TWO OFFICERS RETIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 5

TWO OFFICERS RETIRE

THE “BIG THREE” CHANGED SERVICES ACKNOWLEDGED. (By “Cross-Bar.”) The retirement of Dr. G. J. Adams from the presidency, and that of Mr. G. H. Pownall from the honorary treasurership, of the Wangauui Rugby Union, has resulted in the initiation of two new members to what is known as the “Big Three” of Wanganui Rugby. Ever since the present constitution came into being, or shortly after, &t any rate, the rank and file of the game came to look upon the president, the honorary treasurer and honorary secretary, who had a rule governing them that they could not hold office on any sub-union, as the “Big Three.” It was a term of appreciation. Dr. Adams retired fr ( oin the position he has held for the past six or seven years fully aware that he retained the confidence of every union affiliate. - ! with the parent body. Ho was nomin ated by them all for a further term or office. Ho has worked with a zeal which could not help but awak * appreciation i’i the hearts even of th<>< who ipposod him. I r a critical period in its career the union ha-- looked to him •i crew of a ship look-- to its skipper, and he has vacated office leax.ng the 'inancos of the parent body and rhe Metropolitan Union on as sound a basis as it is possible to place them in these uncertain times. The post will not be a sinecure for his successor, but it will be the bettor for having had the doctor’s guiding hand, particularly ,n recent months. Dr. Adams won his way to the front rank of administration by his keen work and it must be a matter of satisfaction to him that he has filled th? position of president of the New Zea land Union, and at « time when the British Rugby team was visiting the Dominion, a most important year in Rugby history (1930). There was no mart more ably fitted for that post in that year, and the enjoyable nature of the visitors’ stay, from their own point of view in particular, was largely contributed to by Dr. Adams. Apropos of that tour, <nd all it meant for New Zealand Rugby, it is well to recall that the doctor was regarded in some quarters as being part

and parcel of the British party himself. It was natural, in view of that, that he would meet with some opposition. The writer knows that if he was as close to the visiting team as some imagined it was from a sense of loyalty to the Motherland, a fine attribute in any man. No matter how he may regard our Rugby in this country ai d how we may look upon some of the

English rules as pin-pricks, there is something of deep significance in British sport and the doctor knows it. It is not all moonshine, this pride among men at being British, and in spoi.-., above all things, it has a very strong appeal, loyal as we may all be tu on own codes on the field of play. The doctor holds the Imperialistic view that is shared by a great many—that, the Motherland, having set a particularly high standard ol spoithiiiiin.-liip. un the field and off, is entitled • overy recognition her position in the Empire entails. Dr. Adams was responsible for the present constitution of the Wanguim. Rugby Union. The outlying sub-unions, Taihape and Rangitikei, as their representatives at the meeting yesterday stated, have indeed lost a friend at Court in his retirement. Mr. Geoff Pownall’s association with [Rugby in this district extends over a period of 28 ycais. Be played lor the I Collegiate School and learnt much from [that doyen among sportsmen, Mr. Walter Empson, who was once headmaster of the Collegiate Sclmol and I was dearly beloved by all who cams I under his charge. Mr. Pownall has served the Wanganui Rugby Union io various capacities—president, treasurer, committee man and delegate to th* New Zealand Union. Twice he has held the highest honour the administration can bestow, that of president of the New Zealand Union, a post he is filling to day. A man of outspoken views, he often met with strong opposition, but had that power possessed by few individuals of “keeping a meeting on the rails” on those annoying occasions when discussion drifts off at a tangent. Both Dr. Adams and Mr. Pownall are life, members of the union and irrespective of whatevc- reason* may have prompted them to relinquish office this year, they both can look back on a union that had confidence in them while they belonged ro that rather unique trio. “The Big Three.”