THE WORLD of SPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1927, Page 14

THE WORLD of SPORT

SOCCER SCANDAL

NEW ZEALAND TEST TEAM.

AUCKLAND OVERLOOKED.

SELECTOR'S ACTION KESEXTED.

riio Auckland Football Association is indignant at the action of the New Zealand sole selector, Mr. B. L. Salmon ("U ellington) regarding latter's action in tlio selection of the first test team to meet the Canadians.

Tn the first place the X.Z.F.A. sole selector is sole selector in name onlv. Bv i esolutioji the X.Z.F.A.. through, tiie council, when appointing Mr. Sainton t<. the so-called sole selectorsliip, decided that he should co-operate with district selectors in picking Test teams, and the sum of £10 was allocated to district selectors as travelling expenses to visit various parts of each province to "spot" talent. Something in the nature of a bombshell, however, was dropped into the A.F.A. camp when a letter was received trom the secretary of the X.Z.F.A. (Mr. L. O. Atkinson), addressed to the secretary of the A.F.A., asking him to approach the following players and ascertain whether thev would "be available for inclusion in the first team to play at Dunedin:

Innes, Tinkler, Garrett." Thus the A.F.A. knew the first of the' Acw Zealand Test team, and this was the recommendation of the annual meeting of the N.Z.F.A., adopted bv resolution of the council, to co-operate with district selectors, carried into effect Insole selector B. L. Salmon. Mr. T. G. Wilkes took strong exception to the course adopted by Mr. E. L. Salmon. He recalled the motion passed at the annual meeting of the N.Z.F.A. that the sole selector of ihe New Zealand council co-operate with district selectors in choosing the Test teams, and that £10 be allowed district selectors r as expenses. So far as he (Mr. Wilkes) could' ascertain Mr. Neesliam, Auckland selector, had never been consulted, and in his opinion Mr. Salmon appeared to have resented the motion and ignored it. Mr. Menzies: There seems no doubt about that. Mr. Wilkes: I consider we ought to take up the question with the New Zealand Council. Mr. ,T. M. Downie considered the New Zealand selector would not have • consulted the Auckland selector as one of the names on his list, Garrett, was not known in Auckland, North Auckland, or South Auckland. Mr. Wilkes added that the New Zealand selector seemed to have completely disregarded the instruction of the N.Z.F.A. meeting and made up his mind to select his team his own way. The secretary (Mr. L. C. H. Dawson) pointed out that there was very little time to- enter into correspondence in regard to the matter, as players would require to be given reasonable notice of selection. The meeting decided that the New Zealand Council be written to, pointing out that the Auckland selector had not been consulted in the selection of the first Test team in accordance with the decision of the N.Z.F.A. meeting. Apart altogether from the apparently studied and deliberate disregard of the council's decision, to co-operate with other selectors, Mr. Salmon has displayed stupendous ignorance of the form of players in Auckland. The position, were the consequences not so serious, would be farcical. The New Zealand selector lias asked for the services of players from Auckland, whom he has not seen play this season, and whose inclusion even in the local representative team is by no means a foregone conclusion. And this is to be the standard of New Zealand soccer, as judged in international contest!

Mr. A. P. Neesham, Auckland selector, who attended last night's meeting, pointed out that he had heard nothing from Mr. Salmon. He did not know what position the Aueklanders were wanted to fill. Garrett he did not know. There might be a player of that name in New Zealand or in Auckland province, but he did not know of him. It had been suggested that Gerrard, of North Shore was meant, but he (Mr. Neesham) would not take it upon himself to advise Gerrard to go to Dunedin when some other player might be meant. Mr. Neesham stated that had he been asked to recommend players for positions such as outside right, right half, and right back, he would have been in a position to have recommended what Jie considered the best men. Such then is the position of absolute muddledom, which has arisen in the selection of the New Zealand soccer Test team. Everyone except the sole selector for New Zealand, who has not seen Auckland players in action this season, knows, for instance, that Tinkler has not struck form yet. If an Auckland representatives team were to be /°r Saturday it is generallv admitted that the Tramways plaver wouldiiot be in it. In addition to this there is the great injustice done to other players in Auckland, and no doubt elsowhere, who, by their play this season, are well worthy of the honour cf inclusion in the Test side, but because they have not been brought to the notice of Mr. Salmon by the instructions given him not being carried out, will not receive the consideration their ability merits. t . The prestige of New Zealand soccer is at stake, and no personal idiosyncracies should be tolerated, which will stand in the way of fielding the strongest possible side to uphold the country's name against the representatives from the sister Dominion.

AUCKLAND MANAGEMENT,

JUNIOR PLAYER SUSPENDED.

