Richmond Rovers, winners of the championship for the 3rd time.

The 1937 Auckland Rugby League season was its 29th. Richmond Rovers won their third Fox Memorial title with a 10 win, 1 draw, 3 loss record. At one point they threatened to run away with the title when after 9 rounds they had a 4-point lead over their nearest challengers. However a loss to Ponsonby United in round 10, a draw with Manukau in round 12, and a loss to Marist Old Boys in round 13 meant that the title was not decided until the final round. They however beat the wooden spooners Newton Rangers 30–9 to secure the title.

After a disappointing 1936 season Marist Old Boys finished 3rd in the Fox Memorial, one point behind Richmond and then went on to win the Roope Rooster knockout competition with wins over Newton Rangers, City Rovers, and Ponsonby United 25–10 in the final. They then defeated Richmond Rovers in the Stormont Shield champion of champions match 12–5. They were helped significantly by the record breaking point scoring of John Anderson. He scored 154 points through all matches for Marist during the season which was comfortably the most in Auckland Rugby League club history with only Bill Davidson (116) in 1922, and Frank Delgrosso (108) in 1929 even passing the 100 point mark.

North Shore Albions won the Phelan Shield after being knocked out of the Roope Rooster competition in the first round. They beat Richmond, Manukau and then Mount Albert in the final 22–18. Richmond won the reserve grade title (Norton Cup). Marist won the reserve grade knockout competition (Stallard Cup) by defeating Ponsonby 22–5 in the final.

The 9 team Senior B grade was won once again by Papakura who finished with a 14 win, 1 loss record to lead the trailing Point Chevalier who finished with 11 wins and 3 losses. Papakura also won the knockout competition when they defeated Green Lane 19–7 in the final.

The representative season saw Auckland beat Auckland Māori 24–14, followed by wins on the same day over South Auckland (Waikato) 26–12, and Taranaki (27-10), though 2 separate teams were obviously used. At the end of the season an injury depleted Auckland side lost to a very strong New Zealand Māori team 43–21. The New Zealand Māori side had earlier defeated the touring Australian side and included George Nēpia. The Auckland Māori side played two matches, aside from their game against Auckland, against Waikato Māori and North Auckland Māori. They won the matches 28-6 and 37-3 respectively.

Auckland Rugby League meetings and news

Senior grade competitions

Following round 9 the ARL decided to rework the draw because Richmond was comfortably first (by 4 points with 5 matches to play) and they may be able to conclude the competition early.^[30]

At the ARL meeting on October 6 Wally Tittleton of the Richmond club was announced as being awarded a special trophy for the outstanding senior grade player. The award was made by the donor Mr. J.F.W. Dickson and was for consistently good play throughout the season. Tittleton had also won selection for Auckland and New Zealand during the year.^[31]

President of New Zealand Rugby League, Cyril Snedden donated a special trophy to John Anderson who registered a total of 148 points (or 154 according to the other report) and E. Bennett of Takapuna gave Jack Smith a trophy for scoring 132 points.^[32][33] It was said in an article later that he had scored 162 points. Though this would likely also include Auckland matches.^[34]

Fox Memorial results

Round 1

Bert Cooke played and was said to be “superlative” however he was late tackled and was limping at the end of the game. This was to be his last ever rugby league appearance. He began coaching the North Shore rugby senior side for the remainder of the year.

	1 May	Richmond	13-10	Mount Albert	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: George Mitchell 2, George Tittleton Con: George Tittleton Pen: Ted Mincham	[37]	Try: Joseph Gunning, Stewart Con: Basil Cranch Pen: Cliff Satherley	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	1 May	Manukau	19-12	North Shore	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Jack Brodrick, Joe Broughton, Colin Murton Con: Steve Watene Pen: Jack Hemi 4	[38]	Try: Zane 2 Con: Jack Smith 2 Pen: Jack Smith	Referee: Percy Rogers

	1 May	Ponsonby	21-9	City	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Arthur Kay 3, Roy Nurse 2, Ray Middleton, Rush	[38]	Try: Leslie Wehner Con: Cyril Wiberg Pen: Cyril Wiberg 2	Referee: O Chalmers

	1 May	Marist	27-10	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: John Anderson 2, Gordon Midgley 2, Donovan, McGreal, Gordon Crocker Con: John Anderson 3	[38]	Try: Claude Dempsey, Fredrick Sissons Pen: Beattie	Referee: Roy Otto

Round 2

Frank Thompson refereed his 50th 1st grade match when he had control of the Mt Albert - City match. He became the 7th referee to achieve this feat.

	8 May	North Shore	15-13	Richmond	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Tony Milicich, Horace Hunt, Reg Hollows Con: Jack Smith 2 Pen: Jack Smith	[39]	Try: Noel Bickerton, Owen Wilkie, George Mitchell Con: George Tittleton, Ted Mincham	Referee: Percy Rogers

	8 May	Manukau	17-10	Marist	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Colin Murton 2, Jack Hemi Con: Jack Hemi, Steve Watene Pen: Jack Hemi, Steve Watene	[39]	Try: Donovan, Bill Breed Con: John Anderson 2	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	8 May	Ponsonby	27-0	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Edgar Morgan 2, Arthur Kay 2, Ross Jones, McKinney, Peterson Con: Ray Middleton 2, Brown	[39]		Referee: G Kelly

	8 May	Mount Albert	22-15	City	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: William McCullum 2, Bert Leatherbarrow 2, Martin Hanson, C Allen Con: Basil Cranch 2	[39]	Try: Jackie Rata, Jack Tawhai, Arnold Porteous Con: Cyril Wiberg Pen: Cyril Wiberg 2	Referee: Frank Thompson

Round 3

A week after Frank Thompson achieved the feat, Wilfred Simpson became the 8th Auckland Rugby League referee to referee 50 matches between first grade sides when Richmond played City.

	15 May	Ponsonby	7-3	Manukau	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Ray Middleton Con: Ross Jones Pen: Ross Jones	[40]	Try: Peter Mahima	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	15 May	North Shore	6-5	Marist	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Jack Smith, Zane	[41]	Try: Donaldson Con: John Anderson	Referee: S Billman

	15 May	Richmond	24-6	City	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Ted Mincham 2, Bill Telford, Wally Tittleton, Hermes Hadley, Noel Bickerton Con: Ted Mincham, George Tittleton 2	[42]	Try: Tai Raymond, McCarthy	Referee: Wilfred Simpson

	15 May	Mount Albert	11-0	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Wilf Hassan, Stewart Pen: Basil Cranch	[43]		Referee: Percy Rogers

Round 4

In Marists heavy defeat at the hands of Richmond they lost Glover and Gordon Midgley to injury and played most of the second half with 11 players. The City v Newton match was originally supposed to be played at Carlaw Park but after the number 2 field was declared in a poor state the match was moved to Glen Eden.

