NELSON RUGBY UNION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 95, 25 April 1894, Page 2

NELSON RUGBY UNION.

The annual general meeting of the above was held lost evening at the Panama Hotel, when there was a good attendance of delegates from all the affiliated clubs. The chair was occupied by the President, Mr W. S. Littlejohn. The minutes of the previous annual meeting being confirmed, the hon. secretary presented his report and balance sheet. The report showed that last season live club 3, with membership of about 270, comprised the Union. The Cup matches having been alluded to, the report went on to the interprovincial games played by our representatives. Our " reps " duriog the season met Marl borough three times, Wellington once, and tho West Coast Union once, registering 2 draws, 2 losses, and 1 w , ln - A junior "rep." team likewiso played Marlborough, but suffered defeat. Mention was made of the successful tour of the N.Z team through Australia, and also of the brilliant play of our only representative in that team, Mr Geo. Harper, During the coming season we are promised a visit from the New South Wales team, probably one from Marlborough, and wo ourselves are to visit Wellington. The matter f of the southern clubs affiliating with the N.Z. Rugby Union waa corumonted on, and regret was expressed that Ocago still held aloof.

Coming to the Auancial portion the balance sheet; showed a small credit of about £8. The past season was an unusually* expensive one. For some inexplicable reason the attendance at matches was much smaller than usual. It was hoped some more advantageous terms could be made in obtaining play-grounds this season. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, praised Mr W. It. Walker for his very exhaustive awount of the past season's affairs, and touched on the disagreement with the Wellington Union over tho alleged rough play of their men while here last season. "He commended the action of their Union in wishing to get to the bottom of the matter. It was resolved to piiat the balance sheet and report as a portion of tho annual, The oflicera were then elected for the ensuing year. President Mr W. S. Littlejohn ; Vice Presidents, Rev. J, P. Kempthorne and Mr G. A. Harkness j Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr W. It Walker • Selection Committee, Messrs Poole, Oiderahaw.and Stiles ; Management Committee, Messrs Poole, Shallcrass (Nelson), Trask, Olderahaw, (Albions), Stiles, Simpson (Prince Alberts;, and Pierce (College). The good work performed by the Committee and also by the Secretary was referred to.

It was resolved that the entries for the Challenge Cup c'.ose on 28th April at 8 pm. i «

Re hiring grounds an offer of £Y2 10s for the season is to be made to the City Council. J

A letter was read from MrJ. P. Firth who represented Nelson at the meeting of N-Z Kurfby Union recently held in WelliiiL'. w U ir ie di v pi , lto over fche ]ftte Mat^« Wellington v Nolsou was to be decided in committee, he stated, when he would do his best for us. It was resolved to thank Mr I 1 nth for .his services and to leave the whole matter in his hands. The Chairman stated his intention of givinj» a trophy to be j)_ayed for on the lines of the Ohari.y Matches which are played with so mucb success in the larger towns. Teams of seven men aside to play two spells of 10 minutes each. By placing say two teams, as a /inal between the winners on one afternoon a good performance could be offered to the pubic. and it was hoped that the funds of the Union, which neaded replenishing sadly would be augmented thereby. The question of further raising funds for the Union was discussed, when io wa 3 resolved to hold a social on similar line 3to those annually conducted by the Blenheim footballers which have always, proved such successes.

A hearty vote of tuauka was accorded the Press for the promiuence givea to the local football, and the meeting terminated.