RUGBY FOOTBALL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18662, 23 March 1935, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WAIROA SUB-UNION ANNUAL MEETING HELD J 934 SEASON OUTSTANDING (Herald Correspondent.) The outstauduig record made by the Wairoa senior and junior representative tennis, in completing a heavy season ot representative fixtures without a defeat, was referrtkl to with keen satisfaction at the annual meeting of the Wairoa .Rugby Sub-union, held on Wednesday. Mr. A. G. Nolan presided over the meeting, which was very well attended. In presenting the annual report, the chairman pointed out that the past season had been a most successful one from the playing point of view, particularly in representative matches, the senior team going through the season with a full programme, and finishing with an unbeaten record; while the juniors also played through to a finish without u defeat, though they had one drawn game. The interest iu club football continued as keen as ever, and some very excellent games had been played. * On the financial side, the season had been much less successful, and a working loss of £SO 14s 6d had to be reported. Once again economic conditions had a big effect upon the prosperity of the sport, and the committee was of the opinion that, taking the times and the travelling problems into consideration, the financial conditions last year had been as good as could be expected. The new season, it was hoped, would show an improvement in the financial returns. Referring again to the success of the representative teams, Mr. Nolan remark, fd thai many outside unions could well be envious of the record of Wairoa, and in this connection the executive felt that particular credit was due to Mr. Torn French, selector and coach in Wairoa for many years, whose work with the senior (rani had been so successful. The subunion also owed its thanks to the. players who trained so' well and gave such good accounts, of themselves in the various matches. BARIIY CUP SUCCESS The retention of the Barry Cup was one point on which satisfaction also could be. felt, as it would mean the playing of one or more important representative games in Wairoa during the coming season.. The sub-union offered its thanks to sportsmen of the Poverty Hay and East Coast unions for kindness shown to the Wairoa learns which visited the respective unions' centres in 1954. Congratulations were offered by Mr. Nolan to Hawea Mataira on his success in gaining a place in the 1934 All Blacks, and toother Wairoa players who gained Jlawke's Bay representative honors, and took part in All Black dial games. The winners of the competitions were also tendered the compliments due to them, and players generally were thanked for their support and good discipline. The services of Mr. Tom French, and the loss sull'erwl by Wairoa through Mr. French's transfer lo Gisborne, were again mentioned by Mr. Nolan, who stated that the sub-union had benefited greatly from the interest shown by tbe departed coach and selector. Mr. French's unfailing energy and kindly character, allied to his knowledge of <\ football, had been appreciated by every■i>"> connected with the name in the district ; and the best evidence they could

give to Mr, French of this appreciation, said Mr. Nolan, was to do their best to carry.out the work lie had put so well on the road. Messrs. McDonald anil Foley, as junior selectors and coaches, also deserved the thanks of the subunion, and others to whom thanks were due included Mr. C. McLean, the subunion representative on the Uawke's Bay Uriion, the Referees' Association, Mr. VV. A. Crater, hon. auditor. Dr. E. P.. Jardine. lion, surgeon, and the press, for full and impartial reports of matches. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Nolan added his own appreciation of the loyal and generous support he had received from his colleagues on the executive, and from the clubs and players of the district. In closing, he added that the lease of the Lambton sports ground held by the sub-union committee had been renewed for a further Jive years, cm satisfactory terms. On the motion of Mr. Nolan, the annual report and balance-sheet were adopted as submitted, and the election of officers was proceeded with, resulting as follows:—Patron, Mr. (i. C. Orniond ; president, Mr. A. C. Nolan: vice-presi-dent, Mr. CUB. Sainsbury; hon. secretary, Mr. .1. J. Millar; hon. treasurer, Mr'. R, M. McDonald; hon. auditor, Mr. ! W. A. ('rarer; lion, medical officer. Dr. I E. B- ■Tardino: executive committee. Messrs. K. .)". Cooke, I'. A. Milne. FFoley. l\ Bates, B. Goodlcy, K. Wiuiata and 'M. Svensen. Practically all the officers were, re-elected from last year. On the. 'notion of Mr. I'. Bates, seconded by Mr. K. Bnbson, it was decided to recommend the management committee to make the opening day of the new season an opportunity for the. clubs to participate in the revenue by .selling tickets of admission.

Later it was announced that Mr. W. L. Dunn had accepted the post of Wairoa delegate on the Hawke's Ray union management committee. The meeting closed with an enthusiastic vote of thanks to the chair.