LEAGUE PROGRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1930, Page 15

LEAGUE PROGRESS.

ANNUAL MEETING HELD. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. SOLE SELECT'OR SUGGESTED. There was, a large attendance of delegates and supporters of the code at the annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League last evening. Hon J. B. Donald presided. The annual report and 'balance eheet (previously published) which revealed satisfactory progress during the past year and the fact that the game wa6 in a splendid financial position, were adopted without criticism. After presenting trophies won during the past season to successful clubs, Mr. Donald congratulated the League on the very satisfactory balance-sheet that had been presented. The report of the past year's activities was most excellent, he said and the various clubs appeared to be in very good positions. The Pon■sonby Club —winners of the championship—in particular was well situated. Taking everything into consideration, the Rugby League was a very live organnisation, and he wished it continued success. In order that his term of office as patron of the League might be perpetuated, Mr. Donald offered to present a trophy to be suitably allotted. The offer was accepted with thanks. The- following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —Patron, Hon. J. B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J. F. W. Dickson; president, Mr. James Carlaw and vice-presidents, Messrs. G. McMillan, 0. Blackwood, S. Briley, H. Grange, C. Way, W. Wallace, C. Seagar, R, Benson, C. H. Drysdale, E. J. Phelan, A. E. Laird, J. A. Lee and R. H. Wood. Appreciation of the services of Mr. W. J. Haminill to the League, especially in the direction of fostering competition among schoolboys, wae placed on record. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE At a subsequent meeting of the management committee, Mr. Geo. Rhodes was re-elected chairman for the coming year, and Messrs. I. Culpan and F. Ellis were re-appointed secretary and treasurer respectively. Other officers were 'elected as follows:—Delegates to the New Zealand Rugby League, Messrs. R. Doble and L. Binns; advisory committee and judicial committee, Messrs. G. Carr, McConnell, W. Cloke, and W. J. Probert; hon. solicitor, Mr. H. M. Rogerson; timekeepers, Messrs. W. J. Gibbons, and P. McCullough. The question of appointing a grounds superintendent was discussed, several speakers contending .that closer attend tion should be paid to this important department pf the League's activities. Ultimately it was decided to defer filling the vancancy till the appointment of the grounds committee, which it was thought might carry out the duties in connection with the grounds at present attended to by one man. Mr. W. J. Davidson gave notice to move at the next meeting of the committee to be held on Wednesday fortnight" that the League revert to a sole selector of its representative teams. Although not expressing the opinion of his club, Mr. Davidson thought a sole selector was more satisfactory from all points of view. Mr. H. Solomon intimated that he would be prepared to support the suggestion. The proposed alteration in the control of the appointment of referees was considered, the chairman (Mr. Rhodes) stating that it was agreed by the Referees' Association that an appointments board be established. Two nominations had already been submitted by the referees, and careful judgment was necessary in the selection of the independent delegate. The opinion was held by Mr. Davidson that a delegate from the management committee was eligible for the position, but it was pointed out that the appointment must be made outside the membership of clubs. After further discussion, Messrs. J. Eddowes, H. Sanders and E. Stallworthy were approved as the appointments board. It was resolved that the New Zealand Club be advised that the Ponsonby, Richmond and Newton Clubs were prepared to play matches against Northland at Hikurangi on Ea&ter Saturday. It was agreed that the season be officially opened on Saturday, April 26.