1936 Auckland Rugby League season

Auckland representative team[]

Prior to the selection of the selectors for the season Newton Rangers proposed that the representative selector or selectors should have no other position in the game. This was referred to the clubs for eventual decision at the annual general meeting.^[1] At the control board meeting on May 13 it was confirmed that Bert Avery would be the sole selector for the Auckland team. He had been nominated by 6 of the 8 senior clubs.^[156] Auckland had planned to celebrate the Kings Birthday weekend with a A v B trial match and a match between Auckland and Auckland Maori. However Wellington intimated that they would like to play a match with Auckland on that weekend. The ARL then dropped the A v B match and instead scheduled one between Auckland and Wellington whilst still playing the Auckland v Auckland Māori match as well.^[157] The Auckland Rugby League set the ticket prices for the Auckland v England match at 2 shillings and 6 pence. But after many complaints from the clubs that it should not be the same price as a test match the price was lowered to 2 shillings.^[158]

Three Auckland players were to play representative football during the season however it was for neither Auckland nor New Zealand. The Northland team to play England required strengthening and so the selector E.J. Parkes chose George Kerr (Devonport), A.L. Haslam (Marist), and R Hollows (Devonport). The first two were former Northland players. At the same time the New Zealand first test team was chosen. Nine Auckland players were chosen for the first test with England. Jack Hemi, Len Scott, Wally Tittleton, Lou Brown, Tommy Trevathan, Arthur Kay, Roy Powell, Frank Pickrang, and Steve Watene. Notably the entire back division were Auckland players.^[159] For the second test Hemi was replaced by Claude Dempsey and Len Scott was replaced by E. Mincham meaning that he backline was still composed entirely of Auckland players.^[160] Three more Auckland players strengthened the Taranaki side to play Great Britain also, they were Glover, Brimble, and one other unnamed in the papers. Glover was said to have given “an almost flawless display, and Brimble gave a remarkable exhibition as first five-eighth”.^[161]

Auckland v Tamaki (Auckland Māori)[]

Auckland v Wellington[]

Auckland A v Auckland B (trial match)[]

North Island v South Island (inter-island match)[]

During the match R Haslam was running with the ball when he began falling into a hole which had fallen into the ground. In the meantime he had passed the ball and play moved away but was forced to stop once the referee realised what had happened. It had formed near a drain where the water had washed away the soil beneath the ground. A ball boy was photographed standing in the hole ‘buried’ to his waist.^[165] The gate receipts for the match were £608 19/ with 15,000 in attendance at the match and the trial curtain-raiser.

Auckland v England[]

The Auckland team had been selected by Bert Avery and coached by Bert Cooke. Auckland competed well against a very strong England team before going down 22–16. Walter Cuthbert donated a trophy (a cap) for the best Auckland player which was selected by an Mr. R.F. Anderton, the touring teams co-manager as being Steve Watene. It was presented to him at the Auckland annual prize giving in November.^[166][167]

Auckland Junior representatives[]

The Auckland school representative team travelled to Whangarei to play. The match was a 3–3 draw which meant that the Auckland side retained the Golden Bloom banner.^[169]

Auckland representative matches played and scorers[]

Tāmaki (Auckland Māori) representative team[]

The Tāmaki team were selected by Ernie Asher. Tāmaki played their first match of the season on June 15 against a Waikato Māori side at Te Kohanga. They lost 43-30 though there was no significant reporting of the match and no scorers or team lists were published. They then played a match for the Waitangi Shield against Takahiwai (Northland Māori) on July 15. The Waitangi Shield had been made by Mr. Harold Walmsley and was originally presented to Hawke's Bay. Taranaki Māori won it from them before losing it to Tāmaki who had held it in recent seasons. side supplied 4 players to the team. City had recruited many Māori players over previous seasons, particularly drawing them from outside Auckland. The newly formed Manukau senior side provided an amazing eight players to the side during the course of the season. This was due to the influence of Steve Watene who had moved from City Rovers to the Manukau side and been part of the recruiting process of Māori players such as Jack Hemi. One very notable inclusion in the side was . Notable for the fact that he was not Māori. He was the brother of and Wilfred Brimble. The three brothers had an English father and a Basutu mother, from Africa.

Waikato Māori v Tāmaki[]

A mid week match was played between Waikato Māori and Tāmaki on June 15 at Te Kohanga however no individual scoring was reported. The only Tāmaki players named as appearing in the match were L Kawe, Steve Watene, and Lou Brown. Jack Hemi was said to have missed the game through his injury sustained playing for Manukau.

Tāmaki v Takahiwai (Northland Māori) (Waitangi Shield)[]

Tāmaki v Waikato Māori[]

This match was scheduled to be played for the Waitangi Shield at Carlaw Park on July 29 however the weather had been particularly bad during mid winter and the Carlaw Park surface was in fairly poor condition. As a result, the Auckland Rugby League cancelled the match when the weather in that weekend was bad and they wished to protect the surface from further damage prior to the first test between New Zealand and Great Britain due to be played 10 days later.

Tāmaki (Auckland Māori) representative matches played and scorers[]

The match with Waikato Māori only saw 3 players named so the appearance statistics are incomplete and the 30 points scored by the side was not attributed to any individual players.

