LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 80, 6 April 1937, Page 15

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND SUCCESS.

PROFIT IN 1936, £1203,

NEW CONTROL BOARD MEMBERS.

In opening the twenty-seventh annual meet in M of the Auckland Rugby League last evening before a large attendance, the president, Mr. J. A. liee, !M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary, made reference to the passing of several .stalwarts of the frame, Messrs. John Stonnont, A. A. Cowan, Dr. Tracy Inglie and other supporters, and a motion of condolence was carried in the usual manner.

The president, who was accorded a hearty reception, made a lengthy epeech in which he dealt with the value of teamwork and its implications in the moulding of good players and good citizens. He also referred to the progress being shown by the code after years of struggle,, which were at last being rewarded. Congratulating the , management, club officials and all concerned upon the creditable success of last season, he said it was evident that the fame was being well built on the strong foundations laid by the pioneers who overcame much adversity. The code wag now going along with players being developed from the kindergarten stage up to senior grade, and prospects for national growth were never brighter. (Applause.)

Healthy Position. The balance-sheet revealed a healthy position, and was one to be proud of. The total gate receipts for club matches were £3584 6/, being an increase of £769 15/9, as compared with 1934, and £285 12/ compared with 1935. Considering the season was interrupted by the visit of an English team, the results were excellent. The balance carried forward to the appropriation account from the -working account was £1202 16/7, leaving a balance of £180 13/6, which was transferred to the consolidated fund.

A pleasing feature of the season's operations was the-marked, increase in the number of club vice-presidents. "TKe number

had risen from 165 to 233, which meant more funds for the clubs' activities. Grants made to clubs from gate percentages totalled £658 18/1, which was an increase of 20. per cent over 1935. .-. -. The chairman of the board, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, thanked both Mr. Lee for his tribute, and the clubs, five of which expressed complete confidence in the control policy. :■:

Officers elected: —Patron, Mr. J. :B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J. F. W. Dickeon; president, Hon. J. A. Lee; vioepresidents. Messrs. E. Davis, R. D..Bajs- - R. Benson, J. Bellamy, O. Blackwood, J. Donald, C. Dryedale, H. Grange, R. J. Laird, W. J. Lovett, E. Morton, E. Montgomery, T. G. Symonds, J. Sayegh, C. Seager, F. W. Schramm. M.P., W. Wallace, H. Walmeley, R. H. Wood, Gi T. Wright and H. W. Brien; trustees, Messrs. G. Grey Campbell (chairman), E. J. Phelan (vice-chairman), A. Stormont, with Messrs. J. W. Probert and J. F. Rukutai (re-elected) and T. Davie. and F. T: McAneney ae new members; junior delegate, Mr. D. Wilkie; referees' delegate, Mr. W. Mincham. Enthusiastic welcomes were accorded Mr. A. Stormont, who succeeded his father as a trustee, and Messrs. T. Davie fex junior board secretary) and F.' T. McAneny (ex North Shore Rovers new members representing clubs on the control board.

Mr. Campbell mentioned that half the appropriation balance referred to had gone to the clubs. He also announced that a pleasing feature was the recent formation by senior clubs of an executive officers' association which was to function in an; advisory capacity.

Concluding general business, it was decided to place on record appreciation of the chairman's work in connection with C'arlaw Park improvements.