1944 Auckland Rugby League season

On 24 February it was reported that Sergeant Donald McFarlane McKenzie "has now been reported lost at sea". McKenzie had been on an enemy ship (Nino Bixio) in the Mediterranean when it was torpedoed on August 17, 1942, while it was transporting prisoners to Italy from North Africa. He had entered the army in October 1940 and departed New Zealand in September 1941 as part of an early reinforcement draft, seeing service in the desert campaigns. McKenzie has been educated at Te Puke High School before later moving to Auckland where he played for the Newton Rangers first grade side.[28] From 1938 to 1940 McKenzie scored 9 tries and kicked 2 conversions and 2 drop goals in first grade matches. He was aged 26 at the time of his death and survived by his wife Elsie Edith McKenzie, and his parents James and Mary McKenzie. McKenzie is memorialised at the Alamein Memorial in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt, on the Roll of Honour at Greyfriars Presbyterian Church on Mt Eden Road, Auckland, and at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, WW2 Hall of Memories.[29]

Rauaroa Tangaroapeau (Bill) Turei

Turei in support of Bert Cooke in the Auckland match with Northland at Carlaw Park.

Rauaroa Tangaroapeau Turei, better known as Bill Turei was a winger and full back who played for City Rovers from 1932 to 1935. He died of natural causes on April 15, 1944, while in Italy. He was a staff sergeant in the 2nd Māori Battalion and had enlisted in 1941 and went overseas with a reinforcement draft in May, 1943. Turei was educated at Auckland Boys Grammar and Te Aute College.[30] In 1933 he represented Auckland in 4 matches, scoring 5 tries and kicking a conversion. In his debut match against Taranaki on June 10, 1933, he scored 3 tries in a 32–20 win at Carlaw Park. He played against South Auckland on July 15, before scoring 2 tries and kicking a conversion in a match with Taranaki at Western Park in New Plymouth. His final match was against North Auckland on August 12 where he played in the centres alongside Bert Cooke. For City he scored 24 tries, and kicked 12 goals for 96 points. He was the equal leading try scorer in the 1933 season and second in 1934. He was 37 at the time of his death and buried at the Salerno War Cemetery in Italy. At the time of his enlistment he had been living in Ponsonby in Auckland. Turei was survived by his wife, Maud Kathleen Turei.[31]

On April 18 William Edward Leo (Billy) Dervan died at the age of 60 at his residence at 4 St. Stephen's Avenue, Parnell. He was Kiwi #72, representing New Zealand on their 1912 tour of Australia. Dervan was educated at the Marist Brothers' School in Pitt Street. He originally played rugby for Marist Brothers' Old Boys Club, then the City club before switching to rugby league in 1912 where he played in the forwards. He played 4 matches for Newton Rangers in the same season, scoring 5 tries and kicking 4 goals. He retired at the end of the season but served on the Newton committee in 1913.[32] He was heavily involved in boxing and was the official announcer for the Auckland Boxing Association for over 20 years, and took an interest in several other sports such as swimming, wrestling, and cricket. Dervan also volunteered at the New Zealand Institute for the Blind where he "read to the inmates [and] kept them fully acquainted with topics of the day".[33][34]

On April 23 Mr. (George) G. Grey Campbell passed away at Green Lane Hospital after a three month battle with illness aged 57. Campbell had been chairman of Auckland Rugby League from 1933 to 1942 and was president for the past two. He was born in Ponsonby on October 7, 1886, and was educated at Ponsonby and Parnell schools. After the First World War he entered a partnership with Mr. J. Victor Macky and established the accounting firm Macky and Campbell. Campbell became a member of the New Zealand Society of Accountants and was a past-president of the Public Accountant's Association. Campbell held several other prominent positions during his working life, and in 1929 was elected to the Auckland City Council, topping the poll for the 1931 elections. Some of the positions he held included being a board member of the Auckland Transport Board, the Auckland Urban Land Sales Committee, and the Auckland University College Council where he represented the government for 8 years. Campbell was responsible after the outbreak of the war for organising many concert parties to military camps around Auckland through the Auckland Community Singing Committee.[35] He also served on the Massey Agricultural College Council. At the time of his death he was also the vice-president of the Ponsonby Bowling Club. He was living at 38 Croydon Road, Mount Eden and was survived by his wife Elsie Ada and two daughters, Gwenyth and Elizabeth. His funeral was at the Beresford Street Congregational Church, where he was the superintendent of the Sunday school for many years, on April 25 at 2 pm. He was buried at Hillsborough Cemetery, Auckland.[36]

