ANNUAL MEETING

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1936, Page 6

ANNUAL MEETING

Much Progress Reported N.Z. PRESIDENT OPTIMSITIC. (Per Press Association.) AUUKLAND, May 3. “Willi the depression lifting, there are signs ‘dial the code has made a gietil advance and we can hold every hope for the future,'' said Air, ('. A. Snedden, the President, in welcoming the delegates al the annual meeting ot the New Zealand Rugby League Council delegates. “The Council looked upon the game from tin' national aspect.” said .Mr. Snedden. “It wathe first meeting oi delegates since 1929. and although the Coum-il had its difficulties, it quite appreciated the difficulties of the other Leagues. The controlling body in New Zealand had not only been able to hold its own ground, but also liad made distinct advances.”

“(treat progress «as being made tn Northland. the game had been revived 'n Ilan l<eL dta\ and Taranaki, and showed promise of being suitndli established in Wellington.” Mr. Snedden said that lhe Council had wiped out the difficulties of the last ten vents and was proud of the present position ns compared with that in .1926.

He referred to the visit ol Mr IL R. Miller (Svdnev'). and the success of the last Australian team. Curtailment of tin- tour was not the wish of the Council which desired that the tourists should play in every eon're. The Council was looking after the game ns a. whole in New Zealand, but the fina’wml side had to be considered. Oil- bv doing litis could visits f’-oin overs' as teams be arranged. W’ : tli regard to the coming English tour. Air. Pnedd'-n said that the Council had been unable to make final arrangements and to release full details

ENGLAND V. SOUTH ISLAND. In sji'tc- of reports to the contrary, he assureil the delegates that a match 1 etween England and the South Island would definitely be played tn '.'hr'steliu rr-h.

Air. Snedden said that the New Zealand Council was fully aware of the '-nggested visit to yXustralia, and, with that in rii'W, the assistance of the ,\u<t rali.'i.n Board of Control was being sought. However, ho said. Now Zealand must show its ability on its “wn playing grounds by defeating England this season, and he had no ■b'lib 1 that an invitation to Australia would follow.

The enforcement of Rule 1 of the Rugby League game, -which provides Hint nu players can lie rpplaeed once 'i game is started, was put forward bv Air. E. Stallworthv (Northland') and the remit was carried bv o ; ghf votes to three. WEST COAST REMITS. At the request of the West Coast League, if was decided to apr,roach th<- New Zealand Rroadcast’ng Board to have broadcasts of all important malchi.'s from the YA Stations. A furl her reniit from' the IVest Coast L'ague that the South Island team coniprise fifteen players and a manager. met with strong opposition, but was carried.

The election of officers resulted: — President: Mr. C. A. Snedden.

Vice-Presidents: Afessrs G. Grev Campbell (Auckland); G. Webb ('Hawke's Bav); 'll. B. Ro“ers (Cantcrbuivl: A. R. Scents (Taranaki): p. t. Hill (South Auckland), J- 11-l 1 - .Johnson (Northland). Hon. Solie'tor: Mr. H. AL Rogerson. Hon. Alefiieal Officer: Dr. IE J. Lwvnne. English Representative: Mr. .1. I'. Whit taker (Leeds). Auditor: Mr. W. E. McLean. HONOUR FOR MB. J. McELWEE. The following life members were (-leeti-d; W. Taylor (South Auckland). C. E. O’Callaghan (Northland), G. Web], (Hawke’s Bay). J. AlcElwee (West (’oast) -nd A. Bench (Canterbury).