RUGBY LEAGUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 74, 28 March 1940, Page 17

RUGBY LEAGUE.

AUCKLAND PROGRESS. SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Following a tribute to the memory of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, the Auckland Rugby League at its ajunial meeting also passed a motion of regret at the passing of two supporters, Mr. tieorge Seagar, an international player in his day, and Mr. O. Blackwood.

The pation of the league, Mr. J. B. Donald, presided, and an apology was received from the president, Mr. J. A. Lee, M.l'., who, in a letter expressing yood wishes, hoped the game would go on building ;_ r ood citizens tor peace.

The annual report said the 1939 season proved historic with hiyli hopes that the Dominion team would prove successful in England and Fiance, following a visit to Auckland Ity Kastern Suburbs combined team of Sydney. The war brought the overseas venture to an abrupt end. Mount Albert won the championship and Storniont Shield, and Marist Old Boys won the Koope Rooster competition, and (.'ity Rovers the Phelau Shield. Seventeen Auckland players were selected for the English tour and were generally feted before departure. Auckland players receiving for the team a New Zealand ensign, which was dedicated with Maori ceremonial at a Cai law Park gathering marked by a memorable parade of all players. The Auckland chairman, Mr. (j. Grey Campbell, regrettably withdrew an a manager owing to ill-heiilth. and was replaced at the last moment by Mr. R. Doble, delegate to the council. Reference to the promising success of the team in »lip only two matches playp<l in Knslaiiil. ami t.> the Rood reputation made by Hie tourists, preceded a review of tlio Sydney cluh visit. The report nlso covered the activities of tho junior linii schoolboy j;r:iilt*s, t'lnh Oflii-ers' Association. the Ladies' Social Committep. and the selectors. It was revealed that the league had well maintained its position. £1.1H7 115/4 bein- transferred to the appropriation account, an increase of .Cl lß L'/!> on the previous year, after providing f..r depreciation of £i:!t."i. Assets were £11,431'. an increase of £1(M). English Tour Comment. In moving the adoption of the ri>i>ort and balance-sheet, the chairman, after refcrriiiK to tli« death of Messrs. K. Kllis (former secretary and troasurer) and J. IJukii*ai (Control Bon r<l), eon era dilated the management and all associated with the continued progress of the game. lie was much impressed by the Si hkl fellowship that always existed at Curlaw Park among tho crowd. -Mr. <_}. Grey Campbell, in support, said the tine co-operation of the Amalgamated « Itih officers . Association and .lose contact maintained with units of the game contributed to efficiency nnd team work for thr »roo<l of the codp. It made for a verv successful and happy season, which reilpctP,! credit on all concerned. Even in the face of a deluge of counter-attractions towards the end of the season, when clubs had lost leading tour players, the public had loyaliv supported the competitions. Herarding the team which went to Kngland. it had won prestige for the Dominion. The plavers returned with determination to further assist the code. Some already had enlisted. Mr. lomplH-ll finally expressed appreciation of snp|>ort given him imtsoi. ally in every way by officials, players and supporters ~f ilie «aine Mr. J A. K«lwo.hl. j,resident of tho.N,. W Zealand n-Med his congrntillations .iiHl later, on behalf of the council, in thanking the Auckland League for assistMne* accorded the tour to Rntfnml. ««fd lie natl never known n time when the standard of the iraine wa« so high in New Zealand and abroad as at present. Resignations Regretted. It was announced that .Mr V T McAneny a nwmber of the board of control and chairman of the Clubs , Officers \ssociatioii. had resigiirxl owing to HI health. Mr. tamphell said that the retirins officer who was prominently Identified with other sports from which he was also withdrawing had given splendid service as an administrator, and thanks and best wishes were expressed by acclamation. \ eimilar >n, R.', ment was P aid ,o ,h e work of Mr D. \\ lkie, chairman of the junior board and delegate on the control board, who has left Auckland. It was decided to accede to a suggestion of the deputy-chairman and trustee Mr B. G. rhelan, who urged the adding of the name of Mr. W. J. Hammill, a former chairman, to the honoun board. Mr Phelau s name was subsequently added by the management. Officers were elected as follows ■ Patron, Mr. .1. B. Donald: vico-patron Mr .1. F. W. Dickson : president. Mr. j A Lee, M.1 , .; vice-presidents, same as last year, with the name of Mr. B. Brigham president of Mount . Albert. addedtrustees. Messrs. A. Stormonf. K. .T. Phelaii and U. Gpi'.v Campbell; junior board chairman. Mr. K. Chapman: cluh delegates to control board. Mesurs. T. Davis .1 W Probert. T. H. V. Wilson and a member to he appointed: auditor, Mr. R. A. Spinley. I'M , .A. (N.Z.): hon. solicitor. Mr. 11. M. Kogerson ; junior Imard secretary, Mr. \V. V. Clarke; delegate to Referees' Appointment Board, Mr. A. C. (.iallagher (T. Davis deputy) ; hon. physicians. Drs. XI. C. Pezaro, S. Mortis. K. H. Holdgiite. .1. N. Waddell, G. W. Lo<k. H. Burreli and W. Bridgnian; hon. masseur, Mr. F. Flanagan. Management Affairs. At the subsequent nutting of the Board of Control, the chairman. Mr. <;. Grey Canipl>ell, welcomed the new nx-mber. Mr. WiWon. Messrs. Ivan Culpan and J. K. Knowling were re-appointed hon. secretary and tr«>asurer respectively, Mr. K. J>oble. delegate to the New Zealand Iyeague and Press steward, Messrs. P. Rogers, A. C. Gallaeher and G. Grey Campbell (Keferees' Appointment Board), end Messrs. T. Hill and K. Chapman (timekeeperß). It was decided that owing ro various difficulties revealed in consideration of the mat.ter. the proposal of South Auckland to enter a team in the senior competition could not at present be approved.

The season will open with preliminary rounds of senior play on April 0 and 13.