WESTERN SUBURBS' VISIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 218, 14 September 1934, Page 13

WESTERN SUBURBS' VISIT.

MARISTS FOR FIRST MATCH. At the meeting of the council of the New Zealand Rugby League last evening. Mr. Cyril Snedden presiding, a motion of condolence was passed to the Graham family, of Devonport, 'n the de<uh of Mr. Josiah Graham, and the secretary reported that Mrs. Graham had been asked to accept transfer of the deceased's life membership medallion. Mr. Snedden said Mr. Graham was a great stalwart of the code from the earliest days.

The district secretary, Western Suburbs Club, Sydney, Mr. J. White, wrote under date September 6, accepting the tour to A.ickland and stating that the side which crossed the Tasman could be relied upon to piovide brilliant play. The writer, who had been appointed manager, said that the trip was being looked forward to eagerly by the club and Sydney supporters were also keenly interested.-

Mr. Carlaw reported on negotiations regarding the Sydney team's visit and said the tourists would arrive in Auckland on the 22nd inst., when it was desirable that the first match should be played.

After lengthy and earful consideration it was decided that Western Suburbs play on the day of arrival. Arrangements could be made for the use of Carlaw Park, and it would be wise to make match provision for the first week itinerary only at present.

It was decided that the first match against the visitors be played by Marist Old Boys, the Wednesday match by Newton Rangers and the third match (Saturday) by Richmond Rovers.

The Canterbury Rugby League wrote asking that endeavour should be made to persuade the Western Suburbs Clubi to extend their tour to Christchurch. The secretary, in stating that representations would be made to the visiting manager, said he doubted whether, in the event of the tour being extended so that the team could leave Wellington on October 16, instead of October 11 from Auckland, as arranged bookings from Wellington could be made in view of the heavy passenger lists in advance in connection with the Melbourne Centenary celebrations. A request from Gisborne for a match by the visitors, addressed through the Auckland League, was also dealt with. A Herne Bay supporter asked that consideration should be given to asking an Australian referee to come to New Zealand with the Sydney champions to referee one match, in order to reveai differences, if any, in methods of control of the game. With regard to the suggestion of Australian club teams visiting the South Island, it was considered desirable to circularise South Island leagues for co-opera-tion prior to next club visit. It was also mentioned that Sydney clubs might consider coming earlier, while the matter of Australian club visits to the North and South Island alternatively deserved consideration. The matters are to be discussed with Western Suburbs officials. Notification was received from Mr. H. C. Nicholls of his resignation as secretary of the Hawke's Bay League. His successor was Mr. J. F. Williamson, of Taradale. The new treasurer was Mr. J. Vines. The writer reported that the code was now on a healthy footing in the Bay, including strong Maori clubs. The resignation was received with regret, and Mr. Nicholls thanked for his report. The Canterbury League was granted permission to play a challenge match at an early date in Christchurch against West Coast for the Anisy Shield. The chairman said that inquiries revealed that the conduct of the code in Otago was unsatisfactory, and some action would have to be taken in the general interests of the game. fx-* The Auckland League's application for permission for Mount Albert senior team to play at Hawke's Bay to-morrow was W. Miki (South Auckland. Transfer: J. Ginders, Otago to Auckland.

Maori Advisory Board. Mr. J. Rukutai, on behalf of the Tamaki Club committee, addressed the council regarding the Waitangi Shield Maori competition. The trophy, he said, had created wide interest amongst the Maori people. It was now suggested that the status of the natives should be recognised by permitting them to assist the council in the formation of a Maori Advisory Board representative of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Waikato and Tamaki. Permission was asked for Tamaki team, which had beaten Lower Waikato, to play Taranaki at New Plymouth for the shield, the winners to play Waikato at Huntly on October 6. Mr. Rukutai said he proposed to visit Taranaki with the Tamaki team on September 22, and discuss the matter with the League and Maori supporters there, and the board suggested could be finalised at Huntly. The chairman said the council recognised fully that the Waitangi Shield, with the historical associations in its name, was going to be a big factor in the spread of the code among the Maoris. The League desired to arrange the shield competition properly. The Tamaki challenge match was approved, and Mr. Rukutai "-as authorised to go ahead with the proposed formation of the Maori Advisory Board.