Rugby league annual ball[]

On October 7 the Auckland Rugby League held their fourth annual ball at the Peter Pan Cabaret. The venue was decorated with blue, black, and white, the colours of Auckland and New Zealand. Tables were also decorated in the colours of the clubs. Arrivals were greeted by the chairman of the ladies committee, Mrs. Ivan Culpan, and Mr. A. Ferguson, chairman of the ball committee.^[172]

Annual General Meetings and Club News[]

• Auckland Rugby League Junior management committee The junior management committee held a meeting on February 26 in order to begin arranging the season's programme as early as possible. They decided to hold their annual meeting on March 17. It was also suggested that every senior club should be compelled to have at least three junior teams.^[173] They held their annual meeting at the A.R.L. boardroom on March 17 with chairman Mr. D. Wilkie presiding. It was reported that the previous season had 1,033 players registered with 810 in weighted grades. There were 56 teams. There were twelve nominations for the nine seats on the junior board and the sealed vote of the affiliated clubs resulted in the return of the 1935 members as follows: Messrs, D. Wilkie (chairman), E. Chapman, T. Chernside, A. Hopkinson, T. Carey, I. Stonex, R. Short, G. Taylor and C. Howe. A favourable recommendation was made for compulsory insurance and for an increase of the transfer fee to be paid by senior clubs taking junior players. It was also decided to start the season on May 2.^[174] At a meeting of the Junior Control Board on March 31 the Point Chevalier delegate pointed out that the Davis Points Shield for aggregate club points was “difficult to win by junior clubs not having senior teams”, and he “suggested that an additional trophy should be open to competition and confined to junior clubs”. The members agreed with the suggestion.^[175] The transfer fee for junior clubs losing players to senior clubs was increased from £1 to £2.^[20]

At the July 22 meeting it was discussed as to whether junior games should be postponed on the Saturday as Auckland was playing the touring Great Britain side. It was decided that the games should go ahead as they needed to progress the various competitions though an exception was made for the 2nd Grade as it was well advanced. The chairman said they were endeavouring to start the matches as early as possible in the morning. It was decided however that the junior grades would be suspended on the weekends of the first and second test as they were being played in Auckland.^[176]

• Auckland Rugby League Primary School Management Committee: At a February 26 meeting of the ARL Mr. L. Rout, secretary of the schools’ management, said it was proposed to extend the competition to include a grade for secondary school players. The co-operation of senior clubs with school teams was invited. ARL Chairman, G. Grey Campbell said that the schools competition had grown “remarkably and was a distinct asset” and “assured all that there would be no interference with any schoolboy as to what game he elected to play”.^[1]

They held their 11th annual meeting on March 23 with Mr. R.E. Newport presiding. Their report stated that there were “11 teams in the championship and eight in the seven-a-side tournament, the season had proved most successful and a pronounced advance on the previous year”. It was hoped that a schoolboy team could be sent to the South Island to tour. The following officers were elected:- Patron, Dr. M.G. Pezaro; president, Mr. R.E. Newport; vice-presidents, last year's with the addition of Messrs. E. Bennett and R. Shaw, with power to add; hon. secretary, Mr. L. Rout; selector, Mr. S. Dickey.^[177]

On October 24 the schoolboys held a gala at Carlaw Park. A ten team seven-a-side tournament and running events were decided. Manukau won the seven-a-side tournament after defeating Ellerslie 3–0 in the final. A special seven-a-side match was played between Richmond A and Ngaruawahia with the Waikato side winning 9–0.^[178]

• Auckland Rugby League Referees Association At an ARL meeting on February 26 Mr. L.E. Bull chairman of the Referees’ Association commended clubs on their sportsmanlike attitude to officials on the fields the previous season. He said that men who proved themselves capable players before the public had a good opportunity to valuably assist the game further in the ranks of the referees.^[1] The Referees’ Association presented a report in March thanking and congratulating numerous members. P. Rogers and Maurice Wetherill were congratulated on being appointed to referee international fixtures. Mr. R. Otto won the Carey Cup for merit and consistency on the field.^[179] At their annual meeting Mr. Les Bull was presiding as president. It was announced that Mr. W. Mincham was celebrating his 25th active year in the code and was congratulated accordingly. Regret was expressed at the resignation of Mr. Arthur Ball due to ill-health. It was also decided to ask the junior board to appoint official line umpires to co-operate on outer grounds. The officers elected were as follows:- President, Mr. Les Bull; vice-president, Mr. J.G. McCowatt; hon. secretary, Mr. W. Simpson; treasurer, Mr. A. Chapman; auditor, Mr. B. Emirali; delegate to the Auckland Board of Control, Mr. W. Mincham; delegate junior management committee, Mr. F. Thompson; delegate to NZ Referees’ Association, Mr. Bull; delegate to Referees’ Association, Mr. Bull; delegate to Referees’ Appointment Board and grading committee, Mr. A. Rae, Mr/ A. Sanders being elected as third man to the control board; executive, Messrs, Maurice Wetherill, T. Evans and R. Otto; social committee, Messrs. Mincham, Otto, Wetherill, and Sanders.^[180] At the ARL executive meeting on April 22 Mr. Les Bull was nominated the independent representative on the Referees’ Appontment Board.^[181] At their meeting on May 18 Mr. P. Rogers was appointed treasurer of the association, succeeding Mr. Emirali.^[182] On October 10 the referees held their annual picnic at Henderson Park. The Carey Cup for the most improved junior referee during the season went to Mr. G. Kelly. Mr. L.E. Bull was thanked for his service for many years as president. Various fun sports events were competed for by those in attendance.^[183]

