FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 22 March 1927, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY UNION CONTROL. SPORTING LIFE’S CRITICISM. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 21, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 21. Criticising the Rugby Board’s resolution, Sporting Life says it necessarily follows the Dominion Unions will bo prevented from participating in Rugby affairs until 1930. Wo are convinced they will not accept such rulings without an emphatic protest, perhaps worse. If the Board does not intcnci to tolcrato outside interference, why does it not say so? A definite split would bo far better than an insult to the men equally concerned in tho welfare of tho game. OLD BOYS CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING.

Tho annual general meeting of the Timaru High School Old Boys Football Club was held last evening, Mr G. R. I M. Jones presiding over a largo at- ! tendance. j The annual report stated that tho 1 club had experienced another success--1 ful year. The senior team were runnersj up in their competition, and for the | second time wero successful in winning I tho Beri Cup. They also carried oft" i tho seven-a-side at the Timaru tourna- | ment. The junior and third grade teams were third in their respective I eompctitiolns. The following is a. ! summary of the games played by tho ! three grades in the competitions: — | Senior, played 12, won 8, lost 3, drawn | 1, points for 173, against 88, championship points 17, place .second. Junior, 11—6—3—2—65—16—14 third. Third grade, 12 —64 —2—B0 —57 —14 third. Tho committee were sorry to report that tho club was unable to field a fourth grade team, but it was hoped : that this year the younger members j would lend their support to tho cnj tering of a fourth grade team. Onco I again tho Rugby Union provided Fraser i Park for evening training, and a ! number of players took advantage of | thp facility afforded. The senior team ! played a game against Oamaru Old l Boys, and were defeated by 11 to 9. j The annual game against Christchurch • Old Boys had to be postponed, as a | number of the local players were absent lat tho Exhibition. It was hoped to renew acquaintances with the Christ- : church team this Easter. Honour was ! brought to the club by the following players gaining representative honours : !R. T. Stewart, G. P. Lawson, A. i Strang, F. Boys, W. Lawson, G. E. Doyle, G. V. Gerard, A. Lawson, IT. Lcdingham, W. Neutze, and IT. Coxhead. The club was again honoured by R. T. Stewart, who toured Australia with the 1926 All Blacks. The club started the season with a debit balance of £TO 11s lOd, but it was now in a _ much better position. The total receipts were £'3B 9s 7d, expenditure .£2B 10s lOd. leaving a credit balance of £9 19s 9d. This, combined ■with outstanding subscriptions, left a, balance of assets ever liabilities of £ll 19s 9d. It was with regret that the coinmittee had to report the loss of tho following members during last, year: J. Eraser, D. Gunn, and Rev. G. V. .Gerard. Enthusiastic sendoffs 'were given to these members, in conclusion, the thanks of tho club were duo to all tbqsb who had supported them throughout the season, to those wlm lent cars, to tho president for his untiring interest, to the delegates oil i tho Rugby Union, to tliu coaches, and tq Mr Dave.y for his services as trainer, i In moving the adoption of the re- I port and balance sheet, the chairman j complimented the secretary for his | comprehensive report, and also the j treasurer for his .sound balance sheet. ; Taking the season throughout, lie | said tho sport b:ul been eminently j successful, and although no grade had ! carried off tho trophies, lie was sure I the football played by the Club had I been of the usual fine'standard. Ono consideration, however, was that the seniors scored the most points ami had least' points scored against them. Referring; to tho senior team’s loss of the Skinner Cup, the chairman said a high official of the Rugby Union had told him some time ago, that the repeated wins by the Old Boys’ team was I against the best interests! of the game- I in the district. He did not agree with j that statement, however, and as long

as the team played such fine, open, football, they would meet with the public’s approval. It was perhaps a good.thing that they lost tlie Gup, however, as they would have the opportunity of retrieving it again this season. The club had been honoured by the inclusion of .several' senior members in the South Canterbury representative team, while the highest honour New Zealand could offer, was attained by Mr R. T. Stewart, who represented South Canterbury in the All .Black fifteen. Speaking with regard to the de-

parturo of Mil G. V. Gerard, Mr Jones said the club had lost a tower of strength. He hoped that as an honour to Mr Gerard other members would emulate the fine sporting spirit shown by him.

Tho report was seconded by Mr C. Thomson, and carried without discussion.

The election of officers resulted: — Patron Mr W. Thomas; president, Mr G. R. M. Jones; vice-presidents, Messrs F. J. Dunn, T. D. Burnett, D. Burnett, E. J. BcCren, C. S. Fraser, G. E. Kerr, G. A. Simmers, G. J. Wallace, E. A. Cockroft, J. Waddell, W. D. Revolt, G. A. llind and .Walter Raymond; club captain, G. P. Lawson; lion, secretary, A. Strang; treasurer, AY. Neutze; lion, auditor, A. N. Leslie; management committee, R. T. Stewart, G. Thomson, J. Marriott, A. Millar and E. Dodd; delegates to South Ganterbury Union, Messrs W. Watson and S. D. Mason; senior coach, Dr Fea; junior, Mr A. C. F’ahey; third grade, Mr \V. Watson; trainer, Alq J. Davey. Messrs G. V. Gerard and H. P. Alabaster tendered their resignations as members of the club, owing to their removal from tho district.