Trevor Clifford Hosken of Wiri, Manurewa was killed in action on April 22, 1944, in Iceland, Atlantic Ocean aged 23. His rank was Warrant Officer, in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1407 Meteorological Flight, RAF. He trained at the RCAF, 2 Wireless School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the RCAF, 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, MadDonald, Manitoba. He was educated at the Point Chevalier and Manurewa schools. Hosken played for the Papakura seniors from 1939 to 1941 scoring 8 tries and kicking a conversion. He had debuted at the young age of 18. He joined the R.N.Z.A.F in January 1941 and left for Canada in September of the same year. Hosken was survived by his parents as their only son, Joseph Thomas Hosken, and Gladys Florence Louise Hosken (nee Wilson) of Auckland. Hosken was buried at Reykjavik (Fossvogur) Cemetery, Iceland. He is memorialised at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, WW2 Hall of Memories.[37][38]

Thomas Edwin Avery died on June 13 aged 60. Avery was born on July 11, 1883. He had played for the City Rovers club from 1910 to 1915 scoring 2 tries. He also made 4 appearances for Auckland from 1910 to 1913. His debut appearance was against Whanganui on September 22 in a 15–14 win at Cooks Garden, while he also played in Auckland's 24-13 win over Nelson at Trafalgar Park in Nelson. He played again against the Combined Goldfields and Thames side in Thames on May 18, 1912, before his final representative match was in an exhibition match for Auckland against the North Shore side on August 16, 1913, at Pukekohe. After retirement he spent time on the City Rovers committee and later became a referee.[39] In 1919 the Maritime Club which he had joined post war as a player nominated him to receive the New Zealand Rugby League's medallion of life membership which was approved.[40] The Auckland Rugby League paid their respects to him at their board meeting on June 14 and sent a letter of condolence to his family.[41]

Puti Tipene Watene, Newton coach

Newton Rangers were being coached by Puti Tipene Watene. Moana Herewini was the coach of the Point Chevalier side. There was some controversy as W.L. Werohia played for Manukau despite having signed on from the South Auckland league with the Newton club. He appeared before the board of control midweek stating that he had thought that his uncle Pita Ririnui would be playing with Newton and later found out that he would play with Manukau, and he wished to now play there instead. He was later given permission to play for Manukau. There was no individual scoring reported from the match at Grey Lynn Park between Richmond and Marist.

Before the matches at Carlaw Park the teams stood in silence to remember former Kiwi and Newton Rangers player Billy Dervan who had passed away.

Grey Lynn Park, where the Marist - Newton match was played.

Prior to the commencement of the main matches all 4 teams lined up and stood in silence for one minute after Mr. J.W. Watson "referred feelingly to the recent death of Mr. George Grey Campbell", the former chairman and president of Auckland Rugby League who had passed away recently.[44] Point Chevalier played in their first ever match in the first grade competition and were easily defeated by Richmond 45-14. Their first try scorer was Croad while Dormer kicked their first points. The games were played in heavy rain which made the grounds also heavy, while Grey Lynn was muddy for the match between Marist and Newton. Don McLeod was carried off the field near the end of the match with a knee injury. Hooker, Owen Hughes played for Otahuhu as player/coach after transferring from City.

North Shore were playing their 400th first grade match when they took on Ponsonby at the Devonport Domain though it is unlikely they were aware of this fact. They became the fourth club to achieve this feat behind fellow foundation clubs City Rovers, Ponsonby, and Newton. After they lost to Ponsonby 8-0 their all time record to this point was played 400, won 206, drawn 26, lost 168. James Matthews returned from the Middle East where he had been serving in the armed forces and played for City having previously played for Marist from 1938-40. He scored a "spectacular try" in their win over Richmond. Bert Leatherbarrow was also now playing for City.[46] Travers Hardwick scored his first ever try for Ponsonby. Future All Black, Johnny Simpson scored a hat trick of tries in Marist's win over Point Chevalier. His brother, Ivan had scored for Marist the previous week.

