RUGBY FOOTBALL,

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17982, 29 March 1930, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL,

THE WAIKATO UNION

ANNUAL MEETING. NEW PRESIDENT APPOINTED. Tlie annual meeting of the Waikato Rugby Union was held last evening, Mr A. G. Yard ley, presiding over a large attendance of delegates. There were present, Messrs W. Udv, E. J. L. Whiting, 11. P. Farrelly, W. Fraser, Matheson, P. A. Syers (Hamilton), G. McDavitt, L. E. Pole (Morrinsvillc), ,T. E. Cummings, A. G. Yardley (Matamata), F. Quin, 11. T. I-laselden (Waipa), B. Chapman (Putaruru), V. G. Boulton, J. Gardiner (Cambridge), S. J. Rawlinson, T. Clarkin (Raglan), F. Harris (Taupiri), 11. Vausc (Waikato Referees), T. W. Thompson (secretary), and C. Speight (treasurer). In the opinion, of Mr Yardley the balance sheet tabled was the most satisfactory yet presented at an annual meeting of the union. The balance sheet disclosed a surplus of £169 of which £154 was represented by fixed deposit. The profit and loss account showed receipts for the year, £940, the expenditure amounting to '£924, the principal Item being travelling expenses, £466. Of this amount £3BO was expended in the East Coast tour. The question of inaugurating some scheme whereby the Waikato Union should insure its players against injury was introduced by Mr 11. T. Haselden. As matters stood at present, lie said, the smaller sub-unions were being hard hit practically every season. He moved that it be a recommendation to the management committee to go into the question of devising some scheme for insuring players in representative games. The chairman said that he had given the matter considerable thought. In the past a member of the smaller subunions had certainly been hard lilt. It had been suggested that an extra levy’ could he made. The New Zealand Rugby Union iiad fully considered the question and had found no solution to the problem, however. Mr B. Chapman agreed with the chairman, as to the futility of financing a scheme for Insuring their players. They would find it impossible to get any insurance company to consider a proposition within reason. Mr T. W. Thompson advised the meeting that inquiries made in the past showed an exorbitant premium was charged for comparatively small benefits. After further discussion the motion was carried. “ Kick Into Touch ” Rule. Considerable discussion arose from a notice before the meeting of a notice of motion to he tallied by the Wellington Union at the annual New Zealand Rugby Union conference, that the “ kick into touch ” will lie reverted 10, or failing that that the Wellington Union he allowed to play the old rules. The general feeling of the delegates' was that such a motion should be rigidly opposed and that the present rules he adhered to. Mr V. G. Boulton was of opinion that to bring hack the old rule.would not he in the best interest of the, game in New Zealand. A reversion to the “ kick into touch ” rule would be a retrograde step. If Wellington succeeded in its inlention.it would be the thin edge of the wedge to revert back permanently to the old rule. A lengthy discussion ensued in which these sentiments were reiterated hut it was some time before unanimity could he reached as to whether or not the union’s delegates should he instructed to oppose any alteration to the present rule or that they he given a free hand at the conference.

Finally it was decided that the delegates be instructed to oppose the general adoption of the old rule and I hat they be given power to vole that lhe unions desiring to play the old rules be permitted Lo do so for this year only. Election of Officers.

President, Mr A. G. Yardley, management committee, Messrs G. McDavitt (Morrinsvillc), 11. T. Haselden (Waipa), B. Chapman (Putaruru), S. .1. Hawlinson (Raglan), A, G. Yardley (Malamala), F. Harris (Taupiri), Boulton (Cambridge), W. Udy, E. J. L. Whiting, W. Fraser (Hamilton), 11. ,Yause (Referees). Mr J. McKenzie was appointed sole selector for ths coming season. In moving Mr McKenzie's nomination, Mr McDavitt explained that he had represented Auckland, Wellington and New Zealand and was admirably suited to such an important position. Mr R. English was appointed auditor. The appoint merit of coach was left to the management committee. After an election, Messrs B. Chapman and C. McDavitt, were appointed the union’s delegates to the annual conference of Lhe New Zealand Rugby Union. A recommendation brought forward from the last management committee of the union that Mr T. A. Cooper be elected to life membership, was adopted unanimously and the secretary was instructed to writer to Mr Cooper, wishing him a speedy recovery from his present illness. Tributes to Mr Cooper’s services were paid by various delegates and regret expressed that illhealth debarred him at present from active participation in the union’s affairs. Appreciative reference to the services of Mr T. R. Booth, chairman of the management committee during the past season was made by lhe chairman. Mr Booth, he said, had rendered valuable service lo lhe union and his retirement, which he hoped was only temporary, would he a distinct loss to the cliieient management of the union. It was unanimously decided Lo place on record-appreciation of Mr Booth’s services. OARIEKIDGE UNION. THE ANNUAL MEETING. At the annual general -meeting of lhe -Cambridge Rugby Union Mr T. S. Cray (president) occupied the chair. On extending a welcome to the delegates, the chairman said he felt sure that the prospects for the coming season were very good. Report and Balance Sheet. The annual report and balance -sheet were submitted by the secretary and adopted. The report showed that the last season had been a successful - oneThe Union had maintained four senior teams, six junior, and five third-grade i teams. The senior representatives [ were successful in winning the Finlay j

