THE MANAIA CLUB.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Tne annual meeting of the Manaia Association Football Club was held in the Manaia Municipal Fire Brigade fetation last evening, when there wns a very large attendance of members and intending members Present. Mr J. Thatcher president presided. Before  commencing the business of the evening the chairman spoke very feelingly o t the death of one of the Manaia Club's worthy members and player, and of  the very sad circumstances in connection with his death. He referred to the late Mr E. Williams who was accidently drowned at Kaupokonui recently, and moved that a vote of sympathy be passed to the relatives of the deceased, which was carried, all present standing in silence. The chairman read the following report of the club for the year 1923  I have to report a fairly satisfactory year for the club's first year, both financially and otherwise. Although we were not successful in winning the Cup we made a good bid for it, and with a little more luck, combined with practice, and to better understanding of each other's play, we hope to be successful in bringing the cup to Manaia this year. 1 also wish to mention that we were very fortunate during the past season regarding the expenses incurred on the players for travelling, which considering the distances, were very reasonable, so let us hope we may be fortunate this year. On behalf of the club, I wish to mention that we are indebted to all the ladies and members of the Manaia Hockey Club, who so willingly gave their assistance at our annual ball; also to the Press for their courtesy in the matter of publishing reports of matches and teams. The balance-sheet showed receipts totalling £27 19s 9d, including donations £8 15s 6d, and subscriptions £12 1/s 6d. After meeting all expenses, there was a credit balance of £6 18s Officers were elected as follows:—- President, Mr. A. Stephenson; vice presidents, same as last year, with the following names added: G. Watts G Stephenson, J. Horton, F. Cobb, G Cook, C. Nielson, O. Jones and C. S. Chong; executive committee, Messrs J. O'Connor, W. Vincent, W. J. Mc- Mahon, J. Thatcher, L. Parsons, and the captain and secretary; auditor Mr. V. H. Hobday; delegates to the association, Messrs. Parsons, Thatcher and D. Betteridge; selectors, Messrs. G. Edwards, J. Thatcher and J. 0. Leary. The matter of appointing a captain was left for March 1. The following new members were nominated: Messrs. W. J. McMahon, J. O. Leary, J. Damon, H. Putt, Tai Damon, S. Blair, W. Vincent, G. Watts, Nona Bobinson, C. Denmen, R. Roberts, G. Stephenson, G Clarke, E. Sutton, A. Stephenson, G. White, T. Leary, J. Cosgrove, F. Redman, A. Coffey, R. Lock, J. Horton. W. Badley, S. Greaves. Secretary and treasurer, Mr. TV. J. McMahon; assistant secretary, Mr. W. Budd. It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. J. 0. Leary and S. Blair, that two teams be nominated for the seven a-side tournament to be held at Manaia on April 5. Messrs. R. Muggeridge, G. Edwards and J. Thatcher were appointed delegates to attend the sports club meeting to be held eext Tuesday night in the Town Hall. It was resolved that the Manaia Club send a team to Oeo to play a friendly match with Auroa as a curtain-raiser for the Oeo sports, subject to arrangements being made. It was resolved that the secretary write to other clubs in South Taranaki re appointing a referee in each case for the tournament at Manaia on April 5. The subscription was fixed at 7s 6d per member. The sum of £1 was voted to the secretary, who had worked well for the club since its inception.  Mr. G. Cook, tailor, offered to donate a pair of trousers valued at £3 for the best improved player, or whatever the committee decided on. —A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the donor. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. V. H. Hobday (auditor), the Fire Brigade for use of the station meeting room, to Mr. G. Mitchell for his valuable services as referee, to Mr. G. Stephenson (who presented the club' with a soccer ball), to the press and all who assisted the club last year.   Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLIV, 20 March 1924, Page 4