	22 May	Ponsonby	8-8	North Shore	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Frank Halloran, Roy Nurse Con: Ross Jones	[44]	Pen: Jack Smith 3 Drop: George Kerr	Referee: Percy Rogers

	22 May	Mount Albert	20-4	Manukau	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Richard Shadbolt 3, Len Schultz Con: Cliff Satherley 3 Pen: Cliff Satherley	[45]	Pen: Jack Hemi 2	Referee: Wilfred Simpson

	22 May	Richmond	55-15	Marist	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: George Mitchell 3, Jack McLeod 2, Harold Tetley 2, Noel Bickerton 2, Hermes Hadley, Owen Wilkie, Leo Davis, Ted Mincham Con: Ted Mincham 4, George Tittleton 4	[46]	Try: Kenneth Finlayson, McLaren, McGreal Con: John Anderson Pen: John Anderson 2	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	22 May	City	14-0	Newton	Glen Eden Recreation Ground
	3:00	Try: Jack Tawhai 2, Joseph Hapi, T McCarthy Con: Cyril Wiberg	[47]		Referee: Roy Otto

Round 5

Gordon Crocker and Phil Donovan of Marist, before their win over Ponsonby. Donovan was killed in action in Italy in early 1945.

The match between Richmond and Newton was played at Fowld's Park to raise money for the King George V. Memorial Fund. The game was ceremonially kicked off by the Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. W.A. Anderson.

	29 May	Mount Albert	13-0	North Shore	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Len Schultz 2, Des Herring Con: Cliff Satherley 2	[48]		Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	29 May	Manukau	13-13	City	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Walter Brimble, Rickett, Jack Brodrick Con: Steve Watene Pen: Jack Hemi	[49]	Try: William McLaughlin 2, J Hutchinson Con: Cyril Wiberg Pen: Cyril Wiberg	Referee: O Chalmers

	29 May	Marist	20-5	Ponsonby	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Clive Murdoch, McGreal, Halsey, Gordon Crocker Con: John Anderson 4	[50]	Try: Arthur Kay Con: Walter Stockley	Referee: Percy Rogers

	29 May	Richmond	14-9	Newton	Fowld's Park, Mount Albert
	3:00	Try: Owen Wilkie 2, George Tittleton, Hermes Hadley Pen: George Tittleton	[51]	Try: Fredrick Sissons, Wilfred Brimble, Crook	Referee: Frank Thompson

Round 6

	5 June	Richmond	15-6	Ponsonby	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: George Tittleton 2, Noel Bickerton Con: Frank Furnell Pen: Frank Furnell 2	[52]	Try: Edgar Morgan, Brian Riley	Referee: T McIntosh

	5 June	Marist	10-7	Mount Albert	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Gordon Midgley 2 Pen: John Anderson 2	[53]	Try: Bert Leatherbarrow Con: Cliff Satherley Pen: Cliff Satherley	Referee: Percy Rogers

	5 June	City	10-9	North Shore	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: T McCarthy 2 Con: Jackie Rata Pen: Jackie Rata	[54]	Try: Jack Smith Con: Jack Smith Pen: Jack Smith 2	Referee: M Renton

	5 June	Manukau	18-11	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Joe Broughton 2, Peter Mahima, Rickett Con: Steve Watene 2 Pen: Steve Watene	[55]	Try: P Young 2, Frederick Hollis Con: Fredrick Sissons	Referee: D Taylor

Round 7

1934 All Black Hawea Mataira switched codes and made his debut appearance for Manukau. Tom Chase and Rangi Chase both had also switched codes and debuted for Manukau also. Tom had been a representative player for Wanganui and a Māori All Black, while his younger brother Rangi had also played 3 matches for Wanganui in 1936. All three would go on to represent New Zealand.^[56] Rangi scored 3 tries and kicked a drop goal in his first appearance for Manukau.

	12 June	Richmond	22-18	Manukau	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: L Davis, George Tittleton 2, Noel Bickerton Con: Frank Furnell 2, Ted Mincham 2 Pen: George Tittleton	[57]	Try: Rangi Chase 3, Thomas Curtis Allen Pen: Jack Hemi 2 Drop: Rangi Chase	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	12 June	Marist	11-4	City	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Halsey, Vincent Bakalich, John Anderson Con: John Anderson	[58]	Pen: Cyril Wiberg 2	Referee: A Lennie

	12 June	Mount Albert	8-3	Ponsonby	Stafford Park, Northcote
	3:00	Try: William McCallum, Stewart Pen: Cliff Satherley	[59]	Try: Walter Stockley	Referee: Percy Rogers

	12 June	North Shore	13-0	Newton	Devonport Domain
	3:00	Try: Reg Hollows 2, Len Scott Con: Jack Smith Pen: Jack Smith	[60]		Referee: Frank Thompson

Round 8

Richmond on July 3.

Round 8 was initially scheduled to be played on June 26 but all rugby league in Auckland, along with several other outdoor sports was cancelled due to poor weather. Frank Pickrang transferred from Manukau to Ponsonby and made his debut for his new side. He had been trying to move for some time but chose to stand down due to transfer difficulties. Joining him at Ponsonby at the same time was fellow Kiwi, Joe Cootes who was transferring from Wellington.^[61]

	3 July	Richmond	15-2	Mount Albert	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Noel Bickerton, Bill Telford, Owen Wilkie Con: Frank Furnell 2 Pen: Frank Furnell	[62]	Pen: Cliff Satherley	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	3 July	Manukau	31-11	North Shore	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Rangi Chase 2, Tom Chase 2, Walter Brimble, Joe Broughton, Jack Hemi Con: Jack Hemi 4 Pen: Jack Hemi	[63]	Try: Horace Hunt, Len Scott, Reg Hollows Con: Jack Smith	Referee: Roy Otto

	3 July	Ponsonby	27-8	City	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Arthur Kay 2, Brian Riley 2, Edgar Morgan, Walter Stockley, Roydon Nurse Con: Ross Jones, D Black Pen: Ross Jones	[64]	Pen: Jackie Rata 4	Referee: Percy Rogers

