RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19762, 13 April 1926, Page 7

RUGBY LEAGUE.

FIRST WEEKLY MEETING. Tho first weekly meeting for the 1526 season of tho Management Committee of the Otago Rugby Football League was held last evening at the League’s headquarters fi Princes street, Mr J. T. O»oper presiding. The Chairman said he was pleased to see such a large attendance of delegates, which augured well for the administrative side of the sport for the season being entered upon. He hoped that the same progressive outlook, with which the executive successfully faced its responsibilities last year, would be emulated from now on. The league had won its fight for recognition, and intended to show its appreciation bygiving the public and players the best of facilities. By conscientiously attending 10 their duties on behalf of their respective clubs, the various representatives would continue to assist the interests of the game, which was now on a good footing, not only in Dunedin, but in other parts of the Dominion. He noticed from the report "f the Auckland League that the registei for the 1925 season showed 12 senior teams and 103 junior teams in the league competitions there, this being an increase of three senior and 28 junior teams. The total number of playing members shown was 2364. The northern league’s balance sheet also showed progress. Incidentally since the league there acquired Carlaw Park in 1921, the sum of £9358 15s 7d had been spent on improvements. Amongst the clubs in Auckland there was a total of credit balances amounting to £ISOO. He trusted that the years were not far cff when the Otago League could a report showing an equally healthy position for the code.—(Applause.) The speaker also mentioned that the league “breeze” in Christchurch had abated and all harmony with regard to the control of the game and Monica Park had been restored. N The little differences sometimes encountered were but stepping-stones to efficiency. The New Zealand Rugby League advised that the annual meeting of the council would be held at Auckland on April 2-2. Otago League delegates would attend to matters pertaining to this province. The Secretary reported that full supplies of th© standard “Wallaby” Rugby footballs had come to hand and would be available to all the League clubs at a cost of 20s per ball, cost price. Members of the committee expressed pleasure with the sample presented. It was decided to supply all League referees, free of charge, with equipment necessary' to take the field. Ball boys will be equipped on a similar basis. The following entries were received tov the competitions:—City (2), Christian Brothers (2), Athletic (2), Pacific (2), Kaikorai, and Kaitangata,' making six senior and four second grade teams. It was considered advisable, with a view to clubs completing practice, to declare the season formally open on Saturday, April 24.

A report on the Caledonian Ground showed that the improvements were being pushed ahead. Apart from the alterations effected in the players’ quarters, where hot and cold water shower systems were installed, the kitchenette and tea rooms in the grand stand were being remodelled The whole of the area outside, the playing field was being properly raised and graded, so that all spectators would have a clear view of the games. It was also decided to shift the score board to a more convenient position to the north end of the ground. It was decided to issue an official programme for the fixtures each Saturday, covering particularly the two matches on the League’s main ground. A box plan will be available, and seats may bo booked free of charge by patrons. Tin. Secretary mentioned that all the seats had been numbered for this purpose. The League’s .Surveyor (Mr Lambcurne) submitted a plan of the proposed amended subdivision of the sections on the roadside. This was agreed to, and it was decided to ask the surveyor to submit the plan for the endorsement of the City Council. A sub-committee, consisting of the president, chairman of the committee, treasurer, and secretary, was appointed to confer with the auctioneers to draw up conditions of sale in order that the sections can be put up for auction at an early date. A letter was received from Mr U. L-. Watson (Bay of Plenty), the welhknown groundsman, offering his services lot' the laying down, draining and sowing ox the new ground. “It was a work, he wrote, “that I could undertake with enthusiasm, and I am confident that my life experience and study of this work would be of great value to your committee.” —Pleasure was at this communication, and + it decided to consider the matter at an early date.