COUNCIL BUSINESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 178, 29 July 1932, Page 11

COUNCIL BUSINESS.

REFEREE TOR FIRST TEST. GREETINGS TO ENGLISH MANAGERS. A great deal of business concerning the visit of the English team was transacted by the council of the New Zealand Rugby League last evening, when Mr. Cyril Snedden presided. It was reported that the English managers, Messrs. G. F. Hutchins; and R. T. Anderson, had chosen Mr. A. Harlock, of South Auckland, ae the referee for the first Test match. Messrs. L. Bull and P.. Rogers were appointed Ime umpires. It was decided that the New Zealand Referees' Association be asked to submit the names of referees for the match against Auckland, the second lest, the North Island game at Wellington, and for the third Teet match. The League's medical officer, Dr.! Gwynne, advised that P. A. Hart, a West Coast wing three-quarter chosen to play in the New Zealand team, was still suffering from a badly bruised muscle above the left knee, and was unfit to play. The selectors appointed R. VV. Smith, the Devonport player, to fill the vacancy. It was resolved to write thanking the Auckland Football Association for cancelling its fixtures on Saturday. Several matters affecting Saturday's arrangements were considered in committee, and, apart from details to be finalised to-day, it was decided to admit children under 14 years of age for sixpence to the ground only. _ The chairman welcomed Mr. A. J. e>. D'Ewee. chairman of Kaikohe, the baby League, and Mr. H. A., Knight, acting chairman of the Wellington League. Both acknowledged the remarks, and assured the council that their Leagues were doing all possible to advance the interests of the game in those centres. A lengthy letter from Mr. Gavin Stone, an old stalwart of Newton Rangers, and now chairman of the Wellington. executive also dealt comprehensively with the successful reorganisation at Wellington, where the anpearance of the Englishmen on August 17 was being eagerly awaited. The match is to be broadcast. Mr. Sneddon was authorised to officially represent the council at this match. An invitation for the English team members to freely patronise the Zoological Park and Hobson Street baths, and one from the Mauugakiekie Golf Club, asking golfers amongst the tourists to use the links at One Tree Hill were received. The council gratefully acknowledged the courtesies. A Christchurch official advised that the second Test at Christchurch would be broadcast. The reinstatement of W. Vaughan by the West Coast League was endorsed. OFFICIAL WELCOME. ADMINISTRATIVE GOOD WILL. The chairman, in extending, an behalf of the council, a hearty welcome to Mr. Hutchins, team manager of the English emphasised that the recent civic reception really indicated the greetings of the city for New Zealanders as a whole. When it was announced that Mr. Hutchins, who was with the 1928 team, was to trip to the Dominion again, the New Zealand League was gratified because members recalled hie former good work. It was desired that his colleague, Mr. Anderton, should share the sentiments expressed. The speaker went on to say that the public looked forward to an inspiring first Test match, in view of advance reports from Australia. New Zealand hoped to put up a good performance. All hoped that the game would be put first and not the winning of it. (Applause.)

Mutual Compliments. Replying, Mr. Hutchins apologised for the absence of Mr. Andertoln, who returned from North Auckland slightly indisposed. "I am happy to be here to meet you all again," said Mr. Hutchins, "because I think so much good can be accomplished by personal contact to discuse our mutual interests. I might say that two-thirds of the reason that prompted my second visit was that it might enable me to finish some of the good work done for the code on the last tour. Regarding our team, we say to them: 'We know you can play the game. That is why we picked you; otherwise you would not have been brought here.' That injunction, according to Mr. Anderton, has already been observed by the English team at Whangarei. I am assured that the public who saw the firet game were delighted with it. I hope the exhibition will do a lot of good. The big score does not matter at all. You have to remember that if a team as young in the game as that of Northland could stand up and beat an international side, then it would be a bad thing for the game. The main thing that spectators saw a display which showed quality, and provided value in that respect. Precept and Example. With regard to the players he would say again that on Saturday and on any other day, the Englishmen would play the game in the beet spirit. He earnestly hoped that the team will go through its New Zealand itinerary without any friction between players or even the necessity of caution for unfair play. Conference With Managers, A conference between the rules committee of the New Zealand Council, representatives of the New Zealand Referees' Association, and the managers of the English team, with regard to the interpretation of certain rules, is to be held. It is prolable thai a mutual agreement will be easily reached in this respect, based on the requirements of the English Rugby League.