SOCCER FOOTBALL

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL

THE YEAR'S PROGRESS

The past Soccer season is fully reviewed in the report of: the council of the Now Zealand Football Association to be presented to the annual meeting this evening.

The report shows that 514 teams are affiliated to local associations throughout New Zealand. Wellington ha 3 the largest number, of '. affiliations', 13.4, Auckland occupying. second place with 130. Canterbury has '62 and Otago 53. Gratification is expressed that the Wellington Association is in a strong financial position with regard to . the ground at the Kilbirnie Stadium, and that the Otago Association has the use of Logan Park. : Grounds held by .the Auckland and Canterbury Associations caused the associations considerable concern. •

The council expresses--regret 'at 'tk« little interest taken in the Football Association trophy competition, and states that tho initia^ expense incurred by the council. iii initiating the competition appears to havo been lost._ It is hoped that.all the. major associations will endeavour to take part in the.competition during'the coming season. The Chatham ' Cup: competition was' very successful,- twenty-five teams'participating. ..- Tho standard of play in the North and South Island primary schools' tour: naments'was very high. For the first time in1 tho history of the game ivrNew Zealand a North •v. South primaryschools'*'match was played'; . .'

overseas tours, the report states: "It is interesting to note that tho differences of opinion which have existed in tho codo in New South. Wales hawe been overcome, and that the way is clear fo~ the resumption of intercolonial games. The opinion of the council, however, is that, owing to the economic conditions, no tours should be considered for.this coming season." . ;

The l)alahce : sheet shows that at 3.lst March,, 1930, accumulated funds were £.453 13s Sd. Surplus ineoine for last season*was £.42 5s 9d.