Oswald Lawrence Martin broke his leg while playing for Manukau against City at Carlaw Park in the main match. He was taken to Auckland Hospital as was Allan Thomas Vost who was concussed in the match at Walker Park between North Shore and Point Chevalier. Vost was playing for the North Shore side.[49]

The match between Mount Albert and Point Chevalier was played on Mount Alberts home ground of Fowlds Park in Morningside. When they scored their last points of the match they passed the 2000 point mark in the first grade competition. They became the 8th club to achieve the feat.

James Chalmers, the former Marist senior player was in attendance at Carlaw Park. He had fought in the war and had a leg amputated as a result of injuries he received. He "was given a fine welcome by the patrons". Don Mullett, the New Zealand Heavyweight boxing champion made his first appearance for the Ponsonby side and caused quite a bit of interest.[52]

The round 6 matches were played in rain on heavy fields.

Point Chevalier recorded their first ever win in the Fox Memorial first grade competition when they defeated Newton 9-7 on Carlaw Park #2 field in the early kickoff. Owen Elliott of Newton had to leave the field in the first half with an ankle injury. Richmond played in their 300th first grade match against Otahuhu though it is unlikely they were aware of this fact. Following their win they had an all time record of 300 played, 143 wins, 10 draws, and 147 losses. The match between Marist and North Shore was played at the Ellerslie Domain. The Ellerslie League Football Club was given permission by the Ellerslie Domain Board to "demand a fee for admission to the domain, not in any case to exceed 6d per person".[56] In a refereeing milestone, G Kelly refereed in approximately his 100th match involving first grade sides becoming the 4th referee to achieve this feat after Les Bull, Percy Rogers, and Stuart Billman.

Referee, Stuart Billman

Stuart Billman refereed his 135th match involving first grade sides in Auckland club football which was more than any other referee had done when he officiated in the Otahuhu v City match. He had been a referee for 19 years and in the senior grade for 10. At the end of the season the Auckland Star wrote an article on Billman after he had been elected honorary secretary of the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association.[58] Otahuhu caused a shock when they defeated the leaders City 15-10 in the main match on the number 1 field. Aubrey Thompson had transferred from Manukau to Richmond and scored a try in their loss to Mount Albert.

Flags were flown at half mast after the death in a mining accident in Huntly of New Zealand international George Beadle.[60]

Former New Zealand international Arthur Kay came out of retirement to re-join his Ponsonby side. He kicked a conversion in their 11-4 win over North Shore. N. Finlayson was ordered off for Manukau in their match with Otahuhu but they still won 5–4. Eugene Donovan was ordered off for City in their 13-12 loss to Richmond. The send off happened early in the match due to remarks he made to the referee, G. Kelly. There were rumours in the following Saturday's newspapers that they may not take the field in protest at the send off and they ultimately turned out to be true.[61]

City refused to play their match with Manukau in protest at the punishment imposed on Eugene Donovan who had been sent off the week prior. The Auckland Rugby League had said that unless he apologised to the referee (G. Kelly) he would remain suspended. As he had not apologised he was unable to play. As a result the Mount Albert – Marist match which was scheduled for the number 2 field was moved to the main field with a 3:10 kickoff. H Tate refereed his 50th match involving first grade teams becoming the 12th referee to achieve this feat.

City once again defaulted their match as Auckland Rugby League still required Eugene Donovan to apologise to the referee and an apology was not forthcoming, City arguing that Donovan's version of events differed from those given by the referee and also that the referee (Kelly) did not ask for an apology.

Harold Milliken, former All Black turned out for the first time for Mount Albert in their match with North Shore which was drawn 10-10. He had switched codes in 1940 when he joined the Papakura senior side.[65] The suspension of Eugene Donovan was lifted by the Auckland Rugby League, but ironically their opponent, Newton, defaulted the match which was due to be played at Walker Park. Newton was still winless to this point in the season.

There was no individual scoring reported from the match at Fowlds Park in Morningside where Manukau beat Newton 29 to 10.

Going into this round, with 3 remaining the top of the table was extremely competitive with teams on 22, 20, 20, 20, 18, and 18 competition points. Crucially Manukau, who had been in first place lost to Marist, while near rivals Mount Albert and City both won levelling all 3 teams on 22 points. Otahuhu who had been on 20 competition points faltered with a loss also. There was no individual scoring reported in the match at the Devonport Domain between North Shore and Richmond.

