SOCCER'S YEAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 69, 22 March 1934, Page 22

SOCCER'S YEAR.

CODE'S ANNUAL REPORT. NATIONAL HONOURS REGAINED BIG INFLUX OF LOCAL PLAYERS. The annual report of the control board ciE the Auckland Football Association, to be submitted to the general meeting on Tuesday evening next, states that the code last season in some respects was most successful, pointing out that the English F.A. Trophy and the Chatham Cup, the Dominion provincial and club premierships, Avere regained by the representative team and the Ponsonbv Club respectively. The report states that the increase of the senior grade to 10 teams was due to the large influx of local-born players, which resulted in fresh applications for senior status. It is admitted, however, that the experiment was far from successful, causing a falling oft' in standard and a congestion of fixtures that prolonged the season. In consequence the board recommends the reversion to eight teams in the senior rank. Reference is made to the continued and steady improvement in the playing condition of Blandford Park, and also to the honour brought the association by the selection of six of its players to tour Australia with the Xew Zealand team.

Financial Handicaps. The activities of the association are still handicapped, it is stated, by its limited financial resources and the hoped-for improvement has not yet taken place. Owing to a reduced income liabilities have increased and the incoming control board will have this difficulty to face when it takes office. It is regretted that owing to the present charge for the use of the grounds no relief could bo afforded to clubs, but if certain negotiations can be satisfactorily completed it is hoped to reduce the expenses of clubs for the coming season. Unfortunately a number of clubs are still unable to meet their affiliation fees in full and this has placed on the association a financial burden which it is unable to bear, and the clubs are earnestly requested to wipe off their liabilities at the earliest opportunity. The total insurance claims fortunately showed a substantial reduction from the previous season, enabling the full medical expenses under the rules to be paid. Work of Division Committees. The various divisional committees report in detail on the work of the past season. Steady and substantial progress is reported by the minor division committee, which states that the season commenced with a depleted number of active workers, but the new members responded willingly and thus kept up the high standard of administration. In face of many difficulties the season was the most successful since the inception of the minor division committee. The committee embarked on a comprehensive programme involving an expenditure of nearly £60. It covered the cost of five touring teams who travelled over 1000 miles, playing 14 games, losing one, drawing three and winning 10, while scoring 54 goals, with 21 against. It is regretted that the N.Z.F.A. could not see its way clear to assist in financing these tours while granting assistance to other asociations for similar purposes.

Mr. E. L. Flyger's interest in junior football enabled the-committee to launch a provincial junior representative competition. The competition is designed to develop future senior i representatives. To be eligible a player must be under 21 years of age and playing for a team below senior grade. The only competitors last season were Auckland and South Auckland, but this year it is hoped that entries will be received from other provinces. The Auckland team became the first holders of the Flyger Rose Bowl. The committee congratulates the Auckland secondary schools .football division committee on the success of its representative team in regaining the Skerrett Cup and the New Zealand secondary schools premiership at Palmerston North. Thp committee in primary school Soccer adhered to its policy of the past two years in helping-the snitaller provinces. A matcii against the primary representatives from the Hikurangi district_was played at Auckland, while a team of junior primary representatives visited Gisborne and played three games there. Senior and junior teams visited Huntly and a senior team was sent to Hamilton. The Huntly and Hamilton schools returned the visits. The interchange of visits created keen interest, especially in Gisborne. —

THE THISTLE CIiUB. ANX U AX, GENERAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Thistle Soccer Club was presided over by the Iter. T. Halliday, and was the largest iincl most enthusiastic gathering of the club. Mr. G. Sawers, secretary, submitted the annual report and balance-sheet, • which showed that 1933 season had been most successful, the senior team winning the championship and Falcon Cup, while the junior teams accredited themselves well. The balance-sheet stated that the sum of £4S 10/4 had been expended during the year, leaving a substantial credit balance. Dr. McDougall, chairman of the A.F.A., complimented the club on the splendid harmony which had characterised the season due to the efficient management and enthusiasm of players and supporters urging loyalty to the Control Board. During the meeting Mr. G. Sawers, who had served the club for four years as secretary, was presented with a dining room table, jardiniere and cigarette case. The' chairman,' in making the presentation, outlined the magnificent work done by Mr. Sawers for the club and Association football, while members spoke highly of the efficient manner in which Mr. Sawers carried out his onerous duties. Mr. Sawers suitably replied and thanked the meeting for the generous gift. Mr. J. Black and Mr. J. McLean were made life members of the club as a tribute to the keen interest they had for many years taken in Ms welfare. Officers for 1934 season :—Patron, the Rev. T. Halliday; president, Mr. G. Stiwers, twelve vice-presidents; secretary, Mr. \V. Clark; committee, Messrs. W. Ivean, .T. McLean, D. Mann, R. Ferguson, R. Ilislop, J. McCosh, D. McGliie; delegates to the A.F.A. annual meeting, Messrs. \Y. Kean, G. Sawers, R. Hislop, J. McCosh : delegates to senior division, Mr. W. Clark ; trainer, Mr. T. Davis. Y.M.C.A. CLUB'S PROGRESS. RECORD FOR HEMISPHERE. An excellent attendance at the Y.M.C.A. Association Football Club's animal meeting indicated that interest is being well maintallied. The report showed that from most angles the year was the most successful ever experienced, 245 players and 17 teams being registered with the A.F.A.. tills being a record for any club in the Southern hemisphere. -Although only junior teams won trophies the senior team had acquitted themselves well and occupied middle position oil the ladder.

Dr. Xeill McDougall. chairman of the A.]'.A., was present, anil spoke, urging the t-liill to stand by the association. Mr. A. .T. daily, representing the Referees' Association. urged closer understanding of the rules by playing members. Officers elected: —President. Mr.. K. F. Kitchener: vice-presidents. Messrs. It. L. Stewart, \V. D. M. Glaister. ,T. Ambury, A. T. Dow, C. 11. Furness, A. Milne. C. F. Carratt, A. E. Middleton. AV. McKenzie, J. Clanacban. W. C. Browne. F. Ritchie, AV. AV. King. G. AV. Adair: lion, secretary, Mr. 11. 1,. Chapman; club captain, Mr. Geo. Malcolm; A.F.A. delegates. Messrs. G. Malcolm. -T. C. Herbert. It. lUddolls and IT. I„. Chapman : senior division representative. Mr. I'. Humphreys: management com--1 'ttee. club onptnin. sole selector aiul Messrs. Bridges. Hunter and Chapman; I sole selector. Mr. I'. Humphreys. BKITIS"" C~VTESTS. DOXDOX. March 21. Association football games this afternoon resulted :— , , _ International Trial.—The Rest beat England. 7—l. •Jirst Division. —Newcastle drew with U.'.nchester City, I—l. Scottish League.—Rangers beat Third l.ariark, I—o.