SOCCER CONTROL

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12404, 25 March 1926, Page 11

SOCCER CONTROL

WELLINGTON ASSOCIATION TEN TEAMS IN FIRST B GRADE NEW SECRETARY ELECTED Tlje annual meeting of the Wellington Football Association took place at the Y.M.C.A. last night, Mr W. Duncan presiding. Mr Duncan congratulated the players on their improved form last year, especially those who regained the Brown Shield. Praise was due to the Y.M.C.A. for winning the Chatham Cup. He also congratulated those who selected the teams.

“The whole trouble this year,” said Mr Duncan, “will he to get grounds. We will have to go out of town for grounds in the future, but we have hopes of getting an important town ground. The Palmerston tournament shows signs of developing into a big affari, and I would like all clubs that can send a team up there to do so.” “We must not forget the referees who are to be praised for their work,” said Mr Duncan. He went on to say that the incoming committee had a big year before it. The balance-sheet was becoming more of a worry every year. The clubs that entered teams and accumulated ground fees were troublesome to deal with.” These ground fees,” added Mr Duncan, “are a nightmare.” “This year I am sure, is going to be the best we have ever had, and I am sure the players and the referees will work well together.” The report was discussed and adopted. MJt WILLIAMS FAREWELLED Mr Duncan referred to the good work of Mr A. Williams, the retiring secretary. He had been a wonderful and tireless worker. He intended taking a twelve months’ holiday, a holiday which no one would begrudge him. These remarks were supplemented by others, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Williams, who responded. OFFICE-BEARERS ELECTED The following officers were. elected for the coming year:—Patron, His Honour Mr O. P. Skerrett, Chief Justice; president, Mr A. E. Wells; vice-presidents, Messrs C. J. Ward, H. Ivory, C. K. Dick, H. Brice, F. Williams, A. Varney, A. G. Barnett, A. Bolton, W. Skinner, A. A. Kirk, P. Banks, W. Pawson, F. O’Connell, W. Haseltine, C. 'Webster, and A. Duncan.

Management committee: Messrs Auld, Wier, Spolsky, Wilson, Edwards, Aers, Heath, Coleman, Allen; life vice-presidents: Messrs A. E. Gibbs. F. J. Courteney, H. G,. Mayer, H. McKeowen, J. B. Paton, W. Auld, R. Pye-Smith, J. J. Roberts, H. L. Godber, B. L. Salmon, A. E. Wells, F. Ross, A. Williams, L. White, H. Yeoman; hon. secretary: Mr B. A. Mnbin; hon. treasurer: Mr W. Duncan; hon. auditor: Mr L. Atkinson; delegates to N.Z.F.A.: Messrs H. Leverage and A. Varney; trustees, Messrs F. J. Courteney and H. G. Mayer; vice-president' or N.Z.F.A.,: .Messrs. F. J, Courteney, anj A. E. Wells; chairman of committees: Mr W. Duncan- . It was decided that the fees for this year be as follows:—First division £lO 10s, second £8 Bs, third £7 7s, fourth £5 ss, fifth 10s, sixth, seventh, and eighth divisions, nil. —Adopted. It was also decided that the above amounts include capitation fees, ground fees and cup entries, and be paid in three equal instalments by May Ist, June Ist, and July Ist. Any club in arrears with its instalments within 14 days of the above-mentioned dates shall be disqualified from taking part in any further matches until arrears are paid. Tho motion of the Hutt Club, that for the purpose of the' formatipn of a new competition in the Hutt and Petone districts the age limit for a seventh division competition he 15 years on April Ist for the first year, was carried. DIVISIONS AND TEAMS Mr A. Harding, on behalf of the fixtures committee, presented the following notice of motion, which was carried (with an amendment regarding the first division B grade):— ‘ ‘That the following be the grades of competition for the Higher divisions:— “First division A grade, as at preuent. First division B grade to consist of not more than ten teams. “Second division A grade, to consist of not more than eight teams. “Second division B grade, to be an open grade. “That the incoming management committee allocate the teams for the divisions where necessary for the forthcoming season only, and that in future years relegation and promotion of teams take place similar to that of the first A division A and B grades. No new club affiliating with the association to be allowed to enter a team higher than that of the second division B grade.” Mr A. E. Wells, the new president, moved that the association be made an incorporated body, which would enable it to sue and be sued. The motion was carried. This will have the effect of having the Association Park handed over to the Wellington Football Association. New rules will be required. The following motion was carried: “That it be a recommendation to the W.F.A. that consideration be given to clubs that have no first division teams this season.”