FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 52, 2 March 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

FOOTBALL.

Mr P. M. Hansen, of the Auckland Electric Tramway Company, informs me that the improvements to the grandstand at Potter's Paddock will include better accommodation for the press and a telephone, both of -which are very much needed. Another acquisition to local football circles is A. D. -Thomson, of Otago, and recently of Wellington. Thomson played for Wellington against Nelson and Marlborough last year. He is taking up his residence in the Grafton district. Thomson is also a runner, and has entered for some of the events at the amateur meeting on Saturday. He ran in the handicap events at the Championship Meeting of 1899. J. Otway, long and familiarly known as "Nudger," writes from the Kaipara to say that he will be happy to play for Suburbs during the coming season. It is evident form this that the football days of our weighty ex-repre-sentative are not yet over. His weight and experience should greatly strengthen the Suburbs' pack. Suburbs will be without the assistance of Arthur Cooper this year. Cooper played in the back division last season," and showed considerable promise. "Scobie" MeKenzie (late of Otago) is said to be going to play for City this season. At present, however, he is living in the Grafton district.- His fine play in the Otago match of last season will be remembered by all wdio saw it. The Ponsonby Club have purchased fcbit of ground near the Three Lamps, and are actively canvassing for funds to build a training shed, the plans of which have been prepared. The shed will be 103 feet long, and will be fitted up with all conveniences. The erection is to be started immediately.

In consequence of several English football teams having of late been soundly beaten in matches played at Paris with French clubs, more care will be taken in the selection of the English teams. The game has fairly "caught on" in France, and several of the leading English Rugby counties have been visited by prominent Frenchmen, and inducements held out to prominent players; to cross the Strait of Dover.

The decision of the New Zealand Appeal Committee in the following case sent forward by the Auckland Referees' Association, is appended:—The ball went into touch. One of A's side threw it into play, but not at right angles with the touch-line. The referee blew his whistle and ordered B's side to bring the ball into play properly. Before B's side had an opportunity to do so the referee looked at his watch and found time was up. He immediately blew his whistle and stopped the game. Was the ball out of play?

Decision. —The ball was not held or out of play, and therefore a scrum should have been formed. (See law 12.)