• Avondale Rugby League Football Club: Avondale fielded teams in the 6th Grade, the Intermediate Schoolboys Grade, and the Junior seven-a-side Grade.
• City Rovers They held their annual meeting at the Auckland League rooms at 7:30 on Thursday, March 12.^[184] A “record attendance” was present with Mr. George Hunt presiding. Their 26th annual report mentioned that their senior team, though brilliant at times failed “ultimately through laxity of trainings”. The club had spent heavily on equipment and therefore only came out with a slight credit balance for the season. The following officers were elected:- Patron, Mr. Charles Raines; president, Mr. George Hunt; club captain, Mr. Ben Davidson; secretary and treasurer, Mr. Ernie Asher; assistant secretary, Mr. J. Counihan; auditor, Mr. E.H. Phelan; executive committee, Messrs, J. Sullivan, C. Raynes, J. Ragg and Lou Brown (seniors), J. Purdy (reserve grade), G. Miller (thirds), W. Martin (fourths), C. Nicholson (fifths), G.A. Dean (sixths), and S. Dickie (schoolboys); vice-presidents were re-elected with power to add. The club decided to support the remit that all senior teams must field at least three junior sides. Tuesday and Thursday evenings were chosen as training nights with the first general club practice set down for Saturday, March 21.^[185] City Rovers secured the services of Jack Rata, a well-known Te Kohanga, Franklin, and Waikato rugby player.^[186] On October 18 City held their annual picnic at Motuihi, travelling by the Baroona from the central wharf in the morning.^[187] On October 31 the City Rovers’ fourth grade championship team were guests at a dinner at the Royal Hotel with club chairman Mr. George Hunt presiding. Their coach, Mr. Chris Olsen, was presented with a club blazer, and Alan Legge received a gold medal as the most improved player. Earlier on the same day the City third grade side had won their knockout competition, defeating Manukau in the final 29–18 at Carlaw Park. It was the final match of rugby league for the 1936 season.^[188] Their annual prize giving was held at the Carlton Cabaret on the evening of December 9.^[189]

• Devonport United Their annual meeting was held at Hellaby's Buildings in Devonport on Wednesday, March 11 at 7.45pm.^[190] Mr. A. Ferguson president of Devonport United presided over the meeting. Thanks was made to their coach Matt Scott, and to Mr. E. Johnson for his coaching of the senior reserve team. The following were elected officers:- Patron, Captain A.W.D. Meiklejohn; vice-patron, Messrs, E. Keely and J. Donald; president, Mr. A. Ferguson; vice-presidents, same as last year, with Messrs, E.H. Scott, L. Watson and J. Oliver; secretary and treasurer, Mr. M. Coghlan; club captain, Frank Bolger; school committee delegate, Mr. W. Aughton; executive committee, Messrs, N. Langton, M Scott, H. Mann, A.W. Seagar, H. Gerrard and P. Foster.^[191] Devonport was granted permission to pay Pukemiro (South Auckland) senior and junior teams on the North Shore on April 18 which would be the ‘opening day’ when other senior teams would be playing a special round of matches at Carlaw Park.^[2] They held a muster on April 4 on their home ground at Devonport. H Simpson, their representative forward injured his shoulder and was taken to Auckland Hospital.^[192]

• Ellerslie United League Football Club Their annual meeting was held in the Parish Hall in Ellerslie and “drew the largest attendance for several years”. Mr. J. McInnarney presided over the meeting. It was said that the balance-sheet showed the club to be in a “very satisfactory position” and the club hoped to enter teams in the second and seventh grade competitions. The following were elected as officers:- Patron, Mr. W.J. Jordan, M.P.; president, Mr. J. McInnarney; vice-presidents, Messrs, R. McIsaacs, A. Chapman, J. Miller, F.E. Woodhams and J. Court, with power to add; club captain, Mr. F. Chapman; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. Whaley; committee, Messrs. O.D. Slye (chairman), J. Pinches, J. Ryan, R. Hunter, S. Pemberton, J. Welsh, H. Thomas, J. Crawford, A. Britton, T. Bevan and A. Tobin; hon. auditor, Mr. J. Carr.^[193] The Ellerslie delegate reported that ex-international Charles Gregory was now coaching their 3rd grade team.^[194] On July 21 the Ellerslie Town Board discussed the proposals for floodlighting on the Ellerslie Recreation Reserve for night training. It was decided that the board be responsible for the installation and maintenance of one floodlight on condition that the Ellerslie RL club and the amateur athletic club agree to meet the cost of installing and maintaining one light. Or alternatively that each club instals one light each and pays an additional ground fee of £2 15s annually.^[195] On October 31 Ellerslie officials, players and supporters gathered at the Returned Soldiers Hall to honour the third grade team which had won the Auckland championship. Mr. O. Sly presided and presentations were made to Mr. G Whaley, and to Mr. Charles Gregory who was thanked for his coaching of the third grade team.^[188] Ellerslie took their seventh grade and schoolboy teams to Tui Glen for a picnic where races were run.^[196]

• Glenora Rugby League Football Club Glenora held their annual meeting on March 9. The following officers were elected:- Patron, Mr. Chas. Robertson; vice-patrons, Messrs. H. Douglas and Frank Newton; president, Mr. J. Butterfield; vice-presidents, last year's list with several additions; chairman, Mr. W. McNeil; hon. secretary, Mr. W. McNamara; treasurer, Mr. A. Pearson.^[197] Glenora notified its intention to field a seventh grade team.^[175] Glenora held a dance on Tuesday May 12 at the Delta Theatre, New Lynn. There were about “125 couples” participating in the evening. Messrs. W. Probert, D. Wilkie and other representatives of various ARL boards were present and congratulated the club on their progress.^[198] In late October Glenora held a “social gathering to wind up the season” and Mr. A. Bow, the coach of the 5th grade team which had won the championship, received a trophy in recognition of his services.^[199] On December 5 Glenora held their end of season grand presentation dance at the Delta Theatre in New Lynn. The club secretary, Mr. McNamara thanked all members and followers for their support. Mr. Bill Hindman was presented with the Endean Shield and the ARL caps to the fifth grade team who won the championship.^[200]

• They held their first ever annual meeting on February 27 with about 50 members in attendance. Mr. W. E. Kane presided over the meeting. Their annual report mentioned that a senior B team was entered in the latter part of the 1935 season and they should be stronger in the future. They elected the following officers:- Patron, Dr. M.G. Pezaro; president, Mr. M. Duffin; vice-presidents, same as last year, with power to add; committee Messrs. W.E. Kane, J. Lawrence, L. Hart, O. Wilson, P. Dunn; hon. secretary, Mr. A. Wilson; hon treasurer, Mr. M. Duffin; club captain, F. Hulme; senior selector, Mr. D. Bird; junior selector, Mr. J. Silva; auditors, Messrs. W.O. Carlaw and J. Hardwick.^[201] Green Lane informed the Junior Control Board on March 31 that it had secured its own ground and intended to hold a local opening day on May 2.^[175] They were however using the racecourse ground and sharing it with the rugby union side there. On June 26 committee member Mr. William Edward Kane met with a very bad accident at the railway yards. He was loading a truck when another which was being shunted struck him from behind crushing his right leg so badly that it needed to be amputated. The Green Lane club wrote to the ARL informing them of the accident and that they would need to replace him on their board as he recovered.^[202] At a meeting of the junior management committee on August 25 Mr. Kane made an appearance after recovering from his injury. He received “a hearty welcome”.^[203]

