THE HOOKEY COMPETITION

Evening Star, Issue 14636, 4 August 1911, Page 1

THE HOOKEY COMPETITION

TO THE KU!TOB. Sir,—-In. the interest of hockey, would a most .foolish action on the part of the Otago Hockey Association. In your report of the mesting of the above association 1 notice that it has bean decided to close- the senior competition in what is, without doubt, the most interesting position in which senior hockey has yet appeared. Just when the Gymnastic Club seemed about to snatch a hard-earned victory over University, the association turn their victory into wormwood by dosing the coniDCtitiori at tho 'end of the first round, thin-- robbing the victory of half its merit. ' Are the mem here of the association aware that the primary object of their existence as such v, to promote the welfare' of hockey? It hardly, seems so when they close tho competition just when they have .succeeded at last in arousing a little public interest. Why could they not match the Gymnastic against the University, under the circumstances, as a "curtain raiser" to the ladies' rep. match? This would be much fairer to all concerned, for if the Gymnastic -are the belter team they will win anyway, and if they arc net the better team tfioy do not deserve, to have tho cup. Further, it in in the interests oi hockey that this match should bo played, as it 'would provide probably the best exhibition cf hockey' soon in Dune-Jin this year.. The players of both teams a.re bitterly disappointed at this foeblo ending to what would othrrwif* have been a brilliant season-—th? Gymnastic because they are robbed of the real merit of being tho premier team, and the University because they are confident of a fine, exciting game with their old rival*. T feel euro that I am voicing the opinion of all fellow-hockey players, and I trust the association will reconsider tho decision and havo this match played at a time when other players are freo to see it.—l am, etc., Player. Au S ust 5 - '