ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 August 1924, Page 10

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

CHINESE UNIVERSITIES (1) v TARANAKI (1).

Following rain for several days, the weather cleared yesterday morning and held off during the course of the match, thus enabling about three thousand spectators to see the game in comfort. The gate takings amounted to £"260. A fairly strong south-easterly wind was blowing, and the ground was heavy, and in parts very “sliddery.” The hall was fairly dry and enabled the players to keep control. The game was interesting and fairly fast, but at no time did it reach a high level. There is no doubt that the visitors have a line knowledge of the “Soccer” game and play it cleverly Their footwork is of a very high prder, but they are inclined to overdo the close passing. They also- want to dribble the ball through the goal instead of shooting as soon as they get into position. Judging by the work displayed when. Chang’s goal was obtained, it is more than a pity that the visitors were not put more on the stretch. The game was kept fairly open, but t-h€ Chinese showed a better knowledge of the game and showed sound methods in their approaches towards the goal Mouth. The following were \lhe teams: —

Chinese Universities: C. Pao; H. C. Hung, AI. L. Loh; T. Y. Tsai, L. N. Lok, P. Chen; C. S. Wang, K. S. Liang, H. E. Chang, Y. C. Wu, Alex. Ting. Referee: Mr. G. Reading. Linesmen: Messrs Muggeridge and Broomfield.

Chang kicked off against the breeze and his forwards at once set up an attack, which was well stopped by Nicholls. Pollard was put in possession, but failing to control the ball his centre went behind. The visitors retaliated, and a pussing rush got the ball into a good position, but Wu’s centre was missed by Chang slipping. A corner resulted, which was beautifully placed, but Liang headed over. Taranaki next took a hand on attack, but Hung easily cleared. Ting dribbled into the corner and centred well, but Wu shot outside. - Pooch next took a long shot at the other end, but -his direction wjjs not good. Offside play stopped a raid by the visitors. Ramsay got away on the right and Galloway picked up the centre shot, but Pao cleared easily. The ball came back, but Pooch again was wide. A few seconds after Ereakiey pounced on a centre, but shot over. The visitors again set up a lively attack, but Beare foiled it and sent Pollard away; but again the centre was misdirected. The Chinese forwards on the attack again were very dangerous, but offside spoiled the effort, and Pollard and Campbell brought the ball back into the danger zone, but Pooch’s final effort went a little wide. Ramsay next got away with a fine dribble and, beating Hung, put across a high dropping centre, which was well taken and cleared. Taranaki were keeping the visitors back on the latter’s goal, but lacked finish, and several good centres were wasted owing -to the weakness of the inside men. A strong clearance by Loh. was picked up by Lok, and a "hot attack on the left by the visitors was well stopped by Betteridge. Another rush by Alex. Ting, Chen, Wu and Chang brought the ball back again, but Wu shot over. Another rush by Wu and Chang was stopped by Beare", who sent Ramsay away on the right, but he was not supported, and half-time was blown with no score.

From the kick-off China went on to the attack/with great pace, but the shooting was wild. Ramsay and Galloway gained a lot of ground, but Wu, Ting, and Lok came back ancl Chang shot outside Give and take play followed, and Chang again shot outside. The next feature was a great centre from Wang, which (was 'blown just oyer' the bar. Following another fine piece of passing by Wang, Liang, and Chang, Liang nearly got there with a fine effort, the shot travelling just outside. Hart was called on to save two hot shots in succession, but cleared in great style. Pooch, in trying to clear, nearly shot through his own goal. Another shot by Chang was neatly tipped over by Hart. The resulting corner went behind. Ramsay next dribbled in fine style and beat bis opponents badly, but his final shot went over. The game was faster and more even at this stage, and rush after rush by both sides ensued. Time was getting on, and towards the end of the spell the ball was passed over to Pollard, who dribbled nicely into position. His centre was well taken by Galloway, who gave to Campbell, and the latter beat Pao with an obliifue shot vjhiich travelled across goal. Prom the kick-off the Chinese immediately set up a strong attack. Lok sent over to Alex. Ting, who beat Nieholl and sent a good pass to Chen. The latter opened up a splendid position and gave to Chang, "who with a spendid shot into the far corner had Hart well beaten. Time was called immediately with the scores standing: Chinese Universities , 1 Taranaki 1 Air. G. Reading was the referee, and he gave a very good exposition and was prompt in his decisions. NORTH TARANAKI (1, v. SOUTH (0) Prior to the big game teams from North and South Taranaki played a curtain-raiser. Neither team was at full strength, and a rather scrappy game resulted in a win for the north side by one goal to nil, Dalgleish beating the goalkeeper from a penalty. DINNER.AT THE CENTRAL. At the Central Hotel last night the Chinese University Students’ team were entertained at dinner by the TJaranaki Football Association. A short toast list was honoured, the first. “The King,” and ‘'The Republic of China” being proposed bv Air AY. Adams. ' The toast of ‘‘The Chinese University .Students’ Team” was proposed by the Deputy-Mayor, Air K.’ Alorrissey, who said Unit the morning previously when he had welcomed the team to the town he had come to the conclusion that they were gentlemen in every sense ol the word. He had also been gratified to hear the perfect English which they snoke.

