LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1939, Page 8

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

WEST COAST CENTRE Annual Meeting Mr. J. Stokes (Chairman of the Management Committee), presided at the annual meeting of the West Coast Rugby League fast evening. Messrs J. A. Redwood (Chairman), and H. Wilson (West Coast delegate to the Council) of the New Zealand Rugby League, were present, as were the following: Messrs P. Blanchfield (Vice President), B. Rathbun, A. Fielding (Referees’ delegate), J. Anisy (Treasurer), and D. Faris (Secretary), and the following delegates: Messrs H. Pattison. A. Williams (Runanga), H. Stagg (Rapahoe), A. Gibson, W. Balderstone (Ngahere), B. F. Connors, L. Neilson (Blackball), W. Moore, B. R. Casey, H. Bassett ,(Maris!),. P. Sweetman (Junior Ad■visory Board). Mr. J. P. Keenan, of Christchurch, a former Secretary, and Mr. T. F. McKenzie (Inangahua League), were also present at the meeting.

A of sympathy with the relatives of the lat? Mr. Tony Anisy, was carried, members standing in silence.

The Chairman briefly welcomed Messrs Redwoood and Wilson, and Mr. Redwood, in reply, said that, he was pleased to visit the district. He hoped that the visit of himself and Mr. Wilson would be of benefit to the code on the West Coast. Mr. Wilson said that he was paying his first visit to the district. He was deeply interested in the affairs of the West Coast League, and would be glad to do all he could for the game in the district. In tendering an apology for his absence, Mr. A. H. McKane (President), wrote stating that owing to pressure of work and the state of his health, he would be unable to accept the position for a further term. He expressed his thanks to the executive, clubs and supporters, for their confidence during the past ten years, and added an assurance that the League would have his support in the future. The New Zealand League advised that the annual meeting would be held at Auckland on March 30, being earlier owing to the English tour. Lengthy correspondence in connection with the English tour was also read.

Mr. Nielson said that he would like to see young players who had a chance in big football, taken to Auckland for a fortnight and coached there.

The Chairman asked if it was suggested that all of the South Island team should spend a fortnight in Auckland.

Mr. Nielson said that his idea was that players selected in the trials should have the benefit of coaching in Auckland.

A remit along these lines was carried.

Mr. Blanchfield moved a remit that the New Zealand Council make endeavours to have main matches broadcast over the stations. On the West Coast, ho said, it was impossible to hear the smaller stations.

The Chairman supported the remit and added that he had supported a similar proposal at last year’s conference.

The remit was adopted. The Chairman moved a remit that the New Zealand League made grants for school footballs. For a number of years the district Leagues had borne the cost of footballs. The amount last year was £lO, but this had been due to the fact that some schools had not asked for as many balls as they were entitled to. In reply to a question, Mr. Redwood said that Auckland had 30 schools playing, and had never asked for a grant. The Chairman said that in Auckland the League could depend on much larger gates than were secured in other districts. The remit wps adopted after discussion. '■ Mr. Fielding moved that the New Zealand Council endeavour to hold a meeting of representatives of all affiliated Referees’ Associations. He pointed out that, there was no uniformity of rules in the various districts. An annual meeting was desirable.

The Chairman said that a similar remit was carried last .year, with a proviso that finance had to he available. The Leagues were to bear a proportion of the cost of travelling expenses. The remit was carried. The Chairman moved a remit that the next annual meeting be held in Wellington. The remit was adopted.

The annual report, as published in the “Argus,” was read and adopted. The statement of accounts showed receipts as follows: —Balance in Bank, March 31st., 1938, £3O 12s sd; Post Office Account, £l3 3s lid; General Gates, £149 13s 2d; Representative Games, £lB2 12s 3d; Refund Expenses (Christchurch), £2 8s Od; Rent, £5 6s Od; Insurance, £2 8s 0d: Affiliation Fees, £7 7s Od; Sale Goal Posts, £1 10s Od; Refund Phone, £2 5s sd: Refund Junior Advisory Board, £2 17s 6d; Interest Post Office Account, 7s lOd.

Expenditure: —Expenses plus percentages Rep. games. £155 8s Id; Presentation to W. Glynn, £5 Os Od; Rent of Rooms. £7 10s Od; Affiliation Fees, £2 2s 0d: Rates Grey County Council, £3 19s 2d; Accounts presented from last season, £ll 0s Od; Insurance to Players, £27 8s Od; Junior Advisory Board, £26 8s 2d; Footballs, £lO 6s 10d; salary, £35 0s Od; Advertising, £29 10s Id; Interest on Ground, £2O 6s Od; Referees’ Assn. Expenses, £ll 10s 6d; Referees’ Affiliation Fees, 5s Od; Repairs to House, 18s lid; Insurance Northern Union Cup, £1 12s 7d; Insurance other Cups, £1 Is Od; Rebate to Kumara Club, £1 15s Od; Blackball Domain Board, £3 17s sd: Postal Charges, Stamps, etc., £2 9s Od: Wreaths, £1 10s Od; Sundries, £4 15s Gd; Washing Jerseys, £4 5s 6d; Telephones, £lO 10s Od; Balance in Bank £2O 3s Od (less unpresented cheques £ll 6s Od), £8 17s Od; Post Office Account, £l3 Ils 9d; total £4OO 11s 6d.

