FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 13 May 1925, Page 12

FOOTBALL.

REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the South Canterbury Referees’ Association was held last evening, when there was a large attendance of members, presided over by Mr J. Connpr. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed receipts £ls, and expenditure £ls ss, with a debit balance of £3 10s, were read and adopted. The annual report stated that it was pleasing to know that the rehabilitation of the Association had been accomplished. During the year the Association had held 24 meetings, all of which had been well attended. The departure for Christchurch of the Jato president (Mr D. Clark), who had ably filled the presidential chair during his short term of office, was regretted, and the Association were greatly indebted to him for his assistance. The Association had been ably represented at the annual conference of New Zealand referees held in Wellington, by Mr J. Grover, whose comprehensive report was greatly appreciated. Mr J. O’Leary, who had been a valuable and esteemed member of the Association for very many years, had retired from active membership, but it was hoped that he would continue to give the benefit of his long experience in Rugby football to the Association. It was regretted that players and eantains of teams had not availed themselves of invitations- to be present at meetings, ns their preseuce and collaboration would 119 in the best interests of the game. Unfortunately, at the end of the season the Association decided to disband, members having considered - that they had lost the sympathy of the parent body. During the interval much of the trouble had been dissipated, and the Association conld henceforth look to the parent body for every assistance. Thanks were due to the officers of the Association for their hearty, co-operation, and to country members for their assistance on all occasions. It was decided to write to the patron of the Association (Mr G. J. Wallace) sympathising with him in his indisposition. The election of officers resulted:— Patron, Mr G. J. Wallace; president, Mr J. O’Leary; vice-president, Mr 0. Bracefiold; secretary, Mr P. F. Cosgrove; committee, Messrs‘G. Taylor, H. Whisker, D. Marshall;' auditor, Mr A. H. Clemens; delegate to Appointment Board, Mr H. Whisker. Seven new members were elected. GENERAL. Mr Pratt, in reierring to teams failing to put in an. appearance, said be was detailed to reieree a match at Pareora, but the team did not travel, and he received no notification to this effect. Mr Connor said that owing to the new motor regulations many of the owners could not take teams out, as the tax they suffered would be to the extent of 30s per head. He thought that they should revert to the ■ good old days of horse transport. The chairman said that he hoped the matter would bo rectified and referees v. ould bo notified. Mi’ C. Burns brought up the question of sweaters for referees, and thought that members should be uniformly drossed. The chairman said it was hoped that the Rugby Union would not be put to any extra expense this season, as the provision of a doctor, and a gate which was to be given to the various town •toams, whs going to be a drain on the Union’s funds. He thought that perhaps later, if the Union approved, a gate might bo given to tho Referees’ Association, and sweaters might then be. purchased. Mr W. Cumming said he was inclined to support the proposal, but owing. to, the heavy expense tho Rugby Union' had to meet this Eeason,- he could not- support it for the present. Mr Whisker thought .that from a health point of view, it would not be advisable to use sweaters that were not the property of -the wearer. Mr Burns said ho was not after a sweater “on the cheap,” but thought that tho referees should have a suitable dress. Tho chairman did not think the matter an urgent one. and it would not bo advisable to push it. Mr Whisker stated that the provision of wire corner flags should bo referred to the Rugby Union, who should be csked to :ce that non-rigid flags be used. Tho chairman thought the suggestion a good one. and said it should bo referred to the Rugby Union for consideration.