ASSOCIATION NOTES.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 18, 21 July 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

ASSOCIATION NOTES.

IBt Vangttard.l

Six-a-side competitions are now being arranged in the different classes, but the Seniors will probably commence the trial rep. matches when the Charity Cup Competition has been concluded. Last year when the Selection Committee entered on its difficult task of choosing the teams for the interprovincial match with Auckland, it was found that many players who would have been included in trial matches could not get aAvay ; and finally, as no strong team could be got together, the idea of sending away any eleven was abandoned. It would greatly facilitate matters if the selectors were informed with as little delay as possible what players in the different teams are likely to obtain leave. It is a pity that knowledge of first aid to the injured is not more general among athletes. When Dixon was hurt at Miramar last Saturday it was painful to see boys running among players and spectators in quest of someone who could attend to the injuries. Two men from H.M.S. Royal Arthur at last gave the required assistance. Cannot the Association further the study of nmbulanca •work? By their plucky fight against Diamonds the Red Cross first eleven showed last Saturday that it is fitted to ascend to the Senior ranks next season. The team contains some men who would do credit to any senior eleven. Two of the Diamond Juniors — P. Martin and P. Roberts — were in the Senior team last Saturday, They have played

full-back during the season, but on this occasion Martin took Wilson's place on the left wing, and Roberts fihed the vacancy caused by O'Connor's absencefrom right-half. Both men got in good work, and if in equally good form next year, should earn permanent promotion. Taylor and Barclay (Diamonds), and Paton (Rovers) are being strongly tipped as the halves to go with the rep. team to Auckland. The combination would undoubtedly be a strong one, and probably the best available. The bluejackets and marines from the flagship Royal Arthur, who visited Miramar iast Saturday, thoroughly enjoyed the outing, though they did suffer defeat . They wish to express their appreciation of the hospitality extended to them by the Rovers. Both the semi-finals for the Charity Cup fixed for this afternoon should be keenly contested, but chief interest js being centred in the Diamonds-Rovers heat. Both teams have endeavoured to pub their strongest elevens into the field, and the winners will next Saturday have to meet the victors in the Swifts-Petone heat for the final. t In winning the Fourth-class Championship the Pearls have regained their lost laurels, but it is to be hoped that they will re-enter the Third-class competition next season, and not rest content until they have gained the Senior ranks, as their old foemen the Red Cross will most likely do in 1901.