THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22388, 7 April 1936, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE

PAST SEASON'S SUCCESS FINE STANDARD MAINTAINED OPENING ON SATURDAY WEEK The success of Rugby League football in Auckland last season was emphasised at the annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League last evening. There was a good attendance of players and officials. The chairman, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, presided. The report stated that an excellent standard was maintained, and the competition drew splendid patronage from the jjublic. Tha admittance of Mount Albert to , senior status increased the number of teams in the senior grnde to seven. Rnd the new club was to be congratulated on the good form shown. An Auckland representative team went on tour from September 5 to September 16, and was successful in winning all matches. Good football was played, and complimentary reports were received. The visit of an Australian team gave the game in Auckland a great impetus. The local representatives put up a good game, being narrowly beaten after a stirring contest. Mr. Campbell referred to the improve, ments at Carlaw Park. He said that the ground had been top-dressed, and the main playing area enlarged to make more room on the terrace eide of the park. Following the erection of a new grandstand, patrons made use of the excellent facilities provided. The stand was trected as the result of careful foresight on the part of the control board. Last season's football from a financial point of view was an outstanding success, said Mr. Campbell. The definite improvement noted in the 1934 season had more than been maintained. As a result necessary work which had been shelved in lean years was undertaken during the summer, with great benefit to Carlaw Park. The gross receipts, £3298 13s 9d, were very satisfactory. and an increase of nearly £SOO on those of last season. During the season ground rents due to the hire of Carlaw Park were increased by £7l 17s fid. Players benefited by insurance to the extent of £7O l/s. The greatest increase in expenditure was maintenance of Carlaw Park, which amounted to £353 6s 6d. A turn of £520 was grunted to senior clubs as gate percentages, which was a record since clubs had benefited in this direction. Each item Bliowed the sound financial position of the game in Auckland. Mr. Campbell thanked players and club officials for their loyal support. Sport todny he said, was fast becoming a business and in every direction the public demanded the best standard possible. His umbition was for a New Zealand League team to defeat England and Australia, both here and overseas. This could only be achieved by physical fitness, and capable business methods. Mr. A. Cloke (Newton) spoke in support of a remit that no Auckland representative selector should be associated with the Board of Control or be an official of a club. He suggested that a sole selecter should be appointed this season. Mr. A. Gallagher (Mount Albert) also supported the remit. . Several delegates said that men of wide experience were required for the position and it would be difficult to find selectors capable who were not associated with senior clubs. _ . The question was referred to the incoming committee for favourable consideration. Mr. W. J. Taylor, representative of the New Zealand Rugby League, intimated that it was the intention this season to allow no replacements in matches. In all prob ability this would include club games. The chairman made feeling reference to the loss the code had sustained by the deaths of Mr. J. Carlaw, president, and Mr. A. Freeman, a prominent official. A hearty welcome was extended to Mr. H. Walmsley. Mr. Campbell said that Mr. Walmsley's recovery from a long illness gave great satisfaction to followers of the code.

It wns decided to place on record appreciation of 25 years' gervice ns players and officials of Messrs W. Mincham. E. K. Asher, A. Ferguson, J. Rukutai, P. Henry, W. Liversidge nnd I. Culpnn. The following officers were elected: — Patron, Mr. J. B. Donald: vice-patron, Mr. J. F. W. Dickson; president. Mr. J. A, Lee, M.P.; vice-presidents, Messrs. E. Davis, R. D. Bagnall, R. Benson, J. Bellamy, 0. Blackwood. J. Donald, C. Drysdale. H. Grange, R. .T. Laird. W. J. Lovett. E. Montgomery, T. G. Symonds. J. Sayegh. C. Sengar. F. W. Schramm, M.P.. W. Wallace. H. Walmsley. R. IT. Wood, G. T. Wright and H. Brien: chairman. Mr. G. Grey Campbell; club delegates, Messrs. J. Rukutai. J. W. Probert; Referees' Associa tion delegate, Mr. W. Mincham; junior board's delegate. Mr. D. Wilkie; honorary secretary, Mr. I. Culpnn; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. E. Knowling; delegate to New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. R. Doble: delegate to Referees' Appointment Board, Mr. L. Binns.

It was decided to open the season on April 18.