Manawatu Hockey Association

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 88, 14 April 1938, Page 10

Manawatu Hockey Association

PREPARATIONS FOR COMING YEAR The annual meeting of the Manawatu Hockey Association was held on Tuesday night, an attendance of about 25 being presided over by Mr W. H. Wilson. A welcome w r as extended by the chairman to Messrs F. Cousins and W. B. Crump, two of the oldest life members of the association. * lu forwarding an apology for absence, owing to a prior engagement, Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., expressed the wish that the coming season would be a record one as far as the Association was concerned. A letter from the Broadway Club congratulated the executive on the way in which the affairs of the Association had been managed during the year. Speaking to the annual report, as already published, the chairman said that, as far as general play during the past year was concerned, Manawatu still had a long way to go to reach the standard which all would like to see, and to which Manawatu would have to strive this coming season, in order to put up a good showing against the Indian team. Unfortunately, players were still inclined to follow the hardhitting game, whereas they should be concentrating on the short-passing game. The Association’s insurance scheme was in a very healthy position and was the envy of other associations throughout New Zealand. As far as finances were concerned, Manawatu was probably one of tho wealthiest Associations in New Zealand. Ladies’ hockey had been fostered locally during the season, and there was a prospect of a North Island trial game being played here shortly, as a preliminary to the selection of the New Zealand team to play All-England. Hockey had been established at the Boys’ High School, and Mr McDonald was to bo complimented on the way he trained the boys. Unfortunately primary school hockey was still a bugbear; the masters did not have time to devote to it, all their interests being concentrated in Rugby. However, the incoming executive would

continue its efforts in this direction. Manawatu had been alotted a game against the Indian team, and the match would be played on June 15 as a Winter Show attraction.

Mr R. L. C. Aitchison urged the necessity for importing an overseas coach, for which purpose the Association had provided the nucleus of a fund. He suggested that further endeavours should be made to secure the co-operation of nearby Associations in regard to this matter.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr A. J. Graham; president, Mr W. Wilson; chairman of executive, Mr K. M. Struthers; vice-presidents, Messrs A. E. Mansford, R. L. C. Aitchison, W. J. Fitzgerald, H. Byers, F. Tucker, F. McLachlan and Professor G. 8. Pereu; vice-president on the New Zealand Hockey Association, Mr Wilson; delegate to the New Zealand Hockey Association, Mr A. F. Preston; hon. auditor, Mr K. S. Glendinning; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr R. A. Brace.

It was decided to make no charge in he insurance levy for the coming sea-

The season is to commence on May 7, and entries will close on April 30. Tribute was paid by the meeting to the way in which Messrs Wilson and Brace had carried out their duties during the past year. Before calling on Mr A. J. Graham, the Association’s patron, to present life members ’ medallions, the chairman said that, in the 39 years of the Association ’s existence, only six life members had been created; so it could be seen that this was an honour that was jealously guarded. Mr Graham also presented the competition trophie3 won during the past Association’s Life Members The six life members of the Association are:— Mr W. B. Crump: Commenced playing hockey in 1900, and played continu ously until about 1926. During that time was member and chairman of the executive for a number of years. Represented Manawatu as a player and as captain for about 15 years. Captain of the rep. team that first won the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield for Manawatu. Known to players as “Skipper" Crump had the reputation of being the best captain that Manawatu has ever had. Mr F. Cousins: Started playing in Manawatu in 1909. Played for Central Old Boys, Palmerston North, and Post Office Clubs. Played in the representative team for many years as goalkeeper, in which position he was outstanding. Played against Wellington in 1919 and defeated them for the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield, this being the first time that Manawatu had won the coveted trophy. Sat on the executive for a great number of years, acted as selector, also as coach, of the representative team, was coach for the rep. team when it drew with the famous Indian army team in 1926. During the tour of the Indian Army team acted as representative of the New Zealand Hockey Association in the capacity of manager for part of the North Island itinery. Has always been keen on the fostering of junior and school hockey.

Mr R. L. C. Aitchison: Learnt hockey at the Campbell Street School. Played junior hockey at the local High School and introduced hockey into the Technical School, where they won the junior championship three years in succession. Introduced hockey- into tho Y.M.C.A., and in the first year the A team won the senior championship, w as a member of the Manawatu team that won the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield. During the war period was president of the association and held hockey together when it was hard going. Has been on the executive ever since and is to-day the oldest executive officer in years of service. Some years ago when hockey was at a very low ebb. became once again and managed to put

the association on its feet once again. Is an A grade umpire and has also served as examiner to the New Zealand Hockey Umpires’ Association. Mr H. AVilson: Came to Manawatu in 1922. Commenced playing hockey in Nelson, where he helped to rc-start hockey after tho AVar. Was a member of the executive and played for Nelson in shield matches. Then played in AVellington. AVas in rep. team there. Came to Palmerston North and played for the C. 0.8. team. Played for Manawatu and helped to defend the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield when they held it. Soon after arrival served on the executive, and at various times was vice-president, selector, coach and trainer. A few years ago became president and soon after inaugurated thy scheme for establishing various trust funds to be devoted to specified objects, and under his guidance the funds have risen from £5 to £SOO, and the following funds have been established:—lnsurance, overseas tours, grounds, touring, overseas coach, junior hockey school hockey. Last year helped to revive ladies’ hockey. Is an A grade umpire and is an examiner fbr the the Neiv Zealand Hockey Umpires’ Association. Mr H. Byers; Joined the executive 10 years ago and has been an exceptionally active worker. \A r ell known for his generosity and help, and no matter what call is made on him, by executive, club, or player, he can always be depended on to help. Has been a vicepresident for a number of years. Has been president of the Umpires’ Association. One of the most reliable workers hockey has ever had. Mr A. E. Blackbourne: Joined the hockey executive 10 years ago. AVas a vice-president for a number of years. Was a stalwart worker in the enormous task of reviving hockey from the low level rome years ago. Could always be depended on to do any work given to him. Aeted as one of the selectors for the rep. team for some years. Is an A grade umpire.