SOCCER ENTHUSIASTS FORGATHER

Evening Star, Issue 21879, 16 November 1934, Page 13

SOCCER ENTHUSIASTS FORGATHER

ANNUAL PRESENTATION Of TROPHIES MR J. FLETCHER’S NEW SIFT Particular interest attached to the annual trophy presentation of the Otago Football Association last night, Mr Janies Fletcher, who gave the Fletcher Cup for senior competition seven years ago, and who was host at the function, being in attendance for the first time to present the handsome silver cup to this season’s winners, Technical Old Boys. During the social, which was held in the Somerset Lounge, the Savoy, Mr Fletcher announced that he would S resent a cup for competition among lunedin schoolboys—an intimation that was enthusiastically received by the attendance of 150. At the presiding table with Mr A. Sharp (chairman of the O.F.A. Management Committee) and Mr Fletcher were Messrs M. H. Haig (vice-president of the 0.F.A.), J. B. M'Callum, E. R. Grace, J. Simpson, and J. T. Love.’ Satisfaction at the large attendance •and the presence of Mr Fletcher for the first time since the, social was instituted, was expressed by Mr Sharp. It was a tribute to his interest in Soccer that Mr Fletcher, with so many business ties, was able to be with them to personally award his cup to the successful team, Technical Old Boys. All Association football enthusiasts were acquainted , with the splendid trophy, said Mr Sharp, but all had not had the pleasure of meeting him. On behalf of the Management Committee he heartily welcomed Mr Fletcher, and also Messrs M'Callum, Simpson, and Grace, who were vice-presidents of the .dominion body. It was true, commented the speaker, that the finances of the Otago Association were not as healthy as the previous season. For one thing, the gates had not been up to expectations, though that could in a measure be attributed to weather conditions. In conclusion, he congratulated the trophy winners and also commiserated with the losers. .. 1 “ I have been attending these functions for the past fifteen years, but have not before seen such an attendance nor such an array of trophies,” declared Mr J. B. M'Callum. Regarding tlie cup which, their host would present, he had always regarded Mr Fletcher’s as the most handsome trophy in New Zealand, if not in the world. That might be rather an extravagant statement,” said the speaker, “ but 1 have seen many cups, including the famous English Trophy, and it is very poor in comparison.” _ He had been field as being of the opinion that trophies were not desirable in sport, but he did think they were the simplest form of expression for performance. Mr M'Callum said it was asked why the game was not making progress. Soccer was forging ahead, but unobtrusively and without outward evidence. When men of of the calibre, of Mr Fletcher were associated with it there was nothing seriously wrong. Not many would believe that Australian Soccer was lower from the interest viewpoint than the dominion, yet that was so, the same Kion applying to the Rugby game, sports were overshadowed in popularity by League, which had a very strong hold. < The presentation of the Fletcher Cup was made by its donor, who was greeted with musical honours on rising to speak. After assuring his audience that when he was approached to hand over the trophy to Technical Old Boys he did not think he would face such a large audience, Mr Fletcher said that if a few years ago one asked the ordinary person what Soccer was he would not know. A gathering such as the one that evening was testimony to its advancement. To-day a general universal revolution was embracing sport. One of the most vital topical problems was connected with the replacement of man power by machinery, and that change was bringing in its train the equally important question of the suitable utilisation of spare time. The crux of the trouble was the abuse of idle moments,, opportunities to keep fit

by participation in sport being neglected by youths, whose unfortunate state of unemployment led to lounging at street corners, Mr Fletcher spoke of Soccer household names enjoyed by English players, and prophesied that the day would come in New Zealand when the crowds would be cheering their own champions and admiring the first-class play produced by two fit teams. Following Jus announcement to donate a trophy for competition among schoolboys, Mr Fletcher presented the cup to Mr R. Patton, the captain of Technical, which he said had the unique distinction of having no pretensions to being Scotchmen. The winning side, had performed very creditably. The rather parochial view that Rugby was the only game for the public schools of the dominion had been exploded when Mr Scott introduced Soccer into the Technical School. (In conclusion, the speaker stressed the importance of obtaining and fostering the interest of young players. The Technical captain suitably replied and congratulated Seacliff, the runners-up, who had finished one point behind.

'■' I question the fairness of the City Council in asking a public body to pay for the upkeep of the grounds when they are used for only Saturday, while the public play on them for the other six days of the week,” said Mr E. R. Grace, who strongly criticised the' council and its imposition of doubling the ground charges for public areas last season. The financial position of the association had consequently suffered, and had also been weakened by the expense needed for the upkeep of the Caledonian Ground. “ I do not wish to be an alarmist,” warned Mr Grace, “ but the association’s funds are being rapidly depleted.” A pleasing aspect of that position was the manner in which the clubs had rallied to its aid, though in helping the association they wore also benefiting themselves. A function such as the one that night would not be complete without reference to the work of the Referees’ Association, the members of which often controlled the games under difficulties, and often had to carry out their duties with critics on the field as well as those on the bank. He referred to the matches, and said that the resurrection of the second division fixture with Southland was in the best interests. of the game, even if on the score of finance the re-establishment was often criticised. The co-operation of the selectors was very much appreciated, as was their pecuniary assistance. The game had a very good body in the Management Committee, which last season had run things in _ a smooth manner and without the friction that had marked the administration of the game the previous two or throe seasons. One member of the committee he would refer to, and that was the association's very capable secretary (Mr A. Sinclair)), who was an ideal man for the position. Even in the function that night they had a demonstration of his organising ability and his efficiency. It was a tribute to him that he carried _ out the instructions (sometimes distasteful) of the Management Committee, and yet had the esteem of the , players. He expressed his appreciation on behalf of those present for Mr Fletcher’s magnanimous gift of another trophy, and hoped it would long bo open for competition. Mr Sharp alluded to Mr Fletcher’s presentation of another cup for school football, and remarked on the interest taken among the boys, especially by Mr T. Ruddiman, whose continued interest in its welfare resulted in many players being produced. Following the formal evening supper was served, enjoyable musical items being given by Mr W. Le Gal (violin solos) and Messrs J. Haig and J. Benton (songs). The other trophies won competitively by teams were presented by Mr M. G. M'lnnes (convener of the Match Committee) as follows:—First division: Seacliff (Chinese Cup), Technical Old Boys (knock-out cup). Second division; A section, Tramways; B section, High School Old Boys. Third division : High School Old Boys. Fourth division: Maori Hill A. Fifth division; High School 11. Sixth division: A section, Technical High School;’ B section, Roslyn-Wakari. The Maori Hill five-a-side team, composed of Messrs Dalziel, Gordon, Evans, and Holden, was presented with medals in recognition of its win in the ■ tourney*