THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23310, 31 March 1939, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

YEAR OF PROGRESS COMING ENGLISH TOUR GOOD TALENT AVAILABLE "The tour of a representative team to England this senson marks the greatest venture during the past 20 years of progress," said Mr. J. A. Redwood, president of the New Zealand Rugby League Council, at the annual meeting held last evening. "Right throughout the summer season subcommittees have worked m hard and judiciously to make the tour a huge success. 1 have every confidence that tho organisation augurs well for an efficient combination being assembled in July. "Tho appointment of managers and selectors needs most careful consideration," ho continued. "I must stress the importance of tho selection, as I have every reason to beliove that we have in New Zealand players up to tho very best standard." Reviewing the past season, Mr. Redwood expressed regret at tho loss of two loyal supporters in tho late Messrs. W. Liversidge and A. Anisly. The visit of tho New Zealand team to Australia, although not the success financially that was anticipated, did much to raise tho standard in New Zealand, he said. The prospects for the code in Now Zealand were never brighter, and the wholehearted support and co-operation offered by all officials connected with tho game gave promise of even greater success. Improved Finances The report stated that the financial position was a decided improvement on that oi the previous year, the receipts having reached record figures. The sum °f £llO w*as expended on propaganda, and straightout grants to leagues totalled £l3O. In addition, loans amounted to £l4O. Tho profit from the tour to Australia amounted to £-00 and a repo'd was reached in tho annual IsortU-bouth Island game, which added £3l". lis to the funds. Keen interest was shown in the game between the New Zealand touring team and Auckland and tho profit was £227. The accumulated fU Mr. l G la Grey^Campbeli, Auckland, congratulated tho council on its administration and the groat interest shown by various committecs during tho off season. Tho thoroiign business-like manner in which the Sl* rangemcnts had been proceeded with, he said, gave confidence to all those associated WU DiscuLiTthe appointment of an honorary medical officer, Mr. Redwood paid a tribute to tho valued services rendered by Dr.. JGwynne, and it was decided to forward him a letter of aPP reciatio \„ Wf „j tnr , ifß men . Several names were submitted for life membership but Mr. E. D. Stallworthy was tho onlv one elected. Raising the question of life membership, Mr. H. Wi'son said he was surprised to learn that /l had alrendy been appointed, and it was apparent that serious consideration should be given to a limlla tion This view was supported by Mr. A. Leese whose motion • that tho qualification should bo ..^ lsc " s ®fA iif er red affiliated leagues and . tho matter deferred until tho constitution is revised at tho next annual meeting, was passed.

Representative Fixtures On behalf of the Auckland League, Mr. Campbell gave an assurance that representative matches would bo played at Carlaw Park against Taranaki and Northland teams early thi A tribute was paid by Mr A. Leese to the excellent services rendered by the preSid The Yollowing olist 0 list of officers was appointed:—Patron, the Governor-General, Viscount Galwayi president Mr. J. A. Bed wood; vice-presidents, Messrs. G. Grey Lamp bell (Auckland), J. Crompton (Whland), F. Mac Donald (South Auckland). T. P. annul (Taranaki), W. Holland the mnointment of vice-presidents to represent Canterbury. West Coast and Inanpuhua w | B deferred; honorary medical officer, ur. v. T Gwvnnc- honorary solicitors. Messrs. HM Rog"?son and C A. Sncddcn; auditors Messrs. Garrard and Bennett; delegates to council of management, Messrs. R. Doble (Auckland). N. A Kyle 'Taranaki K l emain (South Auckland), W . A. Swift < wo ™n linri) J Watson (tVelllngton), C. IX mc Cread-v (Canterbury), H. Wilson (West C«s«. A. Leese (Inangahua). Rev. W. Panapa Mtowfng selectors were appointed for the North Island:—Mrs. A. T. McClymont 11 Hooker, H. Brisbane. The appointment of South Island selectors was deferred.

OPENING OF SEASON

TO-MORROW'S ATTRACTIONS RICHMOND TO OPPOSE CITY The official opening of tho Auckland Rugby League's season at Carlaw Park to-morrow will be followed with more than usual interest owing to the earl.v departure of the New Zealand team For an English tour. It is expected that most of tho players chosen for the New Zealand team will come from Auckland, and naturally there is every reason to expect a very keen senior grade competition For somo weeks past players have been training hnrd, and it is expected that good form will be shown early in tho season. The playing areas are very hard, and fast football should result. „ . . In the principal game the well-performed Richmond team will , play City, which gave some sterling exhibitions at the end of last season. Richmond is reported to be very strong this season, and is expected to givo a fast exhibition of the code. Most of last season's plavers are available and the team should seriously test City, which can boast one of the biggest packs in the competition. The inclusion of H. Mataira, the former All Black forward, will strengthen the City scrum , , , „ In the curtain-raiser, between Papakura and Mount Albert, both teams will field many new players. Two prominent Rugby players, H. M. Milliken, an All Black forward, and B. Donaldson, Auckland representative fiveeighths, will assist Papakura and Mount Albert respectively. On No. 2 ground Ponsonby will play Manukau, and in the curtainraiser Marist, last year's champions, will meet Newton. The first game will bo commenced at 1.30 p.m.