WINNERS IN THREE GRADES

Evening Star, Issue 22913, 22 March 1938, Page 7

WINNERS IN THREE GRADES

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL CLUB’S RECORD LARGE ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL MEETING , Over 100 members attended the annual meeting last night of the Southern Football Club, Mr W. J. Pearson presiding, and the various speakers reviewed a season in which three of the club’s teams—first, second, and thirdwon their grade championship, and in which the other two finished third. The Chairman said it was pleasing and encouraging to see such a full attendance and so much enthusiasm at the beginning of another season, Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, he said that last season must rank as one of the best seasons in the history of the club, both on the field and socially. The first, second, and third grade teams all won their grade championships. The club’s playing record was CO matches, 49 wins, eight losses, and three drawn games. “ I don’t think any other club in the Dominion can show such a record,” Mr Pearson said. “ And that record is the result of team work right through the grades, and to physical fitness and to the work of the coaches.” He emphasised the necessity of being physically fit to succeed in Rugby football. That this was appreciated by, many members of the club was indicated by the fact that about 40 per cent, of the senior players had undertaken summer sport as a means of being in good trim to start_ the season. “ The man who plays this game, or any other, without being fit is plain fool.” He expressed the club’s congratulations to H. Simon and D. Trevathan, who were members of the All Black team against the Springboks. He congratulated also 0. Quaid, L. Niven, and W. A. Black, who played in the trial matches, and the 10 members who played in the Otago senior team and the four junior representatives. The club had been most unfortunate to lose the services as a coach of Mr V. G. Cavanagh, jun., who had gone to Wellingten. His departure was a very real loss. Socially, as well as on the field, the past season was highly successful, and Mr Pearson said that there was every indipation of another equally successful season in each respect. In conclusion, he paid a tribute to the work of the club officials, particularly the secretary (Mr S. R. Inglis), and to the interest of the club’s supporters.

Mr W G. Kindley, in seconding the motion, endorsed the chairman’s reference to the value of team work and physical fitness. “ But there is more to the game than the winning of matches,” he said. “ New Zealand was beaten by the Springboks, but I would not encourage the criticism that has been the aftermath of those tests. Our players did their best, and Rugby football is an amateur game after all.” The balance sheet was a good one. A lot of money had been spent on the pavilion, and the club was indebted to the Otago Union for its unfailing assistance in matters of this sort.

Mr V. G. Cavanagh also congratulated the club on a very successful season. Ho said the flag points were a tribute to the style of play adopted by the dub os much os lo any other fac-

tor, and he suggested that the sooner New Zealand Rugby generally got down to fundamentals again the sooner it would be back on its former pedestal. Mr A. Lawrie also spoke to the motion, emphasising that the winning of matches was not the whole object of the game. He, too, congratulated the club on a great record. The report and balance sheet were adopted. OFFICE-BEARERS. Office-bearers were elected as follow Patron, Mr W. 6. Kindley; president. Mr W. J. Pearson; vice-presi-dents —Messrs W. Bean, J. Mahoney, J. Brooks, A. Chambers, A. Ferguson, J, Carnegie, R. White, L. Edwards, A. G. Monk, A. Emslie, J. B. Wootton, 6. Amunie, A. Wardrop, J. H. Hinton, T. R. Brooks, D. P. Wilson, J. Himburg, S. Hartley, W. Heffernan, W. Henderson, W. Inglis,’ J. D. Pearson, J. H. Pearson, R. Richardson, A. Tilleyshort, G Tonkins, H. L. Isaacs, T. Moynihan, C. Moreland, and L. Griffin; club captain, Mr H. Alexander; bon. secretary, Mr S R- Inglis; assistant secretary, Mr W Inglis.; Executive i Committee — Messrs J. Galbraith, H. Harley, R. Inglis, R. Edwards, W. Harper, E. Prebble, J. Hore, H. Simon, L. Niven, I’. Holley, H. Smith, and C. M'Queen; auditors, Messrs J. B. Wootton and W. J. Pearson. OPENING DAY. It was decided to hold the first practice of the season next Saturday afternoon. Sixteen new members were elected.