NELSON RUGBY UNION.

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8246, 13 May 1895, Page 2 (Supplement)

NELSON RUGBY UNION.

ANNUAL MRSEF IG. The annual meeting of the above body was held at the Panama Hotel on May 2, when tie following delegates were present — Mes.-ra Harper, Cresawell, N. Levitn, Walker (Nelso'i ( lub) ; Fimpson, Stiles, Hill, Nalder, J. Clear (Prince Albert) ; E. TrasV, Oldersbaw, McArtney, Buecb, Robertson (Albion) ; Adams, Cottiue, Mules, Eaillie, Moore (Col" leg.); and Askew, G. Levi n, Glover, Smith (Pirates). Mr It. S files was elected Chairman Mr Littlr john sen; a letter apologising far Lis absuuoe. The minutes having been confirmed, the Secretary (Mr Walker) submitted a detailed report of the last season's work. Tbe report was a highly satisfactory one, and ehowed in respect to football the season wbb unprecedented in the annals of the Union. Tbe games were all carried oat in a trne sportsmanlike manner, but it was regretted that no appreciable advancement could be conscientiously reoorded in respect to science and tact A balance of some £20 18j 3d was shown to credit, and this was considered satisfactory after the many and heavy expenses tbe Union was called opon to bear. It was hoped in reepect to grounds that the City Council would treat the Union on a fair and equitable basis. The keenneaa in Oup ma'cbes was aho very great, the College team entering for the Senior Oup lendiog additional interest The viotoriea of the Nelson Club were in a great measure due to the magnificent kicking of Harper. It wts hoped players would attend matob.es with more punctuality. The report paid a high tribute to the Albion junior team for their winning of the Junior Cup, and acknowledged the initiative taken by Mr Oldershaw in inaugurating a Third -olasa Championship, which had been won by the College team. Six representative matohea were played, foar senior and two j union lhe teams engaged were : — Marlborough (twice, a lobs and a draw), South Canterbury (won by eight points), New South Wales (lost by fourteen to three), Maryborough juniors (a draw), and Wairarapa juniors (lost by three points to nil). The charity tournament proved bighly successful, and resulted in £6 11s 9d being added to the Unions fends. Tbe formation of a Referees' Association was recognised as a beneficial institution, and obviated the undesirable method of electing referees upon the ground. Tbe thanks of the Union were tendered to those who assisted in the suocesßful carrying out of the Rugby Union ball, which resulted in a net profit of £15 18s Bd. The work of the New Zealand Rugby Union waa also recognised The report urged the repayment of several visits due by the Union, and urged players during the coming season to play tbe game in a true sportsmanlike manner. Ihe report and balance sbeet were unani mously adopted. The Secretary explained to the satisfaction of the meeting why the accounts in connection with the New South Wales match were not forwarded, but it was decided to send same forthwith, and to take no further action in the matter. The election of officers resulted as follows : —President, Mr W. 8. Littlejohn (re-elected) ; Vice- Presidents. Mr F. Traik, Rev J P. Kenipthorne, and Mr G. Harkness; hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr W. B. Walker (re-elected). With referenoe to the Selection Committee, ule 44 of the Rugby Union byawe was altered to read that the Selection Committee consist of the President of the Union and ona member from each senior olub. Messrs Poole (Nelson), Oldershaw (Albio-is), and Stiles (Prince Albert) were then nominated. Committee of Manage^ ment; Meßsrs Poole, Shallcrass (Nelaon), Simpson, Stiles (Prince Albert), Trask, Oldershaw (Albion), Adams (College), Askew (Pirates). It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Cresswell, to revise the By-laws, a Committee of the following delegates being thereupon appointed for that purpose :— Messrs Littlejohn, Stiles, Adanu, Simpson, and Cresswell. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded ;Mr Littlejobn for his many services to football, and thanking him fcr a tropby he intended to present for a seven-a-side tournament during the present season. It wag resolved to discontinue two matches with Marlborough in one season, and it was decided to ask Marlborough to visit Nelson as early as possible. It was resolved to accord a vote of thanks to Mr J. P. Firth for acting as delegate for Neleon on the New Zealand Rugby Union, and ask him to continue to do bo. Entries for oup mttohes close to-morrow evening with Mr Walker, up to 8 o'olook. Befora the meeting terminated a tribute was paid to Mr Walker for his services in the capacity of Secretary. Several delegates spoke of the esteem in which Mr Walker was held by the football community, and eulogised the manner in which he carried out his many dnties. Mr Walker, in returning thanks, said he had intended to resign the office, having held it for some ten years. He bad to tharjk Mr Stiles for the assistance he had at all times received from him. Seveial matters of minor importance were left with the Management Committee to deal with, and exercise their discretion. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to tba Press, for the interest they had taken in reporting their matches, and also their games. A vcte of tbanks to the Chairman te> minptei a very 6uoceps ul meeting.