THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 9

THE LEAGUE CODE

PROGRESS OF GAME COUNCIL'S ANNUAL REPORT SUCCESS OF AUSTRALIAN TOUR Tho report of tho New Zealand Rugby League Council, to be presented at the annual meeting next Saturday, states that good progress was made by tho codo last season. Affiliated centres reported that prospects never looked brighter, and it was gratifying to knowthat the game was now coming into its own in the Dominion. The depression in tho years from IU3O onward undoubtedly had had its effect, but it seemed that tho worst phase had been passed through. The treasurer's statement showed a sound financial position. With continued careful management it was hoped that tho financial stability would be conserved to cnablo the council to meet the reciuirements of centres for further development of tho code. Tho council's contribution toward the expensea of tho team's missionary tour south was £'(3B 18s lOd. In view of the condition of tho playing area of tho Stadium ground at Wellington, it was not proposed to renew the five-years lease now expiring. The English transfer account showed that of the £(>00 received from English clubs on account of players, loans amounting to £3OO were made to leagues. The Auckland League received £BO. and Wellington £BS, leaving a credit of £l,iL 5s lOd. Whereas at the beginning oj 1'J.15 the sum of £3O-1 15s 8d was in the bank, the balance now was £BBO Gs 4d, an increase of £575 10s Bd, which was considered eminently satisfactory. The report refers to the visit of Mr. 11. 41. Miller, secretary of the Australian Board of Control, who conferred with tho New Zealand administrators with regard to the national standing and advancement of tho code in the Dominion. The outcome of the visit was the arrival later in the season of the Australian team on a considerably curtailed playing tour to that expected. However, the second Kangaroos, captained by Dave Brown, distinguished themselves by giving valuable performances against New Zealand, provincial and other combined teams, aud the tour was not only impressive for tho fine exhibitions, which delighted the public, but constituted a record in that it was the first Australian representative side to pay its way in the Dominion. New Zealand convincingly won one test of the three, and n combined team at Wellington had the distinction of registering the highest score ever recorded against an Australian representative thirteen, Australia winning bv 47-31. Owing to unfavourable weather, the inter-island match for the Courtney silver football yielded only a small profit, and resulted in a win for the North by 19—-18. Canterbury retained the Northern Union Cup, and Tamaki (Auckland) had successfully resisted challenges from Northland (Takiliiwai), Hawke's Bay and "Waikato for the Maori provincial trophy, the "Waitangi Shield, the control of which was vested in the Maori Rugby League Control Board, which was doing much good work. The council shared with the parent body and all identified with the game the loss felt by the passing of King George, who had honoured the code for almost 22 years as surpreme patron, and recorded its good wishes for King Edward VIII., new Sovereign of the Empire. Reference is also made to the splendid pioneer service of the late Mr. James Carlaw. In thanking various donors of trophies, the report specially emphasises the generosity of Mr. Harold Walmsley, who has now recovered from a lengthy illness, and Mr. Roy O. Courtney. •of Christchurch. whose handsome international goodwill trophy was being remodelled in time for the British team's* visit. PAPAKURA TEAM'S SUCCESS PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES The presentation took place at a Papakura Rugby League function in the R-egent Theatre of the Foster Memorial Shield to E. Pope, captain of the senior B team. The presentation was made by Mr. Ben Uavideon, a former international Rugby League player, who complimented the captain and his team on winning the shield four times, out of five. Mr. Davidson also presented the "Walmsley Colt Shield to Mr. Pope and congratulated the senior B team upon its win. FRANCE DEFEATS DOMINION PARIS, April 26 France defeated the Dominion Rugby League team by 8 points to 5. Nepia played fullback for the visitors.