■Cup from Matamata and were able to hold it for the remainder of the season, defending it against Morrinsvillc and Waipa. Of the five matches played by the junior team, only one was won, while the third grade team won two out of the four matches played. The balance sheet showed that the year had commenced with a credit balance of £B3 12s 3d, and closed with a credit balance of £97 17s 4d. .The Union’s assets totalled £162 17s 4d, with no liabilities. ( The insurance account showed a credit of £l3 10s 4d. Voting of Delegates. Arising out of the minutes, Mr T. A. Hick said he would like to be enlightened as to why, in view of the fact that two delegates were appointed from each club, they were allowed only one vote between them. The chairman explained that this rule was laid down by the Waikato ■Union. Mr A. E. Harris paid a warm tribute to the secretary (Mr V. G. Boulton), for his comprehensive report of Hie year's working, also for the able manner in which he had set out the financial position. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the secretary. A notice of motion on the order paper in the name of Mr A. E. Harris, was to the effect that vice-presidents in future shall be limited to three and shall have a seat on the Management Committee with voting powers. Mr Harris said that a vice-president should be a little more than a figurehead, and he should be in the position lo take the place of the president if necessary. Mr W. Webber seconded the motion, which was carried by a large majority. Election of Officers. The following officers were elected for the coming season: —Patron, Mr F. Lye, M.P. (re-elected) ; president, Mr f. ’s. Cray (re-elected) vicepresidents, Messrs J. R. Gardiner, C. Hodgson and R. S. Entwisle; auditor, Mr W. 1-1. Woolley (re-elected); delegates to Waikato Union, Messrs T. S. Cray and V. G. Boulton; selectors (senior grade) Mr B. Wells, (juniors), Mr R. S. Entwisle, (third grade), Mr \ R. Batchelor; secretary and treasurer, Mr V. G. Boulton (re-elected). It was resolved to start the season on April 19. The secretary reported that the old committee had suggested that some retrenchment should be made in ihe insurance paid out to players. While the debit in this account last season was only £1 Bs, there was a possibility of the fund being struck very much harder. The recommendation did not find favour with the delegates and it was resolved that last vear’s procedure be continued. Mr H. Vause said he would like the position in regard to the voting at annual meetings of the Union made clear, and he moved that the secretary he instructed to write the Waikato Union for advice as ; to whether all members of clubs, or only club delegates should have voting powers at annual meetings.—Carried. Kick Into Touch. The secretary remarked on the movement in certain quarters to endeavour to bring back the “kick into touch” rule. He felt that the majority of 'Rugby enthusiasts were not in favour of going hack to this old rule, and he ventured to say that it was just on account of the visit of the English learn that the matter had been revived. Mr Boulton’s remarks were heartily supported, and it was resolved to write the Waikato Union expressing I his Union's opposition to the proposal. A hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing officers was carried by acclamation. -

NGARUAWAHIA CLUB. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Ngaruawaliia Rugby Club was very 'well attended. The president, Dr. G. B. Isdale, presided. The 'balance-sheet, showing a credit of £l6 5s sd, was adopted as read. The election of officers resulted:— Patron, Mr W. Seaviil; president, Dr. Isdale: vice-presidents, Messrs P. Hall and W. McGruer; vice-patrons, as for last season, with Messrs G. A. Avey, snr., P. Burke, J.\ R. Fleming, Duncan, J. Johnston, F. Hyde, F. Davies, B. B. Rope and J. Durand; treasurer, Mr S. J. Webb; secretary, Mr D. Duxfield; management committee, president, vice-presidents, . secretary and treasurer, and Messrs M. Welch, E. J. Jackson and H. Bruce; club captain, Mr C. Brunton.

It was resolved that the subscriptoins be 5s for seniors and 2s Gd for juniors, and that the colours be Cambridge blue. .Mr F. Hall was re-elected senior selector pro tem. It was resolved that the services of Mr Hall be put on record and a vote of thanks was accorded him for past services. Mr F. Davies was appointed junior selector. It was resolved to have ground improvements carried out as soon as possible, as Hamilton City had suggested a match at Ngaruawabia on April 5. The matter of insurance of players was held over pending the meeting of the Taupiri Sub-union on Gist inst. It was resolved to nominate a senior team and a junior team and to forward a recommendation to the meeting of the sub-union that a 3rd grade competition be inaugurated. It was resolved that the Junior Management Committee be composed of the manager (F. Davies), captain and

vice-captain, one member to be elected to represent the juniors on the Senior Management Committee. It was decided to recommend that a gatekeeper be appointed and a shelter for same be erected; that goalposts be padded anew; that two new footballs be purchased; that the positions of the seats and the fence on Patersou Park be adjusted.