FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 300, 12 September 1908, Page 11

FOOTBALL.

—o— —: — . • REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. . IMPORTANT RULINGS. . A meeting of tho New Zealand RefereoS Association was held last night. Present— Messrs. R. M. Isaacs (chairman).,- J. Bums. J. H. Laughton, F. A. Laws, L. Sievers, and J. M. Robb (secretary). The following letter Was received from Mr. Cochrane, lion, secretary of the Metropolitan Referees' Association, Sydney:— "I have to thank you for your 3 of August 24 relative to procedure obtaining in New Zealand in cases reported by reforees. Steps are being taken by this association to have tho New Zealand method adopted, at any rate by tho Metropolitan Rugby Union, and I hope soon to be' able to advise you that that union has fallen' in with tho suggestion." The following rulings on tho laws of th« game were E'ven:— Question: Tho ball is being placed for s free kick at goal. The defending side charge illegally, and the referee blows his whistle to allow "no charge," and as he blows hit, whistle the non-offending side kick the ball and it goes between the posts and over tho crossbar, but was touched by one. of tho offending side, en route. Should a goal bo', allowed or another kick taken? • - Answer: A goal should he allowed. Question: An attacking player runs over his opponents' line with the ball in his possession and places it on the ground in his opponents' in-goal, but simultaneously. with his doing so one of his opponents places his hand on tho ball. What should be the decision P Answer: A try must be allowed. TARANAKI V. WELLINGTON. The annual match between Wellington and ■Taranaki is always regarded as one of tho most attractive fixtures of the season. Most of tho visiting players aro well known to Wellington, and enthusiasts will no doubt be pleased to again rcneiv acquaintance with the clever men from the butter province. The last faceting of the teams was at New Plymouth in August, when Taranaki prox-ed victors by 15 to nil, but on that occasionV Wollington were not at full strength. ' Today, Wellington is putting a strong team in tho field, and it should result in a very 'oven contest. MELROSE FOOTBALL CLUB. ■> Mr. A. Fulford, patron of the Melrosa Football Club, entertained the members of tho club at a smoke concert in Fulford's Hall, Brooklyn, last night. The following toasts wero honoured:—"Tho King"; "Tho Rugby Union," proposed by, Mr. A. Fulford and responded to by Messrs. Burns and Hardham; "Melrose Football Clnb," proposed by Mr. Hardham and responded to by Messrs. G. Spenoer, P. Murphy, and Hamilton; "Mr. A. Fulford," proposed by Mr. J. Burns. On behalf of the club, Mr. Fulford waa presented with a case of pipes. Tho following contributed musical items:— Messrs. W. Church, Houcheu, Fulford, and J. Spencer. , NORTHERN UNION FOOTBALL. WELLINGTON v. AUCKLAND. ■ Tho Auckland Northern Union Football team arrived in Wellington last night. Tha manager reports that tho men are all in excellent condition, and expect to put up a good game against Wellington at Petono this afternoon. Excepting the exhibition match given by the All Blacks on their return from England, to-day's game will be the first played under the new rules before a Wellington public, and in consequence it is exciting considerable interest in football circles. It will be remembered that at Auckland recently a Wellington team was defeated by tho Aucklanders by the narrow margin of two points after a -keonly-con-testod game. With two slightly-improred teams, in better training and with a mora thorough knowledge of the .rules, to-day's match should draw a big crowd to Petono. Tho local football enthusiasts will be pleased to renew acquaintance with Asher, the clever Maori throe-quartor, and former Auckland and New Zealand representative, who, after a spell of two years, is said to havo regained all nis old form. Both sides will Jio represented, by tho teams as published in yesterday's issue.. A meeting of delegates from various parts of the Dominion will be held to-night, when a number of important matters will be discussed.