LEAGUE COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 98, 28 April 1933, Page 11

LEAGUE COUNCIL.

LAST YEAR'S EXTENSION. CHAIRMAN'S OBSERVATIONS. ANNUAL MEETING BUSINESS. **At this, the conclusion of my seventh year as president, it gives me great pleasure to ten the delegates how I have appreciated their solid and enthusiastic support.," said Mr. Cyril Snedden last evening, in opening the annual meeting o£ the New Zealand Rugby League, held at the Auckland League offices. The president went on to say there was no need tor him to elaborate on the activities of last season, in view of the comprehensive details contained in the annual report before them. He regretted the absence of direct delegates, but that was a sign of the times, as experienced in all sport. He considered he was right in stating that last year could be regarded as one of the greatest in definite progress by way of playing and extension of the game. Development had been well consolidated in Northland, South Auckland had revealed renewed vigour and recaptured the Northern Union Cup, Wellinglon clubs had prospered in spite of some internal management troubles, while Otago, Canterbury and West Coast had carried on steadily. But a very pleasing feature was the revival of the code in both Taranaki and Hawke's Bay, which leagues were about to seek official recognition, after lapsing for many years. Delegates in attendance were; Messrs. A. rerguson and T. A. McClymont (Otago), W. J. Davidson (Canterbury). A. W. Webster (West Coast), R. T. Hill and W. J. Tayler (South Auckland), R. W. Pollock (Wellington), E. Stallworthy and W. J. Liversidge (Northland) and R. Doble and L. Binns (Auckland). Regret was expressed that Mr. T. Tuohy was in hospital, and hopes were expressed for his early recovery. Before dealing with business, reference was made to the loss to the game by the death of Mr. W. C. Waugh, president of the City Rovers Club, Auckland. The chairman made special allusion to the success of the British team's tour last year, and hoped the play would be reflected in a higher standard here this season. Financially, the visit did not help New Zealand much, through the heavy amusement taxation amounting to a total of £536 13/5. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. It was decided to refer the detail provincial League reports and balance-sheets to the incoming committee for analysis and recommendations. . On the suggestion of the chairman, it was resolved to cable the English R-ugby League wishing it every success with the Challenge Cup final at Wembley next Saturday, when His Majesty the King will be in attendance. _ Three life membership proposals, two by Auckland and one by South Auckland, were ruled out of order, as they were not submitted a month before the annual meeting, in accordance with constitutional requirements. The chairman said that something by way of a reminder to all Leagues would be given in future by the c-ouncil in fcrder to prevent a repetition of this unfortunate position. _ ,v A remit proposing that the boutu Island selector should be appointed by the South Island leagues, was reterred for consideration to the council s selection committee; remit proposing an alteration to rule 10 of the constitution prohibiting any other than a vice-presi-dent, hon. member or ground committee member of a provincial league in the council's headquarters sitting as a delegate, was lost. A proposal for the reduction of league representation on the council from two members to one member, except for the purpose of annual meetings, was adopted. The Auckland League opposed, the remit and gave notice of an amendment. Officers were elected as follow: —Patron, Mr. James Carlaw (Auckland); president, Mr. C. A. Snedden; vice-presidents, Meors." A. H. McKane (West Coast), Winter Cole George Gillett (Auckland), J. F. Johnston (Northland? and George Rhodes (Auckland), with the addition of Messrs. H. J. Knight (Wellington') and G. Grey Campbell (Auckland); British representative, Mr. John F. Whitaker (Batley. Yorks); hon. secretary, Mr. W. O. Carlaw; hon. treasurer, Mr. N. D. Culpan; hon. medical officer. Dr. F. J. Gwynne; hon. solicitor, Mr. H. M. Rogerson; hon. onraniser, Mr. W. J. Hammill and auditor, -Mr. W . F. McLean. Affiliations Deferred. Mr. Liversidge said he had been instructed by the Hawke's Bay League, which appointed Mr. W. J. Hmdman as its delegate to the council, to ask tor the affiliation application to be treated as urgent, as the new league could not become an incorporated body until its constitution and rules were approved and affiliation granted. The rules committee reported that some alteration was required to the copy of rules submitted, and, on an understanding that approval would be facilitated, the affiliation application was deferred. It was incidentally stated that the competitions in Hawkes Day had commenced on the 22nd uist., three senior and two junior matches being played. , ~ The North Taranaki League s application was notified by telegram, but the council decided to await receipt of the written application with details. Taranaki, which has four senior teams in action, has nominated as its delegate Mr. M. Kyle, of Epsom, a former New Zealand representative player from the South. The Kaikohe Sub-League, of Northland, applied for separate affiliation, pointing to the fact that its four senior teams commenced the competition on the 22nd inst. Mr. E. H. Mcllveen, of Auckland, was nominated as delegate. Mr. E. Stallworthy said the .Northland League, which had mothered the Kaikohe League, consented to the application, as it was thought Kaikohe would now extend the game through Hokianga district. _ It was agreed to defer the application for further inquiry. Correspondence was also dealt with from West Coast, Otago and private sources. The Wellington League reported having appointed Mr. Stewart Harley as its hon. solicitor. Two more grounds had been made available by the Wellington City Council. Transfer applications approved were as follow:—Canterbury League: C. H. Becks, from the West Coast; L. Merson.and T. Butler (Wellington). Auckland League: T. Holland (Frankton) and E. F. Abbott (Ngaruawahia), to Richmond Rovers. West Coast: W. Payne (Celtic, Wellington), to Pirates (Greymouth); P. Brady, Marist (Auckland), to Marist (Greymouth). Reinstatements. —C. Coney and H. Spencer (Canterbury); B. Hart, W. Cloutt, J. Whorskey, L. Broughton and R. Smith (South Auckland), and T. Gardyne and F. Flaherty (Canterbury).