LEAGUE FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24855, 29 March 1944, Page 2

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

SUCCESSFUL PAST SEASON COVERING OF THE TERRACES There was a large attendance of delegates at the annual meeting- of the Auckland Rugby League last evening. The chairman, Mr. J. W. Watson, said that last season was the best since the outbreak of war, and from club reports he had every confidence of even greater success this year. It was significant, he added, that the gate receipts from club and three representative games amounted to i:3U7*i last year, which compared very favourably with the best seasons.

Mr. Watson said that during the off-season the management committee and trustees had decided to make improvements, to Carlaw Park and, once building restrictions were eased, it was proposed to cover, in progress portions, the terraces on the main ground. The erection of specially-designed gates at the entrance to the park in the form of a war memorial was also intended. In speaking to the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr. J. F. W. Dickson, who presided, paid a tribute to the guiding influence of Mr. G. Grey Campbell, and added that Mr. Watson was a worthy successor as chairman. The excellent work of the ladies' social committee was reflected in the successful functions throughout the season to raise funds for injured players. Mr. F. T. McAneny, chariman of the senior clubs' association, paid a tribute to the efTorts of all enthusiasts for so largely building up the injured players' fund, which, he said, was a great incentive to players. Mr. J. A. Redwood, president of the Xew Zealand council, congratulated Auckland upon its advancement. The progress of the primary schoolboys football was easily the outstanding feature in the lower grades, said Mr. Watson. This was all the more creditable seeing that activities were confined to outside school attendance hours. Thirty teams took part in the various competitions. It was proposed to control future games by a board of control. Mr. E. J. I'll elan, one of the trustees, expressed appreciation for the excellent control of football affairs, particularly the finances. He gave full support to the proposal to erert suitable cover for the patrons on the terraces. Reference was made by Mr. Dickson to the illness of the president, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, and a unanimous vote of sympathy was passed, with wishes for a speedy recovery. The following officers were elected: —Patron, Nfr. <T. B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J. F. W. Dickson; president, Mr. G. Grey Campbell; vice-presidents, -'3 were elected; trustees, Messrs. J. W. Watson, E. J. Phelan, A. £tormont; chairman. Mr. J. W. Watson; deputychairman, Mr. E. J. Phelan; auditors, Messrs. Garrard and Bennet; lion, solicitor, Mr. 11. M. Rogerson; delegate to New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. R. Doble; club delegates to the board of control, Messrs. J. Clark, T. Davis, W. J. Probert, D. Wilkie; lion, secretary, Mr. I. Culpan; lion, treasurer. Mr. R. Doble.