NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 104, 4 May 1936, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL

BRIGHTENING PROSPECTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 3.

! "With the depression lifting, there tare signs that the code has made a great advance, and we hold every hope for the future," said Mr. C. A. Snedden, president, in welcoming delegates at the meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League Council. The council looked upon t)ie 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, arid showed promise of being soundly established in Wellington. ; . • . . .' .' '■ •

Mr. Snedden said the council had wiped out the difficulties of the last ten 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 be 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 that the New Zealand Council was fully awar.e of the suggested visit to Australia, and with that in view, the assistance of the Australian Board of Control was being sought. However, New Zealand must show its ability on its own playing grounds by defeating England this season; he -had no doubt,an invitation to; Australia would'follow^/ ii-rsl'v- • <

Erif orcement of rule 1: of '.'the -Rugby' LeagueVgariie/..which;rprbvid'es- that no; players;be replaced;onCe; the,garne isi 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 ay broadcast of all- the important' (matches from theYA 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. C. A; Snedden; vice-presidents, Messrs. G: Grey Campbell (Auckland), G. Webb (Hawke's Bay), H. B.; Rogers (Canterbury), J. R: Sceats (Taranaki), R. IT.'.Hill (South Auckland), and J. F. Johnson (Northland); \ hon. solicitor, i-Mr. H.: M. Rogerson; hon. medical officer, Dr. F. J.; Gwynne; English representative, Mr. J. F. ; Whittaker (Leeds);' auditor, Mr. W/F. McLeaii. 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).