1934 Auckland Rugby League Season

The 1934 Auckland Rugby League season was its 26th. The senior championship was won by Richmond Rovers who ran away with the title with an 11 win, 2 loss record. Such was their dominance that a 14th round was not played as Richmond had a 6-point lead over their nearest competitor Newton Rangers. Richmond also won the Roope Rooster knockout competition with a 20 to 13 win over Marist Old Boys in the final. Their remarkable season also included the Stormont Shield which they won 21 to 5 over Newton Rangers. This was the first ever time that an Auckland club had won all three senior grade titles in the same season. The Richmond reserve grade team also won the title which was remarkable in that they lost their first two matches before reeling off 12 consecutive wins to claim the title. They also won the Stallard Cup knockout competition when they beat City Rovers Reserves 21 to 9. Richmond also recorded two wins over the touring Western Suburbs side who had won the New South Wales premiership with 18–16 and 10–3 wins. This was easily the strongest set of results of any club at the senior level in Auckland Rugby League's history to this point and arguably to this day.

The Roope Rooster competition saw the debut of the Mt Albert and Papakura senior teams playing in a senior A grade competition. Both teams performed meritoriously before Mt Albert went down to Ponsonby 19 to 11, and Papakura lost to Marist 6 points to 3. Both teams then played in the inaugural Phelan Sheld competition which was ultimately won by Newton Rangers.

The Auckland representative team had a successful season recording wins over Taranaki by 35 to 8, Northland 19 to 12, and South Auckland by 36 to 16. The season also saw the first ever match for an official Auckland Māori team which played under the name Tamaki. New Zealand Māori rugby league teams had been formed and toured Australia in the 1910s and 20s but none had specifically represented Auckland. There had been club teams in Auckland largely recognised as being 'Māori' teams in the Manukau and Onehunga area since rugby league formed in the area around 1908–1911. During the 1934 season the Mangere Māori team also played several tour matches along with its Auckland competition matches.

Auckland Rugby League meetings and news

Auckland Rugby League meetings

At the annual meeting of the junior management committee on 20 March the report they received showed that the number of players and clubs had increased by over 11% and 14% respectively. Registration fees were an increase on 1932 by £12 4/6. Mr. D. Wilkie was elected chairman, Mr. E. Chapman deputy chairman, while Mr. Mr. W.F. Clarke was elected secretary to replace the long serving and retiring Mr. T.R. Davis. Davis was later appointed as a life member of New Zealand Rugby League, as was Arthur Ball (ex-chairman of the Auckland Rugby League Referees’ Association, and C. Adamson (ex-chairman of the Junior Management Committee).

The annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League was held in the League Rooms, Grey Buildings, on Monday, 9 April. The report presented showed that the balance-sheet figures improved on the previous season. "The principal of sharing the gate receipts with the clubs competing... has without doubt proved very beneficial in creating the team spirit to improve the standard of play required for No. 1 ground qualification each week-end and also has been reflected in a greater esprit de corps amongst club members, as well as a correspondingly enhanced friendly rivalry between the contestants that in turn excites public patronage to Carlaw Park". The gate takings were over £400, being available as grants to senior clubs in 1933. The working gate takings were £1,953 12/9 from club matches (an increase of £158). Ground rents of £154 7/ were lower but profits of £196 18/ were recorded from matches with visiting provincial teams. Registered player fees accounted for £99 12/ and this combined with donations and the earlier stated income meant total receipts of £2,636 2/5. Expenditure was £487 17/6 on ground rents, £340 17/2 on maintenance and upkeep of the park and grounds, £175 on staffing grounds and cost to officials, and minor expenses. This meant a balance of £21 4’8 to be carried forward. The profit and loss account showed a surplus of assets valued at £6,415 19/7.

