WARTIME RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 23565, 2 May 1940, Page 2

WARTIME RUGBY

THE NEW ZEALAND UNION DOUBLE DUTY TO PERFORM [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 1. Mr L. Y. Carmine (King Country) was elected president of the New Zealand (Rugby Union to-day. Returning thanks, lie referred to the Centennial year as a great occasion, but marred by the clouds of war. He thought it would be the wish of all unions to do all in their power to help the Government and the country through the difficult period. They had a double duty to young men, and if they did it the year would come out all right. After taking office, Mr Carmine presented 1 the past medallion to Mr M. M'Kenzie, the retiring president, who acknowledged the kindness and courtesy extended to him by the chairman and members of the council. Referring to the abandonment of the South African tour, he said that, although keen disappointment was felt by all concerned, the decision was accepted without complaint, and they were proud that so many All Blacks had answered the Empire’s call and were now serving with the forces. Much regret was also felt at the abandonment of the Imperial Rugby conference. Mr M'Konzie spoke highly of the Fijians and the impression they had made, and expressed the belief that the visit could be developed into a profitable tour. ' . The proposal arising from the last annual meeting that a rule be amended to provide for the inclusion of the immediate past president as a member ol the council was defeated.