HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1102, 15 April 1911, Page 12

HOCKEY.

(Bγ "Bully-Off.")

The season opens on April 29, and exponents of the "stick game" who have been practising during the last fortnight should be in good fettle for the opening day. But for the expressed wish of Victoria College, whose team will bo absent for a while, the season would probably have been a weelc earlier. This club —winners of last season's senior championship—will be quite as strong as last year. United seniors were not credited with their usual record, but, despite this fact, the combination amongst this year's senior eleven is expected to bo much better tnan was the case last season. It is doubtful how Jiarori will shape, as some, of the old sports will not Ije playing. This is unfortunate, as the tussle between Karori and United is always looked forward to. It is to be regretted that St. Patrick's College juniors are withdrawing troui tho fieid. Une new club—St. iiark's—has been affiliated to the local association. More players aro yet wanted. Now that the fee ol £7 for upkeep of grounds, payable by each club, has been reduced to £5 it is to be hoped that further new organisations will bo formed. To-day an eleven representing Wellington will play a match with Blenheim, it was hoped that a game would have been arranged with Nelson for Easter Monday, but the idea has been abandoned. In regard to grounds, it is pleasing to be able to record that one ground has been allotted the hockey fraternity at the Basin Reserve. The Management Committee of the Wellington Hockey Association are alive to the fact that it would be advisable to play challenge shield games at tho Basin Reserve, providing tho ground can be put into fair order. Tho only obstacle will be the obtaining ol the exclusive use of the Basin Deserve in order to make a charge for admission. It is, of course, evident that hockey would benefit if'shield matches were played in town, even though no charge might bo made. One is inclined to think that the "Soccer" and Lacrosso managements might give and take a little. .

It has been stated that hockey interferes with the state of Kelbnrno Park, and hence a recent decision by Iho l?c----servo Committee. Well, what about football?

"Bully-off" has been informed that the grounds available at Miramar have been given careful consideration, and it is hoped to put them in much belter condition than was the case last season.

Now that tho association's annual meeting is over comrtleilt on matters of management is admissible. Speaking at the meeting Dr. Faulke' (president) ventured the opinion that it appeared impossible t.i arrange for a British team to visit New. Zealand yet awhile, as the gate returns would scarcely warrant it. The first visit from outside, however, might come from Australia. Apropos of this a delegate to the association mentioned that the New Zealand Hockey Council might possibly require financial assistance in order to send a team over to Australia. From present indications, there seems little chance of this occurring. A visit from an Australian eleven would boom tho game here a lot.

This year's committee includes a. few now members, viz., Messrs. Mill, E. Parton, M'Donald, and It. Thompson, and a great amount of work is lying before them and their confreres; One matter which will require consideration is the reduction in number of challenge shield matches. Players in general hope that a repetition of last year's interference with club hockey will.not happen. Mr. H. V. Walton has been chosen solo selector without opposition. Last year a good deal of talk was heard over t.he appointment of one selector only. This year, however, Mr. Walton was elected without conimont—a striking testimony b his capabilities. He will not bo so hard worked this season, however, and a representative eleven, strong in combination, is anticipated. Mr. A. A. Bennett who has been reelected hon. secretary, received hearty congratulations for the cnenrotic and splendid work performed by him during last season. Mr. W. Organ, who was re-elected chairman of the Management Committee, also received congratulations. Ho has been associated with the management of hockey for a number of years, and natunlly is pleased with tW present pmud position of the Wellington Association. TV Wednesday .Acv>ciation has been affiliated to the W.H.A. and that b<uly will receive consideration when the selection of representn'jvo nlovers occurs. Tt umv bo mentioned that there is no rule which prevents a rlaver from playing on Saturday rmd Wednesday also. Tt h-TS been decided to nlay two rounds of senior grade club matches, one round fo' - jirr'ors, ai"l two for third-Mass. Tfie Referees' A cc ocinHnn will rerniirp "verv a.«ist<mre this season and it is to lv» hoped that Mr. Oram's snrrrestio". th"t more rr-f»rees should come forward, will bo heeded.