95-715: The New England Rugby Union , or NERU , is the governing body for the sport of rugby union within the District of New England (New South Wales) in Australia . It is a member of the New South Wales Country Rugby Union . It supports three men's competitions and a women's 10s competition. The nearest clubs were located in the Newcastle district, so matches were organised on an ad-hoc basis. The Main North Railway
190-502: A 'disagreement in government policy on relief works' as the reason. Despite Spooner's departure, the stability of the government was to be short. On 1 August 1939, Spooner carried a motion of no confidence in Stevens in the house, which unexpectedly passed by two votes, owing to the absence of several ministers. On 3 August Stevens tendered his resignation to the Governor, Lord Wakehurst , but
285-535: A Coalition total of 46 seats. With the Labor Party also holding 46 seats, the balance of power lay with the two re-elected Independent Labor members, James Geraghty and John Seiffert , who had been expelled from the Labor Party for disloyalty during the previous parliament. Seiffert was readmitted and, with the support of Geraghty, McGirr and Labor were able to stay in power. Bruxner retained his seat with 60%. He sold his "Roseneath" property in 1950 and in 1951 bought
380-559: A certain group, such as the Catholic or Jewish sports groups. General sports organizations and multi-sport events also exist for other groups such as the Invictus Games for military veterans. Professional sports leagues are usually the highest level of play in sport, specifically if they consist of the best players around the world in a certain sport. Because of this, they usually work with national or international federations, but there
475-560: A closer alliance with Bruxner and the Country Party, failed dismally and alienated him from many in his party. Robson was replaced by Pat Morton as leader in September 1955. Bruxner, now aged 70 and having fallen ill several times, led the Country Party one last time at the March 1956 election , which resulted in another labour victory and Country Party regained the seat of Armidale , but overall
570-499: A congress or general assembly of the international federation and is responsible for defining its sports policies. It consists of all of the national federations, each of which receives one vote. On the other hand, the executive branch, which is often referred to as the council or executive committee, consists of elected members by the legislative branch and is responsible for directing, managing, and representing their federation. Trusts are organizations or groups that have control over
665-629: A crowd of 6,500 watched the touring Fijian side defeat the New England team 37–14. The New England team played well but was outclassed by the tourists. Tamworth hosted the British Lions in a game against NSW Country on 9 June 1959. The touring team won 27-14 but Country had four players who wore the Wallaby colours; Peter Fenwicke (Walcha), Bill Gunther (Molong) and Jim Lenehan and Beres Ellwood (both from Wagga Wagga). Other representative games were held against
760-608: A former vice president of the Newcastle Rugby. It wasn't until 1939 that the competition got full underway The Armidale Club held a reformation meeting in Aprill 1939. The newly formed University College joined the competition and played against the De La Salle high school team. Other teams included Teachers College, TAS and Armidale. Another hiatus occurred until 1943 when GA Fisher, headmaster of The Armidale School, became president of
855-581: A game won by Armidale 20–15. It may have been a scratch game. Another was an invitation game also in 1935 between Teachers College and the Merewether-Carlton Club from Newcastle. The game was won by the College 19–10. The Newcastle team had won the Newcastle premiership but struggled with the overnight car travel. In June 1938. a meeting to revive rugby in Armidale saw a new committee formed under Mr E Yule
950-547: A given sport (or a group of similar sport disciplines, such as aquatics or skiing ) and administers its sport at the highest level. These federations work to create a common set of rules, promote their sport, and organize international competitions. International sports federations represent their sport at the Olympic level where applicable. About 30 international sport federations are located in Switzerland , with about 20 or so in
1045-555: A good working relationship and long-lasting friendship with Stevens that would ensure the government's stability. The Stevens government had significant success, reducing Lang's 2 million pound deficit by 75%. However, one significant problem was that Stevens had trouble with an unruly backbench, and increasingly depended upon Bruxner and the Country Party. As Deputy Premier, Bruxner saw himself as loyal to Stevens, but still managed to push through several initiatives that specifically benefited rural areas, including another royal commission on
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#17330851648671140-560: A particular sport, as evident in the example of the Northern Ireland Federation of Sub-Aqua Clubs . Multi-sport event organizers are responsible for the organization of an event that includes more than one sport. The best-known example is the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the organizer of the modern Olympic Games . General sports organizations are responsible for sports-related topics, usually for
