LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 72, 27 March 1937, Page 17

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. INCREASE OF MEMBERSHIP. The annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League Referees' Association held in the grandstand rooms at Carlaw Park was _ well attended, and Mr. L. S. Bu!l presided and welcomed a number of prospective members. The report, commenting upon the growth of membership since 1933, stated that for the 1936 season, there were 37 active referees and four official line umpires, this constituting a record. As the result of an improved standard of refereeing there had been less criticism of the control of matches and this was attributed to efficiency and to the method of allocating duty. The grading committee was thanked for its services, Mr. A. Rae being conspicuous for his attention to appointments, and Mr. L. Binns also being thanked. The executive adhered with advantage to the principle of best referees for important matches and promotion by merit alone. Mr. A. Sanders had shown ability as official critic and the executive agreed with him about the need for improvement in line umpire co-operation. The New Zealand Council's action in granting grandstand accommodation for the international matches was appreciated. After referring to the good work of the president, Mr. L. Bull, and the vice-president, Mr. J. McCowatt, and to the activity of the New Zealand Referees' Association. congratulations were extended to Mr. G. Kelly upon winning the Carey Cup for most improved referee, the trophy being presented at the enjoyable annual picnic. Congratulations went to members who controlled matches against England, and the association had been pleased with attendance at a meeting of Mr. A. Townend, a member of the English League body. Cordial relationships existed with the Auckland Control Board and its units and the season approaching engendered happy anticipations.

Officers were elected as follows:—President. Mr. L. S. Bull; vice-president, Mr. •T. G. McCowatt; appointment board delegate, Mr. A. Rae; control board, Mr. W. Mincham; junior management delegate, Mr. T. Skinner: official critic, Mr. A. Sanders: examination committee. Messrs. J. Hammond and A. Sanders; executive committee, Messrs. M. Wetherill, M. Renton and G. Kelly; honorary, secretary, Mr. Wilfred Simpson: honorary treasurer, Mr. A. Chapman; auditor, Mr. P. Rogers; social committee, Messrs. R. Otto, Mincham, Wetlierill and Sanders. A motion of condolence was passed to the Simnson family on the death of Mr. W. T. Simpson, father of the secretary. It was decided to hold a reunion of exmembers later in the season. SCHOOLS' ASSOCIATION. The following officers were elected st the annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League's Schools' Management Association:—Patron, T)r. M. G. Penaro; president, Mr. R. E. Newport; secretary. Mr. L. Rout: executive committc-;, Messrs. A. Stanley, .T. Armstrong. Foster. .Tenkinson, Rowe, Ross, Thompson, H. Green.