RUGBY LEAGUE AGAIN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 8

RUGBY LEAGUE AGAIN

Competition to Commence in Wellington FOUR CLUBS IN VIEW . There is every prospect of the Rugby League football game, which has been quiescent for the past twelve' months, being played again in Wellington this winter. At a meeting held in the city last night, and attended by 40 prospective players, it was reported that three clubs would be formed, with the definite prospect of a fourth. Mr. V. Simpson, formerly associated with the control of the game in Auckland, was elected'Chairman. There was a strange fascination about League football, he said. Whenever those who had played it went where it was not known they felt a gap which no other winter sport could fill. There, must be some reason for that, and he submitted that it was because when the game was played as it should be played it was fast, scientific, and spectacular. Mr. Simpson mentioned that his Majesty the King was the supreme patron of the code aijd Lord Derby its president. That was sufficient to stop anyt»-’ pointing the finger of scorn at the League game. After tracing the progress of the code in New Zealand, Mr. Simpson said that the New Zealand Council in Auckland promised Wellington the utmost assistance. It would be necessary to have four teams before Wellington could be affiliated with the council. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. W. Holland, that a Rugby League competition be formed and affiliation to the New Zealand Council applied for. Grounds Definitely Assured. Mr. W. Corcoran reported that in association with Mr. H. Williams he could guarantee one team for the competition. Mr. Holland and Mr. R. Moisley reported that they would have no difficulty in forming another cliff) in the c.ity. Messrs. Duncan and others anticipated no difficulty in getting a team at Petone, and the prospect of securing a second team in the Hutt Valley was.considered to be bright. The gentlemen mentioned were ap- ' pointed organisers to form clubs. In reply to a question, Mr, Simpson said those interested in the re-estab-lishment of the code had not overlooked the question of grounds, and he could definitely assure the meeting that grounds would be available. The New Zealand Council, which had a lease of the Winter Show Association ground, had requested the association to put the ground in order, and he had the assurance of the show association manager, Mr. G. Mitchell, that that was being done. The ground there would be available next week. The meeting, after discussion, recommended the incoming management committee to limit the senior competition to four teams. Meetings to form the clubs mentioned are to be held in the course of the next few days, and on Wednesday evening next an cx-Queensland Rugby League coach, -Mr. McNeill, will give a blackboard demonstration of tactics to prospective players.