THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9223, 30 April 1908, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

The annual report and balance-sheet of the New Zealand Rugby Union, to be presented to the annual meeting in Wellington on May 14, opens by expressing regret at the death of the late president, Mr A. Bayly. "With regard to the British team the report states xuat the team left on April 4 and ehoiid arrive in Wellington a few days after the Union's meeting. An itinerary ot seventeen matches nas been arranged for New Zealand and six for Australia. Satisfactory terms have been maie with the New South Wales Unioa, t-imilar to these made in 1904, when BedellSievwright's team visited New Zealand. Referring to school football, ' fifteen Unions participated in the grant of £200 made at the last annual meeting but many of the Unions did not expend the amounts voted. As a result of the intercolonial conference between Nev; South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand Unions, during the visit of the New Zealanders to Australia last year, it was suggested that an Australian" team should visit New Zealand in 1909, the return vieit to be made in 1911, and it was agreed to play nine matches on each tour. No agreement was arrived at regarding financial arrangements, and the committee is strongly of opinion that no agreement should be concluded, except upon the basis of some more equitable division of the proceeds than existed under the old agreement, as this Union has hitherto been at a loss financially on interchange of visits. The conference decided upon a common course of action with regard to players ordered off the field in intercolonial matches. It was further agreed that any disqualifications or suspensions for any period exceeding two months imposed by any of the three Unions shall be communicated to the others and endorsed by them. The new Appeal Council was called upon. to adjudicate upon two cases, in both of which they upheld the decisions of the committee. The Auckland Union, holder of the Challenge Shield, defended the shield upon three occasions, but succeeded in retaining it. The committee is of opinion that the time has arrived for an amendment of the shield regulations, moi*e especially as regards the proceeds of "special challenge" matches. As indicating the growth of the Union's business, forty-eight committee meetings were held, as well as numerous subcommittee meetings. The number of teams under the jurisdiction of affiliated 'Unions last season was over GOO, representing approximately 18,500 members, of whom 13,000 are active players. These figures do not include school and junior teams un affiliated. The finances are satisfactory, and the committee is of opinion that any profit arising from the tour of the British team should be distributed among affiliated Unions. The balances owing by Unions on loans are as follow :— Auckland £1000. Taranaki. £400, Wanganui £650, Hawke's Bay £450, Otago £500, Southland £1250. The balance-sheet shows receipts s amounting to £4680 9s lid (including balance brought forward of £16 19s 3d and deposit withdrawals £3650). Interest amounts to £381 18s sd. The expenditure includes the expenses of the New Zealand team in Australia £1009 9s Bd, and preliminary expenses in connection with the tour of the approaching British team of £2007 6s 2d. The balance to profit and loss on the year amounted to £795 19s 3d. The statement of assets and liabilities shows that the accumulated fund stands at £11,534 0s Bd, and the assets show loans to Unions of £4250, amount on fixed deposit £5240, and the advanced expenses of the British team £2007 -6s 2d.