SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 6 March 1935, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

ELTHAM RUGBY CLUB MEETS PROSPECTS FOR COMING SEASON FINANCIAL POSITION SOUND. The prospects at the beginning -did not appear bright, hut with the loyal assistance of members and the support* of honorary members and townspeople, difficulties were overcome and a deficit of £lO was replaced by a credit balance of £l7 os lid, stated the annual report of the Eltliain Football Club presented to the annual meeting of members last night. The 1934 .season would go down in history as a period when all the teams of the club took a. new lease of life and presented an improved standard of play. Followers appreciated the great improvement. There were large increases in the gate takings. The three teams in the competitions acquitted themselves with credit. The most praiseworthy effort was that of the fourths. This team of young players, although matched in most instances against more matured opponents. won the southern division championship and was beaten for the provincial championship by the narrow margin of one point. The seniors under tne guidance of

Mr E. Lee, effected a great, improvement in form to finish in fifth place on the provincial ladder with a total of IS championship points. The performance was the more meritorious when it was remembered that practically the same fifteen was the “wooden spooner” the previous year. The juniors, although not as successful as either of the other teams, put up a creditable performance. This team, comprising practically all of the previous season’s third grade team, fully extended more experienced opponents and with just a little more luck would have obtained much more than. 50 per cent, of winto. It -was confidently expected that with a little harder training by members, the juniors would make a name during the 1935 season.

The success of the three teams last season reflected great credit on the selectors, Messrs E. Lee (senior), A. Graham and W. Bootten (junior) and J. Eye and L. Nees (fourths). Subscriptions amounted to £8 2s 6d and out of 53 member’s all paid their fees but four. Honorary members’ subscriptions increased by £lO. Travelling fees paid by players amounted to £l3 18s 6d, an increase of £4. The transport charges paid by the club were £8 less than in the previous season. Gate takings refunded by the union totalled £2l 10s 9d; an increase of £8 on the previous year. The gate takings showed an increase of approximately 260 per cent. Admission receipts from friendly games totalled £6 8s and the return from the ball was £2 Is 6d. Tire provision of transport (£l7 8s) was the chief expense, but the cost was much less than for previous years. It would be higher this year as the seniors would have to undertake several longi trips.

The annual hall was a social success, credit being due to Mr E. Townsend and his committee. But for contributions for the supper, instead of a small profit the ball would have shown a big loss. An innovation was a. club dinner at which the opportunity was taken to (present trophies. won| by players. It was hoped tlio dinner would be held annually. The total of receipts was £241 6s lOd, including £lls as nett gate takings. The main items of expenditure were “gates” remitted to union £lls, transport £17., seating accommodation £l4.

Congratulations to the. president and secretary on the comprehensive nature of the report and the manner in which the balance-sheet had been prepared were extended by Mr) R. Lee and the auditor, Mr F. Clemow. Dr Saunders congratulated the club on its successful season and the clean football played in all grades He hoped the teams would not depart from these high standards even though provoked.

New members were elected as follows : Messrs C. Gooday, R. Martin, N. Tinney, TV. Gower, F. Young, R. Campbell, L. Peterson, L. Gernhoefer, M. Vickers, L. O’Keefe and S. Scown.

Officers were elected as follows: Patron, Mr A. O'. Casey; president, Mr R. .T. Taylor; vice-presidents, Dr D. H. Saunders (senior), Mr R. Lee (iunior); treasurer and secretary. Mr T. R. Bourke; auditor, Mr F. Clemow; management commiteee, Messrs A. G. Whiting, C. Bennett, E. Townsend, A. Craig, D. Knees, 11. Potts and E. L. Egarr; club captain, Dr Saunders; selectors, Messrs R. Lee (senior), E. Graham (junior) and J. Rye (fourth); union delegates, Dr Saunders, Messrs A. G, Whiting, R. J. Taylor and T. R. Bourke. Mr F. Townsend, on account of ill health resigned as a member of the committee. He extended good wishes to the club in its future activities.

Sympathy was expressed with Mr C. Thomas in the death of liis son, and with Constable Townsend in bis illness. The latter was nominated as a life member of the club.

Opening day was fixed for March 23. Messrs J. C. Hutton, Ltd., offered a cup for competition. which Mr R. Bourke suggested should be for an annual match between Elthiam and: Tukapn, reviving an old fixture.

Thanks were extended to members by the retiring president, Mr D. Nees, for the support given him during the season. The newly- elected president, Mr R. J, Tayler, said that he was fortunate in taking office nt a period when the club was in such a flourishing condition. He referred with pride to the splendid standard of play last season and hoped there would be even greater enthusiasm and better results during the 1935 season.