FOOTBALL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 15 April 1922, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

OKAIAWA CLUB

(From Our Own Correspondent.) | A special general meeting of the Okaiawa Foot&all Club was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening last, Mr. A. Lees presiding over an attendance of about 60 players and supporters. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called to discuss combining with the Waimate Club. Unfortunately there had been a lot of misunderstanding on the matter. The secretary had understood that Waimate were anxious to approach them 3 so had called the meeting and invited them to send delegates to the meeting. There were no delegates present and there was nothing official from the Waimate Club to put before the meeting. However, as there was such a large number present there was no harm in discussing the matter. Some years ago, continued Mr. Lees, Okaiawa had a lean year, and they applied to the Union and got permission to throw in their lot with neighbouring ciubs, with: the result that several of our best players joined Kaponga and one played for Waimate, while the local club ran a junior team. The Union, however, had provided for this sort of thing by running a B grade competition and clubs in temporary difficulties had .the option of dropping down to that grade. Personally he thought there was no need for the club to consider running a combined team. Last season the ' seniors had given a good account of themselves, and this year prospects were puush brighter and they could

look forward with confidence. Mr L. Walsdorf said he considered it would be a backward step. He referred to successes the seniors had, and also to the fact that their juniors were unbeaten in the Southern Division. On looking round the room he had no hesitation in saying that if they did not win the iehampionship they would at least make other £cams work for it. In answer to a question as to how the matter originated, a, player stated- that he had discussed it with a Waimate player and they had both thought it

would be a good thing. He had mentioned the matter to the committee, and most of them had seemed favourable, but evidently on thinking it over they had changed their minds. Several other members spoke against the much rumoured proposal, and it was quite clear that the feeling of the meeting was strongly against the proposal. The meeting then proceeded to routine business without any motion | being passed. Mr R. Roberts addressed the players and pointed out to them the need of training. He said the selectors I wanted to see them stripped and on the field. They had been let down too often by picking men on reputation. It was unfortunate as far as this club was coircrned that the fixtures were j starting so early, as it was such a late , season w'Mi the cows. He hoped, however, thr- players would realise that they nr-^t get fit to be of value to r their te ;••>. i Mr "\V I?<\ker tendered his resignation as •'■ selector, regretting that be now fo-.:-d it impossible to attend practises. Mr. T Walsdorf was elected to fill the vac^r-v. sever?! members speaking highly (,': }ii.<s ivork last season.