MR. HARKNESS RETIRES FROM OFFICE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 89, 24 March 1931, Page 6

MR. HARKNESS RETIRES FROM OFFICE

TRIBUTES PAID TO HIS WORK

SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING HELD

The interest shown in the af-

fairs of the Stratford Football Club by over thirty members and supporters at the annual meeting last night in the Gymnasium was quite encouraging to the committee, and it must be accepted as a healthy sign regarding, the club's operations this season. It came'

as a shock to all present, how-

ever, to learn from Mr. R. F. Harkness, the chairman of the Management Committee, and a player for many years in the early days of the club, that he would not accept office again, having fully determined to retire from active work owing to the

pressure af other public business. The chairman, before dealing with the report and balance-sheet, said he had to apologise for the absence of the Hon. R. Masters, M.C.C., the affairs of" State preventing him at the last moment from being present. Mr. Harkness said he was pleased to state that Mr. Masters was still retaining keen interest in the club. He was "fully acquainted with everything connected with it. They were fortunate in having such a man to assist them. Mr.- D. J. Malone was also unable to be pi-esent, said Mr. Harkness. He, too, always took a keen interest in the club. 'He was in the same position as the speaker, being a member of the .Borough Council, and the meeting that evening was one of the most important in the year. Mr. Harkness said he had to attend that meeting later, but felt that he could not let the club down on its annual meeting, and so had decided to be present in the early stages. Mr. Harkness expressed gratification at the presence of the club's worthy secretary. He had been on holiday for the last month, and had seen lit to return in order to be present at the annual meeting and occupy the position he had so ably filled for years. It was pleading to the committee of the club to see Mr. Johnston in his did position, and all would wish him renewed health and strength to carry on. Report and Balance-Sheet The chairman, in moving tne adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said members would see by the report that this year had not been as successful as in some previous years as far as the financial position was concerned. This year was not so successful for many reasons. It had been said that it was due To the visit of -the British footballers and the interest taken in their matches, leaving the local senior and junior matches in the lurch; atso money had not been so plentiful as in the past. There was also the fact that junior play was not up to the standard as formerly. There might be some reasons of the kind for the poorer result last season. The country clubs were unable to put teams inv the field, also the senior teams took a fair number of juniors from the outside districts. From a playing point of view the club had had a fairly successful year in both senior and junior grades. He trusted that the club would have tne same success in the future. It behoved everyone to take a general interest in the affairs of the organisation. He hoped the players would take a keener Interest if "possible, as it seemed to him that the cmb would have a fairly hard time this season. Mr. Harkness said he vSfy much regretted having to announce that he did not intend to seek re-election to office this year. He had had thirty years' connection with the club, and they had been years full of pleasure and he considered it was an h*nfur to belong to such a body of men who had taken an interest in clean sport. He did not want anyone to thank him for his services or for what he had done in any way; he felt he had had sufficient payment in being connected with the club, and was proud of haying held the positron of chairman for a number of years. That was the thanks he wished to accept. The memory of those times would he with him for many years. He thanked them all for their kindness in tne past, and in conclusion moved the motion.

New Members

"The Boundary King"

Mr. D. Young seconded, stating that the club was fortunate in being in the position it was in to-day through the work of the committees in the past. They were also indebted to the ladies in the management of the annual ball, which had been equal to any of its kind in the past. The senior gates were not so good, which was due to the times and the Englishmen's visit, and also the wireless sets, all of which kept a certain number of people away. Club football was fairly successful and up to the club's high standard, and all of the games were much appreciated by the public.' It was impossible to see a keener game than "that with Old Boys, who just beat thein. This year it was hoped the people would cdnle to the matches and that the senior gales would be worth a great deal more. He did not think the committee could have saved much of th Travelling cost more as was pointed out in the report.

