RUGBY UNION AFFAIRS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20207, 29 May 1937, Page 9

RUGBY UNION AFFAIRS

SPRINGBOKS IN HAMILTON. TEMPORARY STANDS AT PARK. MAORI MEMBER SELECTED. In connection with the forthcoming visit of the South African Springbok team to Hamilton, the president of the Waikato Rugby Union, Mr. W. Fraser, reported at a meeting of the union last evening, that Mr. S. S. Dean had stated that the Mew Zealand Rugby Union were not In favour with the proposal to erect temporary stands at Rugby Park for the match against Waikato. It was, however, agreeable to subsidise any scheme that might mean the construction of permanent or semi-permanent accommodation. During the last visit of the British team seating arrangements of the nature proposed had been made, and had not been a suooess. Those present at the meetipg were Mr. W. Fraser (chairman), Mr. T. W. Thompson (secretary) and Messrs. J. B. Rolfe (Putaruru), A. St. G. Belcher, A. Gibbons, G. Speight (Hamilton), tH. T. Haselden (Waipa), B. Chapman (Morrinsville), B. Brewer (Cambridge), A. G. Yardley (Matamata), D. Riddell (Tauplrl), W. Wallace (Hamilton referees). An apology for absence was received from Mr. S. S. Dean of the M'ew Zealand Rugby Union. ■Commenting upon what Mr. Fraser had reported, Mr. Yardley said that the New Zealand Union had taken the wrong attitude and if no stands were erected at Rugby Park it would mean a loss to the union in Hamilton. However, several members thought that permanant facilities should be ereced if possible. Mr. Gibbons said that a grant from the New Zealand Union would, be a help. It had been suggested that the present stands be extended and so give about 700 further seats, but with the revival of building activity in Hamilton it might not be possible to complete the arrangements before the Springbok match. It was decided to call a speoial meeting of the committee in a fortnight’s time to consider the matter. Maori Member For Onion. The appointment of a Maori member on the Waikato Union aroused a good deal of discussion. It was thought that a representative of the native race should be present In an advisory capacity and that he should go amongst the Maoris with the object of arousing their enthusiasm over Rugby football. A non-Maori member had been nominated but refused. It was thought that many of the tribes might resent a member of another tribe Interfering in their affairs, but Mr. Chapman pointed out that in Morrinsville there were four Maori teams playing together from different tribes. There appeared to be no Illfeeling amongst them. Mr. Yardley proposed Canon K. | Karaka, of Morrinsville, as the Mabri member on the union. The proposal was adopted. In order that the team might be allowed time to train and practice together, Mr. Belcher proposed that the Waikato fifteen to play Auckland, at Auckland, on June 9, be assembled in Hamilton two days before the match. The same conditions should apply to the Springbok game. The Waikato forwards were equal to any in the Dominion and in order that their best form might be produced they should be allowed the chance to play together beforehand. In seconding Mr. Belcher’s motion, Mr. Yardley stated that Waikato teams had suffered for many years through not being assembled prior to the match and through lack of combination. The motion was carried. It. was decided to write to the Taranaki Rugby Union advising them that it would be impossible for the Waikato team to play them during their forthcoming tour in August. '