RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 April 1940, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

DELEGATES CONFER ANNUAL MEETING OF UNION. "FOOTBALL AS USUAL.” . ("Times-Age" Special.) , The annual meeting of the Waira-I rapa Rugby Football Union was held in the P. and A. Society board room on Saturday evening. Mr J. F. Thompson presided over the following delegates —Old Boys. N. G. Rayner, J. Polson. F. Morton; Carterton. C. A. Gray. H. J. McKenzie. K. H. Reid; Red Star, S. Henson. R. Howard, L, Pearson; Martinborough. T. J. Scott, E. J. McAlpine; Opaki. M. Welch, H. Matson; Masterton. F. W. Lusty, E. Selby V. Gray: Greytown. Stan Brice. M. J. Parker: Featherston. F. Brough; Wairarapa College. J. E. Teir; Gladstone. E. B. Booth. R. Booth; Dalefield. K. G. Fairbrother: Primary Schools Rugby Union V. Welch; Referees’ Association, H. Matson. Prior to the commencement of business the chairman referred in feeling terms to the death of the late Rt. Hon M. J. Savage. Prime Minister, and to Messrs C. Reid, R. Joblin, L. Lamb and C. Beard. He asked those present to stand in silence for a few moments, as a mark of respect to their memory. This was done.

The report and balance sheet, which has been published in the columns of the "Times-Age," was taken as read The chairman in moving the adoption of the report (which was seconded by Mr M. Welch), said that before the commencement of last season, football in the Wairarapa had fallen to a very low ebb as compared with what used to be the rule in Wairarapa, but by strict training a marked improvemen had been brought about together with the elevation of lower grade players to the senior ranks and in most instances these young men had . proved their worth. In representative games they were not very successful, but the selectors Messrs Keith Reid (senior), and Gordon Udy (junior).,.had built up sides that were a great credit to them, and it looked as if the 1940 season would be ushered in with the old order of things restored. "Unfortunately we were in the throes of another big war,” said Mr Thompson, "and as a result many of our fine footballers had enlisted for military service, and gone overseas. Many more were due to leave New Zealand, and others are to go into camp with the Third Echelon. Nevertheless there were many good men left and with the further elevation of young blood football in the Wairarapa promises to be good.” He was glad to see the New Zealanders still upheld their football prestige, for in a match in Egypt they were successful in a game played. Everyone knew it was football that made the British Nation what it is today. Football kept men fit and in this as well as in other sports the British Nation kept itself fit and healthy. In the recent game in Egypt it was pleasing to note that Alex Hart, of the Gladstone Club, had made a name for himself. Mr Thompson made reference to the Carterton jubilee celebrations, and congratulated the club not only upon having attained its 50 years of football, but on the fact that Carterton Club had a long list of championships to its credit, which must be attributed to cohesion among its members, and a systematic method of training. The speaker also referred to the good work of the secretary over a long period of years and congratulated him upon last season having been elected sole selector for New Zealand, an honour the Wairarapa Rugby Union were justly proud of. He also extended his congratulations to Messrs Keith Reid and Gordon Udy upon their work as sole selectors for Wairarapa senior and junior football last season. The treasurer Mr H. A. McPhee gave a detailed account of items in the balance sheet and satisfactorily answered several questions. The question of bonus to the secretary; was discussed at some length,, and it was finally left to the incom-l ing Management Committee to deal' with. Mr S. Brice suggested the enrolment of honorary members with a view to the increasing the Union's funds. He moved that it be a recommendation to the Management Committee to consider the question. The chairman congratulated the Rugby school teachers upon the result of the schools' tournament held in Wairarapa last year. Considerable discussion ensued regarding the utilisation of the Union's footbail ground in Masterton —Rugby Park. "The silliest thing we ever did was to take a 21-year lease of the Trust Lands Trust property when we could easily have built our own grandstand on our own freehold property,” said Mr M. Welch. "Every year we show a deficit as the result of this move.”

"We are like the Germans in the Narvik Fiord —we've got into this position and it's going to be very hard to get out of it. We cannot default.” said Mr Thompson. Mr Welch: "In my opinion that lease is the downfall of the Rugby union."

Mr Thompson pointed out that the Trust was at present attempting to arrange both winter and summer games on the grounds in question, and if this were effected some relief would be afforded. Aftei- further discussion the matter was allowed to drop. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron. Mr W. Henry Booth (re-elected); president. Mr Jas F. Thompson (re-elected); vice-presi-dents. Messrs J. B. Jury, A. E. Reid Campbell Smith. S. Gilman. Q. Donald. G. A. Vincent. G. Wilson. E. B. Booth. W. G. Lamb: delegates to N.Z.R.U.. Messrs E. B. Booth and E. McKenzie: hon secretary, Mr E. McKenzie (re-elected); hon treasurer. Mr 11 A. McPhee (re-elected); managementcommittee. Messrs M. J. Parker: S. Henson. E. B. Booth. F. Morton. K. Reid. K. Fairbrother. C. A. Gray. V. Welch. J. P. Scott: senior sole selector, Mr Keith Reid; junior, Mr Gordon Udy; auditor. Mr H. M. B. Trapp ireelected) hon solicitor. Mr G. Wilson. It was resolved to officially open the season on Saturday. April 27. with a ... 1

seven-a-side tournament, senior and junior, on the Carterton showgrounds. It. was decided that representative matches with Hawke's Bay seniors and juniors be played on Monday. June 3. and that the date of return games bo decided upon later. Mr 11. J. McKenzie was elected a lift' member of the Union in recognition of the many very valued services he had rendered the Union. Mr McKenzie suitably returned his thanks. The question of petrol restrictions was discussed. It was pointed out that transport was carried out by motor proprietors whose licenses enable them to contract for the carrying of players. It was decided that no passes be is-

sued to coaches of teams. It was reported that Wairarapa College tourney would be held on August 17, and it was decided that reference thereto be made in Union fixtures, and that the Principal of the school be written to asking that the games be played on Memorial Park, and that a charge be made at the gates. Mr S. Brice brought forward the matter of two senior games being played on Memorial Park on the same day with no other games at other centres. This was not good financial business for the Union. He suggested the Management Committee should rectify the matter if possible. It was decided that no restriction ba made as regards senior players during the war. and that players continue until such time as they enter camp. Mr S. Henson notified that Mi- McNicol of the Internal Affairs Department. would shortly commence instruction in physical training for footballers. This he thought an excellent idea and moved that a coaches' association in connection with same be formed. Mr E. McKenzie referred to the long connection Mr L. Pearson had had with the Union’s Management Committee. He moved that he be thanked for his services, and that this, be recorded on the minutes of the Union books. Votes of thanks to retiring committee. the Press, scrutineers, referees, and chairman concluded the meeting.

NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. The newly elected management committee met at the conclusion of the annual meeting. Mr H. A. McPhee was unanimously re-elected chairman for the current season. It was decided that St John Ambulance Brigade be asked to attend matches as previously. Mr K. G. Fairbrother was appointed deputy chairman. April 20 was decided upon as the date for closing entries for the seven-a-side tourney, and the championship fixture, and that May 4 be the date on which would be commenced senior, junior and third grade games. Mr H. M. B. Trapp was accorded a vote of thanks for his donation of auditing the Union's books, and that he receive a season's pass to all grounds. It was resolved a circular letter be addressed to all clubs enquiring as to their benzine requirements for the season. It was decided that the next meeting be held on Wednesday. April 24. at 7.30 o’clock.