RUGBY LEAGUE CODE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 185, 4 May 1936, Page 2

RUGBY LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Council Delegates Meets “EVERY HOPE FOR FUTURE” By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 3. “With the depression lifting, there are signs that the code has made a great advance, and we hold every hope for the future,” said Mr. C. A. Sneddon, president, in welcoming delegates at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League council delegates. The council looked upon the game from a national aspect, he said. It was the first meeting of delegates since 1929, and, although the council had its difficulties, it quite appreciated the difficulties of other leagues. The controlling body in New Zealand had not only been able to hold its own ground, but also had made distinct advances. Great progress was being made In Northland. The game had been revived in Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki, and showed promise of being soundly established in Wellington.

Mr. Snedden said the council had wiped out the difficulties of the last 10 years, and was proud of the present position as compared with that of 1926. He referred to the visit of Mr. H. R. Miller and the success of the last Australian team. Curtailment of the tour was not the wish of the council, which desired that the tourists should play in every centre. The council was looking after the game as a whole in New Zealand, but the financial side had to be considered. Only by doing this, could visits from overseas teams bo arranged.

With regard to the coming English tour, Mr. Snedden said the council had been unable to make final arrangements and to release details. In spite of reports to the contrary, he assured delegates that the match between England and the South Island would definitely be played in Christchurch. Mr. Snedden said the New Zealand Council was fully aware of the suggested visit to Australia and with that in view, the assistance of the Australian Board of Control was being sought. However, he said, New Zealand must show its ability- on its own playing grounds by defeating England this season and he had no doubt an invitation to Australia would follow. Enforcement of rule 1 of the Rugby League game; which provides that nd players be replaced once the game is started, was put forward by Mr. E. Stallworthy (Northland). The remit was carried by 8 votes to 3. At the request of the West Coast League it was decided to approach the New Zealand Broadcasting Board to have a broadcast of all the important matches from the YA stations. A remit from the West Coast that the South Island team comprise 15 players and a manager met with strong opposition but was carried. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr. 0. A. Snedden ; vice-presidents, Messrs. G. Grey Campbell (Auckland), ’G. Webb (Hawke’s Bay), H. BJ-ttogers (Canterbury), J. R. Sceats R. T. Hill (South Auckland) - and J. F. Johnson (Northland); hon. solicitor, Mr. H. M. Rogerson; hon. medical officer, Dr. F. J. Gwynne; English representative, Mr. J.F.. Whittaker (Leeds) ; auditor, Mr. W. F. McLean. The following life members were elected: Messrs W. Taylor (South Auckland). C. E. O’Callaghan (Northland), G. Webb (Hawke’s Bay). J. McElwee (West Coast), A. Bench (Canterbury).