• Manukau Rugby League Football Club On February 16 Manukau held their club picnic at Eastern Beach. Several aquatic games were played and a sports programme run.^[204] They held a carnival on their new grounds at Albert Street, Onehunga on the 19th, 20th and 21 March to raise funds for training sheds and other improvements.^[185] At a meeting in late March with Mr. H.E. Kemp presiding a report was tabled that an ideal site for a ground in Onehunga had been acquired and training sheds would be erected. The club was in a “sound financial position as the result of reorganisation and profitable off-season social activities, and [they] now sought senior status with sound senior and reserve grade sides for competition”. They planned to enter teams in every junior grade and alongside school teams in the Auckland competition they would organise a local competition between six schools in the district.^[205] At the control board meeting on April 1 Manukau sent a deputation of Messrs. F. House (president) and C. Cowan (secretary) to apply for senior status. The application was deferred for urgent consideration.^[206] At the New Zealand Council's meeting on July 30 the transfer of T Toki from Northland to Manukau in Auckland was brought up. Northland said that it was a clear case of “poaching”. Mr. C. A. Snedden said that the ARL needed to acquaint itself with all the circumstances first. Mr. W. Liversidge then said that the ARL could not deal with the matter as it was between the Manukau club and Northland.^[207] After the conclusion of the competitive season Manukau defeated a combined thirteen which included several juniors at a match at Onehunga.^[208]

• Marist Brothers Old Boys League Football Club Marist held their annual meeting at 7.45pm at the Rugby League Rooms on Wednesday, March 4.^[209] Mr. J. Sayegh presided over the meeting. They thanked their coaches from the previous season who were Charles Gregory (senior), G. Batchelor (senior reserve), Mullarvy and Thompson (third grade), Bakalich and Mudford (schoolboys), and McElwain, Delihoyde and Fletcher. It was recommended by the outgoing committee that Jim Laird who had spent several months in hospital with water on the knee should receive a benefit match to help compensate him. The club reported that it was in a strong financial position with a credit balance of £168 13/6. The following officers were elected:- Patron, the Rev. Dr. M. J. Liston; president, Mr. J. Sayegh; vice-presidents, same as last year, with power to add; committee, Messrs. J. Regan, Wheaton, W. Madigan, G. Batchelor, J. Ball, W.J.B. McElwain, J. Flynn; hon, secretary, Jack Kirwan; treasurer, P. Fletcher; club captain, Hec Brisbane; J.M.C delegate, Mr. M. Thompson. Towards the end of the meeting Messrs. M.J. Moodabe and J. Molloy who representing the Marist Old Boys Association urged Marist to affiliate with the organisation. A decision was left for the incoming committee to decide later.^[210]

• Mount Albert United Rugby League Football Club On Saturday, April 29 Mount Albert arranged a welcome home evening at the Titirangi Kiosk for former player Mr. L.J. Schultz who had returned from England where he had been playing professionally for York since late 1934.^[211] It was unclear if he would be able to play for Mount Albert as his contract with York had not been completed but after the club cabled the English Council for information they were told that he was able to play.^[212] Mount Albert held their annual meeting at King George's Hall on Monday, March 2, at 8pm.^[184] Over 60 members and “friends” attended the meeting with Mr. A.C. Gallagher presiding. He said that for a draw with Devonport United the club “might have created a world’s record in the game by winning a senior premiership in its first year”. Their eighth report said more was needed to be done to build up the junior grades throughout the district. The club had fielded 5 teams and was coached by J. Johnson and selected by Tom Haddon. The medal for best forward went to H. Flannagan and for most improved back to B. Schultz. R. Morrissey won Mr. Cates cap for best goal kicker. The club reported that it was in a strong financial position with a credit balance of over £130. They elected the following as their officers:- Patron, Mr. R. Ferner, Mayor of Mount Albert; vice-patron, Mr. A.C. Gallagher; vice-presidents last year's with power to add; secretary, Mr. H.G. Shaw: treasurer, Mr. B.W. Davis: club captain, Mr. F. Martin; auditor, Mr. J.C. Johnstone. They thanked their retiring secretary Mr. T. Mooney, and also Clarrie McNeil, their centre who was departing to live in Wellington. The club decided to begin training at the Morningside ground on March 7.^[213] In a practice game on April 4 Mount Albert beat Ponsonby 11–8 at Fowld's Park.^[214] In mid-October Mount Albert held their annual prize giving at the Manchester Unity Hall with “180 members and friends” in attendance. The Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. H.A. Anderson presided. The club was congratulated by ARL Chairman Mr. G. Grey Campbell on winning the senior reserve championship and winning the second grade knockout. The president's trophy for official service to the club was won by Mr. H.G. Shaw, secretary. The special trophy of Mr. Richards for the best club player giving attention to training and other points, and open to all grades, went to L. Slattery of the second grade side. Other trophies presented were: Most improved senior player during the season, J. Schultz; reserve grade, E. Dunn; best all-rounder in the second grade, J. Patterson; best club senior schoolboy player, W. Greenhough; and best intermediate schoolboy, I. Sumich.^[215]