Assets totalled £BOl 4s 9d, made up as follows: —Cash in Bank, £8 17s Od; Cash in Post Office, £l3 Ils 9d; Ground, £750 0s Od; House Rent owing, £3; Ground Rent owing, £2O;

Balance Insurance Fund, £5 16s Od. Liabilities were shown as follows: Trust Account, £345 15s 3d; Ground Mortgage, £4OO 0s Od; Balance assets, £55 9s 6d; total £BOl 4s 9d. , Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., was re-elect-ed Patron. The Chairman thanked the Clubs and Executive for the co-operation extended to him during the time he had occupied the chair in the absence of Mr. McKane. He declined nomination for the position of President, but agreed to.give an.v assistance he could. Messrs Anisj and Blanchfield declined nomination, and at Mr. Redwood’s suggestion, Mr. Stokes agreed to act as Chairman for a short period until the appointment of a successor to Mr. McKane. Mr. Stokes said that he would carry on for only a fortnight at. the most. The following further officers were elected: — Vice Presidents: Messrs J. Stokes, P. Blanchfield, and W. O’Neill. Secretary: Mr. W. Moore. Mr. Faris declined nomination. Custodian: Mr. D. Hanrahan (reelected). Auditor: Mr. A. V. McLuskie (reelected). Delegate to N.Z. Council: Mr. H. Wilson (re-elected). Treasurer: Mr. J. Anisy (re-elect-ed). Mr. McKane, the retiring President, was elected a life member of the League on the motion of Messrs Blanchfield and Nielson., On the motion of Messrs Fielding and Rathbun, it was decided to recommend to the annual meeting of the New Zealand League, that Mr. McKane be elected a life member of that body.

In congratulating the League on again electing Mr. Wilson as its delegate, Mr. Redwood paid a tribute to the delegate’s work on the Council. The West Coast was very fortunate in having a man of Mr. Wilson’s ability as its delegate, for he was held in the highest respect by all connected with the code.

It was decided to forward a letter to Mr. W. Hopkins, wishing him a speTSy recovery from his illness. The Referees* Association was granted permission to hold its annual meeting at Blackball on March 25, and it was decided that the first meeting of the Management Committee he held on March 28.

MR. REDWOOD’S ADDRESS. Mr. Redwood then addressed the meeting and congratulated the Centre on the progress that it had made in spite of lean years experienced in the district. They were regarded as one of the soundest Leagues in New Zealand, and one of the most respected. He was pleased with the reception he had received on the West Coast and would not have missed the trip for a great deal. After dealing with the remits which had been forwarded to Auckland, Mr. Redwood referred to the work of the New Zealand Council and said that all of its members regarded themselves as the servants of the different Leagues, and considered all requests and problems from that viewpoint. This year they were sending a team to England and, if it had not been for a conservative financial policy, the visit could not have eventuated. Probably it was possible at the expense of the expenditure of a few pounds in grants to other Leagues. He had previously represented the West Coast on the Council and felt that he would rather have been their delegate than the representative of any other league. They would strengthen West Coast football by combining harmoniously with Inangahua, where he was sure great progress had already been made, and further surprises were yet in store. The general enthusiasm for the code in the Buller district augured well for the future of South Island teams. This year the South Island should be able to provide a team which would be stronger than that fielded for many seasons, and he hoped that the South Island would have more representatives in the team to England than it had on the Australian tour. The South Island players were just as good as those in the North Island, but in the North training was taken much more seriously. No game called for greater fitness and unless players were prepared to make the sacrifice they could not expect to represent New Zealand. Keen interest was being taken in the tour throughout New Zealand, and he was sure the West Coast would give the New Zealand Council every support to make for success.

Mr. Wilson suggested that the three South Island Leagues work together and ihfortn their delegates of proposals submitted for the benefit of the code. The pooling of efforts would greatly stimulate the game and increase progress. They had arrived at an important period in the code, and were almost at the crossroads. The success of the English tour was a matter of great iniportance, and of the keen interest of every League fan. If it were successful it would add to the prestige of the game in the Dominion and improve the finances. That should not be difficult if the team sent overseas was capable of winning the majority of its , games. There were bright prospects" that it could do so, and he felt that supporters would be surprised at the strength of the team finally selected. With a strong neighbour in the northern part of the district, the West Coast could expect to see more teams from the North Island visit the district. The stronger the opposition, the greater the progress they could make, and in time the South Island would be able to field a team capable of winning against the North Island. He had seen the code grow in Auckland until Club teams there could defeat Sydney Club sides, and the team from the other side of the Tasman visiting Auckland for Easter would have difficulty in winning matches. He wished the League continued success in the future.