The Adlam Shield

it was regretted, continued Mr. Young, that they heard of the withdrawal of Mr. Harkness from the committee and from the position of chairman. He thought mr. Harkness should reconsider his idea of withdrawing, as the club could not afford to lose him at this time. They realised that he was due for a spell, and had'done a great deal on the field and on the committee, but. at. the same time all the members trusted he would allow himself to he nominated again this year. (Applause.) Mr. Harkness thanked Mr. Young for his kind remarks, but intimated that he had made up his mind to retire this year. There were others in the club who could take his place. He pointed out that six nights last week he had been out on business that was not entirely his own. He promised to help the club in any direction that he could do so.

CHAIRMAN OF STRATFORD FOOTBALL CLUB

Donation of Trophies One point regarding the clubs interests he wished to refer to, and that was that some supporters who had kindly given cups or mi .nils to the club in the past might instead donate the cash. The medals were lost sight of sometimes, and also the members would appreciate in their hard times receiving cash for the club to work upon even more so than the medals. Mr. Harkness referred to the winning of the Petrie Cup last year by his son Rex. The cup, he said, was the finest that (he club had ever had. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Election of Officers President: The Hon. It. Masters, M.L.C. _ _ ' Vice-Presidents: Messrs. D. J. Malone, E. Walter, F.. Bowler, H. M. Good, L. J. Funic. Management Committee: Messrs. W. J. Aitken, 0. bamplough, R. Wood, 0. Young, J. D. A. Mac Kay, C. Massey and F. Nolan.

Hon. auditor: Mr. W. Power. Hon. treasurer: Mr. E. H. Young. Hon. surgeons: Drs. Steven, Gordon and Armstrong. Club captain: Mr. W. J. Aitken. Hon. secretary: Mr. C. C. Johnston. Selectors: Messrs. Wood and Mackay. Senior coach: Mr. F. Fryuay. First junior selector and coach: Mr. F. Nolan. Third Grade selector and coach: Mr. W. J. Sharrock. Fourth Grade selector and coach: Mr. L. Wynyard.

Delegates to the T.R.U.: The Hon R. Masters, Mr. D. "ifoung and Mr. C C. Johnston.

New members were elected as fol low:—Messrs. R. Hines, W. Hawke. A. Bone, B, Kivell, J. Whiting, P Joblin, R. Cresswell R. lCirkwopd, J Arthur, H. Harris L. M. Perkins, A, Robson.

11l reply to a request that he accept nomination to die management committee, Mr. Harkness said he would help the club in auy way. He did not' tliink it was possible to get togfctlier the same class of members oil the committee as the club had; tney were men who worked together and were always considering the ciub's interests, it was with mixed feelings that he said he could not see his way to continue as a member of the committee. He had been known sometimes as the "bcmuary king," as tie was the only oi.o to possess a map of the original oounuaiies of. the club and nad often been consulted on the subject by the union officials. Club Captain Mr. Aitkeu thanked the members for their re-election of him as club captain. He assured the members it was not so easy as it looked, and he was glad that he had given satisfaction to the members of the committee. He had managed to get the team together and put them on the field, and so far had been able to get them all safely home. Opening Day It was resolved to open the season on Saturday, April 11, and Thursday, April 10, and that it be a recommendation to hold a district competition. General It was decided to hold a genera* training night on Monday, April 13. Three teams will be nominated for competitions, and the fourth will be left in the hands of the management committee. Mr. Frydjiy moved and Mr. J. Young seconded that the secretary write to the Ingle wood G\ub to make arrangements for the Neill Shield, the matter to be in the hands of the secretary, coach, selectors and club captain. As to the fourth grade, Mr. Harkness said that it was one of the most important in the club. Players took a certain amount of roping in, and there should be someone who would take an interest in them. He felt confident that Stratford could place in the field one of the finest fourth grade teams.

It was resolved to send a letter of thanks to Dr. Faris, ot Inglewood, for his generosity in treating a young player who had been injured at Inglewood, and it was resolved, to pay his expenses.

At this stage Mr. Harkness left to attend to Borough Council business, and Mr. E. H. Young was appointed to the chair.

It was stated that the Adlam Shield had been offered to the Rugby Union through the club, but no decision had been come to except that the matter would be dealt with at the annual meeting of the union, it was donated by Mr. Adlam for the junior divisions in Taranaki, to be held by the junior representative team in the division.

