RUGBY FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 March 1936, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE PIRATE CLUB LAST SEASON A DIFFICULT ONE CARRYING ON WTITf SENIOR TEAM The annual general meeting of the Pirate Football Club held in the Briglitwater Hall, was largely attended. In the absence of the president. Mr A. E. Max. Mr L. Hyde was voted to the. chair. The report stated: “The immediate past season lias been a most difficult one for the Pirate Club. In common with other country clubs, great difficulty was experienced in holding senior players, finally resulting in the withdrawal of the senior team from the competition before the end of the season. The club is now faced with the necessity of deciding whether sufficient players are available to field a senior team, or whether it might not be in the interests of football generally, to concentrate on junior players only. The position is such that the matter cannot be treated lightly. Football has been at a very low ebb throughout the province, calling for drastic revision. Whether the efforts now being made regarding reconstruction of tlie Rugby Union Management Committee will be one step towards better understanding and efficient management remains to he seen. “The finances of the club are healthy, showing a credit balance of £lO Is Bd. This can he considered very satisfactory considering the alarming drop in gate receipts, and members’ subscriptions. Whereas the general account last season showed a credit balance of £l7 2s 9d, this year it lias fallen to £6 14s lid, leaving a balance or £9 (is 9d, in the accident fund. “Although the club has had a very poor season, it is nevertheless gratifying to know that splendid service has been rendered the club by a few enthusiasts, to whom we give our thanks.”

Before proceeding with the election of officers, a full discussion ensued regarding available players for the coming season. The chairman suggested that those present should indicate who would he available so that a definite decision could he arrived at. (Mr E. Brownlie said that it should he remembered that at tlie commencement of the last season, the club lost no less than nine senior players through injuries, making the position very difficult. After several speakers had voiced their opinions, it was decided to field a senior and a junior team, it being mentioned that there were’upwards of 20 new members available. This was received with enthusiasm ELECTION OF OFFICERS The election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr T. Newman. President, Mr W. Booth. Vice-presidents, Messrs R. Freeman. W. Martin. G. Hall, E. C. Duncan, W. Reay, F. Shuttleworth, W. Thompson, J. Sargeant, J. Fanselow. Secretary, Mr L. Hyde. Treasurer. Mr N. Kearns. Delegate to Nelson Union, left to management committee. Club captain, Mr G. Hall, Delegates to annual meeting of Rugby Union, Messrs W. Booth, L. Hyde, F. Banliam, (R. Brownlie, N. Kearns. Management committee, Messrs E. Basliford, R. Falconer, J. Stanaway, Rex Cross, N. Kearns. The appointment of selectors and coaches was left to the management committee.

Subscriptions were fixed at, senior ss, junior 2s fid. Various other matters were left to tho management committee. Mr E. L. Bensemann, who stated that he was unable to accept any office, was thanked for bis efficient services over the past few years. The retiring president, Mr A. E. Max wlio is leaving the Dominion shortly for England on holiday, and Mr IL Brownlie who will he moving from Brightwater, were both thanked for the good work they had done on behalf of the club. Genuine regret was expressed that the club was to lose their willing assistance.

A full discussion ensued regarding Union matters to he brought up at the annual meeting of delegates, and the Pirate delegates were instructed to vote according to the club’s wishes. The following new members were elected: —Messrs F. Gibbons, J. Todd, L. Noonan, ,T. Stanaway, G. Haase, H. Evans, R. Haycock, R. Imvood, F. Palmer, L. Palmer, W. Sowman, J. Reay, B. Hall, S. Satherly, F. Tudkey, H. ■Tessop, R. Freeman, H. Marshall, R. Newman.