REFEREES’ DINNER

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1935, Page 7

REFEREES’ DINNER

GATHERING AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

NORTH TARANAKI ASSOCIATION.

Members of the northern division of the Taranaki Rugby Football Referees Association were the guests at dinner of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Power at the Hotel Imperial last night. The president, Mr. F. J. Eggleton, was in the chair and there was a representative gathering of members.

In proposing the toast of the association Mr. K. C. Jury spoke in glowing terms of the efficiency of the referees. He was especially pleased with the large number of the younger members. Their Monday evening conferences, he felt sure, had had a great deal to do with their high state of efficiency. This was reflected by the fact that to be appointed tp referee a game at Pukekura Park was now regarded as an honour and had no terrors for them. The public was always anxious to know who were the referees for the senior games. This efficiency was due to a large extent to the enthusiasm of the older members. However, he was pleased to find many senior players passing from the game to refereeing. The fact that the Taranaki Rugby Union had very few incidents to deal with this season he attributed to the fact that the increased efficiency had given the referees the confidence of players. He concluded by paying a special tribute to the work of Mr. Eggleton, whose opinions were treated everywhere with the greatest respect. In reply Mr. N. Frost stated that at the Monday night meetings the discussion was on rules and not players, as some people appeared to think. He considered the association had never had more promising young referees. His remarks were endorsed by Mr. B. Bullet. In proposing the toast of the Taranaki Rugby Union Mr. Eggleton said it was an able body of men. They were often criticised but had to ’cut their cloth to suit the measure.’ The union was not making any undue profits and few people realised the tremendous difficulty and expense entailed in administering such a scattered district as Taranaki. He felt sure the play in the province was of a high, standard and that there were players who were just as good if not better than many who had sailed with the All Sleeks* The union fully realised the splendid work that had been done by the referees, said Mr. H. Masters in reply. He was pleased to see the many younger referees acquitting themselves so well. Mr. Masters’ remarks were endorsed by Mr S E Nielson, who drew attention to the fine work of the old members in coaching and assisting the younger members. . , , The toast of the Press was in the Manas of Mr, T. Petty. The Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, said he was pleased to be present as an old referee to renew old acquaintances. He paid a tribute to the sportsmanship ot Mr. and Mrs. J. Power. The toast of Mr. and Mrs. Power was proposed by Mr. Eggleton, and Mr. Power in reply said he was pleased to be able to entertain them. He hoped that' next year there would be many more present.