	3 July	Marist	22-0	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Gordon Midgley 2, Clive Murdoch, Matson Con: John Anderson 4 Pen: John Anderson	[65]		Referee: A Simpson

Round 9

	10 July	Manukau	20-13	Marist	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Steve Watene, Painter, Rangi Chase, Thomas Curtis Allen Con: Jack Hemi 2 Pen: Jack Hemi 2	[66]	Try: John Anderson 2, Halsey Pen: John Anderson 2	Referee: Frank Thompson

	10 July	Mount Albert	6-3	City	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Des Herring, William McLaughlin	[67]	Try: Jack Tawhai	Referee: T Evans

	10 July	Richmond	11-9	North Shore	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Bill Telford, Noel Bickerton, Roy Powell Con: Frank Furnell	[68]	Try: Jack Smith Con: George Kerr Pen: Jack Smith 2	Referee: S Fisher

	10 July	Ponsonby	26-7	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Brian Riley 3, Selwyn Davis, Arthur Kay, Walter Stockley Con: Ross Jones 3 Pen: Ross Jones	[69]	Try: Donald Fraser Con: Hall 2 Pen: Fredrick Sissons	Referee: A Kinnaird

Round 10

	17 July	Ponsonby	10-9	Richmond	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Frank Pickrang, Walter Stockley Con: Ross Jones Pen: Ross Jones	[70]	Try: Owen Wilkie, Wally Tittleton, Harold Tetley	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	17 July	Marist	15-13	Mount Albert	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Gordon Crocker Con: John Anderson Pen: John Anderson 5	[71]	Try: Len Schultz 2, Stewart Con: Cliff Satherley 2	Referee: Stuart Billman

	17 July	North Shore	9-7	City	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Verdun Scott 2, Reg Hollows	[72]	Try: S Bluett Pen: Jackie Rata 2	Referee: T McIntosh

	17 July	Manukau	22-5	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Rangi Chase, Steve Watene, Len Kawe, Peter Mahima Con: Jack Hemi 4 Pen: Jack Hemi	[73]	Try: Hill Pen: Fredrick Sissons	Referee: O Chalmers

Round 11

	24 July	Manukau	18-6	Ponsonby	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Steve Watene 2, R Wilson, Angus Gault Con: Jack Hemi 2 Pen: Jack Hemi	[74]	Pen: Jones 3	Referee: S Billman

	24 July	Richmond	10-6	City	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Jack McLeod 2 Pen: Frank Furnell 2	[75]	Try: Jackie Rata, Hawea Mataira	Referee: Frank Thompson

	24 July	Mount Albert	29-5	Newton	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: William McCallum 3, Des Herring 2, Bert Leatherbarrow, Stewart Con: Bert Leatherbarrow, Cliff Satherley, Richard Shadbolt Pen: Basil Cranch	[76]	Try: Donald Fraser Con: Fredrick Sissons	Referee: A Farrell

	24 July	Marist	18-10	North Shore	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: McGreal 3, Gordon Midgley Con: John Anderson 2 Pen: John Anderson	[77]	Try: Len Scott, J C Cowan Con: Verdun Scott Pen: Verdun Scott	Referee: A Kinnaird

Round 12

	31 July	Richmond	11-11	Manukau	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: George Tittleton, Harold Tetley, Wally Tittleton Con: Frank Furnell	[78]	Try: Angus Gault, Walter Brimble, Peter Mahima Pen: Steve Watene	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	31 July	Newton	24-15	North Shore	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Henry Crook, Gibson, P Young, Fredrick Sissons, Ted Brimble 2 Con: Fredrick Sissons 3	[79]	Try: Ivor Stirling, Reg Hollows, Arthur Sowter Con: George Kerr 3	Referee: Jack Hawkes

	31 July	Marist	15-5	City	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: Gordon Midgley, Vincent Bakalich, Matson Con: John Anderson 2 Pen: John Anderson	[79]	Try: G McCarthy Con: J Hutchinson	Referee: A Simpson

	31 July	Mount Albert	20-0	Ponsonby	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: William McCallum 2, Stewart, James Tristram Con: Cliff Satherley 4	[79]		Referee: O Chalmers

Round 13

	21 August	Mount Albert	20-19	Manukau	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: William McCallum 2, Des Herring, John Schultz Con: Cliff Satherley 3 Pen: Cliff Satherley	[80]	Try: Peter Mahima, Walter Brimble, Angus Gault Con: Tom Chase 3 Pen: Tom Chase 2	Referee: Ralph Otto

	21 August	Marist	30-24	Richmond	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Gordon Crocker, John Anderson, Donovan, McLaren, McGreal, Gordon Midgley Con: John Anderson 6	[81]	Try: George Tittleton 3, Jack Satherley, Roy Powell, Jack McLeod Con: George Tittleton 2, Frank Furnell	Referee: Frank Thompson

	21 August	Ponsonby	23-9	North Shore	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Dan Keane, Edgar Morgan, D Black, Frank Halloran, Brian Riley Con: Ross Jones 3 Pen: Ross Jones	[82]	Try: Horace Hunt Con: Jack Smith Pen: Jack Smith 2	Referee: C Boneham

	21 August	Newton	34-19	City	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: P Young 2, Bill McNeight 2, Wilfred Brimble, Gibson, Clemm, Claude Dempsey Con: Hill 4 Pen: Hill	[83]	Try: John Donald 2, Tai Raymond 2, J Hutchinson Con: Hutchinson, Jackie Rata	Referee: J Cottingham

Round 14

	28 August	Richmond	30-9	Newton	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: Jack Satherley 2, Alf Broadhead, Wally Tittleton, Jack Mcleod, Harold Tetley Con: Frank Furnell 4, George Tittleton Pen: Frank Furnell	[84]	Try: Donald Fraser Pen: Claude Dempsey 2, Hill	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

	28 August	Marist	17-8	Ponsonby	Carlaw Park 1
	1:30	Try: Gordon Midgley, McLaren, R Haslam Con: John Anderson 2 Pen: McLaren Drop: McLaren	[85]	Try: Arthur Kay 2 Con: Ross Jones	Referee: T McIntosh

	28 August	Mount Albert	38-22	North Shore	Carlaw Park 2
	3:00	Try: William McCallum 3, Unknown x 7 Con: Unknown x 4	[86]	Try: Jack Smith, Unknown x 3 Con: Jack Smith 4 Pen: Jack Smith	Referee: A Lennie

	28 August	City	23-20	Manukau	Carlaw Park 2
	1:30	Try: Tai Raymond, Unknown x 4 Con: John Donald 3 Pen: John Donald	[87]	Try: Walter Brimble, Unknown x 3 Con: Tom Chase 3 Pen: Tom Chase	Referee: G Kelly

Stormont Shield

John Stormont (father of Bill) presenting Reginald Haslam, Gordon Midgley, Halsey, & McGreal with their medals

John Anderson capped a truly remarkable point scoring season by scoring all 12 of Marist's points, made up of 2 tries, a conversion, a penalty, and a drop goal. It was Marist's 4th Stormont Shield win with the previous being in 1928, 1929, and 1932. The win denied Richmond what would have been their 4th straight Stormont Shield victory. At the conclusion of the match John Stormont, the father of Bill Stormont who the trophy was named in honour of after his death mid season in 1925 presented the Marist players with medals.

