NEW SOCCER CHAIRMAN

Evening Star, Issue 22202, 3 December 1935, Page 4

NEW SOCCER CHAIRMAN

FORMER OTAGO PLAYER A New Zealand-born football enthusiast, John A. Milbuvn, has been elected chairman of the New Zealand Football Association in succession to ii. L. Salmon, whose death a short time ago came as a severe shock to followers of the code (says ‘ Sporting Life 1 ). The new chairman was born at Mosgiel, and started his football career as a member of. the P. and 1. team in Dunedin in 1905, later representing Otago as centre-half. He was for" many years on the executive of the Otago Football Association, and for three years guided its destiny as chairman. On arrival in Wellington 10 years ago he was immediately elected to a seat on the Dominion executive of the Football Association, and for some time has been vice-chairman of that body. For the past five years he has been chairman of the Competitions Committee controlling the more important trophy matches. His ability has already been,shown in Association football matters, and in his new role he should prove an able leader in a time when wise counsel is most needed. Apart from his work for Soccer, the new chairman has given the best part of his life in the interests of the lifesaving movement. A foundation member of the St. Clair Life Saving Club, he linked up with the Lyall Bay Club when he was transferred to Wellington, and had the distinction! of forming one of the original committee appointed to control systematic life-saving in New Zealand.

There are few men of greater enthusiasm than John A. Milburn, and Association football should reap much benefit from his sound leadership.