THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24037, 7 August 1941, Page 2

THE LEAGUE CODE

NO SOUTHERN TOUR PLAYERS NOT AVAILABLE TEAM'S VISIT TO STRATFORD Owing to the war conditions and the fact that many prominent players could not obtain leave, the Auckland Rugby League management committee decided last evening that an invitation to send a representative team on tour to the South Island could not be accepted. The chairman, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, said that tentative arrangements had already been made, but it was found that at least six players hold important positions in various war industries, and, unless tho best combination was available, the trip was not advisable. Mr. Campbell added that a letter of appreciation would be sent to the West Coast League, which was responsible for the first invitation. The whole question was discussed in committee. The matter of an alteration to tho senior grade draw in tho second round was keenly discussed and tho prospects of each club were taken into consideration before a decision was arrived at. Tho principal alteration was the bringing forward of the game betwocn Richmond and Manukau, tho leading teams, to bo played on August 23, instead of August 30. The case of several well-known League players now in the Army and attached to Wellington units was referred to in a letter from the Wellington Rugby League, which sought a ruling as to club transfers. Iho chairman said it would not be possible determine for which particular club a had to plav. The question really was which, club the player had to register with upon return to Auckland. It was eventually decided- subject to approval of the New Zealand Rugby League, that players on active service are free to play for any club without registration, but upon return to Auckland on military leave the player most revert back to his former club. A request from the Newton Club for a return game against Stratford at Carlaw Park later in the season was referred to the Senior Officers' Association for a report. Ihe club eported upon a very successful trip to Stratford, where the Taranaki team won by 32 points to 19. Mr. J. A. MeKinnon, manager of the Newton team, recommended that other Auckland clubs should visit cither New Plymouth or Stratford. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Mr. W. G. Mulholland, who was a former secretary of the Newton Club, and secretary of the Referees" Association in 1900-10. On behalf of the Allied Sports Gymkhana, the Auckland Trotting Club wrote expressing appreciation for a donation of £75 toward the Fighters' Mother Fund.