During the week the league expressed their sympathy to the family of W.J. Gibbons who had died. He had been a former time keeper for games.[69] Norm Johnson of Otahuhu was ordered off in their match with City. The match between Manukau and Point Chevalier was played at Onehunga School which was the first time a senior first grade match had been played at a school.

With City and Mount Albert both winning and Manukau losing it meant that the two former teams were tied on 26 competition points with Manukau dropping into third. With the round robin completed it meant that City and Mount Albert had to play off for the Fox Memorial title for 1944. Richmond scored their 4,000 first grade point in their 26-9 win over Otahuhu. There was no mention of any score from the Point Chevalier match against Newton at Walker Park in Point Chevalier. With both teams at the foot of the table it is possible that the match was not played. Referee Jack Hawkes officiated in his 50th match involving first grade sides, becoming the 13th Auckland referee to do so up until this point.

Following the final round of the championship the league decided to play the final 3 weeks later due to representative fixtures being played prior. This led to a protest letter from the Mount Albert club who felt the gap was too long and that the final should have "priority over other fixtures".[72] Future New Zealand representative Warwick Clarke was ruled out for city due to injury. A Jones, the Mount Albert five eighth was also said to be unavailable due to injury but ultimately did play and scored a try for the losing Mount Albert side.[73] City proved too strong winning 17-7 to claim their first title since 1925.

The Ponsonby team outside the railway stand before their match with Mount Albert.

Arthur Kay passing the ball for Ponsonby in their semi-final win.

Ponsonby fielded Gordon Littlejohn who had been a long time Manukau rugby player and represented Auckland in 1943. Brian Nordgren also debuted for them after switching codes. In 1945 he would score over 200 points for Ponsonby and was signed by Wigan, where he played for over a decade. Late in the match Mount Albert's Richard Shadbolt was sent off for fighting. It was the fourth time that he had been sent off in senior rugby league. He had been cautioned three times already and had "a final serious talking to" before the final incident. The league decided to "severely warn" him.[77][78]

Playing for Ponsonby were Darcy Bailey, a former Canterbury rugby representative and J.W. Priest, a former Taranaki rugby representative. For North Shore, Arthur L. Read, a former Poverty Bay rugby player also played. North Shore led 10-3 at halftime before a big comeback by Ponsonby which won the second half 16 to 3 to claim their 6th Roope Rooster title 19 points to 13.

City's win was their first ever Stormont Shield title since its inception in 1925.

The try and point scoring lists were compiled from Fox Memorial, Roope Rooster, Phelan Shield, and Stormont Shield matches. Ron McGregor was in his second season for Richmond and led all try scorers with 14. B Lowther of Richmond was the leading try scorer with 14, with Bruce Graham and Roy Nurse scoring 12 each. Basil Cranch (Mt Albert) finished with the most points once again with 92. C Riley of Otahuhu scored 80 and was also awarded a medal for being a top goal kicker. Prolific scorer Alan Donovan finished third with 76. There were however 2 matches that received no reported individual scoring. They were the match between Richmond and North Shore, won by Richmond 8-5 and Manukau's 29-10 win over Newton.

Unknown if there was a senior B grade.

Unknown if there was a second grade.

Won by Newton Rangers. Other competing teams included: Ellerslie, Glenora, Green Lane, Mount Albert, Otahuhu, Point Chevalier, and Ponsonby.

Won by Ōtāhuhu Rovers. Other competing teams were: City, Ellerslie, Green Lane, Mount Albert, Newton, and Papakura

Won by Mount Albert United A.

Won by Point Chevalier and Richmond Rovers. Other competing teams included: Ellerslie, Newton, and Green Lane.

Won by Marist Old Boys. Green Lane also competed in the competition.