Reference was also made to the services of George Rhodes who had passed away at the end of the 1933 season after many years as chairman of the league. At the annual meeting the following officers were elected: patron, Mr. J.B. Donald; vice-patron, Mr. J.F.W. Dickson; president, Mr. James Carlaw; vice-presidents, Messrs. O. Blackwood, H. Grange, W. Wallace, C. Seagar, R. Benson, C.H. Drysdale, A.E. Laird, John A. Lee, R.H. Wood, R.T. Sharman, J. Donald, Joe Sayegh, J. Lovatt, W.S. Shramm, E. Morton, H. Walmsley, C. Wright, Montgomery and Bagnall; deputy-chairman, Mr. E.J. Phelan; hon. Secretary, Mr. Ivan Culpan; hon treasurer, Mr. J.E. Knowling; delegate to New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. R. Doble; auditor, Mr. R.A. Spinley; hon solicitor, Mr. H.M. Rogerson; referees’ delegate on the management committee, Mr. W. Mincham; club delegates, Mr Jim Rukutai and J.W. Probert; hon physicians, Drs. R. Tracey Inglis, Mr. G. Pezaro, F.J. Gwynne and K.H. Holdgate; press steward, Mr. R. Doble; board of control, Messrs. Campbell, Rukutai, Doble, L. Binns, Probert, Mincham, D. Wilkie, Ellis, Knowling and Ivan Cuplan; trustees, Messrs. John Stormont, E.J. Phelan, and G. Grey Campbell.

At a board of control meeting in April it was decided that unemployed patrons would be admitted to Carlaw Park with the same concession as the previous season provided they produced their levy book regularly and it was stamped by the Labour Department. At the same meeting Mt Albert United applied to have their colours changed from mauve to blue and gold. This was referred to the junior management committee.

Rules

It was reported that in the latest English rule book there was a goal line drop out being taken when teams forced the ball in their own in goal area and that New Zealand would also adopt the rule. It was decided to implement the rule at the start of the second round. After clarifying the interpretation of the law in England it was established that the attacking team needed to stand five yards from the goal-line when the defending side drops the ball out from between its posts.

Continued dissatisfaction was felt around the policing of the play the ball which caused problems. And late tacking was also said to be spoiling play. The referee committee said at their 21 May meeting that they intended to take drastic action on this matter. At the Auckland Rugby League Board of Control meeting on 23 May chairman Campbell drew attention to the practice of players charging into opponents and using their knees. He said it was a serious offence, not a tackle and not football at all. The referees association took up the matter and said that all senior clubs would be written to and told that such conduct would not be tolerated. As a result of a large number of matches which were late kicking off due to teams arriving late or match officials arriving late or not at all the league pointed out "that a visiting team could be granted a 15-minute concession in starting and the length of spells could be reduced to 35 minutes each way by mutual agreement between the captains".

At its weekly meeting the Board of Control banned metal sprigs after the Newton club's officials and players complained “strongly” against their use.

The senior competition

It was decided that the championship would commence on 28 April and consist of three rounds. However the Auckland Rugby League would reserve the right to select the four leading teams to hasten the find for the champions if necessary.

The league promoted the senior competition by taking the unusual approach of naming all the senior coaches and including boastful quotes from each of them in its newspaper advertisements. The advertisement went "What the Coaches say: Lar Seagar: Devonport will again be Champion and Champion of Champions. Scotty McClymont: Richmond will be hard. The Rooster will be a Champion this year. Duggie McGregor: Nothing can stop Newton winning. Pope Gregory: Marist O.B. will win from the start. The team is in great heart. Frank Delgrosso: Ponsonby will this year produce the finest League team for many a day. Ben Davidson: City Rovers will be the sensation of the season. A team of All Blacks".

Newton, Richmond, and Ponsonby all sported new uniforms which were well received after their opening matches.

