RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20222, 7 October 1927, Page 13

RUGBY LEAGUE.

SOCIAL GATHERING. Last evening a successful social of the Otago Rugby League was held in Kroon's Hall. The president (Mr A. J. Rice) presided over a large attendance, representing all the affiliated clubs. The president extended a hearty welcome to all those present, including visitors and friends who might not be conversant with the League code. In proposing the toast of “The New Zealand League,” the President said the League had had a big hurdle to overcome in years gone by, but the energetic manner in which the men who controlled the destinies of the League had tackled their work throughout the country showed that the game was becoming firmly established. As a result of the efforts of Mr H. A. Millard, one of the New Zealand League’s most capable men, the game had been established in Otago. It was the duty of those at headquarters to see that the League game was established throughout the Dominion. The men composing the New Zealand League executive were very capable and energetic, and under their capable management the game was bound to advance. Ho would like to see the game progress even quicker than at present, but it had to be remembered that there were hurdles to be overcome before real progress could be made. He claimed that the League game was the most attractive and spectacular of any outdoor game played in the country. They had an uphill battle to fight, but the League would win through. The toast of “ The Otago Rugby Football League ” was proposed by Mr P. Nash. He said the League had had a hard road to travel, but there was no doubt that it was coming into its own. The finances were in a sound position, and the League had a capable executive. He pointed out that it was necessary to have the co-operation of all concerned if success was to be attained. They must have* the hearty co-operation of the players, as without team work they would get nowhere. He mentioned that the executive was very fortunate in having such an experienced man as Mr E. Watson, who had been such a success as a selector of the Otago team, which had done so well in the interprovincial games, and he was one of the selectors of the South Island team which had played so brilliantly against the North Island team at Auckland. In replying to the toast of “ The Otago Rugby Football League,” Mr Rice impressed on all present the fact that the League was in its initial stage so far as Otago was concerned, and ho appealed to all supporters to be loyal to their clubs and foster the code. The League hoped that next year it would be in a position to introduce Fourth, Fifth, and even Sixth Grades in the competition, and also teams from the schools. It was necessary to play good games, and if attractive games were produced the League would undoubtedly win the favour of the public. Without the support of the public they couid not go far. In referring to the question of grounds, ho said Logan Park was being prepared, and it was hoped to obtain a good ground there. They must have tho players to stage good games in order to attract the public, and it was expected that next year they would have better representatives than at the present time. He paid a tribute to the groat interest taken in tho code by Mr J. Burns. A number of outstanding players would be settled in Dunedin before long. They were coming fx-orn Canterbury, and should help to make tho game more attractive. When tho public realised that the League was good football he felt sure the support would bo forthcoming. They must have the support of the public to assure the success ot the code. Other toasts honoured were: “The Winning Teams,” “ Referees,” “ The Press,” and “ St. John Ambulance Association.” Dining the evening Mr Rico presented tho Ellis Cup to tho captain of the Athletic senior team, this year’s champions, and the sldeld to the City junior “team, winners of the Second Grade competition. Items wore contributed by Messrs Snell, Alexander, Fraser, Ritchie (songs), Hunter (violin solo), and a novelty act by the Kaikorai mouth organ and concertina trio.