On the motion of the chairman, the resignation were accepted with regret. The following were elected new members :—Messrs E. Halstead, J- Moffatt, J. Healey, W. Meadows, D. Wilson and T. Currie.

Arising out of correspondence received from the Christchurch Old Boys’ Club, it was stated that the northern team -was favourable to playing tho match against the Timaru Old Boys’ team at 'Timaru on Easter Saturday. The secretary reported that tho committee had agreed to the proposal from the Christchurch Club, and the committee’s action was approved. It was decided to hold the opening practice on Saturday, March 26. A hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing officers and the chair, concluded one of tlie most entliusiastio meetings even held by tho club. STAR CLUB.

The annual meeting of the Star Club was held in the Y.M.O.A. Rooms lasb evening, when Mr A. G. Knowles provided. over a large attendance. Before proceeding with the usual business, the chairman referred to the ontnusiasni shown by all supporters and. members of the club, and drew special attention to the valuable assistance given Rugby in South Canterbury by the president of tho Rugby Football Union (Mr H. H. Fraser). The annual report was a comprehensive- one, and stated that the club had every reason to bo proud of tho success attained duning tne year. Still more new members were enrolled, these proving keen and enthusiastic. Seven teams were entered in the Rugby Union’s competitions, all giving creditable displays. The senior team tied for third place in their competition, and their chances of getting a closer placo in this year’s contest are very blight. As in tho past few seasons, the junior : grade team came very near to winning rlier.r competition, finishing as runnersup to a verv good High School team. The third grade team had finished the I season with an excellent record, being I .runners up in their grade, besides ' carrying off the medals in the seven-a- ---! side tournaments at Timaru, Geraldino and Oamaru. The fourth grade A and IS, teams also played good football, the/ B team being third in their grade. A very strong team represented tho tilth grade A, and the manner in which they trained was a credit, not only to ; iiioiusolvcß, but ulso to- their couch. Of fourteen games played, only one was lost. This team at Geraldine were successful in winning tho seven-a-side medals. The annual dance again, proved a great success, and a, special word! of thanks was duo to tho ladi:es tor the generous manner in which, they helped. The custom of donating medals to tho Main, South, West, and AVaimataitai Schools was adhered to. A mark ot respect to late club members was again paid, when a wreath was placed on the, memorial during Anzae Day. In interpro vinciul fixtures, the following members of the Star Club took part:—O. Stewart, F. Shewan, \V. Richards and W. Howard. C. Lillico, G. Stoddard, S Ciillei\ and W. Currie represent the juniors in inter-provincial games ’reams were entered in tho annual iive-a-side hockey tournaments, a team comprising .senior unci jutiioi plujcis .succeeding in annexing the cup. A team was also entered in the annual soccer tournament, and was successful in winning tho medals as runncis-up. The report was adopted. The balance sheet showed the finances nf Ihe club to he in a very satisfactory condition. The season opened up with a credit balance of £36 13s 4d, and Closed with a substantial credit of £SO 3s 10d. , . . In speaking to the report and balance sheet, the chairman said that the club was in a very prosperous state, as regards playing ability, numerical stromdh. and financial condition. He also referred to the capability of the secretary, who deserved praise foi his keenness and success. Mr E. Firkin said that the secretary was deserving of the best thanks of the club. Correspondence was received from Mr A. F. Austin, who wrote that although lie oouhi not undertake an active nart in the club’s activities, he ouch ncd a donation towards the finances.

The Excelsior Club, Oamnru. wrote inviting a tofim to Oamavii at a suitable date. —Tt was agreed to play a friendly niafob at Oaniaru on the first Saturday after F:i~tcr. •JFFfCER&e The riection of officers rmilted as follows:—i’atrqn, ALr F. C. Ayres; president, Mr A. G. Knowles; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr AY. Howard; lion, assistant secretary, Air R. AlcCullough; delegates to Rugby Union, Messrs K. Firkin and C. Clarkson; lion, auditor, Mr \\ . Roberts ', Management Committee, Messrs F. She wan, T. Forrester, H. Hogg, H. Dodd, R. Hoad, A. Tyson, J. Lewis, AY. Currie, C. Lillico. A Selection Committee was appointed, consisting of the club captain, coach, and captain of each team. Coaches. —Senior, Mr Hugh Fraser; junior. Mr A. Underhill; third grade, Air F. Robson; fourth grade, Messrs R. Morgan and T. Allsop; fifth grade, Mr C. Head.