	2 October	Marist	12-5	Richmond	Carlaw Park 1
	3:00	Try: John Anderson 2 Con: John Anderson Pen: John Anderson Drop: John Anderson	[99]	Try: Roy Powell Pen: Ted Mincham	Referee: Maurice Wetherill

Senior reserve competitions

There were several rounds of the senior reserve grade competition that had no results reported. These were rounds 7 where only 1 result was reported, and rounds 11, 13, and 14 where no results were reported at all. It is possible that Richmond Rovers had won the competition by the latter stages and so the fixtures became optional and possibly not played or of no championship significance and so therefore not reported by club officials. The Auckland Rugby League would often conclude competitions prematurely if a champion had already been found.

Senior B grade competitions

Other Club Matches and Lower Grades

Auckland representative team

Hec Brisbane was named the Auckland selector for the season.

Auckland Māori (Tamaki) representative season

In addition to their loss to Auckland, the Auckland Māori side played in two other matches against Waikato Māori and North Auckland Māori.

Annual General Meetings and Club News

• Auckland Rugby League Junior Management Committee They held their annual meeting on March 23 with Mr. D. Wilkie presiding. Their report noted that 60 teams took part in the junior grade competitions. A club ballot for members of the executive board resulted in the reappointment of Messrs. D. Wilkie, E. Chapman, A. Hopkinson, C. Howe, I. Stonex, R. Short, and F. Thompson, with Mr. E. McNamara as a new member. The ninth member saw a tie between R, Parr and T. Carey and a special vote was called for by April 6. When the vote was held Mr. Parr was elected.^[142] Mr. Wilkie was re-elected chairman, and Mr. W.F. Clarke honorary secretary of the board. It was noted that Mr. George Taylor, a member of the board had had to resign owing to ill-health, and to Mr. Chirmside.^[143] Two new members were later appointed in Mr. Skinner (Referees’ Association), and Mr. McNamara (ex-secretary of the Glenora Club).^[144] At their May 4 meeting twenty-two transfers were approved, and 108 new players were registered.^[145] At their May 18 meeting they were notified by the Glenora club that they had withdrawn their Senior B team (following the 3rd round). It appears that they had not taken the field at all as no results were reported in any of the previous weekends. Manukau were given one more week to get their teams in order.^[146]

• Auckland Rugby League School Management Committee: Their 11th annual report stated that 30 teams had entered competition in 1936 which was an increase of eleven on the previous year. New teams were fielded by the Ponsonby, Newton, Manukau, and Mount Albert clubs.^[147] At their annual meeting on March 23 Mr. R. E. Newport presided. The following were elected as officers:- patron, Dr. M. G. Pezaro; president, Mr. Newport; secretary, Mr. Rout; executive committee, Messrs., A. Stanley (chairman), J. Armstrong, Foster, Jenkinson, Rowe, Rose Thompson, and H. Green.^[148] On the 19th of April at their management meeting they received a record number of nominations with 8 teams entering the senior grade, 15 in the intermediate grade, and 17 for the junior grade.^[149]

• Auckland Rugby League Referees Association Their annual meeting was held in the grandstand rooms at Carlaw Park in late March. Mr. L. S. Bull presided and he welcomed a number of prospective members. Their report stated that for the 1936 season there were 37 active referees and four official line umpires which constituted a record for the code in Auckland. There had been an improved standard of officiating and less criticism of them. Mr. G. Kelly was congratulated on winning the Carey Cup for the most improved referee. The following officers were elected:- president, Mr. L. S. Bull; vice president, Mr. J. G. McCowatt; appointment board delegate, Mr. A. Rae; control board, Mr. W. Mincham; junior management delegate, Mr. T. Skinner; official critic, Mr. A. Sanders; examination committee, Messrs. J. Hammond and A. Sanders; executive committee, Messrs, Maurice Wetherill, M. Renton, and G. Kelly; honorary secretary, Mr. Wilfred Simpson; honorary treasurer, Mr. A. Chapman; auditor, Mr. Percy Rogers; social committee, Messrs, R. Otto, Mincham, Wetherill, and Sanders.^[150] At the ARL Referees’ association meeting on April 27 the appointment of Mr. R. Benson as the elected representative of the control board was well received.^[18] On July 3 the Auckland Rugby League Referees Association held a reunion at the Tiffin dining rooms. Over 50 “50 pioneers, one of whom controlled matches 29 years ago”, were included in an attendance of over 100 with Mr. L. E. Bull presiding.^[151]