Carlaw Park

A new stand was planned for Carlaw Park to be built prior to the “next winter season”. It would cost £3,000 and have “concrete foundations and built in wood”. Preliminary architectural plans were submitted by Mr Piper and Mr. Brooker. “The new stand while embracing the present stand, which would harmonise with the main design, will provide seating accommodation for from 2,500 to 3,000 people. It will incorporate the latest facilities for public and players. Teams will take the field from under the central part of the stand”. The stands would also feature a large room for each senior club “fitted with lockers, and hot and cold showers would be a feature of the dressing rooms, which will be built under the stand. Conveniences for the general public will also be provided”. The present grandstand would be renovated and the new build would have “glass fronts and sides, to protect spectators from the wet weather... the work is to be commenced immediately, and it may be completed within two weeks of the opening of the 1934 season”. Work started on the new grandstand on 9 March after the plans and specifications were "perused by the Auckland City Council, which proposed several alterations with a view to improvement of the building". The changes were accepted by the trustees of the Auckland Rugby League but it would mean in increase in the contract price to a little over £3,000. It was aimed to complete the contract in May. Mr. E.J. Phelan, a trustee and vice chairman of Auckland Rugby League announced that the successful tenderer was Mr. R.A. Cornish of Newmarket. The architects were Mr. L.S. Piper and Mr. L.E. Brooker who had submitted the initial plans. By 15 March excavation works had been undertaken and were near completion. The board inspected them on 16 March. Ponsonby United donated £150 and it was hoped at the annual meeting that other clubs would also contribute £50 each towards the costs. On 21 April the league arranged practice matches at Carlaw Park with the main match being between Marist and Ponsonby with those teams reserve grade sides playing the curtain-raiser. A charge of sixpence admission would go towards the grandstand funds which was expected to be completed by the following week. Ponsonby defeated Marist by 13–0. The stand ultimately cost £3,500 and as it neared completion the New Zealand Herald published a photograph of it. In order to further help pay for the new stand the league sold 300 season tickets to the new stand which would entitle the purchaser to attend all matches under the control of the Auckland Rugby League this year. The tickets would cost £1 each. A third anonymous offer of £100 was received from a supporter of the code which was gratefully accepted at the Board of Control meeting on 9 May. The new grandstand was to be opened on Saturday 12 May by Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe and the clubs.

On 12 May the new grandstand was officially opened by Lord Bledisloe in front of 17,000 spectators which was a record for a club match. Following the matches the six senior and six reserve teams "took up their respective club quarters in the new grandstand... and were delighted with the improved facilities. The Ponsonby Boys’ Band played at the park and the pavilion was thrown open for public inspection". Lord Bledisloe had said when opening the new stand that "he had always been a firm believer in the advantages of football, both as a means of developing physique, and in forming character and a sense of discipline. Some 24 years ago on the area which was now Carlaw Park the Chinese, he understood, had cultivated vegetables; to-day the ground was in use for the cultivation of sport and of health and character, which flowed from sport when conducted fairly, honestly and in a spirit of unselfishness. Congratulating the League organisation on its enterprise Lord Bledisloe ventured the hope that the sport would continue and flourish, and be maintained in New Zealand for many years to come". He went on to say that the "erection of the new pavilion had provided useful work for about 60 men... and was built of good New Zealand rimu timber. In spite of the new stand and facilities the league still received a letter from Ellerslie United complaining about the inadequate shower facilities at the ground.

Lights were installed in the park later in the season and at the final ARL meeting of the year a vote of thanks was "accorded Mr F.E. McEwan, the Ponsonby Club treasurer, for his work in connection with the lighting facilities".

Chairman Campbell's Sydney visit

Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the league visited Sydney to meet administrators of the game there. He returned to Auckland on 7 April. He said that there was a possibility that the Sydney University team would make a visit along with the Sydney premiership winners. Campbell said that his visit had shown "him how seriously the management committees of the various clubs regarded training. They had more control over the players than did New Zealand. The object... was to get the teams on the ground in the best condition possible. They believed that the team "that gets in first" gave the others a handicap that took some getting over during the season, and no time and money were spared in preparation".