I Mr T. Forrester, who resigned his position as secretary, wxis accorded a : hearty vote of thanks. I Regarding the annual subscriptions, ! it was agreed to adhere to the same j 'amounts as charged in the previous | season. j Diseussion_took place concerning the j forming of a sixth grade team, and ! the delegates to the Rugby Union were j instructed to bring the matter of run- : ning a sixth grade competition before j the Unirsi. Twenty-four new members were elected. I Tfc was decided to hold the opening I dav on April 2. I In referring to junior football, Mr j Gumming said lie would like to see i junior football better festered in South Canterbury. A junior team should | travel to Ashburton, pbiy there on a ; Thursday, and proceed to Christchurch for another representative fixture on the Saturday. The following year a junior team could plav North Otago : at Oamaru on a Thursday, and then a ' match against Otago on a Saturday. TVv hoard about, the Rugby Union fostering the game in South Canterbury, but the interest taken by that : bfylv in junior football was of a negligible onantity. Air H. 1 Fraser supported Mr Cummine. and it was agreed that a recommendation be sent from the club to

tlie Rugby Union concerning such a competition. A pleasing ceremony then took place, when medals donated by Messrs J. 100 and C. Avery were given tot the most improved flayer of each team. The following received medals : —Messrs HIlislop (senior team), G. Fjtqddard (juniors), R-. H. Morgan (third gi’ade), J. Boys and G. Underhill (fourth grade), and J. Ball (fifth grade). Hearty votes of thanks wore accorded to Messrs Leo and Avery for generously donating medals. After the usual courtesy to the chair, an enthusiastic meeting .terminated.

WAIHI CLUB. The annual meeting of the AVaihi Football Club wa.s hold in Victoria, Hall on Saturday evening. The president, Mr J. C. South, presided over a large attendance. Mr O. S. Priest (lion, secretary) presented the annual report and balance sheet. The credit balance for the year was £53 Is 88d. The report stated that the past season was a very satisfactory one m every way. The balance sheet showed a. very substantial credit. The club entered two teams—a senior

and a. third grade. The senior team secured third place in tho competition for tile Skinner Cup. _ They also won the senior seven-a-side tournament at Geraldine, and wero runners up at the Point tournament. Representative honours were gained by D. Stewart (.South Island and South Canterbury, L. Neutze, J. Mcßride, F Sherratt, AY. Quirke, and F. Mcßride. The third grade failed to raise a team, and had to be withdrawn. During the season a presentation uas made to Messrs F. E. South and J. Guerin, for their valuable services to the club. The committee wished to thank all those who had assisted tho club during tho season, especially Air T. Harrison, for tho use of his cilice to bold meetings, and also for mdding tho goal posts. Thanks were also due to the gate-keepers, to Air . South, for looking after the training shed; to Air A. B. Scott, for his untiring efforts in his dual capacity as coach and selector; also, to those who had placed their ears at _ the disposal of the club. The committee wore making arrangements to have the playing ground lighted with electric light; when that was done, the committee trusted that all the players would turn up regularly to the practices, and put their hearts into tho game, and try to bring the coveted Skinner Cup to this end of tho district.

The following new members were elected:—Messrs IT. Sheldon, J. AVoodham, J. H. Anderson, A. Sparks, i Wvnii-Davison, K. AVilson, T. AATlson, G. Alills and A. Alclvenzie. Air South, before vacating the chair, returned thanks to all those who had assisted him during the last season. Ho specially thanked Alessrs G. Sheldon (captain) and S. Priest (secretary) for their great help to tho club. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Air H. E. Smith ; president, Air J. South ; vice-presidents. Alessrs J. Kennedy, J. Guerin. J. TT. Anderson, £>. Stewart, T. H. Baker, J. AVoodham, A. Opio, F. E. South, A. South, J. J. Earl, T. AVilson, J. Chisholm, AV. Earl, J. C. Bisdee, AV. Spark, R. Maddren. A. Bain, R. E. Smith, AV. Ouirke, IT. J. Hopkins, J. Robertson, J. L. Sto.ne-AA'igg. I). C. Scott, J. A r . Foxoti, T. " Langford, T. Harrison, J. Mcßride, and P. Lysaght; secretary. Mr O. S. Priest; treasurer. Air G. Sheldon; delegates to South Canterbury Rugby Union. Alessrs If. Slieldon and J. C. South ; auditor, AL‘ D. D. AA’nl) ; committee, Alessrs D. A\ r . Stewart. O. Ouirke, A’. Robertson, F. Sherratt, L. AVood and 1 . Beattie; selector and coach, Air A. Scott.

The lighting of the ground was left •n ■ |,| e bands of Mes'-s T. C. South. L. Harrison and G. Sheldon. was decided to hold the opening day after the lights were installed on the ground. Mr J. AVoodham said he would get into touch with third grade players, and try to arrange to get a team together. Air AVoodham was thanked for his offer. ATr Anderson said flip club should try to get a foreign match before (lie Com pc* ’ ‘‘•on mmuinirps,

!'• C. Opie proposed a vote of thanks to tbp outgoing officers for '";ir work during the past season.— This was carried unanimously.