MATAMATA.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16470, 11 April 1925, Page 8

MATAMATA.

Wairere Football Club. The annual meeting was held at the Okauia School on Monday. Mr J. Jones presided, and there was a good attendance. Th annual report and balance-slme* were adopted, tiic latter showing a credit of £i 8s 3d. Officers wer elected as follows: Patron, Mr P. Quinlan; president, Mr R. Bruce; vice-presidents, Messrs Jones, Underwood, Higgins, Storey, 11. Sutherland (sen.), J. Tapper, R. K. Garland, C. Brindle, and 11. Mason; secretary and treasurer, Mr C. R.Oliver; delegates to Matamata subuninn, Messrs Bruce and Mason; club captain, Mr D. B. Higgins; Management Committee, Messrs Higgins, .Tones, Bruce, Oliver, and captain senior eleven; Grounds Committee, Messrs Jones, W. McDonald, 11. Sutherland (sen.)’, Oliver, Marshall, Rangi Kui, and Ilameora.

A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Sutherland for again placing his paddock next Ihc Okauia School at the disposal of the club for its practices and home matches. After considerable discussion, it was decided to reduce the subscriptions to 2s Gd for all grades. It was also agreed lo adhere to Hie three selectors for the club. Mr C. Brindle, retiring secretary, who has served the club so faithfully for a number of years, was given a hearty vote of thanks, as also were all retiring officers. Hot Springs.

Considerable improvements arc now under way at the Opal Springs. The present bath, which is 31 l’ect long and 25 feet wide, is being extended another 31 feet, and additional dressing rooms provided. The now bath will have a concrete botton, and will be slightly deeper than the old pool. Mr F. Underwood, AVaircrc House, is tiic contractor for the wok. He already lias Hie foundations excavated, and with line weather expects to have the job finished in a month. The enlargement of the bath will greatly add to the pleasure of visitors. Frequently as many as 30 persons have been in at the one time, and I lie dressing room acormmodalion lias been taxed to the utmost. A great volume of water is constantly flowing into 11 1 0 hath, the overflow discharging into Ihc Waihou River. The small bath, down on the water’s edge, being of a much higher temperature, is not used so much, but its healing qualities appeal to many. Last winter at times the road was impassable, but the metalling work recently completed, will make it an allweather highway. The only bad portion now remaining is (be liill loading lo the river. This is to bo regraded and metalled. The electric light is already installed in the Opal Springs, and in a very short time Mr Garland’s

Crystal Spring will likewise have the same convenience. Rugby Union. The annual meeting was held on Wednesday. In the absence of the president, (Mr C. Cootc), Mr F. E. hark was elected to the chair. There was a large attendance, including delegates from outside districts. The secretary presented the annual report, which staled that a most successful season had been experienced, both financially and otherwise. At me beginning of the year there was a debit balance of £l7>. This had been extinguished, and there was now a credit balance of £2O. The balance-sheet read as follows! Receipts, £JG2 10s 4d; expenditure, £133 17s 4d; credit balance, £2O 10s. The statement of the union’s assets and liabilities showed the former at £IOO lbs and the latter nil. The position of the union was considered very satisfactory by members, and flie report and balance-sheet were both adopted. The election of resulted:— Patron, Mr G. E. McMillan, M.P.; president, Mr J. E. Cummings; vicepresidents, Messrs B. Barnes and 'J. White (Matamata), W. Ayres and W. Ryan (Waharoa), J. Anderson and F. Rose (Pateterc), W. McLean and F. Harris (Walton), 11. Sutherland and Ft. R. Higgins (Waircrc) ; delegates to Waikato Rugby Union, Messrs A. O. Yardlcy, J. Cummings,; auditor, Mr E. Shanks; secretary and treasurer, Mr F. E. Lark; Appeal Board, Messrs E. Shanks (Matamata), D. B. Higgins (Waircrc), .T. Anderson (Patetere).

It was decided that the rules be revised by a committee composed of Messrs Cummings, Mason, Lark, Roigard and Shanks. A recommendation was also made that referees be appointed by the Management Committee. , Matamata Old Roys and Ilinuera ■Juniors were accepted as members of of the Union. A meeting of the sub-union was held immediately after the general meeting to decide various details for the coming season. Racing Club.

The committee met on Tuesday to clean up matters in connection with the recent meeting. Mr Bell presided over a fair attendance.

The secretary (Mr T. Underwood) reported that the profits in the meeting amounted to £1044. This was considered very satisfactory. A discussion took place on the date of next year’s meeting. Eventually it was decided to apply foi" Saturday, February 6, or failing that day, March G. Proposals for improvement of the course and appointments were also considered. Amongst the most urgent requirements were a stewards’ stand, secretary’s office, weighing-room, press-room, etc. Also, the bird-cage should be fenced. Th.e president did not think the club could go beyond £IOOO this year. Plans are to be obtained showing the position of the various buildings, both for immediate and future use.

The course committee were complimenied on their valuable services to the club, and the matter of attending to the course was left in their hands.