ASSOCIATION CODE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 120, 22 April 1936, Page 11

ASSOCIATION CODE

POSITION IN THE CITY.

A CRUCIAL SITUATION

Whether the Alanawatu Football Association should go into recess for a period because of the few playerts offering, the lack of sufficient referees and financial difficulties was a matter discussed at a special general meeting of the association last evening. It was eventually decided to place the position in which the association has found itself before the guarantors for their views on the subject. At the annual meeting it was found that the outlook for the c( ming season was not bright and the chairman at the special meeting last, night (Air r. W. Ivey) stated that the following nominations of teams had been received for the various grades: Seniois., St. Paul’s and Rovers; fourths, io Awe Awe and Y.AI.C.A.; fifth grade, Te Awe Awe, Y.AI.C.A., Rovers and Technical. The chairman questioned whether it would be advisable to consider holding a senior competition, and the unanimous opinion of the meeting was against such a proposal in the ciicumstances. , . A rearrangement of the grades was suggested, but it was considered that tlie size and weight of the- pla.yeis precluded that. The rent for the North Street 1 alk grounds was £ls a year, said the acting-secretary (Air J. B. Smillie). In liis opinion the question to lie discussed could he reduced to the simple point of whether the grounds would be leased this year or not. . The chairman thought that ir only a fifth grade competition was conducted the council would reduce tlie rental somewhat in view of the tact that the competition would be tor The opinion expressed by another delegate was that the . North Street Park would be quickly taken over bv the Rugbv Union or the Boys High School if'the Showgrounds were cut ini and the opportunity was offered. That home and away matches should be played with the Wanganui Association was another proposal made, but it did not meet with the approval of all. . , ±1 The chairman pointed out that the gathering was merely repeating a discussion held at the annugl meeting. A decision had to be made:‘it was imperative. . Air R. E. Kempson emphasised that lack of finance, and not lack of players, was the crux of the whole problem. “What is the use of heating the air?” asked the chairman. “We will nil regret to see soccer go out in the city, but we have done all possible and what has happened? Wo have very few referees, very few players, no finance, and no prospects. Is it worth while trying to function? A motion was put to the meeting that a competition be carried on in all grades, the chairman’s casting vote making the position equal. It was then resolved that, the number of entries and the question of finance be submitted to the guarantors. This was agreed to, as it was felt that the financial position might possibly become worse if the game were carried on in the city.

Irrespective of renting the ground, it was thought that a practice might he called. Subsequently’, however, it was decided to hold this in abeyance until a further meeting of delegates is held on Tuesday next.

AUSTRALIANS’ TOUR. RESPONSIBILITY ON COUNCIL. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON. April,2l. Protests from the Canterbury Football Association at the non-inclusion of Christchurch in the venue of Tests with the visiting Australian team, and at the tour being arranged without- reference to the affiliated associations, were received at to-night’s council meeting of the New Zealand lootball Association. The chairman (Air J. A. Milburn) said that at first it was not possible to take the affiliated associations into their confidence regarding the tour, as they had not been sure of getting the team. A Test at Christchurch, where the gate was likely to be poor, was not feasible. It was stated that the New Zealand Council was taking the whole of the financial responsibility and asked no guarantee from the associations.