NEW RUGBY YEAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22314, 26 April 1947, Page 3

NEW RUGBY YEAR

GOOD PROSPECTS HELP FOR COUNTRY OVERSEA TOUR PLANS (P.A.) WELLINGTON. April 24. The president, Mr. H. S. Strang, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union, said it could safely be stated that they had had a very successful season. The rehabilitation of Rugby was assured, particularly in the country areas. The prospects for the coming season were exceptionally bright. There had never been greater enthusiasm for the game. It had been proved that Rugby was a national asset through what it did for physical fitness. Seconding the motion, the chairman of the council, Mr. S. S. Dean, said the total gates last season were £32,870 for New Zealand Union matches and the total surplus was £3720. It was quite true that the union had a large cash surplus and a lot of assets, but it was its policy to use the money for the improvement of facilities in the affiliated unions. The South African tour, said Mr. Dean, was still very much in the air. Information from South Africa did not give confidence that the team would be able to leave next year. It had been suggested that the Maori team should leave for Fiji at about the end of August and there would be a good chance that the team would be able to travel at least one way by sea. Selection of Teams Tlie question of tours was introduced by Mr. Dean, who referred to the arrangements already made for the selection of the team for Australia. On his suggestion it was decided to recommend that there would be four selectors for the North Island and three for the South, the New Zealand team to be selected by one man from each island with an independent chairman. Mr. Heather. Waikato, moved a recommendation to the council that there be a sole selector for the New Zealand team. Mr. J. N. Millard, Wellington, said the discussion was interesting in that it revealed to the delegates how little power they possessed. Did the annual meeting. he asked, have the power to question any decision already reached by the council? Mr. Strang answered "yes.” Mr. Millard: According to the rules? Mr. Dean: Ask the president. (Laughter). Mr. T. Pearce, Auckland, considered that the authority of the annual meeting must be paramount. Mr. Milled said he was pleased to hear from the president that the meeting had full power. He suggested that Mr. Heather’s recommendation be made an instruction. After Mr. Dean had quoted tlie constitution, Mr. Pearce said he had had no idea he belonged to such a democratic body. They had come to the meeting with their hands tied. Mr. Heather’s motion lapsed in favour of an amendment that the New Zealand team for Australia be chosen by a selector from each island with an independent chairman if necessary. For the whole season four North Island and three South selectors will operate. One change on the executive was brought about by .the-election of officers. Mr, C. I. Mullany missed selection. his nlace being taken by Mr. A. St. C. Belcher. Auckland have no delegate on the committee, as Mr. T. C. Morrison was nominated by South Canterbury. Mr. A. A. Eaker, Auckland’s nominee, was not elected, A former All Black, Mr. D. S. Max. Nelson, was elected a vice-president.