RUGBY FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 April 1933, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

; W.C.R.U. ANNUAL MEETING. | Delegates from club's attended the I annual meeting of the West Coast /Rugby Union last evening, the followling being present: —-Messrs A. A. Adams (chairman.), J. Guy, T. Mclntosh, T. P. Rvan, H. Steel, AV. Williams, J. Cornish, AV. D. Murray, F. AV. Baillie, M. R. Spiers, J. Kyle, J. Rothwell, F. Egglcton, J. Paterson, W. Delaney, G. Nelson, and J. AV. Bruce (secretary). The President’s annual report, published in yesterday’s “Star,” was read and received. Asr Ryan mentioned, that although he had been given credit, in the report, for the great amount of ground improvements carried out at Rugby Park, during the summer months, the President, Mr Adams, was more deserving of that, as he had spent weeks on the grounds, where the speaker had spent only hours. Mr Ryan also mentioned that Mr H. Steel’s name had been inadvertently omitted as one who had assisted the Union by providing accommodation for southern players in representative fixtures. The report was adopted. The balance-sheet, which included matters of a semi-private nature, was discussed in committee. It disclosed a credit balance of £l9/16/-, as against £2B/17/5 last year. The total gate receipts for the season were shown at. £614/5/4. The balance-sheet was received as satisfactory, and adopted. The Chairman stated that remits had been received from the Cobden, and Star clubs, which he considered should be dealt with, iirior to the election of officers, as they affected the constitution of the Union. The remits had the same object in view, but varied slightly in formation. Mr Ryan suggested that the meeting deal with one remit, and probably the second remit might then lit in with the other. The Chairman read the remits which were, in effect, Cobden desired that a management committee be set up, to control the business of the Union, the Committee to comprise the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six other members, the six to be elected by the vote of clubs. Star Club desired that the Commitee consist of the President, two Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and four members to be elected at the annual meeting. Speaking on the wording of the two remits, the Chairman expressed it as his opinion, that any election at all for the Union executive officers should be carried out by and from the annual meeting of delegates. It was not a club question at all. He considered that it would be a big mistake to send back to the clubs for the latter to elect the executive. Delegates were elected by clubs, who evidently considered their delegates as being capable of carrying out the wishes of clubs, and an executive should not be elected by third and fourth grade players. If any remit was put forward, he suggested that the club moving it, should waive the condition that the election be carried out by clubs. The annual meeting was the time and place for the election of the executive.

Mr Baillie stated that he had been responsible for bringing forward the Cobden Club’s remit. It was_ considered by Cobden, that the existing constitution of the Rugby Union executive

WAS TOO CUMBERSOME for the desired efficiency to be given to Union affairs. A Management Committee, as suggested by Cobden would have the desired result, and the election of President, Secretary and Treasurer could be held at the annual meeting. All delegates were members of the Union, and should any question arise that the Management Committee considered should be brought before delegates, then the latter could be called together. It was proposed that six members be elected by the clubs, the latter to nominate members, and later carry out the election. The vicepresidents would be elected at the annual meeting. It was decided that the meeting confine itself to the Cobden remit. Messrs Ryan, Eggleton, and Cornish objected to the election being carried out by clubs, stating that the stronger clubs would have an advantage in voting strength. Mr Baillie said' that the clubs had elected the delegates to the Union, and were also eligible to elect .members to the Management Committee. The Chairman: Delegates represent the feelings of their clubs, and act with the club’s authority. Putting it hack from the annual meeting, is contrary to all procedure of Rugby Union meetings. I notice that it has been done on the West Coast, but it looks to me too much like pandering to clubs, and something like electioneering'. Mr Ryan: If the remit is defeated, there will be no need for a discussion. Mr Baillie: There has been too much club spirit during late years, in this Rugby Union’s management. Cobden think that a Management Committee, as suggested, and having not more than two members of any one club on it, would put matters right. I will move that the Union be carried on under a Management Committee, for the ensuing year. I am representing Lake Brunner Subdivision, and I have their authority to support the remit.

Mr. Cornish: I rise to a point of order, Mr. Chairman. I think that Mr. Baillie, as representing the Lake Brunner Sub-Division, in moving a motion on behalf of the Cobden Club, is very much out of order. The Chairman remarked that it was a very small matter. It was imniaterial who moved the motion. Mr. Delaney then moved similarly, as a delegate from the Cobden Club, and Mr. Baillie seconded. The motion was carried. Mr. Williams stated that the Star Club was practically of the same opinion as Cobden Club. They considered the Union’s affairs would progress better with a smaller committee. Star Club, however, desired that the VicePresidents retain their seats on the committee.

