. lams), in thanking the delegates tor the honor, conferred on him. said lie had come, to Taranaki from Otago eighteen years; ago, and had always taken a greatj interest in loothall, being connected, with the Referees’ Association for many years. He was glad to see the game spreading out in the Itastein, district, and could see, hy the passed at the meeting, that an amicable agreement would he arrived at between Stratford Club and the I'aisteni Suh-nuioii. He was pleased to see the Pltliam Club coming to light again. Mil conclusion, Mr Pees said he thought the elnhs should do more to hell! the (iimiiees of the 1 nion than tiiey iiad been in the habit of doing. General. vote of thanks to the reining; officers. Messrs Bellringer and Careia, was lieartily given. The usual compliment to the chair closed the meeting. At a meeting of the .Management Committee, held after the above meeting, Mr McLeod was re-elected ''hairman and .Mr Buchanan was elected chairman of the Referees’ Association.

Tin l annua! meeting ol 11 ic Slrulloul Football Club will bo bold next Monda. v evening.