Mr. Redwood expressed the thanks of the Council to the press of Greymouth for the support accorded the code. The press of New Zealand had been very considerate to the code, but he pointed out that unless the players and officials made the game worth while, support and publicity would not be expected. The Council frequently had cuttings from the papers in Greymouth before it, and members appreciated greatly the publicity given the game in this district. .At the conclusion of their addresses, the visitors answered numer-

ous questions and were accorded a vote of thanks.

INANGAHUA CENTRE MEETING.

There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Inangahua Rugby League, delegates being present from Waiuta, Ikamatua, Grey Valley and Reefton. Mr C. Chandler presided, in the absence of Mr C. Coxall (president), from whom an apology was received. The chairman welcomed as visitors to the meeting, Messrs J. Redwood, chairman of the New Zealand Council and president of the New Zealand Rugby League, and Mr H. Wilson, West Coast delegate on the League Council. Messrs Redwood and Wilson expressed gratification ’ at. being ablouo attend the meeting. The annual report showed that the code had enjoyed a particuarly successful season. The Inangahua district had during the year been granted full status as a centre, the game was re-organised in the Buller du trict, and in the Karamea area, and in both localities the game had been placed on a sound footing. An insurance scheme was embarked upon, and each injured player was granted free of cost £2 per week. • Mention was made of the loss sustained by the code in the deaths of Mr W. H. Morris & Mr Tony Anisy. Financially, the year had been very successful, and from a playing viewpoint clubs had enjoyed the competition. The district' had played challenges for the Northern Union Cup, and some very promising material was available in senior teams.—The report was adopted. 7

Congratulations were offered to the Secretary, Mr T. F. McKenzie, on the report, and comment, was also made by the visitors, Messrs Redwood am 1 Wilson, on the thorough manner in which the ground had been covereo in the report. The balance-sheet showed the Centre in a sound position, having a cash credit balance of £137 and no liabilities. The year had been much more successful than the previous one, as in 1938 the credit balance was on tv £44.—The balance sheet was adopted.

Congratulations from country clubs on the report and balance sheet were conveyed to the Centre by Messrs W. Clark and E. Chandler. The election of officers resulted:— Patron, Mr Gordon Ward; president, Mr C. Coxall; vice-presidents, Messrs B. Topp, W. S. Clark, F. Baird, W J. Barry, C. Cleaver, J. Slattery, T. Baird, A. Wilkinson, B. H. Winchester; trustee, Mr J. McElwee (sent); auditor, Mr C. J. Lawn; secretarytreasurer, Mr T. F. McKenzie.

The Secretary was granted a bonus of £lO and the auditor £1 Is. It was resolved that an endeavour be made to make better travelling arrangements for teams for the reason, and the Secretary was authorised to enquire into the matter of transport and to advise clubs of the details. Mr Topp moved that the Management Committee be elected the same as in previous seasons. This was seconded by Mr Whitehead and carried.

• Mr Redwood, for the New Zealand Council, expressed satisfaction at the fine report and balance sheet presented to the meeting. The Inangahua Centre, he said, was fortunate in possessing such an efficient, secretary, and h£ conveyed congratulations to Mr McKenzie on his work. Mr J. McElwee also commented favourably on the balance sheet and report. At the close of the meeting Messrs Redw’ood and Wilson addressed delegates on the workings of the League Council and matters of interest to the game. Mr Redwood stated that the New Zealand League were pleased with the progress made in the Inangahua Centre. He conveyed an apology for absence from Mr Leese, who was the Inangahua delegate on the New Zealand Council. 111-health had prevented Mr Leese from making the trip, but he assured the meeting that in Mr Leese they had a worthy delegate. He was glad to nt tend and meet those interested in the game, and felt that this year League football was facing the greatest season it had ever experienced. He urged players to get behind their clubs and train, and t 0 carry on the spirit of the game at its highest. Systematic training was needed for players to measure up to New Zealand honours. He felt that this year’s Kiwi team to tour England would be the strongest that had ever left New Zealand. Mr Wilson returned thanks for the welcome. He presented, on behalf Qi Mr Leese, a cup for competition in the Inangahua Centre for any contest that the members saw fit to arrange. He referred to the enthusiasm

lor the game in the district, and assured all of every assistance from the New Zealand Council. Mr J. McElwee (senr.) moved that the thanks of the Centre he conveyed to Mr Leese for his trophy, and that sympathy be expressed in his illhealth. with a wish for a speedy recovery. Mr McKenzie also expressed thanks for the trophy. Messrs Redwood and Wilson met in committee, officials of the Centre and discussed matters of interest to the game and for the forthcoming representative tour of England. Accompanied by Mr T. F. McKenzie, lhe visitors left yesterday to attend meetings at Karamea. Westport and Greymouth.