Mr A. K. Dome, in replying, referred to the words -,of a, member of the team when they were being welcomed at the Borough Council Chambers on the previous morning. That member hud pointed out that it was said in China that events occurred in a sequence of threes. Accordingly, as the team had experienced a draw, a loss, and a win in that order during the last three games, they were due for a draw at Hawera. In this case it had proved to be correct, but he did not want to see that older continue—he "'anted a greater percentage of wins. He did not think that the team had played quite up to “scratch” that dav. and he assured the company that they were saving up for Auckland. In conclusion, he thanked the Taranaki Football Association for the fine wav

in which they had entertained the team here.

Mr Alf. K. Ting, who also responded, said the game that day had been a fast and clean game. He also thanked the Football Association for the manner in which the team had been treated.

Mr C. J. Cummings proposed the toast of the N.Z. Football Association, which body they had to thank for the visit of the team to Taranaki. It was thought that an English professional team would be in the Dominion for at least six weeks next year, and he hoped that Taranaki would be included in the tour. He referred to the shortage of soccer grounds, and pointed out that if they gave their wholehearted support to the N.Z. Football Association the day would come all the sooner when that body would he able to assist them financially in obtaining grounds.

Mr Colin Reid responded. He said that if the English team did come out next year there was no doubt but that they would visit Taranaki—if he had anything to do with it they would. Mr Reid also paid a tribute to the Taranaki Rugby Union, which had treated the soccer people in a most sportsmanlike manner.

The toast of “Kindred Sports” was proposed by Mr H. A. Morgan, who said that no matter what sport it was. so long as it tended to promote good sportsmanship, it was worth support. Ihey were indeed indebted to the Taranaki Rugby Union. Mr J. J. Goodwin responded, and in speaking on behalf of "the Taranaki Rugby Union said that that body was out to do its best for all sport, and they would not do it halfheartedly, but wholeheartedlv.

The toast of “The Taranaki Football Association” was proposed by Mr T. K. Wong. He assured those present that the members of the team had had a most enjoyable time, although the weather had been against them. They had not seen Mount Egmont, but the weather had held out for their game. He noticed that in Taranaki there were a number of young players, and be felt sure that with proper training Taranaki would in time produce" the foremost soccer team in the Dominion.

Mr W. Adams, in reply, said that soccer in Taranaki really" owed its existence to the support which was given it in its early stages by the Rugby code. In those days the Rugby players had played them, and had beaten them, but they had to remember • that the soccer players then were only beginners. Continuing, Mr Adams pointed out that w'e in Taranaki were apt to forget how much we owed to the Chinese. It was a Chinese gentleman who had started the first dairy company in Taranaki, and had shown us the way to our prosperity. In conclusion, Mr Adams referred to the splendid game played that day by Taranaki’s goalie, Mr E. A. Hart, who was a young player of considerable promise. The function then terminated, and a number of those present adjourned to the entertainment at the Golden Minim. ENTERTAINED BY COUNTRYMEN. A LARGE GATHERING. The Chinese of Taranaki entertained at the Golden Minim last evening the members of the Chinese University soccer team, and a large number of the public, mainly business, professional and sporting people. Over 300 invitations were issued, and all seem to have responded. Among those present were a number of ladies.

Mr. E. Morrissey presided in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr. L. A. Bone), from whom an apology was received. The interior of the building had been most tastefully decorated, and the Chinese proved' themselves excellent hosts. The catering <fnd the whole of the proceedings were in accordance with European customs. A fine orchestra had been engaged, which played lively and attractive music between the speeches, while song-s were contributed by Messrs. Moss and Hoddle.

The Deputy-Mayor said, he was pleased to see such a large gathering, and indicated the purpose for which the function was held.