Ellerslie, Green Lane, Mount Albert, Otahuhu, Richmond

Ellerslie, Green Lane, Marist, Mount Albert, Northcote

Ellerslie, Green Lane, Marist, Otahuhu, Richmond

This was the first time since 1939 that the North Island v South Island match had been played. The North Island won comfortably scoring 9 tries to 3. The North Island side featured 10 players from the Auckland competition (Ralph Martin, Roy Nurse, Ron McGregor, Pouvi (Robert) Robert Salaia, Joe Murray, Dick Hull, John Rutherford, Pita Ririnui, Fred James, and A Rogers). Hawea Mataira had originally been selected but was travelling to Wellington with the Auckland Waterside Workers team to play in their annual fixture with Wellington Waterside and was replaced by Ririnui. Owen Brooks of Waikato had a field day, scoring 3 tries and kicking 8 conversions from 9 attempts.

Auckland fielded a slightly weaker side as North Shore, Newton, Ponsonby, and Mount Albert were all playing in the Roope Rooster semi finals so their players were unavailable for selection.

On July 26 the following fourth grade representative side was selected to play the South Auckland fourth grade representatives at Carlaw Park on August 5:- W. Harris, A. Speedy, W. Wright, Streeton, Philp (Otahuhu), Gwilliam, D. Shaw (Newton), P. Roberts, D Greacen, F. Chapman, G. Chapman (Ellerslie), G. Clark, L. Cook, Donnelley (Papakura), Anderson, and Somers (Point Chevalier).[88]

They held their annual meeting in the League Rooms, Courthouse Lane on Tuesday, April 4 at 8 pm. Their honorary secretary was W.F. Clarke.[89]

The School Control Board held their annual meeting on Monday, March 27 at 7:30 pm at the League Rooms, Courthouse Lane. Their honorary secretary was L. Rout.[90] It was reported that Thomas Briton Carey was killed in action on August 20, 1944. He was aged just 22. He had served for ten months with the New Zealand Expeditionary force in the Pacific. He then returned to New Zealand and transferred to the Air Force. Carey joined the 35th (mixed) Battalion in the Second Expeditionary Force. He was on a flight returning from Fiji to New Zealand which was lost, missing at sea. Carey had been educated in Auckland and was a rugby league player, representing Auckland schoolboy representatives many times as their captain. He is memorialised at the Bourail Memorial, Bourail New Zealand War Cemetery, New Caledonia.[91]

Maurice Wetherill

On April 27 Mr. Alfred Ernest Jaggs of Clarement Street, off Khyber Parr Road died at the age of 68. He was a football player who after retiring from playing refereed rugby union and rugby league. He refereed 3 first grade games in the 1911 and 1912 seasons and the representative match between Auckland and Hawke's Bay on 19 August, 1911. He was buried at Waikumete Cemetery.[92] The following were appointed as officers on the school control board: chairman, Maurice Wetherill; secretary-chairman, Mr. V. Rose; secretary, Mr. L. Rout; board members, Messrs, J. Silva, W. Moore, J. Hanlon. E. Te Bhurt, A. Lennie, referees' delegate, Mr. J. Cottingham.[93]

Avondale League Football Club held their annual meeting on April 27 in the Labour Party Rooms on Georges Road, Avondale at 8 pm. Their honorary secretary was H.W. Green.[94] On August 19 the Priaulx family (parents Alfred Mansell Priaulx and Lydia Priaulx) thanked the Avondale rugby league club for their messages of sympathy after the loss of their only son (Roy Leslie Priaulx) who was killed in action in the war. Roy died on July 26, 1944, in Italy. He was buried at Florence War Cemetery, Italy. He is memorialised at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the World War 2 Hall of Memories.[95][96]

City Rovers advertised for a practice for "all players and intending players, seniors, 3rd and 4th grades" for Saturday, March 25. Their honorary secretary was E.A. Girven. Their chairman was George Hunt.[97] During their round 11 match with Richmond, Eugene Donovan was sent off for referee abuse and ordered to apologise to the referee. He failed to do so and was suspended as a result. The City club protested by refusing to play their match with Manukau the following week.