1235-571: A prominent member of his local community, Bruxner became involved in emerging movements to have a political force for regional areas and joined and was convinced by friends to stand as a Progressive Party candidate in the 1920 New South Wales state election . Bruxner was elected under proportional representation with 23% as the second member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly district of Northern Tablelands alongside his friend David Drummond . On 20 December 1920,
1330-535: A public asset was reinforced when he brought through the passage of the Transport Act 1930, which regulated private bus services to prevent the collapse of government-owned tramways and railways. He remained as Minister until the Bavin Government was defeated by Lang at the 1930 election . At the election, Bruxner retained his seat with 59%. On 23 December 1930, Bruxner was granted by King George V retention of
1425-626: A swing against them of 7.2%. Bruxner retained his seat with 60.15%. Murray Robson replaced Treatt as Leader of the Opposition in August 1954. Like other senior members of the Liberals, after having no conservative government since Alexander Mair in 1941, Robson had no experience in government, he had little interest in policy except for Cold War anti-communism, ignored majority views of his party and fellow parliamentary colleagues and Robson's attempts to forge
1520-641: A team in the minor leagues . This enables them to shuffle players who are not doing well to the minor leagues, which will inspire them to contribute more to the team by playing better. A 2014 study by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) criticized major international sports governing bodies including the International Olympic Committee and FIFA for not having sufficient provisions for human and labor rights. Michael Bruxner Lieutenant Colonel Sir Michael Frederick Bruxner KBE , DSO , JP (25 March 1882 – 28 March 1970)
1615-555: A third round to decide the competition. The southern zone teams included Tamworth, Walcha, Quirindi, Gunnedah and Kootingal-Bendemeer. The revived Central North zone evolved from the old Southern Zone in 1958 under the approval of the NSWRU. A meeting had been held in Tamworth in November 1955 to discuss the formation of a new Southern Zone competition in New England. A further meeting was called by
1710-438: A total of five times during his term). This time, the Country Party was an equal partner in the coalition and Bruxner was named as the first Deputy Premier of New South Wales . Sworn in on 16 May 1932 as Minister for Transport , Bruxner also briefly resumed his former Local Government portfolio during the caretaker period until 17 June 1932. Insistent that his party take an equal role in the coalition government, Bruxner formed
1805-516: A type of national federation, as they are responsible for a country's participation in the Olympic Games and in the Paralympic Games respectively. However, a national governing body (NGB) can be different from a national federation due to government recognition requirements. Also, national governing bodies can be a supraorganization representing a range of unrelated organizations operating in
1900-600: Is expressed in an article from 1900 where the Tamworth Football Club, at its annual meeting, passed the following resolution: "That the secretary communicate with the Tamworth West, Werris Creek and Manilla Football Clubs as to the advisability of not joining the New ;England Rugby Football Union unless it was guaranteed that the final match be played in Tamworth." It was felt that the local clubs had supported
1995-494: Is usually a separation between the different federations. Most North American professional leagues usually do not have amateur divisions, as the amateur divisions are mostly run in separate leagues. Also, most professional leagues are related to other leagues, as players usually attempt to play in the league with the highest level of play. Because of this, promotion and relegation can occur; or, in league systems without promotion and relegation, clubs in professional leagues can have
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#17330851648672090-559: The 1944 election , Bruxner's stable leadership ensured that the Country Party retained all ten of its seats in the Legislative Assembly. Bruxner retained his seat with 67.73%. Bruxner witnessed the fragmented opposition parties forming into the Liberal Party in 1945, under the leadership of Weaver, Mair and then former Justice Minister Vernon Treatt from March 1946. Bruxner led the party, again being elected unopposed, again at
2185-642: The 1965 election . The rest of Bruxner's parliamentary career was to be on the opposition benches, due largely to the disintegration of the larger opposition party, the UAP, after the 1943 Federal election . A large number of former UAP members then formed the Democratic Party in New South Wales, led by Mair, who continued as Opposition Leader. Mair resigned as Democratic Party Leader on 10 February 1944, to be replaced by former Assembly Speaker Reginald Weaver . At
