Chairman Of N.Z. Soccer Resigns

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 16

Chairman Of N.Z. Soccer Resigns

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 30

Mr J. I. Kershaw tonight resigned as chairman of the council of the Football Association—the top administrative post in New Zealand soccer. He has served for about seven years as chairman.

The council elected Mr R. Smith, the deputy chairman, as chairman, and the treasurer, Mr J. A. Cowie, w» elected deputy chairman. In announcing his resignation, Mr Kershaw said he had been most disturbed that the news had "got out” so widely into the press about his in-

He said he was upset at the amount of adverse publicity the association had received in recent months. “Moreover, it is evident that this is not abating," he said.

The association's public image was “quite horrible” and a lot of unwelcome criticism attracted to the chairman. “This is a good reason why you should build up with an other chairman —with someone you could build into a glamour personality." His recent decision not to be available for soccer matters during business hours had inconvenienced council members and irritated the press. “This is another reason why I should vacate the chair. At the moment I am not performing the duties as chairman in a proper manner.”

Mr J. K. Smith said that if it were necessary he would be the first to move a vote of confidence in Mr Kershaw as chairman. “I wish to dissociate myself from any apparent political moves to remove you as chairman,” said Mr Smith. Regretted Circumstances The council decided to record the "exceptional services” given to soccer by Mr Kershaw. The new chairman. Mr R Smith, said he regretted the circumstances were such that “I have to be appointed in this way." “It would not be out of order to say that over the years Mr Kershaw has stood by us, and we have stood by him. His work was a milestone in the progress of association football.”