RUGBY UNION FINANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25473, 1 March 1944, Page 7

RUGBY UNION FINANCE

SMALL LOSS LAST YEAR The draft annual statement of accounts submitted by the acting secretary (Mr K. F. Chase) to the Management Committee of the North Otago Rugby Union on Monday night showed a loss of £l7 on the year’s working. As in previous war years, this loss will be made good anonymously, thus enabling the union to balance its finances. The' Ground Trust Fund and Touring Fund were shown to be in a healthy condition, with small increases in amounts from interest accrued on bank balances, war, and liberty loan investments. There were present at the meeting Messrs M. F. Woodward (president), G. Knowles, B. B. Blackmore, A. Low, A. Marshall, R. H. Watson, H. Strachan, J. Macmillan, Bro, Owen. The chairman commented that, considering the season experienced, the financial result was satisfactory. Mr Watson raised the question whether the union was justified in paying out certain expenditure when they finished up the year with an adverse balance. He thought it would be better to cut certain items and finish up square, as it was hopeless for them to carry on every season knowing that they would get behind. Mr Woodward pointed out that the union had been granted a substantial reduction in the rent of the Show Grounds, but if it made a suggested reduction of £lO in one direction it would probably be worse off. In any case they were covered against loss. As long as they held their own during the war years, he said, the position would be satisfactory. Mr Macmillan said that, judged by its attitude to Rugby football, the public of Oamaru did not care how the union carried on.

After an examination of the possibilities of curtailing expenditure, members agreed that it was in the interests of the union to carry on as at. present.

The usual annual grant of £2 2s to the St. John Ambulance Brigade was approved. Advice was received from the New Zealand Union that the annual meeting would be held on May 4. Details of Competitions In reply to the New Zealand Union’s request for particulars of teams in each grade taking paid in competitions ire Oamaru, the secretary furnished the following particulars for the last four years: Seniors—l94o 4 teams, 1941 4, 1942 nil, 1943 nil; Juniors—s, 6. 2,2; Third Grade--• 5, 6. 2,2; Fourth Grade—4, 5,4, 4; Fifth Grade—s, 6,5, 4; Sixth Grade—nil, nil, 4,4; Seventh Grade—nil, nil, 4, 4. The annual meeting of delegates was fixed for March 29. On the motion of Messrs Woodward and Macmillan, it was decided to write to the Oamaru Amateur Swimming Club assuring it of the union's support in its endeavour to obtain tepid baths for Oamaru. Primary School Football Referring to the efforts made in the past to have primary school matches played under the union’s jurisdiction on Saturdays. Mr Watson, as chairman of the South' School Committee, reported that the South School would be only too nappy to co-opeiate in the matter. Mr Wodward said that the union coma possibly arrange matches with the smaller boys at the Junior High School. Bro. Owen reported that there was a big primary department at St. Kevin’s College this year, and he thought a team could be obtained from there. It was indicated that probably, as m former years, the North School wouid not agree to Saturday matches, but it was decided to explore the possibilities of arranging a Saturday competition for primary school boys.