2280-622: The Clarence River in Northern New South Wales , the second son of English-born grazier Charles Augustus Bruxner (1851–1915) and his wife Sarah Elizabeth Barnes (1858–1941). Bruxner was initially educated in private tuition but was soon sent as a boarder first at St Mark's Crescent School in Darling Point , Sydney and then to The Armidale School , where he became School Captain in 1900. From 1901 to 1903, he studied arts and law at
2375-590: The Labor Party Premier, James Dooley , and his cabinet resigned after having lost a vote in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly a week before. The Governor, Sir Walter Davidson , then commissioned the Leader of the Opposition, Sir George Fuller , as Premier. As Fuller did not have a majority, he initiated attempts to form a coalition with the Progressive Party. The Progressives split over whether to join
2470-598: The Lausanne area, where the International Olympic Committee is located. International federations for sports that do not participate in the Olympic Games are managed by equivalent organizations to the International Olympic Committee , such as the SportAccord . International federations are typically organized with legislative and executive branches at the top. The legislative body is usually referred to as
2565-727: The Legislative Council and conflict with the Federal Government over debts, Bruxner emphasised the need that the Country Party remain independent of the United Australia Party (which had succeeded the Nationalist Party) amidst calls for the opposition to unite. On 26 April 1932, Country Party Leader Buttenshaw notified the party of his intention to resign. Bruxner was then elected as the new party Leader. Not long after, on 13 May Governor Sir Philip Game dismissed
2660-549: The March 1938 election , the Stevens-Bruxner government retained power against Lang and the still-divided Labor Party. Bruxner was re-elected with 61% of the vote. Bruxner worked with his long-time friend, now Minister for Education David Drummond, to establish a regional tertiary education institution. After the 1938 election, they moved to establish the New England University College , a constituent college of
2755-466: The May 1947 election , achieving an overall gain of 5 seats from independents and the Labor Party, now led by James McGirr . Recognising the importance of the larger Liberals to opposing Labor while also being responsive to the needs of the Country Party's rural voters, Bruxner maintained the Country Party's coalition with the Liberals as well as trying to prevent seat conflicts between the two parties. However, it
2850-504: The New England New State Movement . Bruxner resigned the party leadership, now for the renamed Country Party , at the end of 1925. At the 1927 election , with the abandonment of proportional representation, he won the new seat of Tenterfield unopposed. Bruxner was included in new Premier Thomas Bavin 's cabinet as Minister for Local Government , which included the responsibility for transport. He served until Labor won
2945-656: The Sinai and Palestine Campaign , for which he was mentioned in despatches twice. On 30 May 1917 was appointed by the President of France , Raymond Poincaré , as a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur "in recognition of distinguished services during the campaign". Also in 1917, Bruxner was appointed to General Headquarters and rose to be assistant adjutant and quartermaster-general of the ANZAC Mounted Division . For his service he
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3040-575: The University of Sydney in the city of Armidale , and Bruxner was appointed to the first Advisory Council, on which he served until 1951. In July 1939, Stevens and Colonial Treasurer Alexander Mair attempted to address Spooner's unwillingness to accede to cabinet decisions regarding ministerial expenditure by creating a committee of four, consisting of Mair, Stevens, Spooner and Bruxner, to approve all expenditure. Furious at this gesture, Spooner resigned on 21 July 1939 as Minister and Deputy Leader, citing
3135-472: The University of Sydney while resident at St Paul's College , but was expelled for non-attendance of lectures. Returning to home to work as a grazier, Bruxner eventually moved to Tenterfield and set up business as a Stock and station agent . He also purchased "Roseneath", a grazing property near Tenterfield, where he bred Hereford cattle . On 17 June 1908 at Christ Church, Kiama , he married Winifred Catherine Hay Caird. Bruxner became vice-president of
3230-601: The sport that they govern. Governing bodies have different scopes. They may cover a range of sport at an internationally acceptable level, such as the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee , or only a single sport at a national level, such as the Rugby Football League . National bodies will largely have to be affiliated with international bodies for the same sport. The first international federations were formed at
3325-528: The 1920 election. Bruxner came to political prominence when he led the rural "True Blues" faction of the Progressive Party that went against their Leader's decision to form a coalition in Sir George Fuller 's short-lived government in 1921. Bruxner emerged as the leader of the reduced Progressive Party, which consisted of the members of his faction, but they nevertheless joined with Fuller's Nationalists to form government in 1922. Bruxner also became involved in