Broadcast of matches from Carlaw Park

The district radio engineer, Mr. L.L. Macey stated that there was "no ban on the broadcasting of Rugby League football in Auckland", however the station 1ZB was going to be unable to broadcast matches. The reason being that its application for an extension of broadcasting hours had been turned down by 'Wellington' and as the football was played outside of their broadcast hours they would be unable to carry any coverage. The decision was met by indignation from New Zealand Rugby League and it was decided to strongly protest and follow up with other action. The protest entailed an immediate telegraph to the Postmaster General "against unfair discrimination at the cost of the many supporters of the game who paid for licenses as listeners...the executive also was requested to communicate with individual members of Parliament on the subject, and the incoming committee was urged to take further action, if necessary, as it was a matter of urgency to the code and to the general public". 1ZB had applied two months earlier and was ready to begin broadcasting from the opening weekend of matches however the decision not to allow it had occurred in the days prior to the season opening. Rugby Union was going to be broadcast out of the Broadcasting Boards own funds, and soccer was going to be broadcast through 1YA. Chairman of New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. Cyril Sneddon said "well, it looks as though there is at the moment a ban, or threatened ban, on Rugby League football – just another tilt at the code". There were many other accusations of "strings being pulled" made by delegates from around the regions. It was decided by the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Postmaster-General to arrange for the broadcasting of Auckland League football match results. He advised a deputation that he would ascertain if the service could be fitted in with the programme of 1YA or 1YX at a lengthy meeting on the issue where many voices were heard. Station 1ZB rearranged their Saturday programme so that rugby league broadcasts could be done. They cut out a portion of their Saturday morning programme to make room for the afternoon broadcast of the league. This meant that they did not need to apply to an extension of their hours. The decision was met very favourably by league chairman Campbell who said "we are very pleased with the result...listeners in the country districts especially will appreciate the action of 1ZB in meeting that has become a widespread demand for the broadcasting of League matches from Carlaw Park".

Life memberships

Mr. T. Davis was elected a life member of the Auckland Rugby League after he had retired. He had served as a delegate for five years, and for eight years he was the secretary of the junior management committee. At the 30 May meeting, Mr. F.D. Ellis was made a life member, he had been on the board and served as treasurer for 14 years. He was resigning due to ill health and moving to Australia.

Hec Brisbane's retirement

At the end of the season New Zealand international and long serving Marist Old Boys player Hec Brisbane decided to retire. He had debuted for Marist in the 1923 season and played for them continuously ending up having played for 11 seasons and made 158 appearances for them, scoring 71 tries. Brisbane made his Auckland debut in 1923 and played for Auckland 14 times, scoring 9 tries and 1 appearance for Auckland Province. Brisbane played 5 times for the North Island where he scored 7 tries in clashes with the South Island. His international debut for New Zealand came in just his second season, in 1924, with his final appearance in the black and white jersey in 1932. In total he played for New Zealand on 50 occasions, including 10 tests and he scored 21 tries and kicked 6 goals, with 5 tries coming in tests. On 27 October his Marist club played a benefit match in his honour against Newton Rangers at Carlaw Park. His Marist side won by 30 points to 21. Brisbane went on the serve on the Marist committee for several years and in 1937 was the sole selector for the Auckland representative team and he held the same role with others from 1938 to 1940. He was the North Island selector in 1938 and 1939. In 1938 he was appointed New Zealand selector with Thomas McClymont, and Jim Amos to choose the side to tour Australia.

Phelan Shield's debut

The Phelan Shield (which is still competed for today) was first awarded in 1934. It was a "handsome carved shield" presented to Auckland Rugby League by Edward John Phelan (known commonly as Ted Phelan), one of the trustees of rugby league in Auckland. The shield was played for by the 4 losing teams from the first round of the Roope Rooster and was won by Newton who defeated Ponsonby in the final by 18 points to 10.

Origin of the Sharman Cup

On 20 October, at the Charity Day at Carlaw Park, a "beautiful silver cup" was handed over by Mr. J Smith on behalf of Mr. R.P. Sharman. He was the merchandise manager of George Court and Sons Ltd and was being transferred to London, England. He wished to leave "a happy recollection of his association with league football" and wished that the trophy should be awarded in "a competition worthy of its value". The trophy is still played for today in lower senior grades.

Obituary

Arthur Carlaw

On 12 November Arthur Carlaw died in Christchurch aged 51. He was a stonemason by trade and the nephew of James Carlaw, who Carlaw Park was named after. Arthur Carlaw was one of the pioneers of the rugby league game in New Zealand and made 20 appearances for Auckland from 1909 to 1913, and 17 matches for New Zealand over the same years. He also played 25 times for Ponsonby United from 1908 to 1913. Carlaw moved to Christchurch in the mid 1920s where he coached and refereed for several seasons. He had been in poor health for "many years past, owing to having been gassed while in France. He assurvived by his widow and two young children".

