National Progress.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 99, 29 April 1938, Page 13

National Progress.

SPREAD OF THE GAME.

ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING.

SELECTORS APPOINTED TOR

AUSTRALIAN TOUR,

In welcoming direct delegates and sittinß members to the annual meeting of the Xen- Zealand Rugby Football League last e\enuig, Mr. J. A. Redwood said it was a pleasure to preside- at his first annual meeting since accepting office. He was happy to preside over a full attendance, ■nit!', .-o many leagues represented. Since List annual meeting two new leagues had been affiliated, and both were flourishing m no uncertain manner. Mr. Redwood thanked members and all the leagues for their support of the council. "There is no doubt about it," added the speaker, "that our game is progressing strongly in every province where it is played, and even in Hawke's Bay, where, though the game is not at present active, excellent work has been done in recess by enthusiasts, and League Park at Napier is saved lor the future. I hope that the game will soon be played there again, and, I am sure, when it is restarted, the code will llourish as in other centres unde.r our control." New Members Greeted. The president greeted new sitting members, Messrs. Leese (Inangahua), J. W. Watson (Wellington) and C. I). McCready I Canterbury). Regret was expressed that the council was losing tno services of Mr. u . J. Davidson, whose record as an international player and as an administrator was mnde the subject of a special annual meeting minute.

Mr. Rrdwood stated that tlie council was gratified to welcome as a direct dcloyatp in the South Auckland president, Mr. Y. McDonald. The speaker said South Auckland had always proved a strong centre, had been a happy hunting-ground !'>r years past for star players in the arifl the centre now had a tine Itrnund of its own. The speaker also welcomed Mr. D. Wilkie as a direct delepi te for Auckland.

The new members of the council and direct delegates gratefully acknowledged the president's remarks. Mr. McDonald said lie had been identified with the Rugby Union for 20 years and he regarded bin election to the South Auckland Rugby League presidency as a high compliment. Mr. McOeady said that lip regarded the Rugby League as the most progressive sports body in 'New Zealand to-day and he came to the council as a member with enthusiasm. (Applause.) Reports and Officers. The annual report tracing the activities nf the code throughout Xew Zealand and dealing comprehensively with the Australian matches last year, was adopted, together with the healthy balance-sheet. The president, reviewing the features of the report, said it showed clearly and truly encouraging national progress. The reports ot' the provincial leagues were discussed and approved and the bal-ance-sheetfl referred for examination to the incoming finance committee. Officers were elected as follows:—Patron, His Excellency Viscount Galway, Governor-General of New Zealand; president, Mr. J. A. Redwood: vice-presidents, Messrs. G. Grey Campbell (Auckland), J. (rompton (Xorthland), F. McDonald (Xorth Auckland), F. Barriball (Taranaki). W. E. Desmond (Canterbury), A. H. McKane (West Coast). J. McElwee, sen. (Tnangahua). The Wellington nomination was not to hand. Honorary solicitors. Messrs. C. A. Snedden and H. M. Rogers: honorary medical officer, Dr. F. J. CJwynne; auditors, Messrs. Garrard and Bennett.

At tlio subsequent general meeting Mr. Harold Wilson was appointed vice-chair-man and Messrs. W. O. f'arlaw and W. •T. Taylor were re-elected honorary secretary and honorary treasurer respectively. Vote* of thanks -were passed to these offieprs and to the Maori Control Board.

The Rev. Panapa was requested to convey to the Maori Control Board high appreciation of its officials and players, who had given a great fillip to the game, and it was hoped the race would merit good representation in the New Zealand team for Australia.

The New Zealand Referees' Association reported it, would be holding its annual meeting and the chairman said this body now was functioning effectively, with new associations linking up. Coach for Australia. Delegates were invited to remain for the general meeting, which was mainly devoted to the finalisation of arrangements for the inter-prpvincial trial matches.

A very important decision, after full consideration and a ballot, was the appointment of the Xew Zealand team selection committee as follows:—Messrs. •T. E. A. Amos (Canterbury) and A. T. McClymont and H. Brisbane (Auckland), three of the four inter-island selectors.

Two managers of the Xew Zealand team are to be appointed and nominations are to be called for from all leagues. A coach is to be eent with the team, if, in the opinion of the council, a competent coach is available.

The Country Rugby League of New South Wales forwarded the clearance of W. J. K. Walker from the Tweed River Rugby League at Murwilhnnbah. The covering letter referred appreciatively to the approaching Xew Zealand tour.

Under date April 28, telegraphic information stated that two clubs had been formed in the Buller district and there were further prospects in the province.

Personal visits by Messrs. Stalhvorthy and Watson to Whangarei and Wellington respectively were subjects of encouraging reports about those centres.

The West Coaet Rugby League advised the appointment of Mr. D. Farie, vice Mr, R. J. Harrington, as secretary.

H'vnstatement.— J. C. Horwood (Can t..-.ijury).