Mr. Delaney stated that although be had been.' the seconder of ihe Cobden, Club’s remit, he had not then known the actual wording of it, and‘ had thought that the delegates would appoint the Management Committee. Mr. Williams said that the Star Club would understand the position, and he considered the members would be prepared to have the election held by the delegates. Mr. Delaney then moved that tne Union’s rules be so altered as to provide for the election of a Management Committee, to consist of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six members to he elected by and from the execuI live. Mr. Rothwell seconded. I Mr. Williams moved an amendment, that the Management Committee cou-

sist of the President, two Vice-Pre-sidents, Secretary, Treasurer and four members. Mr. Cornish seconded. Mr. Paterson: Members seem to have forgotten one important matter. One of our greatest troubles last season, was in getting officials at every match. If the committee is cut down in numbers, then it will be a bigger job than ever. Mr. Mclntosh: lam of the opinion that Mr. Paterson is on the wrong track. Of those that sat here last year, the positions to be fitted, had to be taken by the same half dozen each time.

Following on further discussion, Mr. Cornish said that he considered a mistake had been made in not electing the officers of the Union. They could then deal with the question of the Management Committee. He moved that the matter of the Management Committee be held in abeyance, until such time as the election of officers had taken place. This was seconded, and carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers resulted as follows: —President: Mr A. A. Adams; Vice-Presidents: Messrs J. Guy, T. McIntosh, T. P. Ryan; Secretary: Mr. J. AV. Bruce; Treasurer: Mr. J. Kyle; Auditor: Mr. T. P. Ryan; Resident Delegate to N.Z.R.U.: Mr. H. Bowman; Visiting Delegate to N.Z.R.U.: Mr. A. A. Adams; Vice-President to N.Z.R.U. Mr. T. P. Ryan; Custodian: Mr. J. McLeod. The Star Club’s amendment was then taken, and defeated, the Cobden Club’s motion, being then carried unanimously. On the motion of Messrs. Cornish and Ryan, it was resolved that the Management Committee be elected by and from the annual meeting of delegates. Messrs Baillie and Delaney dissented. Every member present, with the exception of the President, Secretary and Treasurer, was nominated. The voting elected Messrs. Guy, Ryan, McIntosh, Cornish, Eggleton and Baillie. The Chairman mentioned that there was that about an election which he did not like, and that was that good members had to be ‘‘dropped.” However, it was the usual ups and downs of an election, but the Union would lose the defeated candidates, with regret. It hail been the unanimous de : cision of the Union to alter the constitution, but unfortunately, some members had to go off it. He hoped that those elected would work strongly in the interests of the game, and as keenly as all had worked last year. It was decided that a general meeting of delegates be held on the first Tuesday in each month, and that five members constitute a quorum for the Management Committee. Mr. Spiers, in referring to the prospect of a club being formed at Rapahoe, stated that fourteen players were prepared to sign up, but a little assistance would be required from Greymouth. Any Greymouth Club that could assist by giving a player to Rapahoe would gerr.tly help towards the club being able to field a team. There was an enthusiastic committee at Rapahoe, but they were short of a few players. Mr. Ryan stated that he had attended an enthusiastic meeting at Rapahoe, and prospects foi- a junior team were bright. Organisation was required, however, for there was keen competition between the different codes. . „ It was decided that nominations tor all grades be forwarded to the Management Committee by next Tuesday, and that club fixtures commence on April 29. . The Chairman mentioned that he had attended a meeting of the Cobden Club, which was strong in players, and had proposed entering “A” and ‘B senior teams. He had given the matter serious consideration, and had decided that it would not improve, or maintain the standard of football. It was his opinion, that no club on the West Coast had 40 players that could keep up to senior standard. Mr. Baillie said that Cobden, had now decided not to enter two senior teams. Messrs Baillie, Cornish, Ryan Murray were appointed a sub-commit-tee to interview the various schools, in the matter of school football.

All members of the United football Club are requested to be at the Pavilion on Thursday at 7.30 p.m. Boys desiring to join a fourth giade team are also requested to be present. Mr I. J. Campbell, who played as full-back for the Christchurch senior club last season, until compelled to retire through injuries has signed on with the United Club.