N.Z. RUGBY UNION

Evening Star, Issue 19856, 3 May 1928, Page 6

N.Z. RUGBY UNION

THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS DOMINIONS AND INTERNATIONAL BOARD [Pie United Feess Association.] WELLINGTON. May 3. The annual meeting of the. New Zealand Rugby Union opened this afternoon. The conference of the Seddon Shield districts was held this mornmg. In his presidential address, Mr H. Manoy (Motueka) referred to the death of Sir Rowland Hillthe “Grand Old Man ”of Rugby football. Mr Manoy said the past year had been one of continued progress, and the outstanding feature had 'been the selection of the All Blacks for Africa after a most exhaustive series of trials. The progress of the team would be watched with great interest, but whether New Zealand won or lost all trusted the games would be played in a friendly spirit, and would have a great effect from an Imperial standpoint. The dominions’ request for an Imperial Rugby Board had been supported by the English Union, but was turned down by tho International Board. It was to be hoped that the International Board would be made to_ realise the importance of the proposition, and give the dominions a voice in the government of the game. The board had turned down an invitation for a British team to tour New South Wales and New Zealand in 1930, but the English Union had happily stepped into the breach. Further, other Home unions would not stop their players from joining the team. It was very gratifying to know that Rugby in New South Wales was making up leeway, and the success achieved by the Waratalis would do much to spread the game in other States. Although the Maori tour of New Zealand last year had not been a success, it was appreciated very much by tho minor unions. The finances of the union were in a healthy state, the condition of assets over liabilities being £17,786 6s lid. In conclusion he impressed upon the major unions to give more assistance to the minor unions by playing more matches with them.