• City Rovers Held their annual meeting on March 18 with Ernie Asher acknowledged his re-election as hon. secretary for the 25th consecutive year. Mr. Ted Phelan was re-elected club auditor which was a position he had held for over 20 years. C. Raynes was also re-elected to office and had been involved with the club for 10 years but had been connected to rugby league in Auckland since 1907. He had been a player, coach, and trainer with the North Shore Albions, Athletics, Ponsonby, and Richmond before joining City.^[152] Mr. George Hunt was presiding at the annual meeting and was pleased with the large attendance. Lou Brown won Mr. Hunt's gold medal for the best back and he was also congratulated on his “display against the Englishmen”. Stan Clark won the award for best forward, and Cyril Wiberg received the A.A. Smith Cup and medal as the most improved player. I. Thompson and K. Belwood were recognised for practice attendances in the senior reserves. The fourth grade was acknowledged for being undefeated and scoring 438 points for and just 22 against. Mr. C. Olsen presented a framed photograph of the side for the teams club room at Carlaw Park. The following officers were elected:- patron, Mr. C. Raynes; president, Mr. George Hunt; vide-presidents, same as last year, with several additions; hon. secretary, Mr. Ernie Asher; assistant, Mr. J. Counihan; club captain, Mr. J. Ragg; auditor, Mr. Ted Phelan. The committee was composed of junior and senior grade nominated representatives, Messrs. J. L. O’Sullivan, R. Turner, S. Dickey, and T. Chernside and the executive officers.^[153] They held their annual picnic at Motuihi on October 17.^[154] Many events were held at it and S. Dickie came first in the club championship race with J. Ragg in second. D. Hutchinson came first in the senior grade handicap followed by L. Wehner.^[155] They held their prize giving on November 24 at the Masonic Hall on Eden Terrace with the presentation of trophies.^[156] President George Hunt congratulated the sixth grade team who won the championship and knockout honours. D Hutchinson won the miniature cup for the most consistent player. The following were other trophies presented: Reserve Grade – A. Potier, Third Grade – J. Ryan (most consistent 1936–37), R. Gibson, S. Trainer, and K. Speir (most improved), and I Hatton (exemplary conduct on the field). The third grade team was runner-up in the championship and winner of the knockout competition and received the Raynes Cup for the best average of points among the juniors. Sixth grade – R. price (most improved), B. Tracey (good conduct), A Mitchell (best back), H. Gordon (best forward), and C. Vasey (best all-round player).^[157] They held their annual meeting prior to the end of the year to elect officers for the 1938 season. It was stated that they had assets of over £50. They had finished runners up for the Davis Points Shield. Their members expressed their appreciation of Ernie Asher who was in his 28th year as secretary, and having been treasurer since the inception of the club. The following officers were elected: patron, Mr. C. Raynes; president, Mr. George Hunt; vice presidents, same as last year, with power to add; club captain, Mr. J. Ragg; committee, Messrs. J. O’Sullivan, T Chermside, S. Belsham, and W. Johnson, with the balance to be elected by grade teams; secretary and treasurer, Mr. Ernie Asher.^[158]

• Ellerslie United League Football Club On February 3 the Ellerslie Town Board met and discussed the improvements made to the recreation reserve and it was recommended that “two extra flood-lights be installed at a cost of £35 10/, and an ordinary light in the dressing shed. It also urged that the fence on the northern side be set back. Rugby league football was given use of the ground on alternate Saturdays from May 1 for £9.^[159] They held their annual meeting in the Parish Hall, Ellerslie with Mr. J. McInnarney presiding over the largest attendance “for some years”. They commented on the four teams which the club fielded in 1936 including the third grade team who had been coached by Charles Gregory and won the championship. The club hoped to enter teams in the senior B, third, fourth, and seventh grades, and also two schoolboy sides. The third grade side were presented caps and the R. Benson trophy. The following officers were elected: patron, Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P.; president, Mr. J. McInnarney; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. H. McIsaac, A. Chapman, J. Court and H. McNaughton, with power to add; club captain, F. Chapman; committee, Messrs. G. Skeen (chairman), J. Pinches, A. Tobin, R. Hunter, T. Emery, J. Wilson, W. Miller, M. Campbell, H. Thomas, A. Strong; secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. Whaley; auditors, Messrs. J. Carr and O. D. Slye.^[160] The club held its annual schoolboy picnic on the 16th of October at Eastern beach. Taylor won the senior 100 yards.^[161] they held their annual full club picnic also on Eastern Beach at the end of November. F. Chapman won the club handicap race.^[162]

• Glenora Rugby League Football Club Glenora requested that a senior match be played at Glen Eden after one had been played there in 1936.^[112] Prior to the round 4 matches the Carlaw Park ground staff informed the league that the No.2 field was in a bad condition. As a result, the control board decided to just play 1 match on it and move the City v Newton senior match to Glen Eden. The Glenora club wrote to the Junior Board thanking them for playing the match there.^[163] On September 28 at the ARL junior management meeting Mr. N. Robertson was awarded a medal for the most sportsmanlike player in the third grade competition. The medal was donated by Mr. J. F. W. Dickson. Glenora's third grade team played a Ngaruawahia side at Carlaw Park as one of the curtain raiser matches to the Stormont Shield final.^[164]

• Green Lane Rugby League Club On April 20 the Junior management received with regret the resignation of the Green lane secretary, Mr. A. W. Wilson. The management committee decided to write a letter of thanks to the Auckland Racing Club for the use of its ground.^[165] Mr. F. Gadd was appointed the Green Lane delegate to succeed Mr. Kane who had resigned.^[166]

• Manukau Rugby League Club They held their annual meeting in late March with a large attendance estimated at 250. Mr. S. W. House made complimentary reference to the success of the senior team who had won the Fox Memorial the previous season. Steve Watene was congratulated on his selection as captain of New Zealand, as were Thomas Trevarthan, and Frank Pickrang for there selection. Watene was awarded the W. Cuthbert trophy as the best Auckland match player against England, and Pickrang was awarded the J. F. W. Dickson medal as the most improved Auckland player. The following officers were elected:-patron, Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P.; vice patron, Mr. J. Park, Mayor of Onehunga; president, Mr. S. W. House; committee, Messrs. C. Randrup, A. Grant, E. Rewiti, H. Buckton, D. Williams, D. Sims and C. Pullen; club captain, Mr. A. G. Bates; secretary, Mr. Steve Watene; treasurer, Mr. A. Walton.^[167] It was said after their opening preliminary match that they turned out in a completely new uniform of blue and white instead of the black and white of the previous season.^[168] The club held its annual meeting on November 15 at the Returned Soldiers Hall in Onehunga. They had a credit balance of £51. Mr C. Randrup said the idea of holding the annual meeting at this time “was to enable early preparation for next season”. The following officers were elected: patron, Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P.; president, Mr. S. W. House; committee, Messrs. C. Randrup, E. Reweti, J. W. Watson; secretary, Mr. Allen Porter; treasurer, Mr. A. Walton; auditor, Mr. N. A. Ching. The vice-presidents, with power to add, were also elected.^[169]

