“ALLOCATION OF GROUNDS UNFAIR.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 78, 1 April 1931, Page 15

“ALLOCATION OF GROUNDS UNFAIR.”

RUGBY LEAGUE WANTS NEW METHOD ADOPTED.

Expectations that the eqming season would be a bright one were expressed in the annual report of the Canterbury Rugby Football League, presented ta the annual meeting last evening, when Mr Winter Cole presided over a fair attendance of delegates. The report stated that further progress had been made during the past year, in spite of handicaps. “ Your committee,” it stated, 41 has again been unduly handicapped in its administration of football by a serious shortage of grounds in the city. The attention of the various authorities controlling the reserves has been repeatedly drawn to this shortage and in reply they have stated that sports grounds are in course of preparation in various parts of the city and environs. The attention of the City Council and the Domains Board has been drawn to the unfair manner in which grounds have been allotted in tile past, and a suggestion has been made to them that allocations be made in proportion to the number of teams engaged in the various sports, but as yet these bodies have not seen fit to adopt this course. 44 The committee have great pleasure in reporting that the long standing dispute between your league and trustees has been finally settled, resulting in Monica Park being held by the N.Z.R.L. Council in trust for your league.” It was decided to thank the New Zealand Council for their timely help, and also Mr C. A. Sneddon, the national president, for his efforts to bring about such a satisfactory solution. The report congratulated Messrs J. C. Dobps and J. E. Amos on their selection as members of the New Zealand League team to tour Australia. The league i thanked all who had assisted it during the past season. The resignation of the Marist Club, which has disbanded, was received without comment.

The Referees’ Association wrote stating that Mr C. Hill had been elected delegate to the Canterbury Rugby League executive. It was decided to open the competition season on April 18. Officers were elected as follows: Patron, Mr J. Vivian; president, Mr J. K. Worrall; vice-presidents. Messrs T. Dalton, W. Smith, J. Knighton and W. Mitchell; vice-president of the New Zealand R.F.L.. Mr Winter Cole; auditor, Mr A. L. Gray; secretary, Mr L. Amos; treasurer, Mr R. M’Gloln. Allocation of Grounds. Mr R. M’Gloin suggested that something should be done regarding the allocation of grounds to the league. 44 It is most unfair,” said Mr C. Derrett. 44 The Rugby Union has been granted twenty-four grounds and the League only one by the Domains BoardA delegate pointed out that several Rugby clubs had been granted more than one ground. It was decided to appoint Messrs R. M’Gloin, W. Healey, C. A. Richardson and C. G. Derrett as a committee to wait on the Domains Board and Reserves Committee of the City Council regarding the matter. The Amateur Status. The secretary of the Linwood Club wrote stating that ** the amateur athletic sports body has notified a member of this club that he will be unable to run as an amateur if he plays League foot&alL in the Interests of other clubs ajid ourselves, 1 who may be losing players for this reason, our club requests that the centre deal with the matter immediately.” A delegate from the Linwood Club stated that a young and promising player of their club, who was also a runner had been approached and asked. to sign a paper statipg that he would not play League.

Indignation at the suggestion was expressed by members and it was decided to write to the Amateur Athletic Association asking if the statement made to the player represented the association’s official attitude.