NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5456, 7 January 1896, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION,

[Per Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, Jan. 6.

At a meeting of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Bugby Union to-night Mr E. D. Hoben handed in his resignation as honorary secretary of the Union, and also, of the New Zealand Eeferees' Association, on his leaving the colony. The Chairman (Mr G. P. Campbell) said that the very existence of the NewZealand Union was due in the first place to Mr Hoben's initiative, and then to the great ability, determination and energy with which he had conducted its affairs. The Union was now firmly established as the most powerful athletic body in the colony, and its financial position was satisfactory, so that there was no fear for its future, the greatest difficulty Mr Hoben was leaving behind him being that of finding a worthy successor. While sincerely regretting his resignation, they could only congratulate him on his transfer to a sphere where his energies and ability would have wider scope. In Australia he would be of great value to the Union with which he had been so long associated in the arrangement of intercolonial visits, &c. ; but his loss would be most severely felt in this colony. It was decided to leave the matter of appointing a successor to a meeting to be called later. Mr Hoben said that he would i»e very pleased to be of service to the New Zealand Union in Australia. He thought that the Union's fighting days were over, and that now that it embraced the whole colony it had the loyal support of every union in New Zealand. .