Season To Start On April 27

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31628, 14 March 1968, Page 14

Season To Start On April 27

The Rugby season will open on April 27. A recommendation from the chairman of the competitions committee (Mr M. J. Storey) that senior games start on April 6, was decisively defeated at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening.

Mr D. Young (Shirley) said that a start on April 6 would be most awkward for clubs and also would make inroads into summer sports. If the competition began on April 6, club trials would have to start next February, which would be unfair for Rugby . players who want to continue playing summer sports, said Mr Young. SOLID BACKING

“The loss on last year's working of $2410 may make delegates wonder about the healthiness of the union’s funds,” said the treasurer (Mr R. W. Thomas). -- “A look at the balance sheet shows that this union has pretty solid backing. Our assets are more than $200,000 and the reserve funds are substantial.” Mr Thomas warned the meeting that it need not expect a great profit in the coming year. “We have to tour the North Island which will cost about $4OOO and general expenses are unlikely to decrease."

Mr Thomas said he had no doubt that Rugby in Canterbury was in a healthy state in spite of last year’s loss. Club gates and representative games showed an increase, indicating that people would go to Lancaster Park to watch good Rugby.

Life Member.—Mr J. O. Hattersley, a former president of the union, was elected a life member. Mr A. K. Johnson, the past-president, paid a tribute to the work done by Mr Hattersley for Rugby.

System Changed.—The seniority system of the union was disrupted when Mr W. D. Johnston, a senior member of the management committee, was defeated in the voting for the vice-presidents. Messrs R. W. Thomas (formerly the treasurer), J. Storey, and C. H. J. Rhodes were elected as vicepresidents. Other officers elected were: President, Mr C. H. McPhail; immediate past president. Mr A. K. Johnson; treasurer. Mr J. K. Torrance: committee, Messrs B. J. Drake, L. F. Adams

S. R. Toothall, D. B. Doake, W. D. Johnston, W. V. Cowles. S. E. Husband, and M. R. Barnett.