RUGBY IN H.B.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 77, 14 March 1935, Page 8

RUGBY IN H.B.

CONTROL BY UNION — Model for New Zealand REPLY TO CRITICISMS That in other provinces the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union is held up as a model in its treatment of sub-unions; that its representation is more democratic than can be found in the major unions of the Dominion; and that the system ad- | v oca ted by a Hastings speaker recently was adopted a few seasons ago by the Wanganui Rugby Union, with disastrous financial results; these are the facts with which Mr N. A. McKenzie replies to the criticisms of the constitution of the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union voiced by a speaker at tne annual meeting of the Hastings Bub-Union. “I fear the results that would undoubtedly occur if Rugby as it is governed to-day in this province were interfered with.” said Mr McKenzie In an interview. t “From the published remarks of at least one speaker at the meeting to Hastings on Monday night it would appear that there is some misconception as to the constitution of the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union,” eaid Mr McKenzie. “Somewhere about 1911 tho Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union comprised six sub-unions, Napier being one in addition to those still classed as such. The union was composed of one or two representatives of each sub-union. The Ideals of this no doubt appeal, but actual practice proved that as far as th® advancement of Rugby was concerned the constitution was a deterrent Instead of an assistance. Each of the eub-uniona was financially weak, and the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union struggled against an ever-increasing mountain of debt, ENTERPRISE STINTED ‘ ••The constitution of the union at that time etinted enterprise, and this was proved when the constitution was altered during the war period. The possibilities of Rugby in such a wide area as Hawke’s Bay were apparent to any student of the game, and the combined brains of Hastings and Napier were brought to bear. ••The good opinion of Rugby In Hawke’s Bay was borne out in 192 C, when four Napier residents guaranteed a bank overdraft in order that the Hawke’s Bay representatives might travel afield to' endeavour to rejoin the threads of interprovincial football that had begun to break in 1910. So successful were they then, and so enthusiastic proved the players, that th* guarantee was never called upon. Since that period, football in Hawke’s Bay has progressed, and to-day we are rightly regarded as one of the maiv provincial unions in the Dominion. This I® a proud position to hold, and on* that should be guarded carefully. ”A few years ago Wanganui tried a new form of government guch as was advocated by the speaker at last Monday’s meeting. The only appeal I know of that has come from Wanganui to the New Zealand Rugby Union is one for financial backing to save the union from bankruptcy,” asserted Mr McKenzie. If the constitution ot the Hawke * Bay Rugby Union were wrong, Mr McKenzie added, then »o was that ot every union throughout New Zealand with sub-unions under its wing. Canterbury, with four or five sub-union-', did «0t have the democratic constitution that pertained in Hawke s Bay i Nor did Otago. HELD UP AS MODEL. “Only lact Saturday I was speaking to a member of Hie llurunui (Canterbury) sub-union,” he added, "and he informed me that in his province th* constitution of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union was held up as a model one for sub-unions. On the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union every sub-union has direct representation on the management committee. This is denied sub-unions attached to the Auckland, Canterbury and Otago unions.” A sub-union was designed as a form of government for football situated in districts remote from the headquarters of the union. “It has always been * puzzle to me why Hastings, situated only 12 miles from Napier, should stick to their eub-union,” Mr McKenzie de dared. “The ideal is, to my mind, one union comprising representatives from both towns, and in the course of time, if Hastings were strong enough and so desired they could shift the headquarters of’the Rugby Union to Hastings. Personally, I do not care in which town the headquarter® are situated, so long as the advancement of the game generally is kept fo the forefront. “My connection with the union has always been on the players’ behalf, and, duo to their enthusiasm and loyalty. 1 have enjoyed positions which have allowed our players the opportunity to take part in international football. I take no credit for the great names these players have made for themselves, but I fear the result® that would undoubtedly occur if Rugby, as it is governed to-day in this province, were interfered with.” Mi McKenzie concluded.