THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23616, 28 March 1940, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

SEASON IN AUCKLAND PAST YEAR'S ACTIVITIES OPENING ON SATURDAY WEEK The good fellowship which exists in the Hughy League game was referred 10 hy tin- patron, Mr. J. 15. Donald, Jit the With annual meeting of the, Auckland I'ugby League last evening. Mr. Donald said the annual report aud bal-ance-sheet were a tribute lo the remarkable advance the code had made in Auckland. "It strikes me very forcibly," said Mr. Donald, "that tho good feeling at Carlaw Park among vour patrons has iloiu; iiiuib toward making last season a .success. "Von have all heard about the, misfortunes ill England of the New Zealand team which included 17 Auckluiidors," continued Mr. Donald, "aud it was indeed a cruel blow that the war dashed the hopes of what scented to lie the foundation of a great team, which promised to make hintorv for the code. How ever, the future is keenly looked forward to, trad it is very pleasing to relate that an invitation to revisit England after the war awaits our players. Ladies' Committee "1 am very pleased to note in the report the good work of the ladies' comniitlee, whose activities on the social side were a tribute to excellent organisation. The favourable financial balance was a fine reflection on careful management, especially in view of the substantial assistance Auckland bad given to the lour of England." At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. Donald made reference to the loss the code had suffered by the deaths of .Messrs. J. Kukiitai, O. Blackwood, F. 1011 is and C. Seagar. ~ Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the league, said the code was very fortunate in having lhi' close aud excellent co-operation (if the Officers' Association, which had been the means of loyal support throughout last season. "I wi.-h to personally thank all clubs for tlio fine spirit ol goodwill which now exists." said Mr. Campbell. Touching on the financial position, -Mr. Campbell said there were many strong counter attractions last year and the loss of 17 players with the New Zealand team was also "a matter to be contended with. However, public support was freely given to the end of the season, and the small protu was good in all the circumstances. Dealing with the curtailment of the New Zealand team's tour, Mr. Campbell said it was a pleasing feature that the best traditions of Ihe code were upheld in England by the Kiwi team. , Mr J A. Redwood, president of the New Zealand Rugby League, added Ins congratulations upon the present state of the game in Auckland. Deaths of Pioneers The loss of so many of the early pioneer* was referred to by Mr. E. J. Phelan, who suggested thai some suitable memorial should be erected at Carlaw Park. The resignation, owing to ill-health, of Mr F 'J'. McAneney, a board delegate was accepted with regret. Mr. Campbell said Mr. McAneney had proved a fine olficial, and Ins excellent knowledge in administrative matters would be missed. A vote of thanks by acclamation was tendered to Mr. McAneney. The following olficers were elected: Patron. Mr J. B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J. K. W. Dickson; president, Mr. J- A. i-.ee, MP.; vice-presidents. Sir Ernest Davis. Messrs. K. 1). Bagnall, K. Benson. J. Donald. C. H. Drysdale, 11. Orange, K. J. E-> lr d. \V J l.ovett. E. Morion, 0. Moiitgomrrj, I . (i. Symonds. J. Sayegh F. W. Schramm. M P W. Wallace. U. Walmsley, H. H. Wood, G T Wright. H. W. lirieu, L. Coakle*. 11 I.uke, B. Brigliam; trustees, Messrs iv J. Phelan, A. Slormont G Orey Campbell; club delegates. Messrs. T. Dav's J. W. Irobert T. Wilson, and one to be elei t( d, audi tor Mr li A. Spinle.v: honorary solicitor, Mr 11 M. Rogerson; honoraryphysicians, l)rs. M. O. Pezaro, S. Morris K 11. Holi.gate. .1. N. Waddell. O. W. Lock. H. Burrelt, \V Bridirman; chairman of Board of Control Mr O. Ori-v Campbell; dopnty-chair-mail. Mr. E. J. Phelan; honorary secretary. Mr Ivan Culpan; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. V Know ling; delegate to New Zealand Bugb.v League Mr. li. Doble; referees delegate, Mr. W. Minchaiii; timekeepers, Messrs. A. E. Chapman, T. 111 H: I," nointmont Board. Mr. A. C. C«allaerbcr., 11 was decided to ask the clubs for nominations for the positions of selectors. Mr Donald thanked the delegates for his re-election as patron anil said he was al«a.\s ideated to be connected with any clean sport. A special vote of appreciation was tendered After' bearing the views of senior club deicatf" it was decided at a subsequent meeting of the Board of lu' admittance of a representative South Auckland nam lo the Saturday club competitions. It was resolved to commence the season on Saturday. April 0, with two preliminary rounds in the senior competition onl>.