Western Suburbs tour

The 1934 New South Wales champions Western Suburbs club from Sydney decided to tour New Zealand in September/October. Due to the unavailability of a player they strengthened their side with the addition of Percy Williams of South Sydney, and Jack Lynch of Eastern Suburbs. Their first match was with Marist where they won, this was followed by a draw with Newton, a loss to Richmond, a win over Ponsonby, and a loss in the return match with Richmond. They were the fifth Australian club to visit New Zealand following on from visits by University, South Sydney, Eastern Suburbs, and St George. They arrived on board the Mariposa Ship on 22 September before commencing a light training run. Four regular first grade players were unable to make the trip but the manager Mr. J. J. White said the side was strengthened by four substitutes "who, in the opinion of State selectors, with the ten regular, brought the tourists well up to full strength". Just prior to the fourth match with Ponsonby a fire broke out at the Nicholls Brothers Limited premise on Stanley Street with the building being extensively damaged. The boys who played in the curtain-raiser ran from the field to collect their clothes from the dressing shed as they feared the fire may spread to the sheds and offices of Auckland Rugby League. Like many teams who toured New Zealand they spent the last part of their trip touring the Rotorua area taking in the thermal attractions. By defeating the touring side Richmond won the Rangatira Shield for the Sydney-Auckland championship.

Tour matches

Fox Memorial Shield (senior championship)

Fox Memorial standings

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Fox Memorial fixtures

The new grandstand at Carlaw Park was opened on 12 May along with the Round 3 matches in front of an enormous attendance of 17,000.

It was decided after Round 13 to cease the championship and crown Richmond champions as they were 6 points clear and embarking on a southern tour rendering any further matches meaningless in terms of deciding the title.

Round 1

Cyril Blacklaws of Newton Rangers received concussion and facial injuries and was taken to Auckland Hospital in a St John's ambulance but his condition was said to be not serious. C. Allen of Newton was ordered off for kicking a Richmond Rovers player and was suspended for two playing Saturday's. R. Sellars the Newton wing left the field injured and it was reported 5 weeks later in ''The New Zealand Herald'' that he was still in hospital recovering from his injury. The insurance committee reported earlier that Blacklaws and Sellars would indeed be in Auckland Hospital for a prolonged period but that both players "were to be covered by insurance".

Round 2

Herbert Thompson of Devonport was concussed when he collided with another player. He was taken to Auckland Hospital in an ambulance but his condition was said to be not serious. The solitary try that City scored pushed them past the 4,000 point mark in all senior A championship games stretching back to 1910. They were the first club to achieve this feat.

Round 3

For the third weekend in a row a player was concussed in a senior match at Carlaw Park and was taken by a St John's ambulance to Auckland Hospital. This time it was the turn of Devonport fullback, and ex-Kiwi Albert Laing. His condition that evening was said to be "satisfactory".

Round 4

McLeay and R Purdy were both ordered off for City Rovers in their match with Richmond Rovers.

Round 5

Round 6

Hec Brisbane came out of retirement to lead a Marist side which had been struggling somewhat. He was to play until the end of the season and officially hang up his boot for good with a benefit match played for him in October. Eight of their players had refused to play after taking issue over the clubs finances including Des Herring, Gordon Campbell, Claude List, and Wilf Hassan. Hassan then left the club and switched to Marist rugby club. Herbert Thompson was concussed for the second time in the season in his City side's match with Devonport, and taken to Auckland Hospital. One match was played on the Monday which was a public holiday between City and Devonport.

Round 7

In the Carlaw Park crowd included the members of the jury for the ‘Bayly trial’ which some weeks later saw William Alfred Bayly convicted of murdering 2 of his neighbours. He was hung at Mt Eden Prison on 20 July. The jury were frequently taken on excursions during breaks in the trial which lasted several weeks.

Round 8

Round 9

Round 10

Round 10 saw the return of Roy Hardgrave to the Newton side after several seasons playing professionally in England.

Round 11

Round 12

Round 13

Newton Rangers were undermanned in their match with Devonport with Trevor Hall and Ted Brimble both out suffering from influenza while Claude Dempsey