FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 14054, 8 May 1909, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

“SOCCER” IN THE SOUTH. [Special to the Star.] INVERCARGILL, May 8. At a meeting of the Southland Football Association last night it was decided to ask Otago to play an extra match with Southland at Invercargill on June 3 (Prince of Wales’s Birthday), the Southland Association to pay the travelling and hotel expenses of the_ Otago team as far as the gate-money would permit. Keen interest was expressed, and it is hoped that the Otago Association will accede to Southland’s request, as representative games are very few and far between in Southland. At the same meeting it was decided to ask Auckland to extend their southern visit to Invercargill, and play a game against Southland on the Wednesday either preceding or succeeding the Otago-Auck-land game. Local club games will commence on Wednesday. THE DECLINE OF RUGBY. [Special to the Star.] INVERCARGILL, May 8. The establishment of Australian football in Invercargill has given rise to a considerable amount of discussion in local circles as to whether there is room here for four varieties of football. Rugby has received several severe losses, and there are close on 100 players less than last season, the figures being 360 and 270 respectively. Hockey has drawn heavily in the younger element, and there are 130 hockey players this season, while two years ago there was not one. The following figures will give some idea of the ups and downs of football in Invercargill: 1907 : 345 Rugby, 44 Association, 0 Northern Union, 0 hockey, 54 Australian; total, 425. 1908 : 560 Rugby, 44 Association, 0 Northern Union, 99 hockey, 0 Australian; total, 505. 1909 : 270 Rugby, 44 Associa’tiorl, 28 Northern Union, 152 hockey, 34 Australian; total, 508.