OTAGO REFEREES' ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 17324, 12 April 1920, Page 2

OTAGO REFEREES' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEi-ITING. The annual meeting of the above association was held on Saturday night. .Mr L. Cameron in the chair. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the Chairman congratulated the association on the conclusion of another successful season. The number on the roll was 42, and oh an average they required 25 referees every Saturday. They would need at least 10 more regular referees this coming season, owing to more teams competing. He urged members to let the secretary know well in advance of Saturday when they were not able to officiate. Thev had had some, very good fortnightly meetings, and these had proved profitable and- enjoyable. Direct representation on the Otago B-ugby Football Union had been a pet scheme of his for some time. Referees were heard to ask, “ What is the use of taking offending players before the O.R.F.U. ?" The 0.R.F.U., instead of nutting’ the offender on the mat, put the referee "there. He though it was time the association had a live representative on the Rugby Union. The referees were generally a quiet lot of men, who were rather retiring in disposition, and had no desire to create a fuss or bring about a rumpus. It was for the benefit of the referees that lie threw out his_ to the 0, < FI.F'.U. to alter tfieir constitution so as to allow of directrepresentation from the association. ■ .Mr R. M'Kenzie seconded the motion, which was carried. Messrs H. H. Leith and E. Clancy wrote tendering their resignations, owing to removal from Dunedin.—lt was decided, on the motion of Mr A. Restieaux, that the incoming committee consider tho question of making these two gentlemen life members of the association. Mr 6. M‘Kenzie moved—“ That all the members of the Referees’ Appointment Board must be non-acting referees, and that at all meetings of the board 'three members shall form a quorum.Mr A. Restieaux seconded the motion, which,wa-s carried without dissent. * The following office-bearers wore elected:—President, Mr H. M ‘ Faria ne : vice-president, Mr A. Hobson; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. T. Gwynne; committee—Messrs G. M'Kenzio, W. Eennick, F. Fester, and B. Watson; auditor, Mr H. Chapman; Referees’ Appointment Board, Messrs A. Hohson and C. Eyre. Mr J. Brown mentioned that boots and jerseys had not been provided for six years, and pointed out that -these were now expensive articles.—The Chairman said the Rugby Union had had to pass through an ordeal in the matter of finance which it was hoped would never again arise. ”

Five pew members were elected, rj It was resolred to continue the fort- J nightly meetings, the date to he left to the committee.