OPOTIKI NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10565, 19 April 1928, Page 3

OPOTIKI NEWS.

■ RUGBY UNION!. ANNUAL MEETING. (Special to Times.) OPO'PTKT, April. 10. . The nnrmal meeting of the Opotiki Rugby Union was hold in the Fanners’ Salon on Saturday night. .Mr P. R. Burton (presidenl) presided over a very large attendance of players and supporters.' The meeting opened, hv standing in silence for a few moments in respect to the memory of the late M r D. C. Hawkins.

l ' The president read his annual report, which commenced by congratulating the Union on its sound financial With a view to making adequate provision for future expansion, the committee has carefully economised and husbanded its resources, so that .quite a handsome balance had accumulated. This had been made possible largely by the generosity of patrons in placing at the disposal of the Union cars for the transport of players engaged in inter-union matches. Gate takings for the season showed a substantia! increase at club matches. At- the last annual meeting the matter of compiling by-laws for the Union was referred to the incoming committee with authority for adoption. The adoption of these rules had considerably simplified the management of the affairs of the Union. The Bay of Plenty Union is to .be congratulated on securing ' a Bay of Plenty tour of an Auckland team, which was a great success, though had weather marred the visit to Opotiki. The Te Hurunui Apanui Memorial Shield for competition amongst subunions was won and successfully defended by the Rangitaiki Union, which was heartily congratulated. Opotiki played the holders cat Te Toko, the result being a draw, so that Rangitaiki retained the shield. On- September 3, tlie Union had a visit from the Marist Old Boys Club, which was in some respects a disappointment, as a senior team Was not sent, the team proving to he weak, and affecting the gate receipts During the season interesting .sport of quite a high standard was produced. The senior competition was won. by Country Club, and the junior competition by City. A. third grade competition was also commenced, High School winning all their matches. The Management Committee acknowledged with thanks the assistance it bad received during the season from the Referees’ Association. The committer; wish to record their thanks to the honorary sun geo ns, Drs. Budd and Forbes, to Air 0. Wells and to Mr Dr y.sdale, also to all those who lent cars. To the players and to the incoming committee the best wishes were extended for a successful season.

The adoption of the report was moved by Air A. Davies, seconded by Mr G. Shalfoon and carried with acclamation.

Mr J. D. Clark ororosed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr'P. C. R. Purcell for financing the visit of the Marist. Old Boys’ team. This was seconded by Mr G. Shnlfoon and carried.

„T he balance sheet showed that the Union had started off with a debit of about £6, but finished no with a credit of £46 1< s lid. In moving the adoption of the balance-sheet, Mr L. Macintosh congratulated the committee on the very satisfactory year’s working. The motion was seconded by Air W. Wilkinson and carried.

Officers were elected as followsPatron: Mr G. S. Aloody (re-elected), president, Dr, Burld; vice-presidents, the presidents of each club. also Messrs A. Young, P. C. R. Purcell. A. Davies, and Hare Hare Ranania (Air R a nap in returned thanks m his native tongue, Mr Shnlfoon interpreting); hon. surgeons. Drs. Budd Forbes, and Candy; auditor, Air C. Fleming. ", A vote of delegates was, taken as to whether there should he one or three -selectors. One selector being decided on the following were nomin a ted: Messrs L. Alaeintosh, AY. Burrett, S. E. AVchh and I). Alihnere. A ballot was taken resulting in the election of Air Alaeintosh. It was decided to leave the matter of a junior selector to ihe incoming committee to arrange. At a meeting of the new 'management commit fee held at the close of the. general meeting, Air 0. Morris was elected secretary, and AU W. Bur ret t- treasurer. Tt was decided to open the season on Apftl 2S with a seven-a-side tournament, and a relay race. The competitions will commence on Alay 5. the draw for the seniors being: City v. Te Iluia ; Country v. 'J rpie Links.

CHAMBER OF COMICEPXE.

(Special To The Tim Gs). OPOTIKI, April IS. The annual meeting of the Opotiki Chamber of Commerce was held on Tuesday night. Air. A. Brane, -president, being in the chair.. There was a good attendance of the members. The annual report stated that a large amount of useful work had been accomplished during the year, amongst other matters, the opening of the Post Office during the evening hours being directly the result of the efforts of the Chamber. The continual efforts on behalf of the Fast Coast road have borne fruit, great progress having been made during the past year. The Chamber was also successful in getting mails nrrivng at midday instead of in the evening. The Postal Department had also installed a telephone box at the request of the Chamber. Tim report expresses keen regret at the failure to obtain continuous telephone communication.

The election of officers resulted as follows: President. Mr. A. J. Arrowsmith : vice-president, Mr. W. J. Steott: council, Messrs. Brace, Phttle, Hathaway, E. Noilson. G. S. Moody S. Shnifoon, Pearson. J. J. Moody, J. R. Sinclair, McDonnell, A. Young and Miller. The general business included the consideration of a remit to the Development League 'Conference, urging the extension of the railway from Ta neat u a ©a st wa rd. It was also decided to make another canvas will a view to getting a continuous telephone. An elfort is to he made to obtain a daily, parcel mail from Auckland to Taneatna. At the close of the meeting supper was partaken of. various toasts being honored. MR E, C. LEYVF.Y WELCOMED At -the Magistrate’s Court to-day, Mr. N. V. Hodgson, on behalf of the bar. welcomed Mr. E. C. Lovvey, S.M., on temporarily taking charge of the district, to which the magistrate suitably replied. THEFT OF SUIT AND TOOTH. One peculiar case was heard in which R. Wirepa sued Tangira for taking without reason, a suit and a tooth, the suit being valued at £6 19s 6d and the tooth at £2 2s. -Judgment, was given ' for £9 8« 6d, and witnesses expenses £3 17s 4d. THEFT FROM F'IRE BRIGADE STATION. Whilst the Loan and Mercantile Agency Co.’s fire was burning on Monday morning some sneak thief went th.*-'wgh the Fire Brigade quarters during the absence of the brigade, and got away with cash belonging E to the superintendent.