RUGBY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 12 March 1926, Page 3

RUGBY.

EDTHAM CLUB.

ANNUAD MEETING

'Txier© was a very satisfactory attendance of .members and intending members at the annual meeting of the Eltlnam Rugby Football Club, Feld in tbe Town Hail last night. Mr A. O. Oasey (president) w-as in tlie chair. The annual report was read as follows :

Your committee has pleasure in presenting to you the annual report and balance-sheet for the 1925 season. We had a fairly successful season, with interesting football and good gates, and the public bare displayed marked enthusiasm in our local teams. Tbe senior team has possibly not been so successful as in 1924, but, nevertheless, played good football, and were always a team to be reckoned with. They are to be congratulated on their keenness under adverse circumstances, for never during the season was there any sign of diminishing interest. Our captain of the senior team, Air. Hoy Penniall, represented Taranaki on tour, and we extend to him.’ our congratulations. The club initiated a new scheme during the season, namely to insure married players, and although it was a severe strain on our limited resource's, it was a move in the right direction in the opinion of the committee, and at least one married player received benefits under the scheme. The past season was the first in which the Tilth am Club nominated a junior team for some years, and it is with satisfaction that we record a win in the Southern Division for this team. Though beaten in the semi-final, they were not disgraced. The second juniors again put up a good record, winning the Southern Division, but were again beaten in the semi-final. A word of praise is certainly due to the managers of the various teams.

A pleasing feature of the past season were the matches played between the Mata and Rawhitiroa teams, which created great interest, and it is assured that a lot of new blood will be unearthed as a result of these matches.

The travelling of the teams was a big factor for the club, tbe players paying less than one shilling; per trip and the club making up tbe deficiency. Messrs. Gower, Alaslin and Nodcler, who did most of the trips, were very reasonable in their charges, thus assisting the club materially. The club have been unfortunate during the year in losing a number of enthusiasts, including Messrs. Stanley Wanklyn, Claude Harrison, and Chas. Burdett, men whom we can ill afford to lose. However, the committee extend their thanks to these gentlemen for past services. During the year the footballers’ ball was again held, and although not financially successful, was voted by. all to have been very enjoyable. The committee extend their thanks to all who assisted during the year, especially the ladies for their efforts in connection with the ball, and to

those gentlemen who gave donations towards the gymnasium and the club. In conclusion, the committee wish all interested in football a successful season in 1926. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £7l 4s 3d. The maan items of receipts were: Subscriptions, £5 17s (id; donations, £lO 11s 6d; gates, £9B 19s; representative matches, £3l Is 2d; travelling £lO 15s 6d; annual ball, £32 7s; seven-a-side tournament, £22 14s 6d. Chief items of expenditure were: Printing and advertising, £2 10s; lorry hire, £35 ss; gates to union, £93 5s 8d; footballs, £9 2s ; gymnasium, £6 11s lOd; insurance £8 14s 2d; tournament, £lB 3s 6d: ball expenses, £36 7s 2d. ' ~ It was ' agreed that the seven-a-side tournament be left to the Management Committee, with a suggestion that it be got off as soon as possible. It was resolved that a team be entered for the Kaponga tournament. The committee is to wait on the "‘Magpies” entertainers to see if they would agree to the money held by them for the gymnasium being devoted to other purposes. The suggestion of a re-union before the opening' of the season was left to the management committee to decide. It was agreed that the opening match be arranged, Town v. Country, for March 2. Mr C. N. Tlaplin said he would like to donate a guinea, to be allotted as considered best by tlie committee, and Air Jackson offered a pair of football boots for the player scoring the first try. Another donation of a pair of boots was made by Air Picard, the al'ocation of the trophy to be left to the committee. A tribute was paid to the good work done, by Mr F. Briscoe, the retiring secretary. Tbe cbairman, said no one was held in greater respect, for lie bad a faculty for business which made liis influence felt in the chib’s affairs.

The matter of a 'rule book was left to the management committee, which was also authorised to consider the question of lighting at the Park.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers for tlie ensuing year were ■elected as folllow: —Patron, Hon. O’. J. Hawken, M.P.; president, Mr It. Gower; vice-presidents, Alessrs A. Jackson, E. CrabtrCe, A. 0. Casey, D. Saunders. I. J. Bridger, Constable Townsend. J. Paterson, J. Gower, W. J. Tristram, R. J. Knuckey, J. Carlson. J. T. Brisoo, L. Nodder, H. D. Forsytli. J. S. Wilson, J. Kenny, A. Ware, R. H, Blackstock, F. Casey, H. Ward, L. Bluett, K. Alaslin, H. Nodder, S. Carson, C. Tapilin and J. Halpin; secretary and treasurer. Air H. Taylor ; management committee, Messrs H. Ward. A. 0. Casey, A. L. Picard, IC. Alaslin, A. Ware, A. D. Brisco, T. Glent worth, B. Johnson and R- J. Jvmickev; club captain. Air R. Penniall; auditor, Air F. Clemow; selectors, senior, Mr H. A 7. Ward, junior, Air 13. Johnson, third grade Air R. H. Blackstock; de'egates to Rugby Union, Air A. O. Casey .and Air H. V. Ward. If was resolved that the subscription be 5s for seniors and 2s 6d for juniors, and 5s for lion, members. The meeting decided to support the Malone scheme for the ensuing year, and to authorise its delegates to vote accordingly.

It was reported that the committee recommended a donation of £lO to the School Committee to help the work of preparation of the football ground, and that it be paid over as soon as ill© work commenced. Votes of thanks to the press and the chairman concluded a useful and comprehensive business meeting.