• Marist Old Boys League Football Club Held their annual meeting at King George's Hall in Mount Albert on March 10 at 7:30pm.^[170] Their annual report which was presented to the ARL on May 12. It was scathing of the performance and effort of many of its sides who were “hopelessly beaten last season, due to a lack of enthusiasm by the players and by those in charge of them. The senior team were the worst offenders, and their failure to show a proper example to the younger members in the matter of attendance at practice caused the executive much concern”. The outgoing committee recommended that players have to account for their absence at Tuesday and Thursday trainings. The following players were elected as follows: patron, His Lordship Bishop Liston; president, Mr. Joe Sayegh, committee (acting with coaches and ex-officio officers), Messrs. J. Ball, W. Maddigan, G. Copas, P. Hughes, and F Webberley; hon. secretary, Mr. Jack Kirwan; hon. treasurer, Mr. P Fletcher; club captain, Mr. Jim Laird (vice Mr. Hec Brisbane; delegate to junior management, Mr. F. Thompson; to school management, Mr. G. Foster; auditors, Messrs. O. H. Johnson and J. F. Hollinrake; hon masseurs, Messrs. G. Duffy and D. Petty.^[171]

• Mount Albert Rugby League Football Club held their ninth annual meeting on March 10. The club report said that they had had over 140 players spread across several teams in 1936. The Mount Albert Borough Council had erected an up-to-date dressing shed at Fowlds Park training ground along with flood lighting for training. The annual cup given by vice patron, Mr. A. S. Richards, M.P. for the most conscientious player in any grade, went to L. Slattery, of the second grade team. Mr. H. Cottrell's medal for most improved senior was won by J Schultz, Mrs. Parvin's medal for most consistent reserve player went to E. Dunne, and Mrs Hanlon's medal for the best all-rounder in the seconds to J. Patterson. A Sumich won the cup give for the best schoolboy. The club reported a credit balance of £102 5/.^[172] Over 200 players and supporters attended their annual meeting with Mr. A. C. Gallagher presiding. They decided to hold a “district queen carnival in conjunction with the bowling club and local branch of the R.S.A.”. The following officers were elected as follows:- patron, the Mayor (Mr. Henry Albert Anderson); vice-patron, Mr. Arthur Shapton Richards, M.P., president Mr. A. C. Gallagher; vice presidents, same as last year with power to add; secretary, Mr. H. G. Shaw; assistant, Mr. R. Larson; treasurer, Mr. W. Schultz; club captain, Mr. F. Martin; auditor, Mr. S. C. Johnston.^[173] On April 24 Mount Albert held a gala day sports meeting in aid of the Queen Carnival which was being run for the benefit of the Mount Albert RL club, the Ex-Servicemen's Club, and the Mount Albert Bowling Club. A seven-a-side football competition for schoolboys, wrestling displays, fancy dress and other novelty events would be held along with a match between Mount Albert seniors against Richmond.^[174] In mid May Mount Albert signed J. Tristram who was an All Black trialist in 1936. He weighed 13.5st and had previously played for the Frankton club and Waikato.^[175] Mount Albert held a dance organised by their committee in aid of the carnival funds on June 14. It was held at the Peter Pan Cabaret.^[176]

• Newton Rangers Football Club held their annual meeting at the Y.M.C.A. Patron Mr. M. Hooper congratulated the club on its sound progress and referred to the loss to Te Awamutu of the chairman Mr. Roy C. Baddeley. After 26 years of service Mr. G. Steven was made a life member. The chairman on behalf of the donor, Mr. Cloke, presented a blazer to Athol Massey for “his fine leadership and example as captain of the third grade A team”. The following officers were elected: patron, Mr. M. Hooper; vice-patron, Mr. W. Monteith; president, the hon. W. E. Parry; vice presidents, same as last year, with power to add; secretary and assistant, Messrs. E. W. Cloke and G Matthews; treasurer, Mr. P. Henry; committee, Messrs. G Steven, J. F. Dyer, N. Reston, K. Grantley, and C. Moyle.^[177] On June 30 at the board of control meeting the suspension of A. Nathan for an off field incident during the previous season was uplifted after “strong representations from Newton Rangers”. The incident the previous season had dragged on as several efforts were made to appeal the decision for weeks and months after the incident.^[178]

• North Shore Albions On January 9 ‘Devonport’ held a dance at the Masonic Hall in Devonport organised by the Junior Rugby League. The venue was decorated in the club colours of green and white.^[179] They held another similar event in early February.^[180] At their annual club meeting on March 17 Mr. Archie Ferguson presided. There was discussion of the name of the club. “Owing to the district restriction implied by the name “Devonport”, and the fact that the team was always called “Shore”, Mr. H. Mann was supported in a proposal for a reversion to the club's old name, North Shore Albion Rugby League Club”. The name of Devonport United had been adopted when North Shore Albions merged with the Sunnyside club many years earlier and the Sunnyside members refused to accept the name of North Shore. The motion to change the name back to North Shore Albions was adopted. Club trophies were presented to the following players: W. Thompson (reserves), J. Smith and L. Brown (third grade), P. McCavery and F Hines (fourths), G. Gilbert and F. Calderbank (fifths), and G. Drough (schoolboys). Len Scott was congratulated on his New Zealand selection. The following officers were elected:- patron, Captain Meiklejohn; vice patrons, Messrs. Mr. J. Donald and E. Kelly; president, Mr. Archie Ferguson; vice presidents, same as last year, with several new nominations; club captain, Mr. F. Bolger; schoolboy delegate, Mr. V. Rose; hon secretary and treasurer, Mr. M. Coghlan; hon auditor, Mr. E. Ford; committee, Messrs. Mann, Foster, Langton, Williams, Seagar, and Johnson.^[26]

• Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers Football Club Northcote sent a request to the Junior Management Committee on May 4 asking that a senior match be played in the suburb in aid of the King George V. Memorial Fund on the municipal ground which would be free of charge for the occasion. The application was referred to the control board.^[181] On September 21 the Northcote Borough Council received a letter from the Northcote club expressing “appreciation of the facilities provided for practice and matches at the Municipal ground in Stafford Road where the conditions were far superior to the grounds played on in and about Auckland City.^[182]

