THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. "Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1939. LOCAL RUGBY CONTROL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 48, Issue 2886, 29 March 1939, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. "Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1939. LOCAL RUGBY CONTROL

IN the past moves have been made to alter the constitution of the Paeroa Rugby Union but no change from the existing system has been carried out for several years. It is becoming increasingly evident to those interested in the administration of the game in Paeroa that an alteration would be desirable. The present mode of electing the management committee and the procedure at the annual meeting are not in keeping with the established system elsewhere. Practically anyone can attend, speak and vote at the annual meeting and this may (and does) give rise to “packing” a meeting for a specific object. The best and most democratic and practical method is for the union to be constituted by a certain number of delegates from each club based on the number and grade of teams competing and these should be the only ones—with, perhaps, the addition of one or two principal officers, to speak and to vote. The management committee should be elected by these delegates, candidates to be previously nominated by clubs. It is desirable that such candidates should be capable administrators, not connected with any club or else prepared to relinquish club activity upon election. Committee members would therefore be elected to control football and not to represent a club. The number, too, could with advantage be reduced. At present the chief qualification appears to be availability to officiate as gatekeeper and consequently many capable administrators are unable to accept nomination. They’should assist in all the .union’s work but should not be debarred because they cannot act as gatekeepers. With reference to to-morrow’s annual meeting it may be advisable to condemn the action of certain “agitators” who are seeking to depose several Of the last committee. Unfortunately, according to current reports, they have selected for their attentions some of the best members—from every sane viewpoint. Club or other factions have no place in a rugby union and if the “agitators” do not desist it is to be hoped that their plans will be foiled. Genuine' attempts to interest suitable candidates are welcome but the other—no!