RUGBY REFEREES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20058, 15 March 1935, Page 7

RUGBY REFEREES

ANNUAL MEETING HELD APPEAL FOR MEMBERS The annual meeting of the South Canterbury Rugby Referees’ Association was held last night. The president (Rev. A. J. H. Dow) presided over a good attendance of members. Annual Report The annual report stated that the numerical strength of the Association was 32 members with 24 active members. Seven new members were elected during the year. The attendance at meetings had been very heartening, and it was to be hoped that the attendance would maintain its high level and even that it would improve. The annual conference was held at Auckland, and the Association was ably represented by Mr A. H. Clemens who on his return furnished a very comprehensive report on the proceedings. Mr Clemens was also to be congratulated on being elected the senior vice-president of the New Zealand Rugby Referees’ Association. Again they had to record appreciation of Mr Clemens’ action in paying the biggest part of his expenses to the Conference and it was to be hoped that this year the Rugby Union would see fit to allow the delegate his expenses so that he might attend the conference at Invercargill where he would take the honoured position of president of the New Zealand Rugby Referees’ Association. Members of the Association, besides controlling weekly matches, officiated at the three seven-a-side tournaments, the Primary Schools’ tournament and Thursday games and no complaints were heard on the manner in which the games were controlled. It was pleasing to note that the Rugby Union in its annual report recognised the worth of the Association in the assistance rendered to football in South Canterbury. Thanks were due to Mr H. E. Lawson, the Association’s delegate to the Rugby Union, who attended to matter affecting the Association with due precision. All members without exception were loud in their praise for the efficient manner in which the president carried out his duties on the Appointment Board, and thanks were due to him for such harmonious working throughout the year. It was understood that Mr Dow was not offering himself for re-election this year, and it was sincerely regretted by ail who came into contact with Mr Dow in his dealings as president and delegate to the Appointment Board, that he should be unable to take office in the Association this year. It was to be hoped that Mr Dow would see fit to offer himself for re-election next year or as soon as he could spare the time. The Executive wished to thank all members of the Association for their loyal support and courtesy, which made for the efficient working of the Association during the year. The thanks of the Association were also due to the newspapers for their kindness and assistance throughout the year. In conclusion the Association expressed thanks to the Rugby Union for the assistance given throughout the year and assured it of the loyal support of the Association, and in addition trusted that the forthcoming season would be a successful one in every sence.

President Eulogised

In moving the adoption of the report, the president said that they had had a good season last year. They had endeavoured to do their best, and they were fortified with this knowledge in the face of criticism. Tribute was paid by the president to the work of the secretary (Mr C. L. Cutler) and he also expressed personal appreciation of the assistance and courtesy which had been extended to him by all members of the Association. Their relationship had always been of the best, and his association with members had been one of the most pleasant he had had since he had been in Timaru.

Referring to the remarks made m the annual report concerning his retirement, Mr Dow said that he was no longer able to take an active part in the work of the Association, and as circumstances precluded him from doing this, he felt that it was only right that one of the active members should hold the position of president. He regarded the matter in the light that there was no man whose position could not be filled.

Mr Clemens said that members would regret deeply the decision which the president had arrived at, but at the same time he felt sure they would appreciate the position in which their president was placed. He felt sure he was expressing the opinion of all members when he said that he hoped they would not altogether lose the advice and guidance which Mr Dow had always willingly given them. In some manner it should be possible to find a niche for him so that members would be able to continue to hold him in the esteem in which they had always held him. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The president’s remarks in regard to the work of the secretary were endorsed by other members and it was agreed to place on record members’ appreciation of the efficient manner in which Mr Cutler had carried out his duties. Election of Officers The election of officers resulted— Patron: Mr T. W. Satterthwaite; president: Mr R. G. Sampson; vice-presi-dent: Mr S. Black; executive: Messrs S. G. Robinson, R. G. Simmers, H. E. Lawson; hon. secretary: Mr C. L. Cutler; hon. auditor: Mr A. H. Clemens; delegate to Appointment Board: Mr R. G. Sampson; delegate to the South Canterbury Rugby Union: Mr C. L. Cutler; delegate to annual conference of New Zealand Referees’ Association: Mr A. H. Clemens. General It was agreed to hold the weekly meetings on Thursday nights. The meeting decided to forward a remit to the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Rugby Union asking that the Appointment Board consist of two members nominated by the Referees’ Association and one member nominated by the Rugby Union. The retiring president (Mr Dow) was unanimously elected a life-member of the Association.

A letter expressing appreciation of his services over a long period of years is to be forwarded to Mr E. G. Pratt (Pareora) who has decided to retire from active refereeing. An appeal was made by the secretary for new members, Mr Cutler stating that the active strength of the Association was barely sufficient to meet requirements.