3420-602: The 1924 Cohen Royal Commission into New States. At the May 1925 election , Bruxner retained his seat with an increased margin of 41%, while the Nationalist/Progressive Government lost office to Jack Lang and the Labor Party. After the election, the Progressive party renamed themselves the Country Party , reflecting the electoral base of the party. Bruxner resigned the leadership at the end of 1925, citing
3515-491: The 1930 election. In April 1932 Bruxner was elected again as the new Country Party Leader, which he would hold continuously until 1958. When Sir Philip Game dismissed Jack Lang and called upon the Leader of the Opposition Bertram Stevens to form a caretaker government in 1932, Stevens formed a coalition with Bruxner's Country Party and Bruxner was named as the first Deputy Premier of New South Wales . Bruxner
3610-453: The 1994 pre-season, it became clear that neither United nor Armidale City would have enough players to field four grades or be competitive. Sports governing body A sports governing body is a sports organization that has a regulatory or sanctioning function. Sports governing bodies come in various forms and have a variety of regulatory functions, including disciplinary action for rule infractions and deciding on rule changes in
3705-754: The Australian Light Horse upon the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Serving with distinction in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and awarded the Distinguished Service Order . Returning to Australia in 1919, Bruxner sold his business and joined the Progressive Party , being elected to the Parliament of New South Wales for Northern Tablelands at
3800-470: The Country Party, having served continuously in that role since 1932. He continued to serve in his capacity as Member for Tenterfield for one more term before retiring from politics before the 1962 election. Bruxner was Knighted as a KBE in 1962, and thereafter served in various capacities on boards and continued his passion for horses before his death aged 88 on 28 March 1970. Bruxner was born in Tabulum, near
3895-680: The Country Party. His eldest son, John Michael Bruxner, having graduated from Sydney University with honours in law in 1935, was admitted to the Bar in 1936 and also served in the 2nd AIF as an officer. On 2 June 1954, he was appointed as a Judge of the District Court of New South Wales . Upon retiring from politics, Bruxner was appointed as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1962 "For political and public services". On 2 November 1959,
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3990-460: The Fuller government into an urban wing, led by Leader Walter Wearne and Deputy Leader Thomas Bavin , which agreed to enter Fuller's coalition and a rural wing ("The True Blues"), led by Bruxner and Ernest Buttenshaw who offered Fuller only conditional support. After seven hours in government, still without a workable majority, Fuller requested a double-dissolution from Davidson. Davidson refused, on
4085-466: The Lang government and called upon the Leader of the Opposition and UAP Leader Bertram Stevens to form a caretaker government. Stevens formed a coalition with Bruxner's Country Party and immediately called an election . Lang's NSW Labor Party was heavily defeated and the Country Party gained eleven seats and held five seats on the cabinet. Bruxner retained his seat again unopposed (he would be elected unopposed
4180-552: The Literary Institute to consider “...the formation of a Rugby Union Football Club”. The Walcha club contained multiple zone and Country representatives such as Don Lisle. Don had played for the New England, NSW Country and NSW teams in 1950. Another Walcha player Peter Fenwicke went one better and went on to play for Australia in 1957. Also formed in 1950 was the Young Christian Workers (YCW) Club. The Inverell Club
4275-734: The Mains Roads Board named the highway spanning across Northern NSW as the " Bruxner Highway " in recognition of his services to transport and roads in NSW. Throughout his life, Bruxner had maintained his passion for horses, including as a member of the Australian Jockey Club and the Sydney Turf Club . From 1960 Bruxner was also Deputy President of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales . His wife Winifred having died
4370-575: The NERU for a number of years, but that a final match had never been played in Tamworth. Central North (Tamworth) was subsequently formed and applied to affiliate with the NSW Rugby Union in 1903. The Central Northern Rugby Union Cup was won by the North Tamworth club in 1903, 1904 and 1905. It was presented by CM Oliphant Esq to the club's captain W Jones. The 1904 Central North competition was composed of
4465-592: The NERU saw rugby being played by The Armidale School (TAS), St Johns College and Veterans FC with combined Armidale playing against Walcha. In 1925, the teams were Tingha, Bundarra, GPS Old Boys, TAS1 & TAS2 The 1930s saw the Armidale City Club reformed with the Bruxner Cup the main competition in New England. A report about the 31st annual meeting of the New England Rugby Union in 1925 mentioned
