N.Z. RUGBY UNION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 111, 13 May 1942, Page 9

N.Z. RUGBY UNION

MR. J. N. MILLARD PRESIDENT

MANY OVERSEAS TEAMS ORGANISED

As the only person nominated for the office of president of the New Zealand Rugby Union for the 1942 season, Mr. J. N. Millard, chairman of the management committee of the Wellington Rugby Union, will hold office for the next 12 months.

The election of officers of the New Zealand Rugby Union this year is being carried out by postal ballot.

For the other offices of the union elections will be necessary. Four nominations have been received for two vice-presidents; eight (four from each island) for the six members of the council; and eight also for the seven seats on the executive. The voting forms have been sent out and are required to be returned to the secretary (Mr. A. E. Neilson) by May 22.

In its annual report, the New Zealand Rugby Union's Council expresses pleasure at the fact that many New Zealand teams have been organised in the forces overseas and are upholding the traditions of the game in whatever theatre of war thev find themselves. They have done well on the playing fields of Great Britain and Northern Africa as well as on the battlefields. and it is hoped that ere long they will again be playing the game on their native soil.

The report states that activities of unions were very restricted on account of the calling up of a large number of players for military service. Nevertheless competitions were continued throughout the country, and unions are congratulated upon their success in providing recreation and relaxation for the youth of the country under very difficult conditions. A real service is being rendered in this way.

On account of the war situation, it was not considered advisable to arrange ordinary tours, but inter-union matches were arranged when those could be played during the week-end. and many unions enjoyed a reasonably good representative season.

The financial position, showing a loss of i'ls7 on the year's working, is regarded as much better than might reasonably have been expected.

M.T.P. Improve* — Although beaten by GraltonPonsonby XV by eleven points to nil. M.T.P. showed better form than on the opening day. Its forwards packed more effectively in the scrums while the backs were often dangerous, especially B. Riley, second fiveeichth. who cleverly turned defence into attack with tricky runs. Hadley played a good game among the forwards, and was unlucky on one occasion in Just missing a try following good solo dribbling. Combined fielded a solid pack with Hull and Wilson, formerly of Grammar Old Boys, oiitstanding. The Grafton backs had numerous opportunities with TetzlafT feeding them well from the scrums, but most of the attacks broke down. Greathead, second five-eighth was inclined to hold on too long after making good openings.