The Ellerslie United Rugby League Club held their annual meeting at the Parish Hall on Monday 13 March at 7:30 pm. Their honorary secretary was G. Whaley.[98] They held a practice at the Ellerslie Reserve on Good Friday, April 7 for all grades.[99] The Auckland Rugby League decided at the May 31 meeting to hold a senior match at Ellerslie on June 17 at the Ellerslie Domain which is the present day ground of the Ellerslie Eagles.[100]

On March 16 it was reported in the New Zealand Herald that Norman William Wilson was lost at sea on 17 August, 1942. He had been a prisoner of war and was being transported on the Nino Bixio ship which was taking prisoners from North Africa to Italy when it was torpedoed. He had been part of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. and in the Infantry Brigade at the time of his capture. Wilson was the son of Charles Wilson and Mary Wilson (nee Jenkins) of 56 Methuen Road in Avondale. He had been educated at Glen Eden School and played rugby league for Glenora for a number of years.[101] Wilson was a storeman and living in Henderson when he enlisted. He is memorialised at the Alamein Memorial, El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt, the Oratia District School War Memorial Gates on Shaw Road, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, WW2 Hall of Memories.[102]

On March 31 Glenora Rugby League Football Club advertised for a training for all teams at the Glen Eden Football Grounds. Their secretary was G. Malam.[103] At the May 31 meeting the Glenora club requested that a senior match be played in Glen Eden.[100]

Green Lane Rugby League Club held their annual meetining at the Fire Brigade Hall on Wednesday, March 15 at 8 pm. Their secretary was W. Leitch.[104]

Manukau Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 7:45 pm in the Labour Party's Rooms, by the Strand Theatre, Queen St., Onehunga. Their honorary secretary was H. De Wolfe.[105] They held a meeting for players and intending players at Carlaw Park at 9:30 am on Friday, April 7 for all grades.[106]

Manukau held a meeting on October 16 to discuss their upcoming trip to Tauranga.[107]

The Marist Brothers Old Boys League Football Club held their annual meeting at the Rugby League Rooms on Courthouse Lane, on Tuesday, March 14. Their honorary secretary was Jack Kirwan.[108] Marist held a meeting for all junior and schoolboy players at Vermont Street School on Tuesday, March 21 at 7:45 pm.[109]

The Mount Albert Rugby League Social Club advertised a social event for February 19 at the St. George's Hall in Kingsland featuring modern and old time music, "Monte Carlo and Supper". Their honorary secretary was Mr. J. Wood.[110] The Mount Albert Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting at their club rooms at Fowlds Park in Morningside on Monday, March 13 at 8 pm. Their honorary secretary was P.W. Clement.[111] Mount Albert advertised for a practice for all grades at Fowlds Park on Saturday, March 25 at 2 pm.[112] They advertised for another practice for all grades on Saturday, April 1 at 2 pm at "ground, Springleigh Avenue, off Woodward Road, Mount Albert.[113] The Mount Albert Borough Council advised the league that use of the Phyllis Street Reserve had been granted to the Auckland Hockey Association.[19] The Borough Council also referred to the provision of dressing accommodation at Fowlds Park and that a conference of all sports bodies would be held regarding the question.[114]

Harry Leonard Burton

The Newton Rangers Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting at the Auckland Rugby League rooms on Courthouse Lane, on Monday March 13 at 7.30pm. Their honorary secretary was J.A. MacKinnon.[115] Newton advertised for a general practice of all grades at Carlaw Park on Saturday, April 1 at "2.30 pm. Sharp". And that weekly training would be on Tuesday and Thursday.[116] In September it was reported that Harry Leonard Burton had won the Distinguished Flying Cross award for gallantry in action. He had played for the Newton seniors in 1940 and 1941.[117] On December 13 the well known barrister, Mr. Jeremiah James Sullivan collapsed and died during a trial at the Auckland Supreme Court. He had previously represented the Newton club on the Auckland Rugby League.[118]

It was reported in the Auckland Star on March 7 that North Shore player Jack Smith (Charles Ernest Smith, though better known as Jack) had kicked a penalty goal in the Second N.Z.E.F. rugby teams win over the Rest of Egypt 9-7 in Alexandria.[119]

The North Shore club was granted permission to charge 1 shilling for each person attending the round 16 match at the Devonport Domain on August 19. All funds raised would be given to the Devonport 1944 Patriotic Funds.[120]

The Northcote club only fielded a single team in the intermediate schools competition.

