LEAGUE CODE HAS A RECORD SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 77, 1 April 1941, Page 9

LEAGUE CODE HAS A RECORD SEASON.

WHAT ANNUAL REPORT SATS. The fact that, last season was a record one for the Rugby League code In Auckland is featured in the report of the Auckland Rugby League, which will be presented at the annual meeting to-morrow evening. The revenue from gates and grandstand of £4370 was a record for club fixtures, and £1885 was transferred to the appropriation account, compared with £1337 in 1939. In spite of war conditions, liberal expenditure was allowed for maintenance: £218 was paid to injured players, and grants amounting to £705 were made to clubs. In addition, a benefit match for the injured players' fund realised £169. Durin? the year calls on the financial resources of the League were increased by the necessity of raising funds for patriotic purposes. Direct donations amounted to £398. and £198 was granted to the Sports' Queen fund. The total assets were £ 10,853, and a reserve had been created for expenses of a capital nature likely to occur during the coming season. The report adds tnat tn an grades mere was the keenest competition, and a high standard of play was maintained. Owing to the war there were no visits from international, provincial or overseas club teams. The club champion of tbe season was Richmond, and that team also won the Roope Rooster competition. The champion of champions match, for the stormont Shield, was between Richmond and North Shore, the latter being the winner. The Maori v. Pakeha maten proved a popular attraction, and was won by Pakehas after a good contest. At the end of the season a return match was played, and the Pakeha team was again successful. Huntly. the South Auckland champion club team, came to Auckland and played Richmond, the country players proving victorious. An old players' association was formed for the purpose of assisting old players, and providing an occasional game. For playing purposes they adopted the title of "Old Golds." A match was played against a South Auckland old players' team at Carl&w Park, the result being a win for Auckland. In referring to the Junior prayers, the report says that close competition was a. feature of all grades, in which 800 players participated. Thirtyeight teams took part in the schoolboy competitions, and the displays given by the boys were a I credit to their clubs and the coaches. i Referenco is nude to the work of the ladles' committee. From functions held £61 was donated to the injured players' fund, and the committee I also assisted several patriotic organisations.