The Management Committee of the A.F.A. biet last night, Mr. Andrew Menzies presiding. Regradlngs were approved as foiows: H. Watt, Ponsonby senior to seconds; i 5. Harper and J. C. Eddy, T.M.C.A. sceond to third. The chairman stated that no reply had been received from Thistle Club in reply to the committee's request to withdraw a letter from the club considered to be offensive. It was decided that a reply, be called for from Thistle by next Tuesday night. Scholes, a Northcote player, appeared in answer to a charge of dangerous play by jumping at an opponent in the match against Newmarket. After hearing the evidence of Referee Crocker the _ committee decided to suspend Scholes for one playing Saturday. Samson, a Newmarket player, who was ordered off in the same match for striking an opponent, was unable to attend the meeting; and was suspended till he could do so. Jhe Junior Management Committee was «, t0 Bug ? est suitable curtain raisers for the Canadian matches in August. Neeßhnnf V ,! ew to ** lffo "ling the selector, Mr. Players in O nH opport - ,nity to Bee ,he the AucklnnH r" priol \ to . the selection of . . representative team, it was Pardon .Tun P P l°B bab On be ßh 6 tS amwayß

FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY

Following are the teams, grounds and referees for Saturday's fixtures :—

kXIOK GRADE

North Shore v. Ponsonby, Blandford Park 3 p.m., Mr. E. Parkinson, linesmen Messrs. Orford and A. Parkinson; Onehunga v. Tramways, Onehunga No. 1, referee Mr. J. W. Pikesley : Northcote v. Thistle. Blandford Park. 1.30 p.m.. Mr. L. J. Tuttie, linesmen Messrs. L. J. Cheek and F. C. .Tacohs : T.M.C.A. v. Royal Navy. North Shore No. 1. 3 p.m., Mr. R. J. Brooks. SECOND GRADE. Onehunga v. Glen Eden. Glen Eden. 3 p.m., Mr. S. Millar; Northcote v. Kiwi. Vietroia Park No. 2, 3 p.m.. Mr. C. M. Walker; Newmarket v. Ponsonby. Inner Domain No. 1, 3 p.m., Mr. T. Harding: Tamaki v. North Shore, North Shore No. 2. 3 p.m., Mr. \V. K. Tugby : Thistle v. Birkenhead. Victoria Park No. 1. 3 p.m., Mr. R. E. Dowier: Takanini v. Manurewa. Takanini. 3 p.m.. Mr. E. C. H. Dawson. THIRD OPEN GRADE. Navy v. Metropolitan. Dock. 3 p.m.. Mr. E. F. Miller: Swanson v. Ponsonby B. Swanson. 3 p.m.. Mr. Rlncktop; New Lynn v. V.M.C.A.. Outer Domain No. 2. 3 p.m.. Mr. P. O. Hacren ; Fonsonbv A v. Birkenhead. Timer Domain No. 2, 3 p.m., Mr. f rocker. THIRD INTERMEDIATE GRADE. Mount Albert v. Y.M.C.A.. Mount Albert. 3 p.m., Mr. Gallev ; North Shore v. Onehunga. Onehunga No. 2. 3 p.m.. Mr. Calvert ; Rangers v. Kiwi. Outer Domain No. 1, 3 p.m., Mr. NeTe : Eden Rovers v. Tamaki, St. Helier's. 3 p.m.. Mr. McDonald : Richmond Rovers v. Blockhouse Bay. Blockhouse Bay. 3 p.m., Mr. J. S. McMillan. FOURTH GRADE. Section A.—W.Y.M.T. v. Belmont, Domain No. 3, 2 p.m.. Mr. Knight: North Shore v. Tamaki. Domain No. 4. 2 p.m.. Mr. Crocker; Eden Rovers v Y.M.C.A. A. Vietoria Park No. 4. 2 p.m., Mr. .T. Ball : Thistle, a bye. Section B.—Comrades v. Northcote, Victoria Park No. 3, 2 p.m.. Mr. Walker: Onohunga v. Carlton. Onehnnsra No. 2. 2 n.m., Mr. Calvert: Y.M.C.A. B v. Glen Eden. Glen Eden, 2 p.m., Mr. S. Miller. Section C. —St. Stephen's v. All Saints. Domain No. 3. 1 p.m.. Mr. Knicht ; Burnley

