FOOTBALL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9217, 21 September 1895, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

(B* Drop Kick.l

•' Weekly Press and Referee."

Tht Canterbury footballers brought their southern tour to a clote on Saturday at Tiraaru, whon they gained an easy win over the Sou th Can terbury representatives, and the name niijht they returned to Christchurch by the express. The result of the tour may be regarded as fairly satisfactory, wins being secured over Southland and South Canterbury, while Otago got the verdict; over them, as already reported in these columns, by 13 points to 11. The result of the latter match, lam informed, was greatly due to the unsatisfactory decisions of the referee. Previous to the Canterbury team returning home I hnd beard several complaint* against that official, but such rumours ofttimes emanate from biased spectators, co I mado it my special duty to enquire after the return of the team from those whom I judged best able to give a fair opinion. From these I learn that tha referees gave several decisions which, though doubtless meant to be juit, greatly favoured Okago and but for mistakes on his part Canterbury would have won. It is said that, without doubt, Mackenzie should not have been allowed the try he got, from which a goal was kicked, and later on, at the start of the second spell, Cowllabaw's try should have bean awardod to Canterbury, as White's pass to the ChrUtchurch three-quarttr -was not a forward one. Theie were only two instance! in which it is alleged the referee was at fault, but I am told ht made other mistakes, which wore less serious to Canterbury. When the Auckland team were In Christchurch they averred that they had been defeated in Otago by bad referceing and they strongly advised tbe Canterbury men to object to Mr Campbell filling the position when they went south. The warning, however, was diiregarded, and Canterbury lost the game. I do not fora moment question Mr Campbell's good faith, but if he made the mistakes It is alleged he made he must be incompetent to hold the whistle and It Is a wonder that the Otago Rugby Union allowed him to fill such a responsible position. I may add that some of Otago'a supporters are said to share the opinion with those of Canterbury that the latter won the match on the play, but lost ib through adverse decisions. If this were really tho case they had extremely hard luck as they were not only robbed of a win but they also would have had a claim to be considered the champion team for 1895.

Saturday , * football in Christchurch can be dismissed in a very few Hnec and the curtain can now bo said to be rung down for the season as far as the district is concerned. A good number ol spectators assembled at tho North Park to witness the annual contest between the Press and Times Oflices, nnd nfter a hard and even game a draw resulted. J. M'L«an, the ex-Canterbury rep, made his re-appoarance for the former cvf ter a long absence, but he has evidently been on the sholf too long, and it would take a lot of training before "Jum"eot back to anything like hie old form. The opposition " Jurat " was advertised to play, buc he evidently thought discretion the better part of valour and at the last moment he resolved not to take »n active part in the proceedings.

Mr T. A. Clyne, the Hon. Sec. of the Pyrmont K.-.npers F.C (Sydney) I* about to take up liis residence in New Zealand and before leaving he was presented with a haudsome silver mounted travelling bag.

"Wanderer" in the London Sportsman in acknowledging the receipt of & copy of the Otago Union Annual from Mr S. E. Sleigh adds:—"lt is satisfactory to know that the trouble between the Otago and New Zealand authorities has been tided over by the affiliation of the former with the latter ut the general meeting in May. Both are members of the ttugby Football Union."