• Newton Rangers Football Club They held their annual meeting on February 24 at the YMCA rooms. Their 26th annual report disclosed that the club's credit balance increased by £42 12/6, and that they recorded a considerable increase in membership. Mr. A.J. McGregor who had coached the senior side was thanked for his services. The following were elected officers:- Patron, Mr. Matt Hooper; vice patron, Mr. W. Monteith; president, Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P.; vice presidents, twenty-two re-elected, and Messrs. T. Jenyns, S. Watkins, A.E. Lovell, W.J. McGregor, T. Cohen, J. Cox; hon. secretary, Mr. W.E. Cloke; assistant secretary, Mr. G. Matthews; treasurer, Mr. P. Henry; committee, Messrs R. Baddiley, N. Preston, C. Turner, G. Steven, D. Grantley, G. Matthews and W. Dyer; property steward, Mr. S. Barker; club captain, Mr. J.A. Mason. The senior coach and selector was to be decided later. Mr. Baddiley announced that ex-Newton players Trevor Hall, Cyril Blacklaws, and Mortimer Stephens who were all playing for St Helens RFC were presenting a complete set of jerseys and sox, due to arrive for the seniors within the next few weeks. The club said that they intended on fielding two teams in the schools’ competition and two teams in the seven-a-side tournament. The organiser of this would be E.F. Hickey, who was made an ex-officio member of the committee.^[216] At a following meeting the following were appointed to the executive of the Newton club: Committee, Messrs. E.R. Baddiley (chairman), Barker, Dyer, Matthews, Preston, Steven, Grantly, Turner and Hickey; secretary, Mr. E.W. Cloke; treasurer, Mr. P. Henry; trustees, Messrs. Steven and Rutledge; club captain, Mr. J. A. Mason; selector-coach, Mr. A. J. McGregor.^[217] During the season Hon. W.E. Parry, M.P., Minister of Internal Affairs accepted the position of president of the Newton club. The office had been made vacant by the elevation of Mr. J.A. Lee, Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister, to the position of president of the Auckland Rugby League.^[218] Following a round 11 match A. Nathan, a Newton forward was involved in a dressing room incident and was suspended by the league for the remainder of the season and all of 1937 with the suspension going to December 31. Newton held a special meeting in committee and reserved the decision arrived at for submission to the Auckland Rugby League management meeting. The appeal was later dismissed by the New Zealand Council.^[219] On October 28 Newton had an evening for its schoolboy players at the Paget Hall in Ponsonby. Roy Baddiley, the committee chairman welcomed those in attendance. Mr. G. Grey Campbell presented medals to Tom Graydon, Allan Waters, Albert Moyle (most improved player), Dawson Donaldson, Sydney White, Allan Leaning, Robert McCready, and Jock Sorby. The boys presented their delegate Mr. C. Moyle with a wristlet watch, and Mr. Baddiley an enlarged group photograph of the combined teams.^[220]

• Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers Football Club The club communicated to the Junior Control Board on March 31 that the club had a credit balance of £18 and had registered 15 new players.^[175] The Northcote Borough Council agreed with the Ramblers’ club that it should share the Stafford Road ground for the season with the rugby club on alternate Saturdays.^[221] In June the Northcote club requested floodlighting be installed at Stafford Park. The Northcote Borough Council agreed to the request.^[222] A benefit dance was held in aid of Mr. R. Tapp who broke his leg during a match. The dance was held on Saturday night at the Forresters’ Hall, Devonport. Mr. Clyde E. Howley was in charge of the floor arrangements and gave a demonstration of the Argentine tango with Mrs. Howley.^[223] On August 20 the Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers League Football Club held their 26th anniversary ball at the King's Theatre in Northcote.^[224]

• Otahuhu Rovers R.L.F.C Prior to the commencement of the season the Otahuhu club complained strongly at the Otahuhu Borough Council's decision to grant exclusive playing rights to Sturges Park for the season to the Auckland Rugby Union. Mr. W Arnold said that league football interested in Otahuhu had not been treated fairly in past years, and Mr. W. Bright claimed that the league code should have a fair share of the playing rights. The Mayor, Mr. C.R. Petrie, M.P., said that the maintenance costs of the ground were a burden on ratepayers and that the Otahuhu club representative had told a conference the previous August that a charge of £1 a match for the ground was unreasonable and that the council had received no contact from the club since this time. He went on to say that the council was anxious to assist the league code and “would endeavour, if desired, to make Princes Street reserve or Murphy’s Park available. After some “brisk exchanges” the mayor offered to inspect and consider the suitability of the other two parks for the use of league players and this was excepted by the Otahuhu club's delegation.^[225] On March 5 the Auckland Rugby League voiced their displeasure at the council's decision. Mr. G. Grey Campbell and Mr. E.J. Phelan were accompanied by officials of the Otahuhu club. Campbell said “the league people feel that an injustice has been done, as they were not advised that the council was prepared to consider tenders”. In previous years the council had asked clubs to make applications for the use of the ground and that from the date of the conference in 1935 in August when charges for the park were only suggested and discussed, the “league officials had received no further word until the press report of the council’s agreement with the union”. Mayor Petrie reiterated what he had said previously that the council saw that the park was being commercialised for sport and that they had decided to “fix definite charges” and that “he had expected to hear some feasible scheme advanced. Instead there had been nothing but criticism”. Bright and Campbell spoke further but the mayor declared that he “won’t have any more criticism” and a short time later the deputation departed.^[226]

