JOINT COMPETITION PROPOSED FOR TOWN & COUNTRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22915, 6 April 1949, Page 10

JOINT COMPETITION PROPOSED FOR TOWN & COUNTRY

RUGBY FOOTBALL

The introduction of a joint competition for town and country players in the P.B. Bug by Football Union was recommended 1o the incoming management committee at. the annual meeting of the union in the Bon Accord rooms last night.

Though the proposal was stated “to bristle with difficulties,” it was felt that all possibilities should be fully explored. The biggest problem, it was thought, would be the working out of the necessary machinery. Mr, C. Mills, Waikohu sub-union, who put forward the recommendation, considered that it would materially assist town football and act as a great lillip for country Rugby.

“Now that wc have improved highways no portion of the union is without reach, though it may be difficult with some roads,” said Mr. Mills. Referring to the sub-unions and their ability to conduct their own competitions. Mr. Mills staled that some would find it difficult to field sufficient teams If there were not enough players for the entering of several senior teams in the joint competition then they could be given games in the lower grades. Financial Aspect Mr. Mills was of the opinion that financial assistance for travelling from the union would be necessary. “This proposal, which will be for the good of football as a whole and make the present competition really worthwhile, will not result in the sub-unions losing their identity. On the contrary, they can retain it,” Mr. Mills added. Mr. K. F. Jones, Marist club, said that roading improvements should be appreciated. A joint competition would enable town and country to come closer together. Adding his support. Mr. G. J. Jeune said that interest in football in the subunions could be kept alive and their Black and White Shield games could still be played. Travelling had always been a bugbear with country footballers, declared Mr. W. Picken, Waikohu delegate. “We always seem to play better on our own grounds and wc are a little sky of proposals from (he union,” he declared. “Nevertheless," he added, “we welcome the visits of town players.

Mr. G. Brown, another Waikohu delegate, thought that any lead in bettering Rugby should come from the union, and he invited the management commiltee to bring any ideas to the sub-unions. Goodwill Needed “Nothing car be done and nothing will be done without the goodwill and approval of the. sub-unions,” said the new president, Mr. M. H. Beuth. “Wc do not wish to take away their identity.”

“We must have home-and-homc games and this is where the question of finance for travelling poses a problem,” he added. “Players generally pay their way. but it is too much to ask players in the case of the proposed competition.”

Mr. Mills considered that a joint competition would increase the gatetakings and he was sure that the financial dfliculties could be overcome as a result of increased public interest. “I would like delegates, when the proposal is discussed, to be armed with information,” remarked Mr. Beuth. It was stated that the sub-unions would shortly be holding their annual meetings and it was possible that members of the management committee would take advantage of this opportunity to consider the recommendations with the sub-unions. The recommendation was carried.