4560-444: The NSW Rugby Union for recognition as the Central Northern Union. Despite some opposition the application was granted. Walcha and Tamworth moved over to the new Central North Zone. Content required. Content required. Tamworth returned the NERU after a 59-year absence in 2018 with Walcha returning briefly in 2020 and permanently in 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic erupted in 2020 causing many competitions in all sports to close. A decision
4655-408: The New England Rugby Football Union Trophy. The NERFU Cup was donated by the late Mr. Thomas Danshey in 1892. Representative football saw a 1893 New England team led by George Bliss lose to the NSW state team at the Sydney Cricket Ground 6–5. The state team only winning near the end of the game with a late try. The mood to move away from the NERU by some of the clubs in the southern part of the Union
4750-465: The New England competition along with Armidale City, Walcha, Guyra, Inverell, Teachers College and University. An Inverell Times article in 1954 intimated that up to 19 teams would nominate to play in the New England. The annual meeting of the NERU listed representatives from Armidale, Walcha, Tamworth, Rockdale, Guyra, YCW, Teachers College and the NERU. The interest in rugby was enhanced by representative games held at Tamworth's No 1 oval. In June 1954,
4845-414: The New Zealand Maoris played the Northern Districts team at Tamworth winning 29–8. All players had to have smallpox vaccinations prior to playing. Prior to the outbreak of World War 1, two New South Wales country matches were played by the visiting All Blacks, the last for six long years as the New South Wales Rugby Union decided to discontinue all senior games for the duration and to give maximum support to
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#17330851648674940-401: The North Tamworth, East Tamworth, West Tamworth, Manilla, “our Boys” (Moonbi) and Quirindi clubs. The Sawers Shield was donated by William Sawers MHR for the best team in Central North and New England Rugby Unions. Sawers was one of the few non-Armidale residents to hold a position on the NERFU committee. He was president of the Tamworth Rugby Club in 1896 and a vice-president of the NERFU. He
5035-409: The Royal Standard Brewery which was located at the end of Jewry Street in Peel Street. A juniors competition also existed. There was success in the 1890s. The year 1894 saw the Acme Rugby Club of Tamworth lose to the Albion Club of Armidale 12 points to nil whilst the Tamworth Rugby Club lost to the Federals Rugby Club of Armidale 14–7 in the 1899 final and West Tamworth defeated Albions 8–0 in 1900 for
5130-446: The Springboks, the NZ Services side and later the New Zealand All Blacks. In 1956 the NERFU accepted new nominations for first and second grade from Quirindi, Gunnedah and Kootingal-Bendemeer. These additions meant that distances travelled by the southern zone teams became a problem. The compromise solution saw the New England zone split into northern and southern zones in 1957 with each zone playing two rounds of matches before uniting in
5225-441: The Tamworth club in November 1956 to discuss football arrangements for 1957. Many clubs were upset by the stop-start nature of the NERFU competition when University and Armidale Teachers College holiday breaks meant players were not available to field teams. Teams in the Tamworth-based competition had played in the southern zone of the NEFRU for several years. In early 1958, the Walcha, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Quirindi clubs applied to
5320-532: The assembly before the election in 1962. Upon his retirement, his youngest son, James Caird (Tim) Bruxner , who had served with distinction in the 2nd AIF and the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II , gained preselection for his father's vacated seat, allegedly against his parents' advice, and won it at the 1962 election . Tim Bruxner went on to become a member of the Askin, Lewis and Willis Cabinets from 1973 to 1976, including in his father's old portfolio as Minister for Transport and as Deputy Leader of
5415-472: The basis that Dooley still had a majority in the lower house, and Fuller resigned. Davidson then re-commissioned Dooley, who was then granted a dissolution for an election in March 1922. The Progressives were permanently divided and Bruxner and the "True Blues" who had opposed the coalition maintained their separate identity, while the urban members of the party joined Fuller's Nationalist Party . The Rural Progressives then elected Bruxner in 1922 as Leader for
5510-424: The difficulty in balancing the needs of his family with the commitments of his political career, and was succeeded by Ernest Buttenshaw . At the 1927 election , with the abandonment of proportional representation, he won the new seat of Tenterfield unopposed. At the election, Lang's Labor Party was defeated and Bruxner was included in new Premier Bavin's cabinet as Minister for Local Government , which included
5605-399: The donation of a cup by Colonel Michael Bruxner in 1925. A number of articles un the Armidale Express of 1929 refers to a number of meetings where the issue of Union v League was discussed. At a meeting between the organisers of the two rugby codes, a view was aired that Armidale did not have the population to sustain both and that one should be adopted. It was suggested that as rugby union
