The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1938. Rugby Constitution Change

Northern Advocate, 31 March 1938, Page 6

The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST”

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1938. Rugby Constitution Change

. Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper

FROM every aspect. Rugby football has forged ahead, in Whangarei district during' the past two or three years, so that when a full review of the past season’s working is presented at the annual meeting of the union next week all supporters of the game will have cause for surprised gratification. That such a happy state of affairs prevails is a tribute to the men at the head of administrative control, who have capitalised the forward move made by players.

For some years past the management committee, which, after the animal meeting, is entrusted with the full control of the game, has comprised delegates from each affiliated club, together with representatives appointed by helpful organisations, such as the primary schools, and the'Referees’ Association, together with the chief ’executive officers. With the growing number of teams in the competition, this committee .has proved rather unwieldy, and, with a view to correcting obvious defects, Mr T. .11. Stewart, tre-asmei to the union, undertook a great deal of research work during the off season.

' As a consequence, most important suggestions for revising the constitution were brought before a special meeting of delegates on Tuesday night. Considering the weighty matters to be discussed, it was disappointing not to see a full representation of clubs. However; at preliminary meetings the proposals had been thoroughly explained and due notice had been given. The discussion at the meeting itself was of a high order, and with a full realisation of the magnitude of the step which was proposed, every point was fully ventilated.

Finally, the principle of an elective management committee was decided upon by a good majority. This, on the whole,, can be regarded as a wise move. Several delegates, long associated with control of Rugby in this district, stressed the importance of not losing direct touch with clubs.

Control of sport should he on as wide a democratic basis as possible, ensuring the fullest co-operation of all in a shared responsibility. Because of the distance from the centre, representatives of country clubs cannot attend meetings in Whangarei as often as they, would wish,,but they, just as much as town workers, upon whom,'’ of necessity, much of the routine administration falls, are keen for tb'er advancement of the code. For that reason, if for no other, a suggestion; made by several speakers on Tuesday night should be acted upon, and periodic general meetings of all delegates convened to receive reports front and discuss the policy of, the central elective committee.

In this manner, the object of those who searched so diligently and 1 faithfully to arrive at a more workable constitution, would be met, while preserving the right for clubs to bring forward their individual problems and to be fully appraised of movements in which they will be asked to share.

The executive of the union, also, would be all the poorer if lacking the presence of a direct representative of the native race in an .advisory capacity. In the Whangarei district there is a large number of Maori players, who are among the most attractive exponents of the game. No doubt, either at the annual meeting or at an early meeting of the newly-constit j.ted Management Committee, the appointment of a spokesman for the Maori footballers will receive the consideration which it deserves.

The Union has swopped horses after tbe stream has been crossed. Provided a wise selection of officers is made at the annual meeting, now a matter of infinitely more importance than hitherto, tbe advancement of the game should be still more rapid.