RUGBY FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19565, 2 May 1935, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

NEW ZEALAND UNION.

POLIOY MATTERB DIBCUBBED.

ALL BLACKS’ 'BRITISH TOUR.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday.

In his opening address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union to-day, the chairman, Mr 'S. S. Dean, first made fitting reference to the death of the president, Dr. McEvedy, and also to the deaths of Mr W. Empson and Mr G. H. Mason, past presidents. In reference to the All Blacks’ tour of .Britain, he said although there appeared to be a feeling amongst a section of the people that the standard of Rugby had deteriorated in the Dominion, and that the team selected would not be up to the standard of its predecessors, he did not subscribe to that belief. Most of the same arguments as. those used to-day were evinced prior to.the selection of the 1905 and 1924 teams but all were aware of the achievements of both those teams.

The players on the coming tour would develop, and he was sure they would return with greatly enhanced reputations.

i“ Sport in general,” he said, “ seems to be In such a chaotic state throughout the world now, that an excellent opportunity presents Itself in this tour to show the rest of the world that we play the game solely for the game’s sake and for the friendships which Rugby football brings us.”

Mr Dean expressed absence of personal misgivings similarly in regard to the Maori teams’ tour of New Soiutli Wales, Queensland and Victoria. H,e spoke also of sending two delegates to the conference with England to be followed by a conference with the four Home unions comprising the International Board, viz., England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, . The South African Board had accepted an invitation to tour Australia and New Zealand in the 1936 season, and negotiations’between New Zealand and Australia In regard to this .tour were proceeding. New Zealand was now awaiting Australia’s acceptance of definite proposals submitted.

Sound Financial Position

In regard to finances Mr Dean said although there was a loss of £577 15s 4d on the year’s 'working, the general finances were in a healthy condition, the balance sheet showing an excess of assets over liabilities of £37,319 10s Id- Since the publication of the balance sheet, the interest shown as outstanding from the West Coast, Poverty Bay and kianawatiu Unions, had bag.-i34.ri N* in full, and an amount on account from the Auckland Thairtes Union. Mr Dean paid a tribute to the services of Mr Cecil J. Wray on the Rugby Football Union. Trial Match Itinerary. Criticism was made of the itinerary of the trial games for the selection of the All Blacks, and there was a proposal to hold the matter over for discussion later. Mr Dean, however, said it was part and parcel of the annual report and asked that the matter should be disposed of. The criticism mostly related to the last three games, June ii at Palmerston North, June 13 at Wellington, and June 15 at Wellington. The Itinerary as set out in the report was adopted. A suggestion was made that an attempt should be made to secure a match for the All Blacks with France. Mr Dean said representations had already been made with a view to securing two matches, but the Home Union would not agree. The question of the broadcasting of Rugby was mentioned. Mr Dean Interposed, saying a statement was to be made in committee at a later stage.

Election of Officers. The following officers were elected: —'Patron, the Governor - General; president, Mr D. Stuart (Otago); vicepresidents, Hon. J. McLeod (Taranaki), Dr. W. S. Seed (Canterbury), Rev. Father Hiordan (Horowhenua), Messrs K. S. Williams, M.P., (East Coast), L. Brake (North Auokland), 11. Frost (Auckland), U. P. Lindsay (Thames ' Valley), 'L. Powell (Waikato), J. A. Guinness (Bay of Plenty), J. Quirk (Wanganui), M. D. Smith (Hawke’s Bay), R. J. Smith (Bush District), J. L- Donovan (Wairarapa), W. F. I-lornig (Wellington), A. M. Ongley (Manawatu), M. McKenzie (■Marlborough), R. J. Eyre (Nelson), A. S. Parker (Poverty Bay), K. J. ■Holyoaks, M.P. (Golden Bay, Motueka), A. G. Colvin (Buffer), T. O’Donnell (West Coast), A. G. Knowles (South Canterbury), J. B. Wootton (Otago), 11. S. Strong (Southland), L. V. Carmine (King Country), J. C. €. McLouglilan (Ashburton), and A. Gilchrist (North Otago); management committee, Messrs S. S. Dean, T. Fletcher, W. J. Wallace, A. 0. Kitlo, F. T. Glasgow, E. S. Hylton and A. McDonald; hon. treasurer, Mr 11. S. Leith; appeal council, LMessrs F. 11. Campbell, J. S. Hutchison and F. 11. Sinoock; auditor, Mr 0. Kember.

A Proposal Lost.

A Canterbury proposal to increase the New Zealand selection committee from four to six was lost.