5700-410: The efforts of Mair and Bruxner, the controversy surrounding Stevens' departure and a resurgent Labor Party, now led by the moderate William McKell , ensured that the popularity of the government never recovered. At the campaign for the 10 May 1941 election , the government performed poorly, finding it difficult to distinguish themselves from the past and proposing policies but only promising action after
5795-445: The election. The Progressives were reduced to nine rural members at the 1922 election and entered a Coalition with the Nationalists. Bruxner increased his margin to become the first electorate member with 39%. Bruxner also became involved in the New England New State Movement and helped pass a formal request to the Commonwealth by the Legislative Assembly to establish a new state in northern New South Wales. The request resulted in
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#17330851648675890-471: The end of the 19th century. Every sport has a different governing body that can define the way that the sport operates through its affiliated clubs and societies. This is because sports have different levels of difficulty and skill, so they can try to organize the people playing their sport by ability and by age. The different types of sport governing bodies are all shown below: International sports federations are non-governmental non-profit organizations for
5985-406: The government's majority fell from twenty to six. Bruxner retained Tenterfield unopposed. On 6 May 1958, Bruxner formally resigned as Leader of the Country Party, having served continuously in that role since 1932. He continued to serve in his capacity as Member for Tenterfield, retaining his seat one final time at the March 1959 election , with 68% of the vote. After a final term he retired from
6080-401: The government. When Stevens went on a visit to London in March 1936 for six months until October, Bruxner became Acting Premier, with Spooner as Acting Deputy. The animosity between the two became most pronounced at this time, often over the most petty issues. In May 1937, Bruxner visited the United Kingdom as a member of the NSW parliamentary delegation to the coronation of King George VI . At
6175-460: The homestead section of Old Auburn Vale station, dividing his time between there and his Sydney residence in Bellevue Hill . The near loss of the election by Labor further weakened McGirr's position and he was replaced as premier by Joseph Cahill in April 1952. Cahill had won popular support as a vigorous and impressive minister who had resolved problems with New South Wales' electricity supply and in his first 10 months as premier had reinvigorated
6270-432: The house in August 1939. The Coalition lost government at the 10 May 1941 election and Bruxner would never again serve in government. The rest of Bruxner's parliamentary career was to be on the opposition benches, leading the Country Party through five more elections and through the instability of the larger opposition parties that eventually united as the Liberal Party . On 6 May 1958, Bruxner formally resigned as Leader of
6365-442: The local agricultural society and of the Cricket and Rugby clubs in Tenterfield. Being a racehorse owner, Bruxner also rose to be President of the Tenterfield Jockey Club from 1909 to 1911. He was commissioned as a Justice of the Peace in 1914. Bruxner started his military career when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 11 September 1911 in the 6th Australian (New England) Light Horse , Citizen Military Forces , which
6460-410: The money that will be used to help someone else, such as the Youth Sport Trust . National governing bodies have the same objectives as those of an international federation, but within the scope of one country, or even part of a country, as the name implies. They support local clubs and are often responsible for national teams . National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees are both
6555-512: The new leader of the UAP. Mair, who got on well with Bruxner, was sworn in as Premier by Lord Wakehurst on the same day, ensuring the survival of the coalition government. Mair attempted to shore up unity in his party to save the government. In the last months of government Bruxner was preoccupied with preparation for Australia's entry into the Second World War . He equipped railway workshops with modern machine tools and established National Emergency Services to deal with air raids. However, despite
6650-460: The party. He brought order to the government's chaotic public works program. In addition, he attacked the increasingly unpopular federal Coalition government of Robert Menzies . All this, combined with Bruxner and Treatt constantly clashing over policy and candidate issues, contributed to the Liberal-Country Coalition again being defeated at the 14 February 1953 election . This amounted to a total loss of ten seats, three being Country Party seats, and
6745-432: The question of new States in 1935. The May 1935 election saw Stevens and Bruxner retaining government against a divided and fractious Labor opposition and Bruxner was returned unopposed again in his seat. Bruxner detested the UAP Deputy Leader and Minister for Public Works and Local Government, Eric Spooner , whom Bruxner saw as trying to undermine confidence in Steven's leadership and reducing Country Party influence in
