RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 174, 11 April 1923, Page 4

RUGBY

NEW ZEALAND TEAM FOR ENGLAND INVITATION FROM ENGLISH RUGBY UNION The following cablegram has been received by tho New Zealand Rugby Union from the representative on the English Rugby Union: —“English Rugby Union decided to invite New Zealand, 1924-25 season.” Tho chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union stated last night that it was practically certain that the invitation would be accepted. WELLINGTON COMMITTEE MEETS ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW SEASON The management committee of the Wellington Rugby Union met last night. The chairman (Mr. J. Prendevi(le) presided, and there were also present Messrs. G. Jacksen, S. Hale, Ned Perry, J. N. Millard, F. A. Laws, Father Kane, H. Murphy, E. Ward, A. E. Neilson, W. J. Hardham, A. Jackson, and the secretary (Mr. McComiskey). Messrs. Millard and Father Kane reported on the deliberations and decisions of the Carnival Committee, to which Father Kane was appointed representative of the union. The committee discussed the question of the under-age players in the lower grade championships last year, which were not yot awarded, owing to the failure of clubs to submit evidence of age. The chairman said it had been resolved that this evidence should be forthcoming early in the present searson. The matter was deferred. Manawatu Union forwarded felicitations. and wishes for “a glorious season.”

The Community Club (Senior Cadets) applied for affiliation. It was pointed out that a Rugjby club, with the backing of the citizens, had been formed. The club was admitted, the question of colours would be gone into later. The secretary was instructed to obtain a list of club and school colours.

Taita R.F.C. (Lower Hutt) applied for affiliation, in the intermediate grade. Mr. Perry said the team should go in with the Hutt Club, which was now putting a team in the senior grade. It was resolved to ask the views of the Hutt Club on the matter.

Kaiwarra Club raised the question of exemption from military parades. The chairman said that an arrangement had been made with the defence authorities that parades be not held during the currency of the competition. Mr. E. Ward (Schools Union) : Better apply for exemption from work. (Laughter.) It was decided to confer with the Defence Department. The Lower Hutt Borough Council wrote, offering a section on the Western Hutt Road of some four acres in area, in its rough state, suggesting that the union lease it for five years, the ground to be put in order by the union.—lt was decided to refer the matter +o the finance committee.

The Petone Ladies’ Hockey Chib were given permission to plav at Petone No.. 1 Ground, subject to games being finished bv 3 p.m., and that the union reserve the right to have ‘the ground, on giving a. week’s notice, if reeuired for special purnose. A committee, Messrs. Ward, Hardham. and Laws (who said he was not tendering), was appointed to confer on +F" question of tenders for school footballs. A citizen complained of 1 nuisances being created by spectators at Athletic Park, within view of the residents. Mr. Laws said the union should give the matter serious consideration. The chairman suggested erecting a fence. The police were unable to check the nuisance, said a member of the committee.- The matter was referred to the Grounds Committee.

The question of the allotment of funds of gymnasium benefit matches was deaß with. The chairman sa’d that it was a condition of granting clubs portion of the nroceeds from gymnasium benefit matches, that evidence be provided that the. furds should be given to the upkeepiw fhe gymnasium or vested in trustees for the establishment of a gymnasium, and not used as fees. It was pointed out that the price for the use of a gymnasium to clubs not in possession of one was £7 10s. per night. '

It was pointed out that clubs were selling tickets in the vicinitv of Athletic Park, prior to the matches, after navrhg promised no-t to do so. It was resolved, on the motion of the chairman, that clubs be instructed the,t they must not sell tickets after 1 p.m. Athletic Club nominated. Mr. F. Bezzant as a member of the junior advisory committee.

An offer of portion of Gracefield Estate was the, subject of a report from the union’s valuer, and was referred to the Finance Committee. It was resolved to open the season on April 21, with matches in the senior, junior, fifth, and andther lower grade, if grounds were ready.