MR. SEMPLE ATTACKED BY AUCKLAND PAPER ON SCORE OF AGE

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1947, Page 5

MR. SEMPLE ATTACKED BY AUCKLAND PAPER ON SCORE OF AGE

(Special to “Argus”). AUCKLAND, March 18.

The “Herald”, of Auckland, to-day contains 1 a leading article attacking the Minister of Works, Hon. R. Semple. The paper suggests that age. is overtaking Mr Semple, and that he' should resign. , The Herald criticises Mr Semple s presence in what it terms “Cloud Cuckooland” announcing the Ten Year Flan when a plan for the present electricity supply is urgently needed. It criticises Mr Semple also on the running of extra trains' at Easter. The paper says that coai could be better used for other purposes. u Mr Fraser is described as touring his mandate”, the Maoris. The Auckland Power Board, at a meeting, complained of steps not having been taken to avert the powei shortage. It decided to ask the Transport Board to reduce the powei used by one-tenth. Other recommendations' were made for the Power Boards’ Association, for prohibition of all forms of electrical heating, shop window lighting, under verandah lighting (including that at entrances to picture theatres), flood lighting (including that at playing areas both indoor and outdoor), and the extinguishing of street lighting at 11 p.m. Auckland M.’sP. met manufacturers and gave an assurance that representations would be made to the Government requesting that a statement be issued to the public acquainting the people with the seriousness of the power position. The Mayor said they should know what each section of the community was to do to conserve 'electricity, and he considered there should be no further, unannounced cutting of power, as was experienced on Saturday night. Mr W. T. Anderton, M.P., said the shortage of power was due to lack of rain, and the Government asked for the full co-operation of all. The power shortage was due to an act of God, and people must be patient. He could not help it by sitting in his office, where he had left full instructions. He had business _ in other parts of the country. This dry spell was exceptional. Everything was being done that will help to keep the farming and other industries going. LEAGUE FOOTBALL BOARD OF CONTROL MEETING The newly constituted West Coast Rugby League Board of Control met | last evening; the President, Mr B. F. Connors, occupied the chair, and the following were present: Messrs J. Kidd, W. Meates, J. Neilson, N. Messenger (Schoolboy Control Board); J. Griffen (Referees’ Association), and T. F. McKenzie (Secretary). Motions of sympathy were passed with the relatives of the late Mr Speakman and Mr D. Dennehy. Mr W. A. Swift, delegate to the New Zealand League, wrote thanking the League for his re-election, and gave a lengthy report on a recent meeting of the Council, when matters' pertaining to the English tour were dealt with. The report was receivedThe New Zealand Rugby League wrote asking the Coast League to submit proposals for the holding of trial matches, and also asked that nominations be considered for the positions of selectors and managers for the English tour. A letter from the' Waimairi Club, Christchurch, asking for matches for its schoolboys’ team, was referred to the Schoolboy Control Board. The Marist Club wrote dealing with several matters pertaining to the annual meeting and constitution, and the reply was left in the hands of the secretary. The Club also nominated teams in all grades, and sought permission to play friendly matches before the commencement of the season. Permission was granted on the understanding that Wingham Park would not be available for play before the starting of the competitions. A request from the Club foi* footballs for the school was • referred to the Schoolboy Control Board. A letter from the Greymouth Athletic Club dealing with a request to assist by not damaging the runningtrack at Victoria Park was discussed. The secretary stated that the Marist Club was willing to assist, and arrangements were being made with a view to the Club training on another part of the ground. The matter was left in the hands of the secretary.

The Blackball Club made application to the Board for consideration of the appointment of Mrs H. J. Campbell as a life member of the West Coast Rugby League. It was decided that the Club be advised that all such applications have to come before the annual meeting.

The following committees were appointed for the coming season: Finance, President, Secretary and Treasurer.' Ground, Messrs J. Kidd, W. Meates, McDonald. Postponement, Messrs J. Neilson and T. F. McKenzie. Emergency, Secretary, Messrs Ramsay and Meates. Fixtures statistician, Mr J. Kidd. Publicity, President and Secretary. Mr J. Griffen advised that the annual meeting of (he West Coast Referees’ Association would be held on Saturday, March 2'9, and that already several new members were seeking nomination, and the prospects for the season were bright. A meeting of club delegates will be held bn Wednesday evening next, March 26. TE KINGA TO PLAY LEAGUE At last evening’s meeting of the

West-Coast Rugby League Board of Control, the Secretary, Mr T. F. McKenzie, stated that he had received advice that the Te Kinga Football Club had decided to play Rugby League this season, and arrangements to meet the new club were left in the hands of the secretary. The nomination of this club represents a gain of two new clubs to Rugby League this season, said Mr McKenzie, and it would not be surprising to see yet another new nomination before many days were past. The rumour that the Kohinoor Club was defunct is without foundation, as a meeting is being called for the week-end, and no difficulty would be experienced in fielding a team or teams. AUCKLAND, March 18.

Whether the tour of Britain by a New Zealand League team will be cancelled will not be known until the English League is given a decision by the Home Secretary, Mr Chuter Ede. Advice to this effect was received by cablegram by the New Zealand Council ’to-day.