6840-527: The reconstituted union. Teams in 1943 competition were restricted to the university, Teachers College and secondary schools. Mr Fisher remained president of the NERU for seven years and was instrumental in the revitalisation of rugby in the New England region. As the demands of World War 2 drew to a close, 1945 saw visiting teams from Sydney University, St Andrews College, Newcastle and Randwick and playing games against Armidale representative teams. The 1946 competition included Armidale City, Teachers College and
6935-582: The responsibility for transport. As Minister, Bruxner was responsible for the amendment to the Main Roads Act which gave more powers to the Main Roads Board and provided for the reclassification of the principal roads of the State. All the roads of the state were classified in accordance with their order of importance, which formed the basis for which road development was funded. His view that transport should be
7030-641: The rugby code took hold as a result. On 12 May 1880, the Armidale Football Club was formed to play games rugby rules An article in the Armidale Express refers to a meeting to form the New England Rugby Union at the St Kilda Hotel on 4 March 1893. However, an unaffiliated competition had commenced the previous year with the Armidale, Albion, Deepwater, West End, Armidale Holiday Association, Inverell, Glen Innes and West Hillgrove clubs. Another club
7125-644: The rugby code. In addition, the GPS schools wished to maintain the ethos of amateur sport. As such, The Armidale School's membership of the GPS system prevented the adoption of the professional code. These factors assisted with the survival of the rugby code in the New England where elsewhere saw its disappearance. The Armidale Express of the 1920s and 1930s mentions teams such as Armidale Teachers College, New England University College, Armidale FC, GPS Old Boys, Bundarra, Uralla and The Armidale School (TAS). TAS, Armidale High and De la Salle College provided schoolboy games. In 1924,
7220-467: The side. The NSW team stayed in Armidale after a tour of Queensland. The last time this occurred was some 16 or 17 years earlier. It seems there was a hiatus in the rugby union code from the early 1930s caused by the severe economic depression. Clubs folded due to players struggling to find work. Yet there were games and the schools continued to play. For example, Armidale, TAS and Teachers College played in 1932. 1935 saw an Armidale team play Inverell in
7315-510: The title " The Honourable " for having served for more than three years as a Member of the Executive Council of New South Wales . In 1931 Bruxner moved a motion to censure Sydney University Professor of Philosophy John Anderson for his statements that war memorials were "political idols". The motion was vigorously debated but did not pass. As the political climate in New South Wales became more volatile after Lang's attempts to abolish
7410-463: The union should cease its activities in favour of the league game. The NERU rallied, and with Walcha changing zones, Armidale continued to play rugby whilst many other district centres made the switch. 1921 saw Manilla club convert to league. Thus, all of the Tamworth district had converted. It was a different story at the top of the Great Divide. Despite efforts, Walcha refused to budge and stuck with
7505-709: The university in A Grade. These clubs also fielded teams in the B Grade competition along with TAS, South Kentucky, Armidale High and De La Salle School. In 1949, the First Grade competition competed for the Sawyers Shield whilst the Second Grade teams competed for the Bruxner Cup The Walcha club reformed in 1950 after a 20-year hiatus when Doug Laurie placed a notice in the Walcha News of a meeting on 28 January at
7600-556: The war effort or to the rival league code. Sawers Shield was not contested from 1915 until 1948, when its status changed from an inter-district one to being for the winner of the New England seniors competition. the 1914-18 war years were hard on the rugby code. An example of the effect the league movement was having on rugby is the AGM notice for the New England Football Union of 1919 where consideration would be made as to whether
7695-507: The war effort. In contrast, the professional game continued to be played at all levels. The advent of World War 1 saw many rugby union competitions dissolve for patriotic reasons and lack of numbers. An Inverell Times report of 24 April 1915 stated that the Northwest Rugby Football Union took the view that anyone who was able to train for football should enlist and resolved to abandon all competition games. Numbers were lost to
7790-471: The war. McKell's Labor Party did the opposite, leaving war matters to the federal government and promising current reforms. At the election, the Labor Party polled more than half the vote while Bruxner's Country Party lost nine seats and Mair's UAP lost twenty seats. Bruxner retained his seat with 56%. Bruxner would never again hold ministerial office and the conservative political forces would not take government again until Robert Askin and Charles Cutler won
7885-480: Was also sworn in as Minister for Transport and briefly resumed his former Local Government portfolio. Bruxner also worked with his long-time friend and Minister for Education David Drummond , to establish the New England University College in 1938, which was later to become the University of New England . Bruxner was central in ensuring Alexander Mair became Premier after Stevens was defeated in
