LEAGUE PIONEER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 9

LEAGUE PIONEER.

RETIREMENT OF MR. McLEAN. TWENTY-ONE YEARS' RECORD. With the expression of keenest regret, coupled with the recording of full appreciation of his services given to the Rugby League code since its inception in 'Auckland, the New Zealand Counc-H last evening received the resignation of Mr. D.'W. McLean, of Devonpovt. The \eteran official intimated that he was taking this course after serious consideration, owing to his health, but in withdrawing, he eminphasised his best wishes for the continued success of the game. Mr. McLean wa-s the first chairman of the Auckland Rugby League and first president of the New Zealand League. He formed the first club,.the North Shore Albion, at Devonport, and also took a prominent part in the starting of Newton Rangers, Ponsonby, and the Northcote Ramblers. The first club match in 1009 was between Shore and a combined side, and it took place at Eagletor.'s Paddock, near Potter's Paddock, at Epsom. Mr. McLean is one of the two remaining of the foundation management committee of the league, which consisted of Messrs. W. T. Wynyard (still in Auckland), John Endean, jun., Horace Jones, Mr. Morton, of Onehunga, and E. W. Watts (secretary). Going through New Zealand in 1912, Mr McLean was instrumental in creating the formation of the Canterbury League, but found that conditions were not so favourable in Otago. He has continued ever since to promote the welfare of the code in an official capacity, and is a life member of the New Zealand League. With Mr. Snedden two years ago Mr. McLean represented the Dominion at a conference with the Australian Board of Control, Mr. McLean was a trustee of the New eZaland League, and the vacancy created by his retirement has been filled by Mr. James Carlaw, the patron.