COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 98, 27 April 1934, Page 12

COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING

INVITATION TO AUSTRALIAN TEAM. "Although the year has been a hard one for your council, I claim, without any hesitation, that we have been able to face up td the obstacles which have beset us with a result that reflects great credit upou members," said Mr. Cyril Snedden, president of the New Zealand Rugoy League, in commenting upon affairs in the report at the aunjial meeting held last evening, attended by a tull representation of alnliated Leagues. The president added that he regretted the absence of direct delegates, but that could not be avoided at present. Thanks to the co-operation of the centres and to that spartan sportsmanship which characterised ollicials and players of the code, progress had been registered, even allowing for what seemed inevitable—the loss of Wellington. However, these were days when facts had to be faced. Vet the council was still prepared to get the game going there, and, he hoped, another effort would be made at no distant date. The history of Rugby League was notable for the way the game could make "comebacks." If it could do so at Tarauaki anil Ilawke's Bay—perhaps somewhere else soon—there was no reason why it should not do so in the capital city.

The code had done well in the North Island, and he wished particularly to congratulate Auckland, where the erection of one of the most up-to-date grandstands in the Dominion was near completion. The enterprise was a credit to the game, and supporters had no doubt as to the result from the undertaking. Mr. Snedden also referred to the healthy position of the code in Canterbury and West Coast (congratulating the latter League on winning the Northern Union Cup) and said that Otago seemed to have profited from adversity, and was now set for some measure of leeway. He urged the council to realise that it still had difficulties to surmount, and was confident that they would be overcome.

The report and balance-sheet, as published last week, were adopted. The committee gave a report on the various League balance-sheets, showing all assets aud liabilities aud working revenue figures. This disclosed credit balances in three instances, small losses iu four cases and the only heavy debit in Otago. The chairman, in moving the acceptance and approval of the affiliated Leagues' balance-sheets, said that these had been produced this year in thorough professional manner. Northland and South Auckland balancesheets were not to hand, the delegates making explanations. The working expenses of the council for the year totalled only £33 10/5. Officers were elected as follows;—ratron, Mr. James Carlavv; .president, Mr. U. A. Snedden ; vice-presidents, Messrs. G. Grey Campbell (Auckland), A. 11. McKane (West Coast), K. T. Hill (South Auckland) and J. F. Johnson (Northland) re-elected, with Mr. G. Hooker (Taranakij, C. W. Merrick (Ilawke's Bay) and the nominations for Canterbury and Otago pending ; hou. secretary, Mr. W. 0. C'arlaw; hou. treasurer, Mr. N. D. Culpan; lion, organiser, Mr. W. .T. Hamniill; hou. medical officer. Dr. if. G. Gwynne; lion, solicitor, Mr. 11. M. Rogerson ; auditor, Mr. W. F. McLean; British representative, Mr. John F. Whitaker, Batley, Yorks, England. The West Coast League notified that Mr. B. Share had been appointed sitting delegate to the council vice Mr. A. Webster. The president, in expressing regret at the fact that another valuable member was retiring, referred to the capability of Mr. Webster, who had been a delegate for 14 years, and was held in highest esteem. His loyalty and co-operation, particularly with regard to publicity and advertising, were much appreciated. The speaker moved that a special minute should be made recording appreciation of Mr. Webster's services. Messrs. It. Doble aud E. Stallworthy also spoke, and the motion was carried with acclamation. Life members were appointed as follows: Messrs. Arthur Harlack (South Auckland). Arthur Ball (ex-chairman of the Auckland Itugby League Referees' Association), T. Davis (late secretary of the Auckland junior management committee) and C. Adamson (ex-chairman of the J.M.C.). After disc-ussion on the prospects of a French team tour and the possibility oj an English club team extending its tour from Australia to New Zealand, it was decided to communicate with the Australian Board of Control and invite the Australian team to tour New Zealand this season. The West Coast remit regarding payment of South Island direct delegates' expenses attending the annual meeting was lost, but it was pointed out that the management was sympathetic and the matter would be re-dealt with again later in the year. A remit from the Taranaki League, urging a competition on the lines " of the Northern Union Cup, was adopted, and 1 referred to the incoming management with j favourable recommendation. Messrs. Kyle Davidson and Hill supported the suggestion. 1

Indignation was expressed at the ban reported to have been made with regard to the broadcasting of matches on Carlaw Park under relay by station IZB, and a strong protest, to be followed by other action, was decided upon. At a subsequent general meeting of the League, it was reported by the secretary that the latest English rule book incor,poratedx provision for drop-out from the "goal-line after a force-down. The council decided, therefore, to adopt the rule and to advise all Leagues, and the Auckland Referees' Association, which drew attention to the matter hy inquiry. The Hawke's Bay League reported that it had reduced its senior teams to six, juniors to six and thirds to five, and three teams were awaiting a fourth entry for the start of a fourth grade series. The League expressed its strong desire for a trophy for interprovincial Maori competition. as there was a strong Maori team I in the district. Mr. A._ D. Carlton (Waugatiui). under date April IT, reported that at a meeting of Rugby League supporters held on the previous evening, it was decided to obtain information with a view to re-starting the game there, where there were already 40 players desiring to play the code. An organising' committee was being formed. Several old trophies were available, and (lie writer was informed that certain money from the old League was in the bank. it was hoped to arrange an early match with Taranaki. The letter was submitted by the Auckland League, whose delegate advised tliaf rule books and other data bad been forwarded to Wangauui. The council is awaiting further report. The chairman .reported that a Taranaki resident, just returned from Australia, had brought copies of the new Country Rugby Football League constitution. This new body desired the council to invite a country representative touring side to New Zealand next year subject to approval, by the Australian Control Board. The side [would include several internationals. The I matter was deferred.

Reinstatements approved:—W A. H. Muir (Canterbury) and J. Douglas and I. I.ittlewood (Auckland), though 111 the case of the last-mentioned considerable diffidence was shown owing to the player's several changes over. Clearances: L. D. McLeay, Taranaki to Auckland, and E. Minchani, Wellington to Auckland.