RUGBY LEAGUE

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27924, 22 March 1956, Page 14

RUGBY LEAGUE

OVERSEAS TOURS DISCUSSED ANNUAL MEETING IN CANTERBURY Cries of "hear, hear.” greeted a Statement that too much importance was placed on overseas tours, made by the president (Mr L. G. Amos) at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Football League last evening. With the continual trek to Australia, France, and other countries the real purpose of the sport was being lost sight of. said Mr Amos. The job of football was to provide healthy physical exercise and help the individual make a moral job of his life and assist him to take his successes and failures. He felt sorry for those who bad no such interests and were given the name of "Teddy boys.” The great ideal was of making men of

Representative honours should not be discouraged but with overseas tours coming about every two years it did not give the players a chance to develop to stand defeats, as in France where New Zealand League teams played against professionals, said Mr Amos. "We have been accused of professionalism, but I can assure you that everyone on this board has made nothing from League.” Mr Amos said. Mr E. Griffiths suggested that New Zealand should look for exchange visits closer to home, with Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. There was no use bringing professionals here whose only purpose seemed to be to kick the local boys to pieces in an effort to obtain another £5 for a try. Athletic Park A sub-committee consisting of Messrs A L. Sutton. R. Woodham, H. A. King. A. E. Clark, and A. Hall was appointed to investigate whether proper use was being made of Athletic Park, and if the League should retain it. The committee will report back to a special general meeting. The park was a white elephant, and had been even in the days when it was known as Monica Park, said Mr G. Blazey. Part of the trouble was that people had to pass another ground to get to it. On one occasion a special tram labelled Monica Park had stopped at Lancaster Park, and when it continued there were only four passengers who went to Monica Park. He considered that the best use had not been made of the ground. Other speakers said that it was a valuable money earner, but it meant a great deal of work and time to officials who should be administering the sport. In any case, the League was committed to the Show Grounds for 10 years. He was not in favour of regular Sunday football, although there was a cnse for special benefit games for injured players, said Mr Amos, when this was discussed. Football came under, a different category from goll or bowls, he said. Efforts were being made to establish League as a sport .at Canterbury University College, said Mr J. DYnkwaten Although earlier attempts had failed, he thought that not sufficient effort had been made. A flourishing club was in existence at Otago University, and several members had transferred to Christchurch. Ap inaugural meeting would be held on Monday, he said. Competition games will commence on April 14. Competition trophies won during the past season were presented by the president. Mr G. Falgar was nominated for life membership of the New Zealand Rugby Football League Council. The following officers were elected:— patron, Mr W. E. Desmond; president, Mr L. G. Amos; vice-presidents, Messrs E. Falgar, A. Kyle, H. B. Rodgers, T. Naylor; treasurer. Mr A. G. Hall; secretarv, Mr M. Frawley; vice-president. New Zealand council, to be elected; delegate to New Zealand council, Mr W. F. Moyle