RUGBY HEADQUARTERS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 391, 24 March 1937, Page 4

RUGBY HEADQUARTERS

STRATFORD SUGGESTED Proposal for Removal Not Supported. "That in view of the resignation of Mr S. E. Nielson, the headquarters of the Taranaki Rugby Union be moved to Stratford and that an advertisement be inserted for the position of Secretary.” The above remit from the Athletic Football Club Was sube tantially defeated when it came before the annual meeting of the Taranaki Rugby Union last night. Mr H. Thrush, in moving the remit, said he was not, reflecting on the ability of the past or present secretary. Stratford was the headquarters.' at one time and R was thought that with Mr Neilson’s departure it would be a golden opportunity to shift the headquarters back to a i central posi- i tion. At the time the change was considered it Was not known that a new secretary had been appointed, so there could be no suggestion of any animus towards tile new secretary, Mr W. G. Watts. Unless there was a representative match at Hawera, club members had little or no opportunity of meeting the union secretary, Stratford was centrally situated and for that reason it was felt that the headquarters should be transferred from New Plymouh. Hon. J. McLeod, chairman of the

management committee, said that Stratford was at present the headquarters, as all meetings were held there. The annual meeting, he continued, did not elect the secretary. For the past 30 years the appointment had always 1 been made by the management committee. Mr Neilson's resignation had bAjught the appontinent of a successor before the committee, and they had taken into account that by appointing Mr Watts the organisation would remain Intact and the union's affairs would be left in the hands of men who knew all about them. Mr G. Laurence, of HaV'fera, who was associated with the new firm, had assured the committee that he would do all jn his power to assist, and there would be two Arms of public accountants in whose hands the business would be safe. All might not be aware that since he ttok office Mr Neilson had designed a new system of accounts which had been adopted by the New Zealand Rugby Union and all major unions, Messrs Jury (Tukapa) and Tait (Clifton) endorsed the action of the committee in appointing . Mr Watts. They felt that the committee were the right people to make the appointment and that they had secured the right man. Mr E. R. Couttfl (president): Yon can see how the mutter It going Mr Thrush, would you prefer to withdraw the remit Mr Thrush: It is not worrying me much. Several clubs promised their support, but apparently they are not going on with the matter. The motion was put to the meeting and vias lost by a large majority.