LEAGUE IN SCHOOLS

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1940, Page 8

LEAGUE IN SCHOOLS

CODE GROWS IN TARANAKI "I feel that we have made a definite move forward in instituting primary schools competitions this year," said Mr. R. Fulton, when responding to the toast of the executive at the annual smoke concert and presentation of trophies ceremony of the Taranaki Rugby League at New Plymouth on Saturday night. "When the boys are playing the parents become interested and I feel sure that once boys play League they will not go back to any other code." Mr. Fulton stated that he was sure that all the time and the money that had been put into encouraging and establishing the game in the schools would be amply repaid in the future. The game had a firm hold in several schools and he was of the opinion that it would increase in popularity. The gathering proved most successful, the. Kawaroa bungalow being crowdea. Those present included members of all the Taranaki clubs. During the proceedings Mr. A. E. Kretchmar, president of the Taranaki League, presented the trophies won during the season. The trophies were the Price cup (Taranaki championship) , Stratford; Lile shield, Western Suburbs; Wmtemata cup, Stratford; Crago cup, Inglewood; junior League cup, Inglewood; Bill Healy cup, Eastern Suburbs; Spray cup, most improved reserve grade player, D. Haworth. The toasts honoured were: The Kang, New Zealand Council (Mr. A. E. Kretchmar— Mr. G. Hooper), Taranaki Rugby League (Mr. F. Duncan— Mr. R. Fulton), Members on Active Service (Mr. R. D. Lash— Sergeant Forward), Referee (Mr. R. Vinsen— Mr. F. Keogh), St. John Ambulance (Mr. Kretchmar— Mr. A. E. Davidson); Supporters (Mr. Keogh — Mr. F. Trueman and Mr. R. Fennimore), Artists (Mr. G. Hooker— Mr. R. Burns) and the Press (Mr. W. Spray). Songs were given by Mr. S. Summers, Mr. J. Granger and Mr. A. Sheehan. Messrs. Ovenden and Codd were associated in piano-accordion duets and Mr. W. Taylor gave a display of card tricks. Mr. R. Burns played the accompaniments.