THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23931, 3 April 1941, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

AUCKLAND'S POSITION PAST SEASON A RECORD EXTENDED LEASE OF PARK Reference to the record season find the outstanding financial statement submitted at the a Ist annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League was mado last evening by the president, Mr. J. A. Lee, 51.P., who urged the continuance of the game in spite of the tragic war clouds which enveloped the world. "In spite of the war conditions, so satisfactory a balance-sheet speaks volumes for the excellent spirit which prevailed last year," said Mr. Lee. "The League code has gone from success to success, and in the forces fighting, in the Middle East League players arc doing well in the Rugby Union fifteens." Mr. Lee added that there was a special duty in the coming season toward juniors and schoolboys. He was proud to be associated with the code, and he urged all lo carry on to further tucce.is. Commenting on the report, the chairman, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, said in every sphere of activity the wonderful team spirit and the excellent standard set by the players were outstanding features last season. The attendance that evening was an approval of the League's intention to carry on with its competitions. The patronage of the public lastyear had added greatly to the prestige of the code. The treasurer's report, continued the chairman. war. easily a record one, and the gate takings, .11 131 from club matches alone, were something to be proud of. The support to patriotic funds was very generous, and in the days of stress ahead the management would rally round any deserving war cause. The future was very uncertain from a playing point of view, but the speaker said he had no hesitation iu saying that the thing was to carry on doing a part in New Zealand affairs as a sports organisation. It was far better that the public should be occupied in their thoughts away from the tragic happenings in England. The games players, official and supporters were behind the Government anil the people of Britain in. their great struggle. In the discussion on the annual report, special mention was made of the excellent work of the ladies' committee, which during the -ea-on had contributed -C Mil to patriotic funds and had assisted the injured players to the extent of .COI.

The deputy-chairman, Mr. E. J. Phclan, paid a tribute to the organisation behind the code, which could boast of a record equal to any football unit in the Dominion, lhe spirit of loyalty was undoubtedly the keynote of last year's success. Messrs. B. Brigham and R. Benson, former chairmen, also congratulated the league on its outstanding season, and briefly traversed activities of the early days. Mr. J. A. Redwood, president of the New Zealand Rugby League, said nil affiliated leagues were proud of the activities of Auckland, and ho expressed the hope that success would follow in 1041. On the suggestion of Mr. Redwood, it was decided to send ;i cable to the 'English Rugby League expressing sincere good wishes for (he future It was announced by Mr. Campbell that a further leaso of Cnrlaw Park had been arranged for a period of 1 years. Much money had been spent in making the park sncli a fino recreation ground, and it, would lii> further improved when conditions were normal. A presentation of a framed photograph of the management committee was made to Mr. Campbell by Mr. Lee who paid a tribute to the former's qualities as a citizen siul as a chairman. The following officers were elected: —Patron. Mr. .T. B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. .1. F. \V. Dickson; president. Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P.; vice-presidents, the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, Messrs. J. Donald, C. 11. Drysdale, H. Grange, If. J. Laird, W. J. Loved, E. Morlon, F. W. Schramm, M.P., W. Wallace. H. W. Brien. 1,. Coakle.v 11. Luke. R. D. Bscnall E. Montgomery, T, G. Symomls, G. I\ Wright, R. 11. Wood, 11. Walmsley. J. Rayeglt, R. 11. Berson. A. Moody,W. Gray, J. C. Gleeson, B. Briithani. X. Kyle; trustees, Messrs. G. Grey Campbell, E. J. Plielan, A. Stormont; auditor, Mr. R. A. Spin ley; bon. solicitor Mr. IT. M. Rogerson: hon. physicians. Drs. M. G. Pezaro. S. Morris. K TT Iloldcrate. J. N. Wadrlell, G. W. Lock. 11. Burrell. 11. Smith; board of control. Messrs. G. Grey Campbell (chairman). E .1 Phclan, W. Mincham, V. Rose. It. noble, T. Davis. J. W. Prober!. 'J'. Wilson. ,T. Clark. J. F. Knowling (treasurer). I. Culpnn (secretary*-, finance committee.-Messrs ,T. W. Probert. T. Wilson, W. Mincham; delegate to New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. R. Doblo

The possibility of amalgamating some of the senior clubs was discussed nt <i later meeting, when delegates were asked to have an open mind on the. suggestion. Tt was decided to suspend the senior reserve grade during tlie 1041 season, and to play a series of preliminary games on Saturday, April 10. After these matches, said NTr. Campbell, they would be in a better position to review tlm idayitiT strensrtli of the senior clubs, and then details regarding the Senior grade competition will be finalised.

Tt was reporter! flint, owing 1 n f hp blackout rccrnlalinns. Carlaw Park would not lie available for night traiying. Other arrangements, however, were being made.