Council Recognises Value Of Country Football

Northern Advocate, 16 May 1939, Page 4

Council Recognises Value Of Country Football

"In reporting on the annual conference of the New Zealand Rugby Union, as delegate from this union I wish to submit that in my opinion it was one that will mean a great deal to Rugby in New Zealand,” commented Mr J. Finlayson, North Auckland delegate at the recent New Zealand Council meeting, when reporting to the North Auckland Rugby Union. “The election of officers resulted in some new and keen members being elected,” he went on. “The only alteration in the selection committee was that Mr T. French, of Gisborne, was appointed to select in the North Island with Mr McKenzie and Mr Lucas. "Lengthy discussion on the method of selection and preparation for the tour of South Africa resulted in a vote being taken and the result was strongly in favour of the final selection being done in 1940 and also that the fastest and shortest trip possible be undertaken. Value of Country Teams “The importance and assistance of country football was spoken on at great length. The most disquieting feature was the effect that the radio had on country football, some going so, far as to say that the people in the country knew more about city players than one in their own district. The discussion resulted in a resolution being carried that a North versus South Island match be played in the South Island this year, players to be selected from smaller or country sub-unions. The match will come before the annual South-North game. “A remit favouring the union supporting and assisting in military recruiting was strongly supported by the meeting.

“The big scramble for dates and matches was a difficult job and we were fortunate in getting four good fixtures, namely: Auckland, July 29; Clago, August 23; Fiji touring team, August 20; and Wellington, September 13.

“I consider with many others that we were fortunate in securing the opening match of the tour with Fiji. “Waikato made a strong appeal for a return match which I promised to refer to my union. “Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and Wairarapa have promised us a visit next year and asked to be reminded of it before next season.”