NELSON RUGBY UNION.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13757, 21 April 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

NELSON RUGBY UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Nelson Rugby Football Union was held at Stallard's rooms last evening. The president (Mr. R. W. Stiles) occupied the chair, and there was a full attendance of delegates from the various affiliated clubs.

The report and balanco-sheet was read and adopted. The report referred to the satisfactory condition of the Union's finances. At the end of 1912 the liabilities were £90, but since then the deficit had been wiped off, and the balance-sheet now .showed a credit of £27. But for the outbreak of the war a.nd the consequent curtailment of the season the amount would have been much greater. The standard of play was well maintained, and the different grades were well contested, and when it was decided to abandon further matches, the senior and junior competitions were in a most interesting istage. Two representative matches were played, against Golden Bay and Motueka, and keen interest was evinced in both games. Satisfaction was expressed at the high standard of play shown by the sub-union teams. The Union's enviable reputation for clean football was again sustained. Regret was expressed that owing to the war the proposed tour of the West Coast did not eventuate, and the unions were thanked for their offers of financial assistance. Mention was made of the splendid response made by players, both locally and from sub-unions, to the Empire's call. The committee expressed pride at the readiness with which players had offered and were still offering their services for the front. It was hoped to compile a list of those who were on active service, and clubs were asked to forward the names of those who had enlisted. The committee suffered serious loss in the resignation of Messrs. Nelson and Smith, who had joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The prospects for the season, notwithstanding the fact that many of the best players were on active service were considered bright, and the young players were expected tokeep the gamo at its present high level. In conclusion the report acknowledged the services rendered by the preside, t (Mr. Stiles). Speaking to the repoi". the president said that Rugby footbo'\'rs had done magnificently in responding to the Empire's call, and it w;>; possible that during the" coming seas- -t others would join the reinforcements. These, he felt sure, would do their p.- t'equally with those who had gone bef■;•■•.

On the motion of Mr A. G. Shrimpton, it Mas decided to place on record the Union's high appreciation of the ■self-sacrifice and patri<. ism which had prompted not only in. -iibers of the Rugby Union, but footl. iiers generally, to volunteer for active service. The motion was carried by acclamation. Officers were elected as follows: — President: Mr. R. W. Stiles (re-elect-ed) ; vice-presidents, Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, Dr. P. Andrew, Messrs. F. G. Gibbs, H. Baigent, F. H. Richmond, H. L. Fowler, A. Oldershaw, F^. S. Cresswell, S. F. Bolton, C. H. Broad, C. H. Coote, W. Moyes, W. R. May, J. Hunt; B. H. Moller, H. Atmore, W. Lock, H. G. Houldsworth, G. Hogg, W. E. Smith, C. Leaper, W. E. Frank (reelected), T. A. H. Field, M.P., and A. Lulham; secretary, Mr. N. A. Vercoe (re-elected); treasurer, Mr. L. Bajcent (re-elected); Management Committee, Messrs. A. G. Shrimpton, G. Logan, J. Hurley, D. Crushek, E. Brooks, F. J. Greig, and A. Oldershaw; delegate&Tto New Zealand Rugby Union, Messrs. K. Akers, A. G. Shrimpton (re-elected), and another to be elected; selectors, senior, Mr. W. E.. Frank (re-elected) and junior, Mr. F. J. Greig; auditors, Messrs. J. E. Milner and E. 8. Cresswell.

was decided to hold the competitions as usuiil this season.

Mr. Best (Waimea) gave notice to move that the rule in regard to the boundaries of the district be rescinded.

Reference was made to the services of members of the Nelson Referees' Association, who were accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

. Votes of thanks were also tendered to Mr, Stallard (for free use of room), the^Press, and to the chairman.