On February 29 the Auckland Star reported that Lance-Bombardier, Ernest Reginald Wilson had died on 9 February, 1944 from wounds while fighting in the Battle of Monte Cassino. He left New Zealand for service in 1941 with the second N.Z.E.F. and was with the 14 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment when killed. Wilson was the youngest son of Mrs. M.A. Wilson of 20 Symonds Street, Auckland and Mr. T. Wilson of Scotland. He had been educated at Epsom School and Seddon Memorial Technical College. Wilson was a member of the Otahuhu rugby league club and the Otahuhu baseball team and was a canister maker by trade.[121] He was single when he enlisted and was survived by his mother Mary Alice Wilson, originally of Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia but living at 20 Symonds Street at the time of his death. Wilson was aged 24 when killed and was buried at Cassino War Cemetery, Italy. He is memorialised at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, WW2 Hall of Memories.[122]

Sturges Park, Otahuhu

Otahuhu Rovers Rugby League Club held their annual general meeting at their club rooms on Fairburn Road in Ōtāhuhu on March 13 at 7:30 pm. Their honorary secretary was M. Ritchie. [123] At the first board of control meeting for the year it was decided to play Otahuhu's second preliminary match at Sturges Park in Otahuhu to raise money for "patriotic purposes".[124] At the board meeting on June 7 a letter was received from the Otahuhu club "stating it felt that the time had come when they should make an effort to obtain a fair share of Sturges Park in Ōtāhuhu. It was felt that an inquiry coming from the ruling body would carry more weight than a request from the club. It was the intention, in the event of having the use of the park, to apply for a senior match, or matches, to be played there later in the season. It was decided to take the matter up with the Ōtāhuhu Borough Council".[125] The Otahuhu Borough council wrote a letter stating that Sturges Park was let for the duration of the war to the Auckland Rugby Union.[19] On June 22 the control board gave Otahuhu permission to send a team of schoolboys to Christchurch in August provided "satisfactory travel arrangements were made".[9]

The Papakura Rugby League Football Club held their annual general meeting on Monday, March 13 at 8 pm in the Papakura Scout Hut. Mr. A. L. Lewis was their honorary secretary.[126] In early December Papakura held a function in the club rooms on Union Street. The president, Mr. Les McVeigh presided over the large attendance. He mentioned that the club was now in its fourteenth year of playing football and that they had "provided no less than 80 members for the forces".[127]

Point Chevalier Rugby League Football Club held their annual meeting will be held in the Social and Sports Club Hall at 417 Pt Chevalier Road on Monday 20 March at 7:30 pm. Their honorary secretary was A.G. Daniels.[128]

Ponsonby United Rugby League Club held their annual meeting at the Leys Institute on February 28 at 7:30 pm. Their honorary secretary was Mr. J. Davidson.[129] They advertised a practice for all grades to be held at Grey Lynn Park on Sunday, March 12 at 9 am. They also requested that "men who are prepared to coach any grade are invited along".[130] Ponsonby was given permission to travel to Bennydale in the King Country to play a game on October 28.[131] In October it was reported that Pilot Officer William Thomas (aged 20) had won his commission in Canada. He was a member of the Ponsonby senior side and had left New Zealand last February.[132]

Mervyn Jack Jarvis

It was reported in the Auckland Star on 18 February that Sergeant Mervyn Jack Jarvis was reportedly killed in action. He had enlisted in 1940 and trained in Australia before travelling to the Middle East. He served in the Eight Army and had been wounded in 1942. His death occurred on December 2, 1943, whilst he was part of the 24 Infantry Battalion. Jarvis attended Seddon Memorial Technical College and was a playing member of the Richmond club.[133] He had transferred from the Marist sixth grade B team to Richmond 2nd grade in 1936. He played for the Richmond reserve grade side in 1939 and 1940.[134] He was survived by his parents Mr Stephen Frederick Jarvis and Mrs Agnes Dorothy Jarvis who he had been living with at 27 Moa Road, Point Chevalier, along with brothers Ken and Richard. Mervyn was 28 at the time of his death and buried at the Sangro River War Cemetery in Italy. Ken and another brother, Les, were also fighting and their mother, Agnes was involved in the effort at home.[135] He is remembered in the Auckland War Memorial Museum's Hall of Memories.[136] His parents and brothers wrote memoriam notes which were published in the Auckland Star the following year.[137]

Richmond Rovers Football Club advertised for a "general practice" to be held at Grey Lynn Park on Saturday, March 25. Their honorary secretary was W.R. Dick.[138] The senior side was captained by Leo Davis.