RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1940, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

wairarapa union LAST SEASON'S OPERATIONS. ' REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The annual report of the executive of the Wairarapa Rugby Union for the 1939 season, and which is signed by the chairman. Mr H. A. McPhee, states inter alia: — "In presenting the annual report for the 1939 season your executive regrets to say that the season's operations, from a financial point of view, showed a loss. This, in a measure can be explained by the poor class of football shown by some of the teams competing in the senior games. Like all other classes of amusement the public will pay only for the best, which some teams failed to produce. The accounts show a loss of £46 19s lOd on the year's working. To meet our reduced income your Committee has effected economies wherever possible and during the coming season it will again be necessary to keep expenses down to the lowest possible level. During the season accident insurance claims paid amounted to £53 Is. In addition to this £6 8s 3d was paid for ambulance supplies. Receipts totalled £47 19s from players and £44 2s from the Pearson Cup match and seven-a-side tourney. The benefits available under Social Security to injured players should be given attention by delegates when considering our Accident. Insurance Fund. Eighteen Committee meetings were held during the season, and the attendances were:—H. A. McPhee 18. S. Henson 18. K. Fairbrother 18, K. Reid 17. M. Parker 16. V. A. Welch 16, E. B. Booth 16, E. McKenzie 15, L. Pearson 14, C. A. Gray 12 and H. J. Benge 8. Again we have to thank the members of the Referees' Association for time given in keeping the game going. It is pleasing to note that our senior referees compare very favourably with those in other parts of the Dominion. Messrs K. Reid (senior) and G. Udy (junior) acted as sole selectors, carrying out their duties in a way that gave every satisfaction. The Secretary of your union, Mr E. McKenzie, was appointed by the N.Z. Rugby Union Sole Selector for the All Black team to tour Africa this season. The tour has. owing to the war, been abandoned.

"Primary Schools Rugby Union — Competitions were controlled by the Schools Union during the season. The representative team competed in the schools tournament and made an excellent showing against Wellington, Wanganui and Manawatu. At present your executive is engaged in revising the Rules and By-laws of the Union. When completed a special meeting of delegates will be ( called to consider all proposals. We 'regret to report the death of Squadron-Leader Lennox Lamb, of the R.A.F., on Active Service, Mr F. Joblin, of Gladstone, a keen Rugby supporter and Mr Chas Reid, of Carterton, who as a player and an official rendered great service to the game. Mr Reid was a life member of the Union. "After an interval of 25 years, clubs and the Union are faced with the position of organising the game while the nation'is involved in war. In the 191418 war the game was carried on oy players under military age. The response of rugby footballers to the call to the colours has been splendid, and your committee is of opinion that the game should be carried on by players available irrespective of age. Thanks are recorded to the St John Ambulance Brigade, club secretaries and coaches, G. Wilson (hon solicitor), the Press and Rugby supporters for valuable assistance given during the season.”

OLD BOYS’ CLUB ANNUAL MEETING. MANY PLAYERS SERVING IN FORCES. At the annual meeting of the Old Boys Football Club the president, Mr N. G. Rayner, presided over an attendance of 18. Eleven new members were elected. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron. Mr G. C. Hancox; president, Mr N. G. Rayner; vice-presi-dents, Messrs E. Sortain Smith. C. A. Burling, J. E. Jenkins. L. M. Roach. C. E. Larsen. H. M. Morton, R. A. Cameron, R. A. Stow, J. C. D. Mackley, T, T. Denbee and Dr J. C Forsyth; club captain, Mr J. C. D. Mackley; hon sec-retary-treasurer. Mr F. M. Morton; delegates to Wairarapa Rugby Union, Messrs N. G. Rayner, F. M. Morton, J. Polson; management committee. Messrs J. A. Payne. R O'Callaghan, W. Dyer, D. Faulknor, J. Alexander. D. Hibbs; hon auditor, Mr N. H. James: delegates to Memorial Park Lighting Committee, Messrs W. Dyer and D. Faulknor; senior coach. Mr J. A. Payne; junior coach. Mr J. Alexander. It was decided to commence practice on Thursday. April 11. at the Memorial gymnasium, followed by a run on Saturday at the Wairarapa College ground. It was unanimously agreed to donate £1 Is to the National Patriotic Fund. The president stated that of last year’s team. A. Armour. I. McWhinnie, P. Dyer. E. Denbee. D. Hoggans, W. van Praagh. A. Merrick, A. Sanson and P. O'Nciil were already in camp or overseas, and that many others, had enlisted for service, and he wished them all a safe return. RED STAR CLUB. In view of the annual match with the Hutt Club members and intending members of all grades of the Red Star Football Club will hold a practice at Memorial Park tonight at 7.30 o’clock.