NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20098, 3 May 1935, Page 13

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION

ANNUAL MEETING By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, May 1. In his opening address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr S. S. Dean, first made fitting reference to the deatn of the president, Dr. McEvedy, also to the deaths of Messrs W. Empson and G. H. Mason, past presidents. With reference to the All Black tour of Britain, he said although there appeared to be a feeling amongst a section of the people that the standard of Rugby has deteriorated in the Dominion and that the team selected would not be up to the standard of its predecessors, he did not subscribe to that belief. Most of the same arguments as those used to-day were used before the selection of the 1905 and 1924 teams, but all were aware of the achievements of both those teams. Players in the coming tour would develop, and he was sure they would return with greatly enhanced reputations. “The sport in general seems to be in such a chaotic state throughout the world now, that an excellent opportunity presents itself in this tour to show the rest of the woi'ld that we play the game solely for the game’s sake, and for the friendships Rugby football brings us.” Mr Dean expressed the absence of personal misgivings similarly in regard to the Maori team’s tour of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. He spoke also of sending two delegates to the conference with England, to be followed by a conference with four Home unions, comprising the International Board, viz., England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The South African Board had accepted the invitation to tour Australia and New Zealand in the 1936 season, and negotiations between New Zealand and Australia with regard to this tour were proceeding. New Zealnad was now awaiting Australia’s acceptance of the definite proposals submitted. Finance With regard to finances, he said although there was a loss of £577/15/4 on the year’s working, the general finances were in a healthy condition, the balance sheet showing an excess of assets over liabilities of £37,319/10/1. Since the publication of the balance sheet, the interest shown as outstanding by the West Coast, Poverty Bay, and Manawatu Unions had been paid in full, and an amount on account from the Auckland and Thames Union, He paid a tribute to the services of Mr Cecil J. Wray on the Rugby Football Union. Criticism was made of the itinerary of the trial games for the selection of the All Blacks, and there was a proposal to hold the matter over for discussion later. Mr Dean, however, said it was part and parcel of the annual report, and asked could the matter not be disposed of. The criticism mostly related to the last three games—June 11, at Palmerston North; June 13—at Wellington; and June 15—at Wellington. The itinerary as set out in the report was adopted. A suggestion was made that an attempt should be made to secure a match for the All Blacks with France. Mr Dean said representations had already been made, with a view to securing two matches, but the Home Union would not agree. The question of broadcasting was mentioned, but Mr Dean interposed, saying that a statement was to be made in committee at a later stage. Officers Elected Officers were elected as follows: Patron, the Governor-General; President, Mi- D. Stuart (Otago); VicePresidents, Hon. J. McLeod (Taranaki), Dr, W. S. Seed (Canterbury), Rev. Father Riordan (Horowhenua), Messrs K. S. Williams, M.P. (East Coast), L. J. Brake (North Auckland), H. Frost (Auckland), G. P. Lindsay (Thames Valley), L. Powell (Waikato), J. A. Guinness (Bay of Plenty), J, Quirk (Wanganui), M. D. Smith (Hawke's Bay), R. J. Smith (Bush Districts), J. L. Donovan (Wairarapa), W. F. Hornig (Wellington), A. M, Ongley (Manawatu), M. McKenzie (Marlborough), R. J. Eyre (Nelson), A. S. Parker (Poverty Bay), K. J. Holyoake, M.P. (Golden Bay, Motueka), A. G. Colvin (Buller), L. O’Donnell (West Coast), A. G. Knowles (South Canterbury), J. B, Wootton (Otago), H. S. Strong (Southland), L. V. Carmine (’King Country), J. C. McLoughlan (Ashburton), A. Gilchrist (North Otago); management committee, Messrs S. S. Dean, T. A. Fletcher, W. J. Wallace, A. C. Kitto, F. T. Glasgow, E. S. Hylton, A. McDonald; hon. treasurer, Mr H, S. Leith; appeal Council, Messrs F. H. Campbell, J, S. Hutchison, F. H. Sincock; auditor, Mr O. Kember. The Canterbury proposal to increase the New Zealand selection committee from four to six was lost. It was decided to send, through the English Rugby Union, congratulations to the King on the occasion of his silver jubilee. The King and members of the Royal family, said the mover, had always taken a keen and personal Interest in the well-being of New Zealand’s footballers in the Home country.