• Otahuhu Rovers Rugby League Football Club At the Otahuhu Borough Council meeting on March 8 the use of Sturges Park in Otahuhu was discussed. The ARL asked for all football codes to be considered (after the Otahuhu RL club was denied use of the ground controversially in 1936). The ARL suggested that the “opportunity be given to all codes to tender for the ground for the whole season, or that the Otahuhu Council should follow the lead of other local bodies and make a flat charge for the ground and allot it on a pro rata basis. The council decided to invite representatives of the rugby league to attend a special meeting on March 10 to state their proposals.^[183] At the twenty sixth annual meeting of the Otahuhu Rugby League Football Club Mr. J. Clark presided. The seventh grade players were presented with caps in honour of winning their championship. The club had also won the points shield for junior clubs. The following officers were elected:- patron, Mr. Charles Robert Petrie, M.P.; president Mr. J. Nicholson; vice presidents, same as last year, with several additions, chairman, Mr. J. Clark; hon secretary, Mr. W. Hart; hon treasurer, Mr. Ivan Kelly; committee, Messrs. Docherty, C. Clarke, O. McManus, M. Harris, T. Auckram, W. Gordon, J. Porteous, T. Mann, and W. G. Bright. The club nominated seven teams for the 1937 season.^[184] In mid October the Otahuhu Rovers held a social evening organised largely by the ladies’ committee to celebrate the third and fifth grade teams who won their championships. There were approximately 300 people in attendance at the Otahuhu Public Hall. Mr. H. T. Clements presented the teams with caps for their success. A trophy for the most conscientious seventh grade player was won by M. Miles, and E. McManus won the Porteous Medal for the best schoolboy player.^[185] In September the Otahuhu third grade team travelled to Taneatua and played the Bay of Plenty juniors, winning 28–6.^[164]

• Papakura Rugby League Football Club Papakura held a dance on January 26 at the Regent Theatre with a large attendance present estimated at 450. The Senior B team which won the Sharman Cup and Walmsley Shield in 1936 was presented with their caps by manager Les McVeagh. Captain Gordon Wilson paid tribute to vice-captain Mr. E. Pope who “had not missed a match for five seasons, and during that time he had played in 95 games”.^[186][187] They held their 6th annual meeting on March 4 with Mr. Gordon Wilson presiding before around 70. The annual report showed expenditure of £136 and a credit balance of £80 17s 5d. The amount spent on transport was £55. The following officers were elected: patron, Mr. Hugh A. Pollock; president Mr Les McVeagh; vice presidents, Messrs S. H. Godden, Allan McGregor, A Richardson, F. J. Verner, V Hardwick, and C Chamberlain; executive committee Messrs G. Wilson, V and E Ashby, W.K. Francis jun., W. Elliot, N. Widdowson and R. S. Williams; grounds Messrs F. Wells, A Schwartsfeger, A Hill and R Bates; social Messrs E Searle, M Wright, R Hammond and A McGuiness; treasurer Mr R Walsh; club captain, Mr Frank Osborne; physicians, Dr. G. W. Lock and Dr. Warren Young; auditor Mr J Beams.^[188][17] They held a dance at the Regent Theatre on March 2.^[189] In April the club held two practice matches at Prince Edward Park with J. Fogarty, an ex-South Auckland and Manukau Rugby Union representative appearing. Papakura intended on fielding five teams in various grades.^[190] The club saw an increase of their ground rental at Prince Edward Park of £5 to £10 at the Papakura Town Board meeting in mid April. Mr. H. D. Spinley said “he was aware that ground rents in Auckland had increased, but to raise the charge” by that amount was “not playing the game” with the League club when compared with the board's proposal to charge the Rugby union club £1 1s for the railway reserve. Mr. D. Weir replied “if the railway reserve was in the same condition as prince Edward Park it, too would be worth £10, but the reserve is rough and has not the same facilities as the park.^[191] A deputation was sent to a Papakura Town Board's meeting 2 weeks later however the board stood by their decision after stating that they were spending more on the ground than they were receiving from the club including grass cutting, fence constructions, goal posts, flood lighting and installing a cold shower.^[192] The Manurewa Town Board decided on April 19 that it would grant rugby league the use of Jellicoe Park until 3pm on Saturday's and rugby the use of it beyond this hour.^[193] The Papakura club enquired with the council as to where the floodlights were that we supposed to be installed at Prince Edward Park but whose whereabouts were unknown.^[194] On October 15 the club gave a complimentary dinner to the members of the senior B team in honour of their achievements. The dinner was held in Pegler's building with “a good number of members [making] the journey to Manurewa, where they were joined by Manurewa supporters. Les McVeigh, the president of the club welcomed the chairman of the Auckland junior control board, Mr. D. Wilkie, secretary Mr. M. W. Clarke, Mr. I. Stonex, assistant secretary, and also Mr. J. Edwards who was representing the Manurewa Town Board. Norman Widdowson thanked the league for all their assistance to the club. Wilkie replied that they always looked forward to attending the Papakura club functions and that the Papakura club was the main reason the senior B grade even existed. He also said that there was a possibility of the club moving to the senior A grade and that as a club they were ranked “among the first three clubs in Auckland”. Clarke said he was of the opinion that “Papakura was the next club to get among the senior clubs, …[and that the club should] not supply players to city clubs but keep them in its own club and territory”.^[195] They held their annual club picnic at McNicol's farm at Clevedon on December 12 with over 400 in attendance. 10 lorries were required to transport everybody there. I. Wilson won the senior B 100 yard race.^[196][197]

• Point Chevalier League Football Club
• Ponsonby United Football Club held their annual meeting on February 22. There was a “good attendance of players and supporters present with Mr. R. Francis presiding. The club report said that the acquisition of a social hall and clubrooms had proved a big success during the previous season. The senior team was presented with the Stuart Cup for being the most successful team in the club after they won the Phelan Shield in the knockout competition. They had been coached by Bert Cooke. The club was showing a “substantial profit, and assets amounted to £488, while there were no liabilities”.^[198] The following officers were elected; Patron, Mr A. Adams; president, Mr F Harrison; executive committee, Messrs R Francis, J Armstrong, A Barnett, Frank Delgrosso, D Maloney; honorary secretary, Mr M Campbell, honorary treasurer Mr L Adams; selector and coach, Mr Bert Cooke; club captain, A McIntyre, with twenty three vice-presidents re-elected.^[199] It was later rumoured that Cooke would not coach Ponsonby and would in fact coach a rugby union club side but this was denied at the Auckland Control Board meeting of March 17.^[20] It was then reported that he was going to be an honorary ‘coach’ for the North Shore Rugby Football Club but was still the official coach of Ponsonby Rugby League Club.^[200]

