THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1921, Page 5

THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

THE CLOSING CELEBRATED. MEETING OF THE UNION. A meeting of the management committee of the Taranaki Rugby Union was held at Stratford last night. Mr. Jas. McLeod presided, and there were also present- Messrs. A. R. Ryder, D. J. Malone, A. F. Neilson, R. B. Fearon, Jas. Garcia, and G. E. J ago (secretary). It was resolved to place on record the members’ appreciation of the action of the president (Mr. D. J. Malone) in entertaining the union on the occasion of the wind-up of the season. The Strathmore Club wrote asking for financial assistance owing to the fact that they had to play all home matches at Stratford.—lt was resolved that the union regrets that it cannot make any grant. The Recreation Sports Ground Committee applied for a loan of £250 towards the improvements being carried out at the sports ground. They guaranteed the union the use of the ground, which, it was considered, would be available for representative matches next year. Mr. McLeod said that all the money was being expended on the actual playing area, which, when completed, would be one of the best in New Zealand. On the motion of Messrs. Fearon and Malone, the request was granted, the terras to be left in the hands of the president, treasurer, and secretary. Members generally considered that the funds could not be devoted to any better purpose than the improvement of grounds, and it was resolved, on the motion of the president, seconded by Mr. Fearon, that the union is prepared to consider further applications for improvement of grounds, in which clubs have an interest, when funds are avail-

The New Zealand Rugby Union forwarded a letter of appreciation of the union’s work in connection with the Springboks’ match, and also thanked all voluntary workers on that occasion. The question of arranging boundaries as between Opunake, Rahotu and Okato Clubs was left to Messrs. Garcia and Neilson to arrange before the opening of next season. It was resolved to accept the offer of the proprietors of the Hawera Star for a trophv for a seven-a-side tournament, and that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to inaugurate a seven-a-side tournament for charity purposes. The chairman, in declaring the season closed, expressed his appreciation of the work done by the members of the union, which he considered a splendid team, every member doing his full share of the work. OFFICIALS ENTERTAINED. A very pleasant gathering took place at Stratford last night, when Mr. D. J. Malone, president of the Taranaki Rugby Union, entertained the officials or the union, and a number of prominent men who have taken an active interest in football throughout Taranaki, to dinner at. the Stratford Hotel, as a windup to a successful season. It was a happy idea, and was greatly appreciated by those present. After full justice had been done to the good fare provided by Mr. Whittle, a short toast list was 'discussed, and some interesting remarks were made by various speakers. A full report will appear in to-morrow's paper.