FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, 16 May 1917, Page 7

FOOTBALL

NELSON" RUGBY UI»ION. -ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Nelson Rugby Football Union was held ;it Stallard's rooms last evening, when the president (Mr R. W. Stiles) occupied the chair. There was a large representation from the various clubs belonging to the Union. The secretary (Mr W. E. "Frank) read the annual report, which stated that the City Council having granted the free use of Trafalgar Park, the Union was able to carry on the competitions las* season. It was, however, only with the greatest difficulty that interest was maintained, owing to the number of senior players on activo service, and in consequence the standard of play was lowered considerably. With the exemption of the College, clubs found it difficult to put teams in the field. The 'Nelson and Old Boys' Clubs combined, playing as the Wakatus, and with th? Rivals and College took part in the senior competition, which was won by the College. The junior cup was won by thp Rival Club. Since last season the ranks of footballers had been further depleted, and at the present time every efficient man was on active service or in camp. It would therefore he incumbent iiDon the union to consider the ad visabilfty of continuing the competitions on lines similar to those adopted last reason The attendance at matches showed a marked falling ofFas compared with the previous season, and the seven-a-side tournament, usually a popular event, produced only meagre revenueIt w;is considered useless to ever expect to attain the former standard by the return of older players, therefore ; the union .in order to physically build up the youth of the city and district, must concentrate their energies on the younger generation, from whom in time they might expect the best results. It was hoped with confidence that in a few years' time, the former standard of play, or e% - en better, would be obtained. At'the close of last season a large number of players belonging to local clubs enlisted, and it was noted with pride and regret, that the names of maw players and ex-players had appeared in the* casualty lists. The i-ommiiije expressed their sympathy with the relatives and friends of those who had fallen, also with the clubs to which they belonged. Apropos o/ (ho foregoing' it was mentioned that );.s-t seabon an endeavour was made to obtain a roll of honour of all those who had enlisted for military service, but up to the present little response had been made by the clubs. This was to be regretted, as such a record would show the noble response Rugby footballers had made to the Empire's call. Another matter requiring the attention of clubs was the. return of trophies belonging to the Union, which should be made forthwith. The finances of the Union were in practically the same position as last year, the small revenue derived from matches being only sufficient to cover current expenses. In conclusion thanks were expressed to the president (Mr R. YV. Stiles), who, presided at every meeting held ■during the season. In referring to the report, the president noted its satisfactory nature m spite of existing conditions. A very large number of footballers had gone to the front during the recess, and it appeared as if football was a national necessity in order to build up youths so that" they might fittingly take their places in the sterner field. He hoped the attendance at the meeting was an augury of the season's possibilities, lhat the voungev generation "should be en couraged to play the game would be patent to them all, and ho hoped the older players would give them every en couragement. The report and balance sheet waa adopted. - Officers were elected as follows :■— President, Mr R. W. Stiles (re-elected): vice-president.Ven. Arclideacon Kempthorne. Dr. Andrew, Messrs F, It. Gibbs, H. Baigent, F H Richmond, H L. Fowler, A. Oklershaw, E. b. Cresswell, S. F. Bolton, J. B.SaddC. H. Broad, O. H. Coote, W. Moyes, W. R. May, J. Hunt, B. H. Moller, ,H. Atmore, W. Cooke, O. Holdsworth, L. Bradstock, G. Hogg, W. Lock, W. E. Smith, C. Leaper, W. Frank, r. A. rl. Field, MP., and A. Lulham; secretary, Mr W. E. Frank (re-elected) treasurer, Mr L Baigent Management Committee, Messrs Grigg, Shrimpton, Savage,. Reed and Schadick ; delegate to New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr C Akers; Senior selector, Mr WFrank (re-elected) f Junior selector, Mr J. Grigg auditors, Messrs J. Milner and E. S. Cresswell (re-elected). It was resolved that in respect to competitions former conditions be reverted to, viz., Senior, Junior, and Third Class, but in respect to the Junior grade it was decided that the age limit should be 18 years. _ It was resolved, that a list ot all players who have served Or are serving at the war be supplied to the secretary by the Management Committee meet--lUßesolved, that clubs sh.il 1 send in a list of the players of their clubs properly classified, and with his age against each player. . . Resolved that it be a recommendation to clubs to use their best efforts in the encouragement of players suitable for the Third Class competition. Resolved, that trophies be given as formerly for all competitions, and that those in possession of trophies should send them in to the secretary at once, failing which steps to' be taken to enforce "their return. A vote of thanks to the executive ollicers and the chairman terminated the meeting. 1