Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 24 February 1943, page 9


FOOTBALL

THIS SEASON

AS LAST YEAR

Following Australian National Football Council executive meeting yesterday, it was announced that it had been decided to send a letter to Mr Curtin, Prime Minister, assuring him that football would be carried on in the new season as it was last year, having in mind that all sport must be subordinated to the war effort and that it was the council's desire to carry out the Government's wishes in every respect.

It will be stated that football provided a desirable and necessary war-time entertainment, and was an effective means of raising sums for patriotic purposes. In addition, it served a useful purpose for the sponsoring of matches for the fighting

services.

While the council felt that football as at present conducted made a valuable contribution to the development and the maintenance of physical fitness, especially among youths, the thought was always uppermost in the minds of those in control of the game that sport must in no way jeopardise the war effort, which was the main job on hand.

The executive agreed also to request bodies affiliated with the council not to open their programme on the first Saturday in May, which is normally the opening day for the League series. This decision was reached, it was stated, to emphasise that, however important football is, the season must be contracted to help the war effort.

The council will conclude its sittings today.

ESSENDON'S REPORT

Essendon's premiership win is fittingly described in the annual report which will be submitted to the annual meeting tomorrow night, when VFL officials will attend.

To much praise cannot be given our players for the magnificent way in which they rallied behind their leader, Dick Reynolds, in their fight for the premiership," says the report. "Although all the players worked long hours in war activities, they nevertheless, found time to acquire the necessary fitness to stand up to a hard fought final series. The committee is grateful to Reynolds and his talented team for a job well and truly done."

It was stated that £190, represent-ing 10 a match, had been added to the credit of players in their provi-dent fund, which now stands at

£686.

Receipts for the season were £3,024, of which £905 came from 2,130 members and 148 juniors, and a 1,055 from gate receipts. Players received £923, coaches, trainers, and staff £378, and the credit was £143.

REGAN MAY PLAY AGAIN

Jack Regan, former captain of Collingwood, who recently joined the Silesian Brothers, has now joined the RAAF. Hopes are entertained that he will again be seen in the team. Before the war - Regan was one of the best full-backs in the League, and was the permanent selection for that position in inter-state and carnival games.

BENTLEY TO COACH CARLTON Carlton Football Club committee has reappointed Percy Bentley coach for the coming season. Other appointments were:

Match committee: Messrs K. G. Luke. N. S. W. Chandler, P. Bentley. H. O. Bell, and the captain. League delegates: Messrs H R Clover, K. G. Luke. Representatives on ground committee (Carlton Recreation Ground Committee): Messrs J. Best. J. Chandler, R. E. Harding. W. C. L. Townsend, G. W. Westcott. Welfare committee: Messrs J. Best, C. Davey, G. Millsom. with W. P. Williams secretary. Medical officer: Dr P. B. McCumisky. Finance committee: Messrs K. G. Luke, W. G. Bryson. A. N. Reyment, G. W. Westcott, H. O. Bell. Time-keeper: Mr C. Quihampton. Minute secretary Mr A. N. Reyment.

FEDERAL CONTROL OF SPORT

Expressing the opinion that weekly recreation was necessary to all workers in war industry, the inter-state executive of the ACTU at its meeting yesterday agreed that uniformity should operate in all States concerning racing and other forms of sport. The executive felt that the determination as to what form of sport should be permitted should rest solely with the Federal Government and not the State Governments.

FALL FROM TRAM

Falling from a tram while crossing Princes Bridge last night, Greta Richards, 60 of Bower st, Northcote, fractured her leg and was admitted to Royal Melbourne Hospital.

IACTU DIFFERS FROM PM

London Delegation

Appointment of delegates to the

inter Dominion Trade Union Congress to be held in London on April 12 was again discussed yesterday by the full ACTU executive. A telegram received yesterday from Mr Curtin, Prime Minister, said that the Government had acted only as an Intermediary In the matter of appointment of delegates.

A reply was sent to Mr Curtin that the executive disagreed with the Government while acting as an in-termediary limiting the right of the ACTU to elect only 2 of the 3 delegates, and giving an individual union, the AWU, the right to appoint the other one. The ACTU confirmed its previous decision not to make an appointment.

HOTEL EXPENSES OF DELEGATES CANBERRA, Tues: It is understood that the ACTU has requested that hotel expenses of delegates attending the Dominions Union Congress In London should be borne by the Government. To this request the Government, which has already under-taken to provide transport for Australian delegates, is unlikely to accede.

The attitude of the Government appears to be that the finances of Australian trade unions are quite capable of meeting living expenses of their delegates to the conference without Government assistance.

DUTCH AIR ARM STILL EFFECTIVE

Although the soil of Holland may be in Nazi hands, the air around her coast is still hotly contested by her flying men, according to a report from England, which stated that pilots of the Netherlands Naval Air Arm, operating with the British Coastal Command, recently bombed successfully a heavily escorted German convoy off the Netherlands coast.

Direct hits were scored on one ship, which was last seen with a huge column of smoke pouring from its stern. A hit was scored amidships on another vessel.