SOCCER IN AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 94, 22 April 1931, Page 13

SOCCER IN AUCKLAND.

BEGINNING OF THE SEASON. FIRST ROUND SENIOR DRAW. FORMAL OPEXIXG FIXED FOR MAY 2.

The Control Board of the Auckland Football Association at its meeting last evening, Dr. Neil McDougall pre^idini:, was confronted with the difficult task of electing eipht senior clubs from nine I applicants, all of whom had set their J house in order for the season on the [ basis of beinjr included in the highest j grade. The board, having decided that eight clubs should be the strength of the senior grade proceeded to eliminate one of the applicants and after lengthy discussion it was unanimously agreed that the clubs should be as follows: — Tramurewa, Y.M.C.A., Ponsonby, Onehunga, Point Chevalier Celtic, Thistle, Xorth Shore. New Lynn Bon Accord. The ninth applicant was Northcote. The draw for the opening day was made as follows by the senior division committee, which met immediately after the decision taken by the board:— Tramurewa v. Ponsonby. New Lynn v. Onehunga. Thistle v. Ce*ltic, Y.M.C.A. v. Shore. The board fixed the opening games for May 2 on Blandford Park as follows: —Tramurewa v. Ponsonby, 1.30 p.m.; Y.M.C.A. v. Shore, 3 p.m. In regard to. the vacancy on the control board it was unanimously agreed that Mr. F. M. Ritchie be elected. The resignation of Mr. A. Fraser as a member was received and he was thanked for his services to the game in previous seasons. Mr. W. Grant was appointed the control board representative on the judicial committee. Sub-committees were appointed as follows: — Finance, Messrs. Ritchie, Morris, Fletcher, Gribble; advertising and publicity, Messrs. Baker, L. Brown, Adams; entertainment, Messrs. Baker, Ball, Insley, Gribble; grounds, Mr. Fletcher; emergency. Messrs. Baker, Morris, Brown; Blandford Park, Messrs. Baker, Ball, Brown, Ballantyne; delegate to minor division, Mr. Insley. Minor Division. The minor division committee at its meeting received an entry of 59 club teams in grades under its jurisdiction. Primary school teams will bring this total up to 80 teams., Mount Albert Grammar School entered a third intermediate team. The question of dividing the teams into sections was referred to the fixtures committee. An offer by Mr. Steele for coaching the Ponsonby primary school teams was accepted with thanks. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late R. H. Eiddolls.

S. AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, this day. The annual meeting of the South Auckland Football Association was held in Hamilton, the president. Mr. H. C. Cable, presiding over a large attendance of club delegates and supporters. The annual report stated that there was still a regrettable lack of enterprise as far as junior football was concerned. Congratulations were extended to the Pukemiro teem for its splendid effort in winning the championship shield and the Howden Cup. The financial statement showed a small credit balance and a surplus of assets over liabilities of £48. Considerable discussion arose over a suggestion to remove the headquarters of the association from Hamilton to Huntly. and it was finally agreed to ask the New Zealand Council for a ruling on the matter. It was decided to open the season on May 2. The following officers were elected: — Patron. Mr. E. George: president, Mr. H. C. Cable; auditor. Mr. W. Allen; secretary and treasurer, Mr. F. W. Mead; management committee, Messrs. G. McKinlay, F. H. Mead, Bate, Binnie, Crabb, Baird. Messrs. G. Cos, J. Douglas and J. Baillie were appointed life members.