FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 October 1920, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. FIRST ANNUAL DINNER. The first annual dinaer of the Northern division nf the Taramiki Rererees' Association, was held last evening. There were present: Messrs. W. Eager (Inglewood), in ifce chair, G. Hopkins (chairman of the Northern Division Committee), and in addition to about twenty members, following guests: Messrs. J. McLeod (chairman Rugby TJnlon), G. Bertrand (Star Club), W. D. Webster (Tukapa), and A. B. Byder (Boys' High School). After dinner, a number of toasts were proposed, and during the course of the evening, speakers touched on tte various associations «jif football ard matters of interest in Ue Rugby world. Mr. G. Hopkins, in proposing the toast of the Taranki Rugby Union, complimented the Union in having as its chairman and secretary two such enthusiastic and efficient officials as Messrs. McLeod and Tyrer respectively. The Referees' Association, he said, had always found the Union most sympathetic and courteous in matters affecting the referees. He also expressed appreciation of the high honor conferred on Mr. McLeod in beinj* elected President of tL*e New Zealand Rugby Union. , Mr. McLeod, in reply, mentioned the various steps that were being taken by the Rugby Union in order to make the gamef more attractive and up-to-date. He expressed the opinion that so long as they remained loyal to the amateur code they would ultimately be able to vary the tactics of the game and suit the spirit of the Antipodes. He forecasted that an early start would ta-.'e to be made next season, when tho players would meet one of Jlio hardest teams that had visited New Zealand, namely the South African representatives. New Zealand players would bavo to be fit at a stage of the season never attempted before. Mr. McLeod also referred eulogistically to the efforts of the referees during the past season, Replying to the toast of "Kindred Sports'" (proposed by Mr. T. Petty), Mr. Ryder said that every game which tended to produce a good type of manhood deserved to be classed as worth talking about. (Hear, tear). He expressed pleasure that boiing was being taken up keenly of late In Taranakl—he said te referred to the amateur boxer; the man who took on the pastime purely for the love of the sport. Later in the evening, the chairman remarked that next year the Dominion would have a unique record in connection with sports. An American tennis team would be visiting Auckland, the South African footballer's, and probably an English cricket team would tour the Dominion, while New Zealand was to send-a team of bowlers to England. Speaking to the toast of "The Olubs," Mr. W. Roch said he commenced playing for Star in 189 S. In 1914 he Joined the Referees' Association. He said there was one team which he particularly desired to congratulate on the field, namely the High School, and it was a great pleasure to referee for them. Decisions were accepted without question, no matter what opinion tte individual, might hold as to Its correctness, and this reflected grc.-l credit on the men who coached the boys in the game. « Eesnpnses were made by representatives of Tukapa, Star, and Inglewood Clubs, respectively Messrs. Webster, Bertrand, and Eager, and eulogistic reference was mada to the Association. Tho speakers said they Celt sure the majority of players appreciated to the full tho work of the referees, _ "The Chairman of Committee," (Mr. G. Hopkins) was proposed by Mr. P. Julian, and the toast was very heartily honored. Replying, Mr. Hopkins reviewed the work of the Association since its formation eighteen years ago. Ho referred to the important stage reached last season, when the referees were given direct representation on thj Taranaki Rugby Union, and said he believed this 1 was tho best means of securing unity between the two bodies. "The Visitors," "The Singers," and "The Prtss," were included among other toasts of the evening. TL-e toast list was Interspersed with a j-ro-crommo of musical items, the following contributing : Messrs. A. B. Mac Donald, H." Hewlett, ,A. North, W. P. Okey, J. U. Thompson (Stratforc"), and the male quartette (Messrs. Mac Donald, Okey, North, and r. Hooker). Accoi'mapiments were played by Messrs. Sturrock and Thompson.