v. Ponsonby. Outer Domain No. t. 2 p.m.. Mr. Neve : Metropolitan v. Now Lynn, Outer Domain No. 2. 2 p.m.. Mr. 11. W. Riddols. FIFTH GRADE. Section A.—-Comrades v. W. Y.M.I. A. Victoria Park No. 3. 1 p.m.. Mr. J. Hall : Ponsonby v. North Shore, Devonport No. 1. 2 p.m., Mr. A. Hankins: Northcote v. Y.M.O.A. A, Outer Domain No. 1, 1 p.m.. Mr. Orford : Belmont v. Tamaki. Domain No. 4. 1 p.m.. Mr. Crocker. Section B.—Y.M.C.A. B v. Comrades C. Virtoria Park No. 4. 1 p.m.. Mr. F. R. Wilson : W.Y.M.I. B v. Oneliunjra. Onrhunga No. 2, 2 p.m.. Mr. Johnson : All Saints v. Comrades B. Outer Domain No. 2, I p.m., Mr. J. Edmonds; Swanson, a bye. SIXTH GRADE. Section A.—Comrades v. North Shore. Victoria Park No. 3. noon. Mr. Bates; Y.M.C.A. A v. Belmont. Victoria Park No. 4, noon, Mr. F. R. Wilson : Tamaki v. Mount Albert Grammar A, Domain No. 3. noon, Mr. Check. Section B.—Carlton v. Mount Albert Orammar B, Domain No. 4. noon, Mr. Downes; AU Saints v. Y.M.C.A. B. Outer Domain No. 1. noon. Mr. G. T. Lee; W.Y.M.I. v. Metropolitan. Outer Domain No. 2, noon, Mr. J. Edmonds : Northcote, a SEVENTH GRADE. Section A. —Tamaki v. Y.M.C.A. A, Domain No. 3. 11 a.m.. Mr. Chck; Belmont A v. Comrades A, Victoria Park No. 3, 11 a.m., Mr. Bates: North Shore, a bye. Section B.—Comrades C v. Northcote, Domain No. 4, 11 a.m.. Mr. L. Campbell; Comrades B v. W.Y.M.1.. Outer Domain No. 1, 11 a.m., Mr. G. T. Lee; Y.M.C.A. B v. Rolmont B, Victoria Fark No. 4, 11 a.m., Mr. Barnes , SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SENIOR GRADE. Technical A v. Technical B, Victoria Park No. 3, 10 a.m., Mr. G. Allen; Technical C v. St. Stephen's College, St. Stephen's College, 10 a.m., Mr. T. Harding: Mount Albert Grammar A v. Mount Albert Grammar B, Victoria Park No. 4, 10 a.m., Mr. C. Barnes. JUNIOR GRADE. Kowhai v. Technical B, Victoria Park No. 3, 0 a.m., Mr. G. Allen: Richmond Road v. Technical A, Victoria Park No. 4, 0 a.m., Mr. Barnes; Mount Albert Grammar a bye. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. SENIOR GRADE. Section A.—Onehnnea v. St. Holler's, Outer Domain No. 2, 3.15 p.m.. Mr. Crocker ; Kowhai v. Grey Lynn, Outer Domain No. 1. 4 p.m., Mr. Check (practice match). Section B.—Stanley Bay v. Beresford Street. Victoria Park No. 1, 3.10 p.m., Mr. Bates; Devonport v. Belmont. Victoria Park No 2. 4 p.m.. Mr. Adams. Section C.—Nelson Street v. Napier Street. Victoria Park No. 1. 4 p.m., Mr. Check; Bayfield B v. Vnnxhall. Victoria Park No. 2, 4 p.m., Mr. Crocker; Bayfield A a bye. JUNIOR GRADE. Section A.—Grafton v. Onehunga, Outer Domain No. 1. 4 p.m., Mr. Check; Grey Lynn v. Kowhai B. Outer Domain No. 2, 3.15 p.m., Mr. Crocker; Kowhai A a bye. Section B.—Napier Street v. Devonport, Victoria Park No. 2. 3.15 p.m.. Mr. Fields ; Bayfield v. Stanley Bay, Victoria Park No. 1, 4 p.m., Mr. Bates. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GAMES. SENIOR GRADE. St. Benedict's v. Onehnngn. Innor Domain No. 1. 0.45 a.m.. Mr. R. Campbell : East Suburbs v. Sacred Heart A. Inner Domain No. 2. 0.45 a.m., Mr. Chappell; Grey Lynn A v. Sacred Heart B, Outer Domain No. 3, 9.45 a.m., Mr. Bell; St. Patrick's v. Grev Lynn B. Outer Domain No. 4, 9.45 a.m., Mr. T. K. Campbell. JUNIOR GRADE. Section A. —St. Benedict's v. Onehunga, Inner Domain No. 1, 9 a.m., Mr. R. Campbell; Sacred Heart A v. Good Shepherd, Inner Domain No. 2,' 9 a.m., Mr. Downes; Grey Lynn A v. Remuera. Outer Domain No. 3, 0 a.m., Mr. Bell; St. Patrick's v. St. Benedict's, Convent, Outer Domain No. 4. 9 a.m., Mr. T. K. Campbell; Takapnna a bye. Section B.—Sacred Heart v. Grey Lynn C. Outer Domain No. 5, 9 a.m., Mr. Simm; Grey Lynn B. r. Sacre(f Heart B, Outer Domain No. 6, Mr. Chappell.