BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 75, 29 March 1945, Page 7

BRIGHT OUTLOOK

LEAGUE FOOTBALL ANNUAL MEETING HELD "There was a splendid response from the Auckland public, and the past season was one to be proud of," said Mr. J. F. W. Dickson, who presided at the annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League last evening. He paid a tribute to the work of the former president, the late Mr. G. Grey Campbell. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the chairman of the Board of Control, Mr. J. W. Watson, said that there was a feeling of great satisfaction over a record past season. The teams had given the public the class of football that was needed, and great credit was due to the club members, players and officials. The Junior Control Board had functioned well, and for the first year there had been a control board for schoolboy football. The League owed a lot to the people who took an interest in the schoolboys. The standard of play had been good, and there was every reason to anticipate a successful coming season. In referring to the shortage of playing grounds. Mr. Watson said that there had been short-sightedness on the part of the local authorities in providing sufficient playing grounds for sport. There was a great difficulty, and it was deplorable that in a city like Auckland that all kinds of sport should be in a bad position about grounds. The war had been partly responsible, as some of the playing areas had not been restored, and there was no indication that there would be any more grounds available in 1945, with the possible exception of Waikaraka Park. With nine teams in the senior competition it was necessary to use an outside ground every Saturday. A Memorial Entrance Mr. Watson said that the Council of Sport had done a good job of work for all sport in New Zealand, and it was assisting every sport. He added that it was necessary to improve the condition of the terraces at Carlaw Park, and it was proposed to rebuild the gate entrances in the form of a memorial to fallen soldiers and a number of past officials. It was proposed that the future home of the management committee should be at Carlaw Park. "Wise men foresee the day ahead and try to make provision for it," said Mr. Watson in conclusion. "Any organisation which fosters healthy and useful recreation should have the appreciation of the community." Officers Elected The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr. J. B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J. F. W. Dickson; president, E. J. Osborne; senior club delegates to the board of control, Messrs. J. Clark, W. J. Protoert, M. Horan, D. Wilkie; chairman of the board of control, Mr. J. W. Watson; trustees, Messrs. J. W. Watson, E. J. Phelan, A Stormont; referees' delegate, Mr. W. Mincham; auditors, Messrs. Garrard and Bennett; hon. solicitor, Mr. H. M. Rogerson. The following officers were elected at a meeting of the Board of Control, which followed: Deputy-chairman, Mr. E. J. Phelan; hon. secretary, Mr. I. Culpan; timekeepers, Messrs. T. Hill and G- McCowatt, hon. treasurer. Press steward and delegate to the New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. R. Doble.

It was decided to open the season on April 14, with nominations closing on April 4.