RUGBY AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 April 1930, Page 5

RUGBY AFFAIRS

ANNUAL MEETING OF NEW ZEALAND UNION

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

/(By Telerrmph—Press Association)

V, \ WELLINGTON. This Day. ; In his presidential address at the opening of tlie annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union this afternoon, Mr A. A. Adams (West Coast) referred to the growth of the game in Australia, where, after 15 yearn the AH Blacks played a match aga.nst Australia and the Commonwealth team was to; be congratulated upon winning the rubber.

~ln New Zealand the game was continuing in its popularity, and the parent body was performing useful service in lending money to unions at a low rate of interest to assist in the purchase and improvement of grounds. Unfortunately some unions were behind in their payments, and in not carrying the terms of' mortgage were doing injustice to other unions desiring loans The finances of the union were in a sound condition and a profit of £616 4s had been made on the year’s workings. An outstanding feature this year would be the visit of the British team, which would be the first for >26 years. It was regretted that Scotland had only one representative in the team and the attitude of the Scottish Union to overseas teams was hard to understand. It was hoped that Home unions would have agreed to a conference on rules and other international matters during the forthcoming tour, but apparently they were not favourably inclined to the suggestion. Invitations had been sent to other overseas unions and up to the present Canada and Australia had accepted. No reply had yet been received from South Africa.

He hoped that they would give careful consideration to the, question of broadcasting matches.