• Richmond Rovers Football Club held their 23rd annual meeting at the Gaiety Hall in Grey Lynn on March 2 with Mr B.W. Davis presiding. Mention was made of the number of teams the club fielded in the previous season and the fact that they retained the Davis Points Shield. Congratulations was extended to R Powell, W Tittleton, and E Mincham on their selection in the New Zealand side. The club had assets worth £216 17/ and had a credit balance of £143 7/. Club captain A. Hyland was retiring and gave a speech on their various teams and awarded the Harry Johns Memorial Cup to the sixth grade winners. Mr W. Mincham's special cap for goal-kicking was awarded to E. McCarthy (seventh grade), who kicked 40 goals in 17 matches. Tribute was also paid to Mr. W.A. Swift, who had been associated with the club for 21 years as a player and as an official and he was gifted a “substantial piece of furniture”. The following officers were elected: patron, Mr. W.J. Holdsworth; vice-patron, Mr. J. Redwood, sen; president, Mr. B. W. Davis; vice-presidents, same as last year, with three new nominations; chairman, Mr. W. A. Swift; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr W.R. Dick; club captain, Mr. Ralph Jenkinson; manager of senior team, Mr. A. Hyland; schools’ delegate, Mr. C. Rowe; auditor, Mr. J.A. Redwood.^[201] In June the Richmond club made enquiries with regards to touring New South Wales but was told it was unlikely as the league there could not accommodate them on the desired dates.^[202] The trip was cancelled entirely in mid July after the dates suggested were considered too late for Richmond to be able to earn enough money to cover their expenses.^[203]

• R.V. Rugby League Football Club Held their annual meeting in early March. They were a company team for Harvey and Sons. Harvey later merged and became part of Carter Holt Harvey. The following officers were elected: Chairman, Mr. E Muller; patron, Mr. A.G. Harvey; vice presidents, Messrs, D. Harvey, W. Harvey sen, W. Harvey jun, A Harvey jun, C Hamilton, J. McGeehan, E Griffiths, W. Rabbidge, C. Smith, R. Parr, A. Cloke; secretary, Mr. G Dines; treasurer, Mr. F.W. Day; selector coaches, Mr. T. Shearer (second grade), and Mr. E. Knight (third grade); committee to represent each factory, Messrs, R. Parr and E Knight (Victoria Street), Messrs T. Shearer and J. Salter (Albert Street), Messrs. W. Halverson and A. Brown (King's Drive); delegate, Mr. R. Parr; deputy delegate, Mr. G. Dines; official linesmen, Messrs, J. Salter (second grade), and W. Halverson (third grade).^[204]

Senior grade registrations and transfers

At North Shore Albions annual meeting on March 17 they stated that a number of new players were enrolled, including Ivor Stirling of Northland.^[26]

At the board of control meeting on April 14 the following senior registrations were approved, Transfers: Cliff Satherley from Richmond to Mount Albert; R.H. Ferrall from Mount Albert to Newton; C Cairns, Pukemiro to Mount Albert; R McGreal, Ngaruawahia to Marist (subject to approval by the New Zealand Council.^[205] On April 20 C.C. Murton was transferred from Ellersie 3rd grade to Manukau seniors.^[165] On April 21 ten players were registered with two of them including L.C. Bain a well known Otago runner and ex-member of the Union club in Dunedin, and William J. McCallum, a North Auckland athlete. Transfers were: D.E. Keane from Marist to Ponsonby. S.W. Sherson was reinstated with E Tremain (South Auckland) being cleared to join North Shore.^[206]

On May 5 the following transfers were granted:- J.W. Donald from North Shore Albions to City Rovers; C.R. Phillips from Otahuhu senior B to Manukau; J. Stannaway, Otahuhu senior B to Marist reserves; E.W.H. Barfoot, Marist reserves to Ponsonby reserves; J Shadbolt, Newton reserves to Glenora; P. Awhitu and P. Kauhoa, City to R.V; K Nicolson, Richmond thirds to Marist reserves; F Deason, Ponsonby reserves to R.V.^[207] On May 12 the following registrations were granted: H. Crook and Frederick Hollis with Newton, Norman F. Drew with Mount Albert, and P. C. N. Strickland with Marist. The following were transferred: H. Crook (North Shore to Newton), G Newton (Petone to Newton). While Alf Broadhead of Richmond was cleared to play in Wellington subject to approval by the New Zealand Council.^[208] On May 17 P Wickham and A McDonald were regraded from Glenora Senior B to 3rd grade.^[146] On May 19 the following transfers were granted: H. E. Neale (Papakura to Ponsonby reserves), E. Donovan (Marist to City reserves), Walter Preston (Mount Albert to Newton reserves). T.C.G. Pierce (One Tree Hill Point Club in Whangarei to Newton reserves), and Noel Messenger (Central Club in Wellington to Newton). E Tackle was regraded from North Shore reserves to Richmond senior B. James Tristram from the Waikato was registered with Mount Albert while M.J.L. West was reinstated (he had previously played with Ellerslie.^[23] At the meeting of the junior management on May 25 A. McDonald was regraded from Glenora senior B to 3rd grade as was S.G. Johnson of Otahuhu.^[163] On May 26 the following players were registered: A. Smith, F.W. Just, A Bullat (City); C.R. Coburn, D.J. Thomas (North Shore); S.J. Davis, S.J. Murfitt, S Owens (Ponsonby).^[209]

On June 2 F. R. Halsey was transferred from Mount Albert to Marist while L. Conway was cleared to play for Mount Albert. K Campbell was registered with City, T.C. Allen and R Dunster with Manukau, and I Cruickshank with North Shore.^[210] On June 15 J.H. Shadbolt transferred from Glenora senior B to Mount Albert, while Roy Avery transferred from Newton 3rd grade to R.V. senior B.^[211] On June 17 J. O’Brien of Marist was transferred to South Auckland.^[212] In late June L.H. Cootes joined the Ponsonby club. He was the brother of Joe Cootes, the New Zealand international. L.H. Cootes was a former Horowhenua rugby representative and weighed 15st 4lb.^[213] On June 30 C.H. Lacey of the Grafton rugby club was registered with City Rovers.^[178]

On July 7 the following transfers were approved: Frank Pickrang (Manukau to Ponsonby), G Ellis (from Newton to Mount Albert and regraded to senior B). G Hamilton's clearance from Newton to Marist was granted. S Bluett was registered with City, S.A. and J.W. Prendergast with Ponsonby.^[214] On July 13 R.S. Pyke was transferred from Papakura senior B to R.V.^[215] On July 14 R.L. Best was granted a transfer from City senior B to Mount Albert senior B.A. Hamilton was registered with Mount Albert, while G. Radcliffe was regraded from Richmond senior reserves to senior B.^[216] On July 21 I. Wilson was granted a transfer from Mount Albert seniors, and lately St George (Wellington) to Papakura senior B.^[217]

On August 24 E Gifford was granted a transfer from Mount Albert senior B to Richmond senior B.^[218]

References