The attendance at their annual meeting on March 11 was said to be “easily the best for a number of years”. Mr. J. Clark occupied the chair. The club was said to be in a “highly satisfactory” financial position. There was a lengthy discussion on the allocation of the local playing area given the recent controversy over the allocation of Sturges Park exclusively to the rugby union. They decided to nominate teams in the senior B, third intermediate, fourth grade, fifth grade and schoolboys’ competitions. The following were elected officers:- Patron, Mr. W.W. Massey; president, Mr. J. Nicholson; vice-presidents, same as last year, with the addition of Messrs, W. Speedy and W. Baxter, with power to add; chairman, Mr. Jim Clark; secretary, Mr. W. Hart; treasurer, Mr. W. Bright; committee, Messrs, W. McManus, J. Graham, W. Gordon, M. Clark, Trevena, W. Whitelaw, M. Ritchie, W. Lockhart, and C. Finlayson.^[227] At the control board meeting on April 1, Otahuhu advised that it had arranged an ideal ground in Princess Street, Otahuhu and its request for goal posts was granted.^[206] Otahuhu claimed transfer fees for several players at the May 19 junior management meeting. They included R. Halsey and M. Hucker (to Mount Albert), R. Philp and G Whye (to Manukau), and K. Finlayson (to Marist). These transfer fee requests were all referred to the senior board.^[228]

• Papakura Rugby League Football Club Pakakura held their annual meeting in early March with Mr. S.H. Godden presiding. The officers elected were: Patron, Mr E.C. Foote; president, Mr H.A. Pollock; vce-presidents, Messrs C. Spencer, L. McVeagh, C. Chhamberlain, F.J. Verner and V. Hardwick; executive, Messrs G. Wilson, V. Ashby, C. Spencer, W. Elliot and L. Mcveigh; club captain, Mr. E.B. Pope; treasurer, Mr R. Walsh; social commit, Messrs Hawley, E. Ashby, R. Richardson, J. McInnes, A. Verner, junior, and H.T. McDonald; grounds committee, Messrs Wellm, A. Hill, A. McVeagh and King; hon. physicians, Drs. G.W. Lock and H. Burrell; auditor, Mr W.K. Francis, junior. Mr H.D. Spinley moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing president for his valuable services. The financial statement showed a credit of £35 5s. Their last season membership totalled 73 players and honorary members. It was also discussed that many members were disinterested in training nights and they were a “farce”, and that “payment of club fees was disregarded by more than two-thirds of the players”.^[229] Papakura applied for the use of Prince Edward Park to the Papakura Town Board on March 23 and stated a desire to beginning practice on the following Saturday.^[230]

The cost for installing floodlights at Prince Edward Park for the Papakura club to train under was estimated at £28 by the council. They intended to inform the club to see if they were prepared to pay a portion a rent for the ground to assist with the cost.^[231] On April 14 the Papakura town board at their meeting stated that the league club had suggested that two floodlights be erected at Prince Edward park. The cost of each would be £14, including £2 for installation. Mr. H.D. Spinley suggested that “the club pay for one light each. The club had plenty of money, its funds being obtained from Auckland”. It was decided to advise the club and ask for their comments. They also planned to ask the Auckland Electric Power Board for the cost of erecting a special floodlight in Queen Street in Papakura to light the playing area in the park, and also whether a slot-meter could be installed.^[232] On April 27 at the Papakura Town Board meeting it was virtually decided to install a floodlight where Cooke Street and Queen Street meet which would light up the new portion of the park for practices with a meter being installed.^[233] On April 23 the Papakura club held a dance in the Regent Theatre which in spite of bad weather was a “success”. After the supper adjournment Mr. Ben Davidson, ex-New Zealand player presented the Foster Memorial Shield to the captain (Mr. E. Pope) of the Papakura senior B team which the team had won 4 out of 5 times.^[234] They were also presented with the Walmsley Shield.^[235] Papakura secured Ben Davidson as their coach. He intended to travel from Auckland out to Papakura each Wednesday evening and to do so voluntarily.^[236] On June 10 Papakura held a club dance at the Regent Theatre that “attracted one of the largest crowds seen at a local dance for some time”. Music was supplied by Shalfoon's orchestra.^[237] The Papakura Town Board decided that the rugby league club should pay a sum of not less than £5 annually for the use of Prince Edward Park.^[238] The club held their carnival dance at the Regent Theatre on August 28 with it crowded to almost capacity with about 300 present. Music was supplied by Epi Shalfoon's orchestra^[239][240] For the Roope Rooster match with Manukau on September 12 the Papakura side fielded three Burgess brothers, two Francis brothers, and two Taylor brothers.^[241] The Papakura club held their annual ‘smoke’ concert in the Regent theatre in Papakura. The building was “packed” and featured music from the S.S. Remuera orchestra led by Mr. Alan Dunker. Numerous people spoke about the administration of the game, the state of the club, and various other matters.^[242] On November 28 the Papakura club held their annual picnic at Mr. N.J. Sutherland's farm in south Clevedon. There were nearly 500 people in attendance who had been transported to the venue in “fleets of motor lorries”. Various races were held for different age groups and at the conclusion the president of the club, Mr. H. Pollock presented prizes, and Mr. Les McVeagh awarded a silver cup to R. Burgess for winning the cub championship 100 yard race.^[243][244]

• Point Chevalier League Football Club At a meeting of the Junior Control Board on March 31 the Point Chevalier delegate said that the club hoped to enter seven teams.^[175]
• Ponsonby United Football Club On February 7 the Ponsonby club along with the Ponsonby Boys’ Band, and the Ponsonby Swimming Club held a parade in the evening in Ponsonby. The parade was from the Herne Bay terminus to the Three Lamps and featured three beauty ‘queens’. The parade was to raise money for the three organisations.^[245] On March 27 the club held a “sing-song at the Leys Institute” with Mr. G. Grey Campbell leading the “happy hour”. They then held a collection at their pre-season senor match with Mount Albert at Fowld's Park on April 4.^[246] The Ponsonby Queen Carnival concluded on Thursday, April 9 and had raised over £600 to be shared equally between the Ponsonby Boys’ Band, the Ponsonby Swimming Club, and the Ponsonby RL club. The Ponsonby RL Queen, Miss Irene Robertson placed third in voting with 41,882.^[247]

