MAJOR UNION CLASS AHEAD FOR P.B. RUGBY CO-ORDINATED EFFORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23217, 31 March 1950, Page 4

MAJOR UNION CLASS AHEAD FOR P.B. RUGBY CO-ORDINATED EFFORT

'jX-IE possibility of the P.B. Rugby Union coming to he regarded as one of the major unions in Ncav Zealand football in the early future Avas not at all remote, in the opinion of Mr. M. 11. Beuth, president of the union, at the annual meeting in the Bon Accord rooms last night.

He based his statement on the fact that the Bay had the players, general keenness in Rugby, and public support with which to build up the essentials of a major union. Some would say there was no such thing as a minor union, but any person who attended a conference of the New Zealand union knew differently, he said. “I think the day will come when it is recognised throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand that P.B. is a major union,” he said. “Our efforts are slowly getting us there. “For the Good of Rugby”

“You as the elected delegates of your clubs, sub-union and other kindred organisations are the crux of the success of the fortunes of the Bay in Rugby. It is up to you as leaders in your separate spheres to guide your efforts into channels for the good of Rugby. We must forget our own little section and take the broad view. It is your function to think of the good of tlie game for all concerned and not for sections.”

Warning delegates that it would be difficult in view of a current trend where disturbances were caused by militant sections, Mr. Beuth said they should “see that detnocracy keeps its head up.” There would not be many who would wish to go back to the situation pertaining in the union formerly. They should put a stop to any suggestion of defiant interference from any militant section. On the score of international Rugby, he said it appeared from reports that all was not well. He supported adverse' criticism of a constructive nature, but much adverse criticism had Decn aired without a great deal of thought, he feared. . “Passing Through a r’liase” "I think something is wrong with the set up of New Zealand football, but I believe that the delegates who represent unions on the New Zealand Rugby Union are quite capable of putting things right if they are wrong. I don’t think any militant section is tending to help. “As far as football in New Zealand is concerned, l still have the greatest faith in it,” Mr. Beuih continued. “We are just passing through a phase. Squealing is not the answer. What we require is a little more determination lo put matters right and get the best players in the paddock.” Enlarging on items in the annual report. Mr. Beuth spoke of the untiring efforts of tire management committee of the past season, and drew attention to the fact that the favourable balance of £443 was the highest credit the union had ever had in one season. Much favourable comment had been heard from outside sources on the arrangements made by the grounds committee and others during Ihe visit of tiie Australians. That had been encouraging. Tribute to Referees A tribute was paid to the referees for their assistance hi the past season. The present body, in its wisdom, had thought sufficiently well of the standard of refereeing in Gisborne to appoint Mr. F. Bayliss to control the Australian fixture. Mr. Beuth paid a further tribute to .the services of Mr. Frank Solomon as selector and said Mr Solomon’s departure would be a cad loss. One of the features of his work was that he was impartial in everything he did.

Officers for 1950 were appointed as follows.—Patron, Mr. H. B. Williams; president, Mr. Beuth; vice-presidents, Messrs. E. T. Brosnahan, R'. Allan and C. G. Wall; treasurer, Mr. T. MeGuffle; medical officers, Drs. F. Krhlcnberg, S. B. Bowker and V. Gibson; auditor, Air. C. O. Hansen,