RUGBY.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17078, 16 April 1927, Page 19 (Supplement)

RUGBY.

(By "Drop Kick.”) :.f There is a rugger feel about the atmosphere. Clubs are now sizing up heir ranks with the object of making the maximum use af the material available. It Is to be hoped that the wisdom of early practices is not being overlooked as a good start means a lot towards the measure of success during the season. Williams, formerly of the Hamilton High School team, will be in the ranks of University (Wellington) senior team this year. G. Nicholls is leaving Petone this season to join Poneke. H. E. "Ginger” Nicholls is not yet a pertain starter, but Mark Nicholls will be turning out again. . Joe Murphy, who was a prominent member of the St. Mary's Club locally in pre-war times, is to don the jersey again for Marists in Wellington. Kilby, a promising half-back from Southland, will be playing with the Wellington Club in the Empire City Ihis season. Leo Burke, who was in Taranaki last season and played good football lor the reps there, is back at Cambridge He will probably play in that centie this season. “Tussy” Smith, well known to the older generation of footballers in Hamilton, is making a good recovery from a serious bout of illness. Harold Hogg, the ex-Frankton forward, who was playing in Auckland last season, was in Hamilton a few days ago. It is reported from Wellington that Jim Moffett (Oriental) and “Snowy" Svenson (Athletic) arc retiring from the game. Porter, the New Zealand captain of the 1924 team to England, will not be able to turn out for Athletic until later on in the season owing to his knee not being sound enough for play. S. Shearer and F. Tilyard are two Poneke veterans who will be on the bank this season.

It is always good to learn that football in the country is progressing and therefore the defection of the United team from the senior competitions in Hamilton will be regretted. The side was able to muster a good set of forwards but backs were missing. Lee and Maisey are among the mainstays of past seasons who are giving up the game.

THE WAIKATO UNION. The annual meeting of the Waikato Union will be held on Friday evening next at the Farmers’ Union rooms, Hamilton. Among the matters to come up for decision will be the following notices of motion: — By the president (Mr T. A. Cooper) —“That the present method of paying travelling expenses to those selected to play in the Waikato representative matches be abolished and in future all expenses to the centre where the team have to assemble he borne by the players selected by subUnions.”

By the Cambridge sub-Union per Mr Milburn, president.—“ That a subcommittee be appointed for the purpose of investigating the possibilities of inaugrating a system of competitions similar to that operating in Taranaki, for the season 1928.”

MATAMATA SUB-UNION. The management committee held its first meeting on Tuesday, when Mr J. E. Cummings was elected chairman. There were also present Messrs E. Wilson, P. Cotter, P. J. McNamara, R. McGready, J. Green, D. Morrow, D. Roigard and C. E. Barry (secretary). Before commencing business Mr Cummings thanked the committee for electing him chairman and extended a hearty welcome to new members. Before commencing business Mr Cummings thanked the committee for electing him chairman, and extended a hearty welcome to new members. Messrs A. G. Yardley and J. E. Cummings were appointed delegates to the Waikato Union. The appointment of referees was left to the appointment board of the Referees' Association. Regarding referees’ expenses it was resolved that the same be paid by the home clubs, if possible on the ground. The secretary was instructed to notify the various secretaries to this effect. Committees were arranged as follows: —Grounds, Messrs Roigard, Cotter and Green; postponement, Messrs Barry, McNamara and Wilson. Tlio opening of the season was fixed for April 30, and a working bee will be held on April 23. The secretary was instructed to issue challenges for both the Finlay and Peace Cups. A discussion took place on the question of senior matches in the outside districts. Mr McNamara said that there was a feeling in his district (Waharoa), that more matches should be played there. The president said that lie was in favour of home-and-home matches, hut owing to the distance at times it was better for bolli clubs to meet at Matamata. After the draw had taken place, the question of allotting grounds could he considered, and ai many senior ' matches as possible would he played on outside grounds. Dealing with the percentage of gate money it was agreed that the outside clubs he allowed 50 per cent of the takings. Recommendations from the general meeting were dealt with as follows: Insurance —Secretary to obtain information on the subject. Refund of gate money to players—To be abolished, and the ticket system reverted to. Water supply on football ground— Secretary to procure estimates of cost of material, and approach the different clubs on the matter. A recommendation from the Referees’ Association that the Union sup-

uly. them with sweaters was referred to the secretary to report at next meeting as to cost. Mr F. E. Lark, retiring secretary, was granted an honorium of £lO, for his services last season.

The charge for admission to matches will be the same as last year, motor cars to be free, with the exception of rep. matches, when Is each will be imposed.

MORRINSVILLE REFEREES. At the annual meeting of the Morrinsville Referees’ Association the following officers were elected: —President Mr B. Chapman; vice-presidents, Messrs F. G. Cowan and R. J. Pirrit; executive committee, Messrs N. Day, R. T. Allen and D. Pirrit; secretary Mr J. L. Faulkner; selectors, Messrs Day, Cowan, and president of Morrinsville Rugby Union; delegate to Morrinsville Rugby Union, Mr J. L. Faulkner; delegates to Waikato Referees’ Association, Messrs Chapman and Day. The Association made the following recommendations:—That a grant of £5 be made to the Association’s funds; That Hie Union supply referees’ uniform — (white jerseys) to all referees; That the referees intend to strictly enforce rule re time of starting matches in future; that all clubs be asked to have their own line flags; that as it is not desirable that Rugby Union officials inside the enclosure in playing fields should he running up and down the line barracking for any particular team, any official in future offending by doing so will be asked to retire outside the enclosure of the playing area.

It was decided to hold a meeting of referees in a fortnight to discuss the rules and to arrange for a lecture on the laws of the game to all players, officials and others interested al a ialer date.