RUGBY FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 2982, 28 March 1929, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

THE TE KUITI CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Te Kuiti Football Club was held in Lever’s rooms on Tuesday evening, Mr W. A. Condon presiding over an attendance of about 50 members. Before proceeding with the business of the meeting, the president referred to the loss the game had sustained in the death of Mr Stan. Warren, stating that he had been both a player and then an official of long standing. A two minutes’ silence was then observed in honour of the memory of the Club’s departed member.

ANNUAL REPORT. In presenting the report of the principal business transacted and the doings of the club during the past season, the committee wished to thank all those who contributed in any way to make the season a success, both 'from a playing and a social point of view. Despite the fact that the flaying strength of the club was somewhat weakened by the reforming of the Nehenehenui Club, three teams were entered in the competitions promoted by the Maniapoto Rugby Union—senior, junior and third grade. Although the latter was the only team to prove successful in winning the championship, the teams in the other grades had enjoyable games, and the competition was keen. The seniors had the honour of drawing with Pio Pio, who eventually won the championship. Despite the departure of players and officers of the club from the district, the club had had its fair share of losses, and towards the close of the season some difficulty was experienced in fielding teams in both the senior and junior grades. Mr. Reg. Hoskin, who was one of the senior selectors, was among those who took their departure, and lie was tendered a complimentary social by club members and presented with a suitcase as an appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the club. A trophy presented by Mrs. Hoskin for the most conscientious and popular senior player was won by Mr Stubbings, who was chosen for the honour by his team mates. The Boddy Shield was won by tho third-grade team for the second year in succession, and the boys were to be congratulated on their success. Many of the senior members could, with benefit to themselves and the club, take a lesson from the keenness and enthusiasm displayed by the boys. A visit by the senior team was paid to ICawhia, where a match was played against the Oparau team, winners of the Kawhia Sub-Union’s competition. The game was won by a narrow margin by the visitors. Those who made the trip spoke highly of the hospitality extended to them, and the _ club is looking forward to a visit in return from Oparau djuring the forthcoming season. A oom&ned team representing the Te Kuiti and Nehenehenui clubs also played a game on the Domain against the Auckland City Council team, and the combined team won. An invitation was extended by the city team to send a team to Auckland to play early this season, on a date to be mutually agreed upon. Several members of the senior team earned Sub-Union representative honours. N. Lusby wa9 chosen to represent' the King Country, while W. Stubbings played in the Northern and Southern Maori trial match at Auckland. Several juniors showed distinctpromise, and during the course of the season W. El. Rodgers w T as promoted and eventually gained a place in the Maniapoto representative team. Several social evenings were held during the season, and the season was brought to a close with a social and dance, which proved a huge success in every way, this being made possible by the whole-hearted support received from every individual member of the club and by the sporting fraternity. For the latter event several business people donated prizes, and to these the club returned its thanks. The club funds had been jealously guarded throughout the season, and it would be gratifying to members to know that after starting practically from scratch, the bank balance showed the club to be in a healthy financial position. This has been made possible by the generous supporters of the club, anti it was to be hoped that the club members would not lose sight of the necessity of paying their subscriptions promptly, for this was the main source of revenue the club had.

Although the actual donations to the social fund exceeded the expenditure, the club sustained a loss on the annual smoke concert. Club members were generously catered for, but the attendance did not come up to expectations. Although a sum was levied on all present,, the total failed to cover expenses and it will be a matter for consideration of the incoming committee whether they will eliminate or continue the function.

There was a profit of £lO Os 4d from the wind-up social and dance, and together with annual bank balance of £ll Is Bd, this would be a cause of gratification to club members. “On more than one occasion during the season, teams showed a decided lack of training,” stated the report, “and the matter of framing facilities will have to be discussed by the incoming committee, and if some definite scheme can be brought forward, the club as a whole will benefit.”

Mr F. Jenyns, one of the members of the original committee, did not take office owing to sickness, and Mr Hall was appointed in his place. The prospects of the coming season appeared very bright, but individual and united effort would be necessary to achieve results. The committee, the members of which give their time ungrudgingly, need all the support it is possible for it to get. y. Owing to pressure of private business, Mr W. Joll had been compelled to relinquish the position of secretary, Mr N. Lusby being appointed in his stead.

Special thanks were tendered to the committee for the manner in which it had carried out its duties. The ranks had been depleted by sickness and members leaving the district-, and at times it had been difficult to muster a quorum, but the interests of the club were always paramount, and the manner in which it was attended to answered well for the enthusiasm of the committee.

The report concluded with a reference to the death of Mr Stan. Warren, which would be deeply regretted by club members. For just on a score of years, Mr Warren had been an outstanding figure in sporting circles in the King Country, and no sporting organisation had ever sought his assistance in vain. The club’s deepest sympathy was extended to his widow and family.

The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £ll Is Bd.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:—Joint patrons, Messrs W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., and J. C. Rolleston; president, Mr E. H. W. Tapp; secretary and treasurer, N. Lusbv; lion, auditor, Mr I. C. Robinson ; lion, surgeons, Drs. De Castro v Isaac and Zobel; vice-presidents, E. J. Peterson, A. Nealon, I. C. Robinson, W. Gilbert, Chas. Harrison, H. and C. Boles, A. Routlev, H. Connell, G. Elliott', L. Stott, J. White, S. Tapp, N. A. Davidson, G. Hare, E. Pask, Ohas. McDonald, R. F. Reid, W. Copsey, R. H. Hoskin, H. Dinsdale, J. S. Hogan, B. Brewer, F.White, H. Rothery, W. Condon, R. Dowie, J. Pitcon, J. F. Walsh, P. Passau, L. B. Arnold, S. Craig; management committee, W. Stubbings, J. Pitcon, W. Condon, E. J. Peterson, W. Stringer; delegates to Maniapoto R.U., W. Condon, J. Pitcon, E. Tapp; selectors (seniors), E. Tapp, J. Pitcon, and field captain; club captain, P. Z. Henneker; junior selectior, H. Boles.

An invitation was • received from the Ongarue Club to send a team to play at Ongarue on Saturday, April 20. The club had recently been revived, and it was felt that a visit from the Te Kuiti Club would greatly assist the efforts of those now working hard for the club.—lt was decided that every effort be made to comply with the sister club’s request. REMITS. The following remits to be brought before the Maniapoto Rugby Union at its next meeting were framed:—(l) That this meeting of the Te Kuiti Football. Club requests the Union to make every effort to purchase a suitable ground at the outset of the season; (2) that- every bona fide resident of the district be allowed to play regardless of when registered, but that a stranger arriving in the district must have resided therein for fourteen days before he is allowed to participate in any fixture; (3) that one sole selector be appointed in lieu of three. It was decided that the first practice match be held on April 6. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing committee, and the usual compliment to the chair.