Mr. Adams, president of the Taranaki Soccer Association! thanked the people of Taranaki for tlie reception given the visiting team, including the Chinese residents. On the previous day they had thought that they were in for a bad time, but- all had turned out well. They had looked forward lor some considerable time for a game with the Chinese students. The selectors of the Taranaki team had been subjected to some criticism on ncoount of the team put in the field, but the iact that a draw had been secured against such a strong combination as the students reflected great credit on soccer in the province. Soccer bad formerly been in a strong position in 1 aranaki, but they had lost many men in the wai, and when a fresh start was made they had to ask the Rugby l'nion lor assistance, which was readily given in every possible way. On behalf of the soccer players he wished to thank the Rugby footballers lor the assistance it had given them .and to all clean sport. 1 • Wong Hee, who spoke through an interpreter, said that he was not learned and was incapable of makim*’ a speech in Hnglish, but lie wished to welcome the Chinese team to Taranaki! lit the past China had been looked upon as the sick man of the Hast- but m the tour of the university team he saw much that gave him hope and encouragement. China was now adopting some of the Western ideas and standards. Its young men were taking up sport, and they had their annual sports gatherings just as thev did m other countries. It had now taken up soccer, and had advanced so far that an international tour had been possible. Mi'. C. J. Pam (interpreted) said he bad pleasure in welcoming all to the function. He was gla c[ to meet them a> friends, and that so large a gathering had been made possible »bv the Msit of the,Chinese soccer team' Thev saw in the presence of the students someth ng winch showed that China was absorbing Western ideas and was advancing in many respects. "No one ” lie said "would now dare to call her T,ho sick man of the Fast.'’ Mr Morrissey exhibited the two cups which were to be presented bv the (. hiue.se oi iaranaki. one to the Chinese ton ring team for competition j.n China and the other to the Taranaki Association for competition in Taranaki’ Mr Morrissey remarked that thev were beautiful cups, and said he Imped the games played for them would be wholesome and pure. (Applause.) The cups were presented l>v Mrs -Morrissey. Mr. Dome, manager for the Chinese team said he was pleased to receive on behalf of his team, the handsome cup. Ail over the world the Chinese were noted for their honesty, fair play and geneiosity. W hen the team came to New Zealand they greatly desired to meet their brother Chinese', who could not do enough for them and wanted all their time. He was sorry that more time could not be given to the Chinese, but they were under obligations to the New Zealand Council and the cities in which they were playing

On the previous day, when they went to the mountain, they .were told that the Chinese of Alanaia . wished them to stop at Mr. Chang’s place—just for a cup of tea. When they arrived it was found that a big dinner had been piepared. That was the Chinese wav. They promised a little thing and always did something big. (Applause.) The cups were unexpected. In earlier times the Chinese of the scholastic type did not believe in physical exercises and that was the reason that sport had not taken hold sooner in China; but Westerners had brought new ideas, and now spprt and education went hand in hand. The cup would help to foster sport in China. “It is generally understood,” said the speaker, ‘“that soccer started in Scotland, but according to the World’s News football was introduced into China many years ago. From there it was introduced lo .Japan, and then spread over the world.” Football was being plaved in China many years before Scotland was known to exist. In thanking Airs. Alorrissey again, Mr. Dome said that the first time the cup is won in China a picture of the winning team will be sent to the citizens of Hawera

Mr. Adams, in returning thanks for till followers of the code in Taranaki, said that 20 years ago, when the game was started in this province, Air. Julian, of New Plymouth, presented a cup which had inspired many a hardfought game. It spoke well" for their Chinese friends that they should have seen fit to make a similar gift. Referring to the age of soccer as a game, Air. Adams said that 300 years airo an Act was passed in England declaring soccer an illegal game. That Act had never been repealed, but the authorities winked at it

Air. Wong said he wanted to thank his countrymen for giving them an opportunity to meet so many of their friends. The function was, he thought, better than the dinner. In the latter case t.liev were chiefly occupied with eating, but in the former thev could yarn as much as they pleased. He wanted to co-operate with Air. Dome in. saying that China was the fatherland of soccer. It had once been used there as a means for choosing husbands lor beautiful girls. A lady would tliryw a ball from a balcony among her suitors below, and the one who caught the ball got the lady. Of course the lady was always beautiful, and the right man always got the ball. (Laughter.) Unfortunately, this custom had died out. Air. Wong then addressed Ms own countrymen in Chinese.

The Chinese captain also spoke a few words The Chinese residents were .sorry because the visitors had not won the match, but the result was as he had predicted and he was satisfied. They hoped the visit would improve the relations between the two countries. Captain Nicholls said they had all learned something that day", and put in a word for the older players, who should not, he thought, *be expected to give way to the younger men.. Mr. Adams thanked the people who had lent cars for the trip to the mountain, and nil who hlad assisted ijn making the gate such a success. The chairman, on behalf of the guests, thanked the Chinese residents, and wished the Chinese team every sue! cess. He also thanked the' orchestra, which had agreed to play on very short notice.

The gathering terminated with God Save the King and Auld Lang Syne.