Mr. Nolan stated that it was to be played for with the southern end, but this did not eventuate. He suggested that Stratford and Hawera should play for it. Mr. D. Young moved that it be referred to the Management Committee to have rules for it put in order. After discussion, it was resolved on the motion of Messrs. C. Massey and J. Young, that it be left to the delegates to the T.R.U. Insurance Fund Mr. Fryday asked for information on the insurance of players. Mr. Young said the obligation was on members. They were covered if they paid their subscriptions plus 2s, : which latter sum went to the union for the insurance fund through the clubs. Heavy claims had been made and the fund was smaller than anticipated. The scheme had met with the approval of players generally.

There were over 800 subscribers. Any footballer could have a reasonably cheap insurance and they would benefit by it. Mr. Nolan brought forward the case of a junior player who had been injured, and althoflfli he was insured he had not received any benefit, and the doctor had taken legal proceedings to recovsr his fees. The secretary said the union had dealt with the case, and had turned down the claim. The club committee had had the case under consideration and hoped to get the account paid. On the motion of Messrs. D. Young and J. Mackay it was ros/.ved that the matter be referred to the Management Committee, with a request to see justice uTrae. Mending the Jerseys Mr. D. Young spoke in eulogistic terms of the work done by Mrs. Ait ken during some years in Look ng after the jerseys. She had done marvellously well in keeping torn and old jerseys in repair, and all of it without expense to the club. He advocated passing a vote of appreciation to Mrs. Aitken, and should like to see the club give practical recognition of her services. Mr. J. Young supported the motion. Mr. Aitken: My wife has been talking to me about it, and asking me what we are going to do. If the old jerseys have to be mended again, she is resigning! (Laughter.) It is not a case in many instances of sowing a patch on the jersey, but a jersey on to the patch! (Renewed laughter.) Mr. E. H. Young moved that the

secretary write Mrs. Aitken thanking her and informing her that the club had passed a hearty vote of thanks for her attention to the jerseys during the year. Seconded by Mr. F. Bowler and carried.

The Smoke Concert

Mr. Aitken said he did not receive the support in holding the smoke concert that he considered should have been given to him. He struggled along. It was the same old story. Had it not been for the assistance of Mr. R. Wood he didn't know how they would have come out of it.

Mr. Fryday: Everyone enjoyed the smoke concert. It was quite a convivial meeting for the playing members of the club, which was what was. intended.

Mr. D. young said the smoke concert was very successful. Mr. Aitken pointed out that had it not been for the fact that he had a recommendation from the annual meeting the smoke concert would not have been held. Mr. J. Young moved that it be a recommendation from the annual meeting to hold a smoke concert at the end of the season.

Seconded by Mr. Joblin, who said that the boys should have some such affair to look forward to at the end of the season.

The motion was carried unani mously.

Secretary's Honorarium

Mr. E. 11. Young said Mr. Johnston had .worked with credit to himself and entirely satisfactorily to the Management Committee. It was only right and due to him to vote him special thanks. The season Avas not so successful as in the past, but that did not mean that the secretary did less work or that his duties were reduced at all. He had just as much work to do. The club should pay him t lie same as last year, and he moved that the sum of ten guineas be the secretary's honorariiun.

Seconded by Mr. Aitken, who also paid a tribute to Mr. Johnston's ser-

vices. "The members did not know what Mr. Johnston had to do," said he. "I endeavoured to carry out some of the work when he was away one time, and I know he has a very great deal to do." The motion was carried.

Votes of thanks were passed' to the ladies for their assistance at the annual ball. Mr. Massey, in seconding the motion, saying that the club was under a deep debt, of gratitude for their services; to the referees, the mover, Mr. Joblin, stating that they had carried out their work well and had given satisfaction equally with the referees in other parts of the Dominion; to file outgoing committee, with special refernce to the services of Mr. Harkness on hfft retirement; and to the Press. At a meeting of the Management Committee later Mr. C. Massey was appointed chairman.