STANDARD OF RUGBY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 2 May 1935, Page 6

STANDARD OF RUGBY

MR S. S. DEAN OPTIMISTIC ADDRESS TO CONTROLLING BODY (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. In opening his address to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union Mr S. S. Dean first made fitting reference to the death of the president, Dr McEvedy, also the deaths " of, Messrs W. Empson and G. H. Masqat past president. In reference to ‘‘the All Black tour of Britain he said that although there appeared to be a feeling amongst a section of the people that the standard of Rugby lias deteriorated in the Dominion and that the team selected will not be up to the standard of its predecessors he did not subscribe to that belief. Most of the same arguments as those used to-day were evinced prior to the selection of the 1905 an<l 1924 teams, but all were aware of the achievements of both of those teams. Players on the coming tour would develop and he was sure would return with greatly enhanced reputations.

GAME FOR GAME’S SAKE “Sport in general seems to be in such a chaotic state throughout the world now that an excellent opportunity presents itself in this tour to show the rest of the world that we play the game solely for the game’s sake and for the friendships Rugby football brings us.” Mr Dean expressed the absence of personnal misgivings similarly in regard to the Maori team’s tour of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. He spoke also of sending two delegates to a conference with England to be followed by a conference with the four Home Unions comprising the international board viz., England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The South African board had accepted an invitation to tour Australia and New Zealand in the 1930 season and negotiations between Newi Zealand and Australia in regard to this tour were proceeding. New Zealand was now awaiting Australia’s acceptance of the definite proposals submitted.

With regard to finances lie said that although there was a loss of £577 15s 4d in the year’s working the general finances were in a healthy condition, the balance sheet showing an excess of assets over liabilities of £37,319 10s Id. Since the publication of the balance sheet interest shown as outstanding by the West Coast, Poverty Bay and Manawatii Unions had been paid in full and the amount on the account from the Auckland-Thames Union. He paid a tribute to the services of Mr Cecil J. Wray on the Rugby Football Union.

CRITICISM OF TRIAL GAMES Criticism was made of the itinerary of the trial games for the selection of the All Blacks, and there was a proposal to hold the matter over for discussion later.

Mr Dean, however, said that it was part and parcel of the annual report and asked could the matter not he disposed of.

The criticism mostly related to the last three games—llth June at Palmerston North, 13th June at Wellington, and 15th June at Wellington. The itinerary as set out in the report was adopted. The suggestion was made that an attempt should be made to secure a match of the All Blacks with France. Mr Dean said that representations had already been made with a view to securing two matches hut the homo union would not agree.

The question of the broadcasting of Rugby was mentioned. Mr Dean interposed saying that a statement was to be made in committee at a later stage.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS Officers were elected as follows: Patron, the Governor-General; president. Mr D. Stuart (Otago); vicepresidents, the Hon. J. McLeod (Taranaki), Dr W. S. Seed (Canterbury),

the Rev. Father Riordan (Horowlienua), Messrs K. S. Williams (East Coast), L. J. Brake (North Auckland), Tl. Frost (Auckland), G. P. Lindsay (Thames Valley). L. Powell (Waikato), J. Guiness (Bay of Plenty), J. Quirk (Wanganui), M. D. Smith (Hawkes Bay), R. .T. Smith (Bush districts), J. L. Donovan (Wairarapa), W. F. ilornig (Wellington), A. M. Onglev (Manawatu), M. McKenzie (Marlborough), R. J. Eyre (Nelson). A. S. Parker (Poverty Bay), K. J. Holvoake M.P. (Golden Bay-Motueka). A. G. Colvin (BullorL T. O’Donnell (West Coast), A. G. Knowles (North Canterbury), J. B. Wotton (Otago), H. S. Strong (Southland), L. V. Carmine (King Country), J. C. C. McLoughlan (Ashburton). A. Gilchrist (North Otago); management committee. Messrs S. S. Dean. T. A. Fletcher. W. J. Wallace, A. C. Kitto. F. T. Glasgow, E. C. Hylton, A. McDonald: lion treasurer Mr U. S. Leith: appeal council, Messrs F. T-I. C-'mnlv* 1 ' J S Hutchison, F. H. Sincock; auditor, 0. Kcmber.