LEAGUE FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23795, 24 October 1940, Page 5

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

MEMORIAL .TO PLAYER. THE LATE JAMES RUKUTAI LADIES' WORK EULOGISED Tributes to the Into James Rukutni were paid at the final mooting of llie 1910 season of tho Auckland Rugby League last evening, when a memorial tablet was unveiled by Mr. K. J. Phelan, one of the. trustees of tho league and a close friend of Mr. Rukutai, Mr. I'helan doseribed the late Mr. I!ukutai as a great organiser, and as a talented scholar. The speaker said Mr. Rnkutai was responsible for many of tho finest, Maori players coming over to tho League code. After being n representative player, lie carried on splendid work in an executive capacity. Mr. E. K. Asher said tho Into Mr. Rukutni was associated with the code in 1008, and proved one of the finest forwards in the team which toured Australia In 1013. As a representative of tho Maori race, said Mr. Asher, ho had been a great guide and philosopher. Mr. S. Wat en e said the coming of the Maori player to the League code was due 1o the idea! Mr. Rukutai had for good sportsmanship. During loner years of association, the Maoris had enjoyed the result of his careful guidance and good advice. Dr. P. J. (iwynne paid a tribute to the splendid work of the ladies' social committee, who provided supper for the large gathering. Mrs. Ivan Culpan suitably responded. Mr. \V. J. Hammill. u former chairman of the League, expressed admiration of the great work dono in recent years for the benefit of players, nnd he especially referred to the co-operation of tho ladies' social committee toward making conditions so much easier for the injured player. The gold medal presented by Mr. ,T. F. W. Dickson to the best-conducted junior player was won by I?. Dormer, of tho Avondale club. The chairman, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, said the season had been ti most successful one, and praise was due to Mr. Ivan Culnan for his excellent work as secretary. Mr. Culpan wns presented with a cheque and blazer. Tho meeting was attended by Mr. J. A. Redwood (president) and It. Doble (delepate) of tho Now Zealand Council. Both expressed their thanks to officials of the Auckland "Rugby League for their fine cooperation in connection with the short-lived visit of the Kiwi team to England last year.