RUGBY FOOTBALL

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 71, 26 March 1913, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

NEW ZEALAND REFEREES'

ASSOCIATION,

ANNUAL MEETING-.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Referees' Association was held in Wellington on Friday. Mr R. M. Isaacs presided, and there were also present the folowing delegates: — Messrs H. Gill (Hastings), N. A. Knox (Auckland), J. F. Manning (Manawatu), R. Northovor (Wanganui), I>. McKenzie (Wellington), H. Frost (Auckland), J. H. Morrison (Marlborough), E., Mc'Kenzie (Wairarapa), G. R. Freeman (Horowhenua), A. Lees (Taranaki), T. H. Jones. (Canterbury), L. Sievers (West Coast), W. J. Meredith (Nelson), J. F. O'Sulli, van (Poverty Bay).

ANNUAL REPORT,

Following was the annual report presented:— • \ ' ! "The past'season has been one of continued success in the affairs of the association. At present theire are twenty active associations ' affiliated, and it is likely that several new associations will apply for affiliation shortly. Thus practically the whole of the active Rugby referees in New •Zealand are now banded together for mutual support and advancement. The handbook was published as usual last year, and although the support accorded was not equal to previous seasons a fair measure of success was attained. Over 1000 copies were sold andi 30b copies wer© distributed amongst the primary schools of the centres. As the amendtaients and alterations to the laws of the game have been, only of a recent character consideration should be given at^ the annual meeting as to whether it is necessary to publish the handbook annually. Twenty-one certificates were awarded during the year to referees who, had officiated in representative matches^. The finances of the association are still in a sound position. The association has now been a self-sup-porting institution for several years past, and the balance of assets over liabilities of £31, Is XOd must be considered as. satisfactory." The chairmany in moving the adoption of tlie report, congratulated the association on its sound financial position, but he. said that it would be necessary to watch expenditure carefully if tthe association was to remain self -supporting. \ He drew attention also to the amounts of ,duesi under various heads from affiliatedi associations outstanding, and he hopedl delegates would use their influence with their associations to have all unpaid subscriptions remitted without delay. The report was adopted without discussion. -

NEW BY-LAWS.

Amended by-laws were considered, and eventually adopted. Most important among the' new by-laws was one providing . that conferences be held once in three years, instead of once a year. There will bean annual meeting each year in Wellington, at which distant associations may be represented 'by deputies resident in Wellington. "If necesary the executive may convene a special conference at any time upon obtaining the absent of a majority of affiliated' associations by mail vote.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr R. M. Isaacs; vice-presidents (each affiliated asso* elation is entitled to nominate one vice-president, but as'very few of the annual, meetings had been held, only one nomination was submitted, that of Mr L. Griffiths, of Marlborough); secretary and treasurer, Mr L. Sievers; committee, Messrs I>. McKenzie, W. J. Meredith, J. F. O'Sulliva.n, F. H. Card, T. H. Jones, and G. Howe; auditor, Mr O. H. Manson. '■ s A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr J. M. Robb (the retiring eeoretar and treasurer), and Messrs J. H. A. Lawton, A. Neilson, and/ F. A. Hempleman (retiring members of the committee). It was decided to print the handbook as usual. The fixing of the place of the next meeting was left in the hands of the executive. .* A vote of thanks was accorded to the Auckland Association far past services. This association, as was explained, is to go out or existence as a recognised association affiliated with the central body. Two years ago the members of it had a dispute with the Auckland Union, and refused,to act as referees. A new association was formed, which was recognised by the Auckland Union and by the New Zealand Referees' Association.