7980-614: Was an Australian politician and soldier, serving for many years as leader of the Country Party (and its predecessors) in New South Wales . Born in the north of the state, Bruxner was educated at The Armidale School and started studies at University of Sydney but later dropped out to take up employment as a grazier and station agent in Tenterfield . After serving in the Citizen Military Forces from 1911, Bruxner enlisted into
8075-428: Was extended to West Tamworth in 1878 and Armidale in 1883. Its construction no doubt aided the development of the rugby code simply because teams could travel with speed and comfort. Inter district competition assisted with the promotion of the game as did the promotion of a shorter working week so workers could enjoy recreational activities. Saturday afternoons became available for sports and, for our region as for others,
8170-440: Was granted several days to remain until his successor was chosen. Upon Stevens' resignation, Spooner was touted as a possible successor. However, Bruxner had always detested Spooner and let it be known that he and his Country Party colleagues would not serve under him. At a UAP party meeting on 5 August, Spooner chose not to nominate and Stevens' favoured candidate, Alexander Mair, defeated Athol Richardson 18 votes to 6 to become
8265-469: Was later formed at Hillgrove. The NERU's listed member clubs in 1894 were Uralla, Armidale, Gunnedah, Hillgrove, Quirindi, Tamworth and Walcha. The games were haphazard and by arrangement. The seniors cup competition of 1895 included Hillgrove and Armidale-based clubs Albion, Arforma and Armidale whilst the Tamworth-based teams were Acme, Tamworth and Royal Standard. The latter was no doubt associated with
8360-536: Was made to work with the restrictions and continue to play a shortened competition. The Central North and Mid North Coast rugby competitions shut down causing the Walcha club and a combined clubs from Coffs Harbour known as the Coffs Knights to join the New England competition. These two clubs faced each other in the grand final with Walcha taking out the trophy. The NERFU championship teams from 1892 to 1901 were: During
8455-461: Was not a town or village in NSW or Qld that did not have a leagues club. It was suggested the league game was better for the player and for the spectator and that public opinion was in favour of the code. Needless to say, no agreement was reached. The New Zealand All Blacks played against a combined New England/North West team in 1929 with the All Black team winning 27–8. Walcha's Bill Laycock captained
8550-454: Was promoted to lieutenant colonel and appointed as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1919. In July 1919, he returned Australia and was discharged a month later in August. Bruxner then returned to Tenterfield, sold his stock and station agency and went back to his property as a grazier. They eventually raised a family, having a daughter, Helen Elizabeth Bruxner, and two sons, James Caird and John Michael Bruxner. As
8645-684: Was redesignated the 5th the following year. When the First World War broke out in September 1914, Bruxner joined up soon after on 10 October 1914 with the 6th Light Horse Regiment in the Australian Imperial Force . Promoted to captain , Bruxner was sent with his unit to take part in the Gallipoli Campaign , being wounded several times. Later, in 1916, he commanded the 6th during part of the Battle of Romani and served with distinction in
8740-479: Was reformed in 1951 with a trial game against Teachers College losing to the students 19–12. The reformed Tamworth Rugby club made an application to enter a team in the 1952 competition. The inaugural game was against the Armidale City Rugby Club on 5 April 1952. The 1952 competition included Armidale City, university, Teachers College (two teams), Walcha and Inverell. 1953 saw Tamworth fully included in
8835-449: Was the code played in the schools, then rugby union should be the code adopted by the senior teams. Moreover, it is a game played in far more centres across the world compared to the north of England and parts of Australia and New Zealand. Lastly, that league was dominated by Tamworth so Armidale would not gain any advantage in being a league centre. The contrary argument was that Armidale was isolated from other rugby playing centres and there
8930-577: Was the inaugural member of the new New England electorate in the first Federal parliament. Between 1902 and 1914, the winner from both competitions would play-off for the right to hold the shield. The East Tamworth club won both the Observer Cup in the Central North competition and the Sawers Shield by winning against South Armidale. In 1913, in spite of the smallpox epidemic, which was then raging,
9025-457: Was to be the persistence of these "tri-cornered" contested seats between Labor, Liberal and Country candidates that were to prove problematic not only for maintaining the coalition but also for attempting to wrest government from Labor. Treatt and Bruxner led the Coalition at the 17 June 1950 election , which resulted in a hung parliament . The Country Party gained two seats for a total of 17 for
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