Bert Cooke was appointed the coach and selector of the Ponsonby United club for the 1936 season after he had retired from playing with Richmond Rovers the previous year.^[248] Prior to Ponsonby's round 7 match they secured the services of Ernest Alfred Neale, who had represented Wellington and Auckland at rugby union.^[249] On September 5 the Ponsonby 3rd grade team travelled to Whangarei to play the Northland Junior side (Under 11 stone). Northland Juniors won 5 points to 0.^[250] In late November the Ponsonby club held a children's fancy dress dance in their clubrooms.^[251]

• Richmond Rovers Football Club They held their annual meeting on Thursday, April 5 at 8pm in the Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent in Grey Lynn.^[209] President Mr. B.W. Davis said that “the club had a record championship year, but the management expected every team to win in 1936”. The club fielded ten grade teams and two 7-a-side school teams. They won the senior championship and champion of champions, second, fifth, sixth and seventh grade championships and knock-out, and the school championship. They also won the Davis Points Shield for the most aggregate points in the juniors. The senior teams success was attributed “a great deal” to the coaching of Mr. Thomas McClymont. The report stated that the balance-sheet showed a credit of £184 19/5. The following officers were elected:- Patron, Mr. W.J. Holdsworth; vice-patron, Mr. J. Redwood; president, Mr. B.W. Davis; chairman, Mr. W.A. Swift; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. W.R. Dick; delegate to primary schools’ management, Mr. C. Rowe; club captain, Mr. R. Hyland; auditor, Mr. Redwood. The existing vice-presidents were re-elected with several other nominations. The Harry Johns Cup (named after a Richmond player who had tragically died after injuries suffered from boxing) was awarded to the Richmond schoolboys team who won 19 games, lost 3, drew 3 and scored 539 points for and only 70 against. Life membership medallions were presented to Messrs. F. Thompson (17 years’ service to the club), Ralph Jenkinson (18) and W. Berger (15).^[252]

• R.V. Rugby League Football Club: On the evening of February 19 the club held their annual meeting. They elected Mr. E. Muller as chairman; patron, Mr. A. G. Harvey; vice presidents, Mr. D Harvey, Mr. W. Harvey, sen., Mr. W Harvey, jun., Mr. A Harvey, jun., Mr. J McGehan, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. E. Griffiths; secretary, Mr. F. W. Day; treasurer, Mr. C. Smith; committee (two represent each factory), Victoria Street, R. Parr, E. Knight, Albert Street, A. Cloke, J Salter, King's Drive, J Taberner, L. Simpson; selector, trainer, A. Cloke; delegate, Mr. R. Parr; deputy-delegate, Mr. J. Taberner; official linesman, J. Salter; ball custodian, R. Shearer.^[253]

• Waiuku Rugby League Football Club: Waiuku beat Papakura in a round 4 match but lost the match as they had fielded C. Bright who was not registered with them. Bright hadn't played in 1935 and was a free agent but he needed to be regraded from senior A to senior B to be eligible. A week later they complained to the ARL that Manukau had taken their senior B halfback (Mahema) to Carlaw Park to play for them instead of being at the Waiuku game. They had since allowed the player a transfer.^[254] The senior board of control felt that it was unfair to lose points on a technicality and said that a replayed match might be fairer and this was suggested for the junior control board to consider.^[157]

Senior grade registrations and transfers[]

At their annual meeting on 24 February Newton Rangers announced the following new players, C. Watson (Northern Wairoa Rugby Union rep.) and J. Ginders (ex-Richmond), R. Merrick (North Auckland rep.), and R. Robinson (ex-Taranaki rep).^[216]

At their annual general meeting Marist nominated the following new playing members, Norman Boyd (N.S.W. rep forward from Leeton), John Anderson (from the Blackball club on the West Coast), Blake (ex-Wellington), Breed (Otahuhu), and Rennie.^[210]

At Richmond's annual meeting they welcomed George Tittleton to the club who was a New Zealand representative who had previously been playing in the Waikato.^[252]

At their annual meeting City Rovers nominating the following new players: T.C. Allen (ex-Auckland rugby union rep), R.H. Dawson, S. Tipene (Panmure), and Harry Wayne was welcomed back from Taranaki.^[185]

At the board of control meeting on April 1 G. Kerr was transferred from Newton Rangers to Ellerslie. K. Massey (Devonport) was reinstated and 18 applications were made for senior registration. R.L. Merrick of the City club in Whangarei transferred to Newton Rangers.^[206]

On April 15 at the board of control meeting the following transfers and registrations occurred. H. Crook (Devonport), subject to Newton approval, A.C. Miller (Devonport), from City Rovers; A.C. Greenwood (Devonport), from Otahuhu; Robert L. Merrick (Newton), approved by Northland and the New Zealand Council; J.L. Wall (Ellerslie), to Newton; A.G. Kennedy, of Hobsonville, A.H. Forbes (Kumeu) and T.G. Jordan (Northcote) to Devonport. Transfers:- K. Finlayson, Otahuhu thirds, to Marist Old Boys’ senior reserves; R.G. Aro, Ponsonby to Marists; Norman Boyd, Marists to Ponsonby. Clearances:- R. White (Pukemiro), to Newton; George Tittleton and , Taupiri to Richmond, approved by South Auckland. J. O’Brien's registration from Huntly with Mount Albert was referred back to South Auckland. Arnold Porteous was reinstated and allowed to play for City Rovers.^[255]

At the ARL executive meeting on April 22 the following registrations were accepted: M. Simms (Devonport), A. McGill (Devonport), (Richmond), George Tittleton (Richmond), C.J. Glasgow (Newton), E.A. Morgan (Ponsonby), A.J. Watkins (Mount Albert). Leonard L. Knock was reinstated and registered with Newton. The following transfer were approved: H. Crook, Newton to Devonport; A. Wicks, Devonport to R.V.; F.R. Halsey, Otahuhu to Mount Albert; M. Hucker, Otahuhu to Mount Albert; V. Barchard, City to Marist.^[181]

