FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143767, 16 April 1912, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

(From Our Eltham Correspondent.) Last week the annual meeting of the Eltham Rugby Club was bold. t>y no stretch of imagination could it be called an enthusiastic gathering, and was in striking contrast to meetings or previous years, when there were good attendances, and keen competition for offices. At last week’s meeting only two committeemen and the treasurer were present, two seniors, and a tew thirds. To make the meeting look more comfortable from an attendance point of view, a few Northern union enthusiasts assisted, and at times took a prominent part in the discussions. The Eltham Club financially is in a good position. It has a gas-hghted training shed which cost over £7O, on which only £l6 remains unpaid to clear it from debt, whilst tho membership, active and honorary, last year was good. What will happen this year is problematical—they may or may not get a team. One thing is certain, a senior fifteen, if available, will be very weak. An experimental committee has been elected ; by that I mean the men who control the destinies of the club are either active players or never previously bothered about club details. If the active players will “enthuse ’ a little off the field they may accomplish a great deal, but a great deal of enthusiasm will be necessary. Strange how often a club changes its secretary. To those not in the know it is “strange,” but to those who have undertaken the duties there is nothing “strange” about it. It is safe to say that clubs in Taranaki have new secretaries at the rate of two every three years. The writer knows something about it, as in a weak moment a few years back ho yielded to pressure and took office, and was harnessed up for two years before he could get some one else ‘to have a go. In tho majority of clubs tho secretary seems to be a fair mark'for everything and anything. He attends the correspondence, looks after players, calls meetings, etc. He is supposed to prepare the grounds, fix the 'Hags, look after footballs, and occasionally have a few spare “bobs” to balance the difference between the total sum amongst the players and the amount demanded for a railway journey. At tho end of the season- if the club has any funds he gets a bonus of £3 3s, and if no funds he gets a pat on the shoulder and is pressed into service again. Just at present the Eltham Club are looking round for a secretary. The retiring gentleman found one season quite enough, and no one present at the meeting was prepared to take on the task, so perhaps an advertisement might yet appear somewhat after this fashion: “Wanted, thoroughly reliable and competent man to fill the position of honorary secretary to football club. Must be strong man and prepared to talk football anywhere and at any time. If possessed of a private income the position becomes easier. Must not be afraid of work, and possibly have some room where members can meet free of charge. Salary depends on club’s finances and other circumstances.” Now that’s a bait that may attract some Eltharaite, and if so early application is desirable. One of the points brought up at the meeting was regarding the position of non-playors and Rugby and N*U. games. On© man thought th«at he could accept position as committeeman on both clubs, and so far has been elected to the Rugby Club. The Premier was elected patron to the Rugby Club, and a like honour awaits that gentleman when the N*U. players elect officers. Now the writer maintains it would be consistent, although absurd, to disqualify our Premier by the Rugbyites as a professional if he is elected, as it is to* disqualify another person elected to a lesser dignified office. Fancy the Honourable Tam being disqualified if he accepts office, and yet ho cannot very well refuse the honour (P) conferred on him by a club other than controlled by the Rugby Union.