RUGBY LEAGUE HAS RECORD YEAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 29 March 1927, Page 1

RUGBY LEAGUE HAS RECORD YEAR

GAME IN AUCKLAND A few years ago the Auckland Rugby League was £3O in debt. To-day, it has assets valued at *£10,289 8s Bd, and its profit on last year’s working was £922 3s 2d. These facts, which are taken from this year's report and balance sheet, which will be presented to the annual meeing in a few days’ time, give some indication of the remarkable progress the game has made since it was established in Auckland. Last season the gross receipts of the League were £5997 15s 9d. the gross gate receipts amounting to the record total of £4216 14s 9d. This amount does not include the trial matches which were played in connection with the selection of the New Zealand League team which toured England. It has been claimed on behalf of the Auckland League that it was the first sporting body in New Zealand to inaugurate a free insurance scheme for its players. The amount paid out under this head last year was £407 16s 6d. The clubs also well catered for, the ampunt paid out as grants to the various clubs tc» assist them in financing club roomA. trfiJning quarters, etc., being £5lB 15s Td. DONATIONS TO CHARITY The amount donated to charity was £lO4 11s sd. The Auckland League, which pioneered the inauguration of a Charity Day during the winter season, has up to the present donated in round figures something like £5,000 to charity. The annual report states that not only was last season a huge success from a financial viewpoint, but the standard of play was above the average and the various competitions were contested with the utmost keenness. Auckland won all of its matches against visiting teams. There were 13 senior teams and 84 junior teams in the various competitions, and last season a start was made with a school football competition, in response to requests from school players. It was late in the season when school football was started, and it was not possible to do a great deal in this direction last year, but this season it is proposed to definitely inaugurate a primary schools competition. LATE SIR ARTHUR MYERS Special reference is made in the annual report to the death of Sir Arthur Myers, late president of the League, who was connected with the governing body from very nearly its inception. The report records that Sir Arthur was one of the first trustees, and that through his wonderful organisation the foundation of Carlaw Park was laid. In Carlaw Park the Auckland Rugby League has one of the finest sports grounds in New Zealand, but it does not propose to sit back and rest on its deeds. The management committee has at present before it plans of a scheme involving an expenditure of £32,000, which will provide accommodation for 44,000 people.