FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1937, Page 6

FOOTBALL

WESTLAND SUB-UNION. MEETING OF OLD COMMITTEE. A meeting of the old executive of the Westland Sub-Union was held last evening at 7.30 o’clock. The report and balance sheet, to be submitted to the annual meeting was approved, the chairman (Mr J. Stafford) congratulated members on the satisfactory condition of tho Union’s affairs.

It was resolved to recommend to the incoming committee that application be made to the Borough Council for a reduction of the percentage of gate re-ceipts-from ten to five.

The chairman intimated he would not be .seeking office this year, and thanked members for past support. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of delegates to the ■ Westland Sub-Union wa s then held. Present—Excelsiors (F. Freitas), Kiwi (W. Kearns and D. Breeze), Pirates (J. Howat and C. G. Barrett), Kokatahi (J. McCallum), Ross (W. Stopforth and S. Moore); Referees’ Association (R. B. Collett), School (C. L. Harper), Arahura (No delegate), Life Honorary Members (F. McGregor). Apologies were made for A. Stevenson and R. Webb. ANNUAL REPORT.

I have the honour to submit the annual report, and balance sheet covering the. season’s operations during 1936. The season was again noticeable for the improvement shown in the standard of play, and this can only be attributed to the interchange of club matches with the Greymouth teams. The most important event in our local circles' was the representation of WestTSnd in the New Zealand team by Ron King, and two Maori players, A. Tainui and R. Vincent, received nomination for the New Zealand Maori team. The season was also noted for the number of players and supporters who departed from Hokitika during the period, J. Walker, a West Coast representative, left for Dunedin, and the Union wished him the best of luck in his new home, and are certain that his ability as a first-class player will soon be recognised in Dunedin. M. Morgan left for Wellington to join his parents, and in these two instances the Kiwi Club have lost two sterling players. Two union members, Messrs C. Reese and A. Cutbush also left, the former for Australia and the latter for Wellington. Both were sterling workers for Rugby, and their places will be hard to fill, especially the latter, as he placed football first and all others had to take second place." Mrs McKenzie donated a cup for competition among the leading junior teams, the matches to be played at Arahura. Conditions governing the trophy wove approved by the union. Mr M. Mandl donated a medal for the most improved'player during the year, and the union extends its heartiest congratulations -to- the winner, Rupert Roberts, who was the unanimous selection of the selectors. Mr D. Breeze, one of our senior referees and hard working members, joined, the ranks of the benedicts and the union extended its congratulations and made a presentation on the happy occasion. Before we forget ouv departed players, it is well to remember that Maurice Connolly also left Hokitika to take a position in Greymouth. Unfortunately for Westland, Maurice is now an opponent, but the Union congratulates him upon his appointment to his new position. An inter-change of referees was tried out between Greymouth and Westland, and Referee Eastgate controlled a match m Greymouth and Mr Eggleton officiated in Hokitika. Since the end of the sea- . son Mr Eastgate was selected as a representative of New Zealand to go to the Coronation ceremony in England, and once again the Union extends congratulations and best wishes. The saddest event of the whole season was the death of the late Mr W. E. Williams. For many years lie had been president of the Kiwi Club, and one of the best supporters of Rugby football and a great sportsman. The Union was represented at the funeral, and also forwarded a letter to the relatives. The visit of the Sydenham Club on July 25 was a noteworthy event in football circles, and the match was one of the best seen on the local ground. The visitors gave a great exhibition, tho attendance was good, and the Union was able to make a substantial donation to our Canterbury friends. A Westport school team also visited Hokitika and played a match with the local school team. The behaviour of tho visiting team was very good, and the Union forwarded a letter to the Rector of the school congratulating him upon the conduct of his team. The usual challenge matches were played and Westland managed to hold the coveted Dittman Siheld against all challengers'. The Shield has been engraved and is in safe keeping. Tho winners of the various eompetiitons are to be congratulated on their sterling performances, and their wins were thoroughly deserved. The West Coast Maoris challenged for the Ratana Cup, and the game was played in Christchurch. The Union granted the team a subsidy of three guineas towards their expenses. The team put up a very creditable showing, and when they challenge in 1937, they will certainly have a much larger following. Mr H. Webb, a member of the Union, organised the trip, and has every reason to be proud of the team. During the year the Union carried out a much needed improvement to the Square by the erection of four high power electric lights to enable the players to practice at night. The clubs subsidised the scheme, and the band and sports club also forwarded donations. Although the scheme was estimated to cost £ls. the actual cost was in the vicinity of £3l,