From the April 29 meeting the following transfers were approved:- R. Middleton (Newton to Ponsonby); George A. Kerr (Newton to Devonport); Arnold O. Porteous (Newton to City); W. Cuff (Mount Albert to Newton); Midgley (Ponsonby), subject to regrade, Dunn (Ellerslie) and Shippe (Mount Albert), to Green Lane. Ponsonby informed the league that R. Bright and Lou Hutt had been granted transfers to Newton. Other players registered were W. Barlow, T. Allen (City), S.J. Davis, N.L. Parris (Ponsonby), R.L. Haslam, R. Aro, John Anderson (Marist). Arnold Porteous and Leonard L. Knock's re-instatements were approved.^[20]

On May 6 the following registrations were approved:- E.A. Jones (Grey Lynn), J. Greenwood (Ponsonby), K Fletcher (Mount Eden), to Richmond; R. Farrington (Eden Terrace) to Ponsonby; H.A. McCarthy (Ponsonby) and W.N. Paine, subject to clearance from Pirates, West Coast, to City; G.L. Breed (Otahuhu, to Marist Old Boys. Clearances:- John Anderson (Marist) from West Coast; H.R. Hadley (Richmond), from NSW; R.O. Jones (Ponsonby), from Wellington; Jack Whye (Manukau), from Otahuhu, subject to registration. Reinstatement:- J. Rutherford (Onehunga) to Manukau, subject to transfer from City. Transfers:- H.R. Smith, Point Chevalier to Richmond; R. Philp, Otahuhu to Manukau; A.C. Greenwood, Otahuhu to Devonport.^[256]

On May 12 J.T. Silva was granted a transfer from Ellerslie to the Green Lane senior B team. The transfer of J. Kelly from Otahuhu to Green Lane was referred to the senior board while the transfer of E.J. Ginders from Green Lane to Newton was referred back to the board, as Ginders was not considered to come under the rule as applying to junior players.^[257]

On May 20 F. Flavell was granted a transfer from Waiuku senior B to Newton Rangers. The transfers of Wm. Tittleton from Taupiri to Richmond, and J.F. Wilton from Newton Rangers to Huntly were referred to the New Zealand Council.

The following players were granted transfers on May 27:- Reg Johnson (City to Manukau), D. Tuck (Newton to City), C. Spiro (Mount Albert to City), R. Smith (Devonport to Newton), and T. Pawson (Taupiri to Mt Albert – subject to appeal). H.N. Halliwell and Mervyn Lyon were registered to Mount Albert. N. Pell and C. Bright of Newton were regraded to the Waiuku Senior B team.^[14]

A.C. Miller of Grey Lynn registered with the Mount Albert senior reserves on June 3. J.A. Mackinnon of Grey Lynn registered with Newton, F. McR. Murray of Zingari-Richmond RU club in Dunedin registered, as did P. Mahima who was transferring from Waiuku to Manukau. James J. Shepherd applied for reinstatement after playing for the Hutt RU club in Wellington. He was seeking a clearance from his former City Rovers club to join Richmond.^[258]

On June 10 the following transfer was approved: R. Keesing from Ponsonby to Green Lane senior B. Clearances were granted for Carl von Lubbe from West Coast to Auckland; T. Pawson from South Auckland to Auckland; and C.W. Haydon from Wellington to Auckland. The following were registered: W.E. Robinson with Marist; A.W. Carter and J.H. Steele to Ponsonby. R.S. Pyke was regraded from City reserves to Papakura senior B.^[259]

On June 17 the following players were registered: J. Reeve to Marist; B. Donaldson to Mount Albert; Ernest A. Neale to Devonport; A.L. Beasley to Devonport; H.G. Shalfoon and L. Maddren to Ponsonby; and M. Grey to City. E.G. Williams was granted a transfer from the Kensington club in Whangarei to City subject to approval by the New Zealand Council.^[260]

On June 24 H. Perfect was registered with Marist. Ex-NZ international Craddock Dufty came out of retirement and registered with the City club pending approval from his former club Ellerslie. R.M. Farrell registered with Mount Albert. Tai Raymond, an ex-Bay of Plenty rugby union representative was registering with City, as were A. Dent who was joining from Northland, and R. Doonin (of Balmoral).^[261]

On July 8 L.G. Andrews and R.J. Hobbs registered with Newton subject to a transfer from Richmond; F. Moate (of Tokomaru Bay), and A.N. Finlayson (of Northland) registered with Marist. Phil Donovan was reinstated subject to approval by the New Zealand Council.^[262]

On July 14 F.C.H. Pope was transferred from City 3rd grade to Newton reserves. G. Phillips transferred from Manukau seniors to Otahuhu senior B, while R.A. Burrell transferred from Papakura to Otahuhu senior B.^[263]

The August 19 meeting of the board of control saw the transfer of J. Cooper of the Manaia club at Tuakau to the City Rovers. M. Proctor transferred from Manukau to Newton, while P. Serra from the Addington club in Christchurch joined the Marist Old Boys. N McKinney registered with Ponsonby, and E. McCarthy registered with City.^[264]

At the board of control meeting on August 26 R.B. Reed was registered with the Newton Rangers. A.D. Mitchell was reinstated and transferred from Richmond to Newton pending approval by the New Zealand Council.^[265]

On 29 August at the board meeting T. Lynch was registered with the City Rovers, A. Beyer with Richmond, Lance Evans (ex-Canterbury) with Mount Albert, and D.G. Black (ex Grafton club) with Ponsonby.^[96]

On September 9 the following players were registered : with Manukau, Ivan Christoff to Newton, Clive Murdoch and Andrew F. Fletcher to Marist, Morrice D. Dalton to Richmond, Robert Loui, George Marsh and Norman Shalfoon to City. P. Minnix of the Manaia (Tuakau) transferred to City.^[169]

On September 16 Bernard J. Patten, Royce Davis, and W. Fleet were registered with the Manukau club. M. Grey was transferred from the City reserves to the Green Lane senior B side.^[266]

References[]