City Rugby Club Hard Hit By War

Northern Advocate, 2 April 1941, Page 10

City Rugby Club Hard Hit By War

Detrimental effects of the war upon the sport was reflected in the report of the president (Mr J. Roos) to the annual meeting of the City Rugby Football Club last night. “Owing to the numerous enlistments of club members, the club was unable to enter a junior team in the Whangarei Rugby Union competitions, and as the season advanced, with more members joining the armed forces, it was increasingly difficult to keep the senior team up to full strength,” the president stated.

The team, however, kept its obligations, and, although its record was not so convincing as in the past, he congratulated members on the spirit they showed in turning out each Saturday.

A senior team had entered in the annual seven-a-side tournament, bur. the club lost the trophy, which it had held for the last two successive tournaments. Congratulations were offered to Mr J. Callanan, who again made a place in the North Auckland representative side which met Auckland. Future Obscure “With the present European situation, the future is obscure, but it is hoped that the war will be brought to a speedy and successful conclusion. We are proud of the response made by club members to the Empire’s call and to those members who are already serving overseas, or who are now in camp,” the report continued. The committee felt that whatever the circumstance, it was the club’s duty to carry on the game until the return of men from overseas service. It was apparent that, with the everincreasing demands for military service, the club was going to find itself hard put to field teams this season, but the president stated that every endeavour should be'ma'de to keep the club in existence. i Might Not Field Team The attendance of active members was small, and it appeared doubtful that sufficient men would be available to enable the club to field a team in competitions this season.

It was decided to hold 'over the selection of teams until the committee held its first meeting about April 8. The following officers were elected: Fatron, Mr J. Walker; president, Mr J. Roos; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Stewart, A. Walker, A. A. Lee, C. J. Dent, H. Doel and J. A. Ross; club captain, Mr R. Ross; secretary and treasurer, Mr K. Williams;/ delegate to Whangarei Rugby Union,. Messrs R. Ross and J. Roos; auditor, Mr P. H. Conaghan; committee, Messrs J. H. Collingwood; committee, Messrs J. R. Power,