but the lights are there for all time, and a permanent asset of considerable value to tho Unioiraud to the Borough Council. Although tho Council has always treated the Union in a fair and impartial manner, the Union has spent its money upon permanent improvements to the Square that have added value to the Council’s property, the most noteworthy being the side line ienee and the electric lights,“these two items costing the Union over £6O. The Referees’ Association rendered the Union a wonderful service during the season and the Union extends its very best thanks to all the members who gave their services in the interests of the sport. Mr Mclntosh also deserves our best thanks for the use ol the meeting room free of cost and the Press for their whole hearted co-opera-tion throughout the year. Mr G. W. Keller, a keen, supporter of the Union and of the sport, also decided to leave Hokitika and will in future reside in Wellington. Air Keller always took a very keen interest in the welfare of the players and for many years was an officer of the Kiwi Club. The match for the Graham Wise Trophy was not played owing to a. misunderstanding in the rules which stated that the matches for his trophy had to be played in Kinnara. With no Rugby team in Kumara, this was not carried out. The West Coast Union in the meantime approached the donor. Mr F. Wise, and the matter will be rectified this season' The selector, Mr D. R. Dowell, had a busy year and the selection of teams took up a great deal of his time. However, he continued to carry out his duties in his usual callable manner and Westland payers were well satisfied with his efforts, Mr Dowell in his official capacity as selector, met a great deal of the expense himself and the Union expresses its thanks for his generous assistance. South Westland assumed the status of a Sub Union in 1936 and played a shield challenge with Westland. With the opening up of South Westland they should muster a representative team that will keep Westland and Greymouth busy.

A request was made to the Council to consider the shifting of one set ot double gates from the middle position to the main entrance at the corner of Weld and Bealey streets. Although the Council did not accede to this request, this improvement is urgently needed and a further request should he made this year.

The financial side of the season’s operations reflects credit on all concerned. The season opened with a credit of £4/10/- and this was substantially increased despite the heavy committments met during the season. With the visit of the Springboks this year the Union and players have something to look forward to, this visit alone should mean a most successful year. As your President I express tny thanks to all the members who rendered assistance during the past year, the referees, gatekeepers, players and all who assisted the Union during the sea-

I desire to tender the Ambulance Officer, Air A. Agnew, a- special vote of thanks and appreciation for the attention he gave to the injured players and all who needed his assistance during the season.—Received. GENERAL. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Air D. R. Dowell; vice-presidents, Aiessrs AV. E. Clarke, J. Stafford, C. L. Harper; treasurer, Air A. H .Lawn (re-elected); Secretary, Air E. AV. Heenan ; delegate to AV.C.R.U., Mr F. AV. Baillie; selector to AV.C.R.U., Mr D. R. Dowell; Postponement Committee, Messrs F. Freitas. D. R. Dowell, A. H. Lawn; Caretaker, Air R. Herring; Ambulance Officer, Air A. Agnew; Gate Steward, Air AV. E. Gay lor; Timekeeper, Air A. W. Yarrall; District Selectors, Seniors Messrs D. R. Dowell, J- Devanev and F. Freitas; Juniors, Messrs J. Howat, D. Breeze and A. Stevenson ; Management Committee, all officers and delegates. Air J. Stafford was elected a life honorary member in recognition of services during the past eighteen years. It was resolved to forward a letter of appreciation of past services to Air A. H. Cutbush.

NOMINATIONS RECEIVED. Seniors-—Ross, Kiwi, Excelsiors and Pirates. Juniors-—Kiwi, Excelsior, Ross, Pirates, Ivpkatalii, Arahura. Resolved to open competitions on April 17. Fixture committee for junior and third grade—A. Stevenson and C. L. Harper. It was,;resolved third grade players he under 19 years of age on April Ist, 1937. and weight limit lOst 71 bs. It was resolved in view of the subsidy being paid towards the purchase of a mower to ask the Borough Council to reduce the charge on gate receipts to five per cent. It was resolved to hold a seven-aside tournament on Cass Square on A Lav 12, to be styled the ‘‘Coronation Tournament.” Mr C. Schroder donated a silver cup for the seven-aside tournament for seniors, to be won twice in succession or three times at intervals.—Offer received with thanks. It- was resolved to obtain a supply of rule books.

TEAAIS FOR TO-MORROW. Pirates' senior team to assemble at Cass Square for a practice match with the juniors on Saturday at 3 p.m.— Staines, Johnson, Pfahlert, Agnew, Pattinson, Baird. AlcGlashan. Nicholson, Jeeves,* Donaldson, Heslop. Ritchie (2), Thorpe, Brown, Kulsen. J Parker. Oribb. J. Inglis. Reid, and Broadbnit.

Excelsior senior team to play Kiwis on Cass Square at 2.30 p.m. sharp. All players are urgently requested to attend this practice game as all will be given a try-out.—Adamson. Mitchell, Alackrell, Marsh, Muir Stolley, Conning, Fleming. Gardiner, Johnstone, Davidson. Bruhn. Tainui, Parker, Keys, AlcCnrthy, Hughes. Turley. King. Fowler. Powers, Flowers, Alullins, White.