The Approach of a New Rugby Season

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 41, 15 April 1940, Page 5

The Approach of a New Rugby Season

PUKEKOHE SUB-UNION THE ANNUAL MEETING PAST YEAH REVIEWED P RES Ii) EXT'S IIEI’ OBT The annual meeting of the Pukekohe Rugby Sub-union was held last week, the president, Mr W. G. Patterson, presiding over delegates from Wanderers, Bombay, PatumahQe, Oaewhero and Huimai clubs and the Referees’ Association. The balance sheet revealed a profit of £2 '.ls 7d on last year’s operations, and accumulated funds £2ll 4s fid, including a credit of £9B fis lOd in the players’ insurance fund. In a review of the post year’s operations Hie president stated: — ‘•Once again the union had an amalgamation with the Waiuku Rugby Union which proved to he of great advantage to both unions. In the senior competition our union had two teams and Waiuku two and an exctllenf. competition resulted. The standard of football produced by the amalgamation of clubs was greatly improved and was appreciated, not only by the unions concerned but also by Ihe supporting public. Successful Competitions feel sure that if a similar standard can be reached this season we will again witness some excellent football. The amalgamated union also conducted the junior and third grade competition and both these were very succ< ssful. We had the benefit in this union of the affiliation of the Onewhcro aid ITuimai clubs and 1 trust that we will again 'have theii* support this season. 1 would like at this stage lo extend the thanks and appreciation of the Union to the committee of the Huimai club for the generous suppor! and the enthusiastic manner in which 1 hey conducted their club. We feel that with a season’s experience they will he a force to be reckoned wilh in the coming season. To the executive committees of the Bombay and Gnewhero clubs we extend our thanks for their able administration and support.

I have pleasure in reporting that the financial position of the union is very sound after a very strenuous season in the matter of travelling and entertainment. The gate receipts give an indication of the increased public support and it was only because of this support that we were able to undertake Ihe travelling that was done by the teams.

“As you know the senior representative team was entered for the Peace cup competition but after defeating the Thames team was decisively beaten by the holders (Matamata) in the last match of the season. The experience gained by the team and coaches will no doubt prove of great value and although beaten the team was not disgraced. “Thanks of the union are due to Mr P. Sheehan and Mr L. Knight of Auckland, for. their assistance during the season: also to the Marist Club for the use of its training shed for coaching purposes. “In conclusion I would like to express the thanks of the union to all those officials who assisted in making the season a success, to the Referees’ Association for supplying referees for matches and arranging lectures; to the Pi. John Ambulance for casualty assistance: to the Borough Council for co-operation and support in keeping the playing areas in order, and to the Press for its co-operation and publicity: and to Mr S. Loughrin for providing a free bus for an Auckland practice and to Mr and Mrs T. Brown for their assistance in the entertainment of visiting teams. Finally I make an appeal to all those interested in the grand old game to give i.t all the encouragement, and support that they

The Officers pfsisbly can during Ihe coming season.’ - . ' The report was adopted. The election of officers resulted: — Pal roil. Mr .1. X. Massey. M .P.: president, Mr W. G. Patterson; honorary viee-presideut. Mr \\ .<L PlcydeJl: vice-presidents, Messrs J. Mill, A. Rest. A. Wray. I. Brown, W. E. Johns, D. Jamieson, (J. E. Walter. 11. J. Sumner, A. G. Jefferies, and 11. Gurd; secretary. Mr G. Xcilson: assistant secretary, Mr N. Sandhi: selectors. Messrs N Sandin (senior). W. A. Peterson (.junior): emergency committee, Messrs W. O. Patterson. N. Sandin. J. Mill, L. K. Brown and G. Neilson: delegate lo Referees' Associalion. Mr W. G. Pa Person: delegates lo South Auckland, Messrs W. G. Patterson and J. Mill: auditor, Mr M. S. Campbell; honorary surgeons. Mrs. A. T. Begg, 11. S. Douglas and F. W. Lumsden: executive commit!ee. delegates from Ihe affiliated clubs and referees' association. II was decided lo donate £3 3s lo Ihe Pukekohe branch of Ihe SI. John Ambulance.

In view of Ihe scarcity of labour on farms it was decided lo start senior matches at 2 p.m. Votes of thanks were accorded outgoing officers, the ladies' committee, the doctors and all who had assisted in tiie past season. A decision to enforce the rules regarding weights was reached. The weight'lor juniors is 12 slone but players at this weight must be under 20 years; thirds. 10.7 or under 18 years.

The management committee was asked to arrange Ihe opening date.

THE PATUMAHOE CLUB An enthusiastic meeting of those in favour of reviving football in the district was held on Thursday, April 4. Mr W. E. Johns was voted to the chair and he explained the objects of the meeting, and it was unanimously decided to reform the Patumahoe Football Club. The chairman called for nominations of officers and Mr Grouch v'as chosen as president on the motion rf Mr F. Needham, seconded by Mr 0. Goldsworthy. ft was decided to affiliate with the IM kekolie Union. The following officers were elected: Pairons, Messrs W. E. Johns. R. S. Brown, R. S. Naylor. 11. McMillan, G. Shore, R. Membery, N. Clark, Owens. G. McLaren, E. Gallagher, F. Needham, G. Fletcher. K. Clark, C. Goldsworthy, G. Howard and N. Litchfield; pn-sident, Mr G. Grouch: vice-presi-dents, Messrs Sieger, G. Howard and !*. Brady; secretary. Mr T. ITinton; treasurer, Mr W. E. Johns:- senior selector, Mr G. Howard; junior selector, Mr M. Steger: committee, Messrs Or. Crouch, I. Hinton, G. Howard, M. Steger, R. Brady, C. Goldsworthy, F. Needham; delegates to Pukekohe Rugby Union, Messrs G. Crouch, G. Goldsworthy and G. Howard. The subscriptions were fixed at 5s for seniors and 3 for juniors. Club colours are to he blue and v.iack jerseys, black shorts.

A senior and a junior team will he ulered in the union's compel.ilions.