RUGBY FOOTBALL Hokitika Clubs Reject Proposal To Limit Teams

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 April 1950, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL Hokitika Clubs Reject Proposal To Limit Teams

A proposal to limit the number of Hokitika senior teams participating in the West Coast Rugby Union’s competitions was discussed at a meeting of club delegates held in the County Chambers at Hokitika on Thursday evening. After a lengthy discussion, Mr E. J. Allen (St Mary’s) moved that no action be taken. The motion was seconded by Mr R. Eastgate (Kiwis). When the vote was taken, the motion was opposed by the Excelsior and Kokatahi delegates. The chairman, Mfr H. V. Algar, cast his vote in favour of maintaining the present arrangements. In outlining the proposal, Mr Algar said that some people felt there were too many senior teams and that the standard.of Rugby was not good. A reduction was suggested as a means of improving play throughout the whole district.

The meeting had been called to give club delegates an opportunity to discuss the position. Only senior 'representatives would be allowed to 'vote, he concluded. 1 Delegates from junior clubs protested that they were entitled to vote ■as their clubs would be affected. Mr A. V. O’Brien stated that it was a matter that was going to affect all clubs, and although he represented the biggest club in the district he had no intention of voting.

Will Nominate Team

Mr R. Eastgate: If you have my club’s decision it may shorten the meeting. The Kiwi Club will nominate a senior team in the West Coast competition. We have a good senior team and anticipate no trouble.

Mr Allen said that St Mary’s had decided to stand by their decision to nominate a senior team in the West Coast competition. Mr B. Kelly (Excelsior): We have a good team, but players are not getting their chance. The club vzould join with others to form two senior teams, but would not agree to only one team.

I The Kokatahi Club delegates exI plained that their club could field a senior team, but not in the Greymouth competition, as farming members were not able to travel. Local Competition Suggested Mr Walker suggested that, as other teams had now entered, the Sub-Union could run a local competition, although the standard would be low. , In response to an inquiry, the ißoss delegate said his club would I nominate a team in the West Coast ■ competition if they could secure some Hari Hari players. I The motion that no action be taken [was then carried.