FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XII, Issue 1220, 5 June 1919, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY UNION. r~ _____ MEETING OF EXECUTIVE A meeting of tbe committee of tbe Maniapoto Kugby Union was held on Monday night, Me Worthington presiding. It was decided to make tbe charges for admission to tbe Union's grounds Is; children under twelve and iadiea free; returned soldiers wearing badge, free. A committee of three, consisting of Messrs Wilson, McNae and Eveleigh. were chosen as selectors. Mr L. C. Barton was elected hon. auditor. The secretary, Mr A. S. Gresbam, was instructed to writ* to the New Zealand Rugby Union for a grant to tbe Public Schools Union. Tbe second grade fixtures for jlcne 7th are : v. Hangatiki. at Otorohanga; Pio Pio Av. Pio Pio B, at Pio Pio.

30UTa AUCKLAND UNION. LETTER FROM MR BUSB. The following interesting tetter from Mr B. R. Bash, who is now living at Thame*, was read at Monday night's meeting of the Maniapoto Hugby Union: — I am glad your union has made a fresb start. So far as South Auckland Rugby Union is concerned, it is about dead. There were no unions to affiliate with it in the past, and it had no funds, so 1 jost kept in toucb with the New Zealand Rugby Union with a view to keeping it a'ive. As lam out of the diatxict now, it would hardly do for me to take any active oart in its formation, but ( would suggest that I forward tbe books on to you and that your union endeavour to Call a general meeting of anions within tbe district with a view to bringing the South Auckland Rugby Union into active axistence again. You can let me know what you think of this. With regard to insurance, there is» no insurance scheme that I know of. excepting a policy tbe New Zealand Insurance Company issues. With regard to rales, I will write the New Zealand Rugby Union for copies, and t*t you bave one or two. Hoping your union bas a successful season Yours' faithfully. B. E. BUSH.* The matter was folly discussed by the members present, and on the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr McNae. it was resolved that the union should apply for affiliation with the Auckland Rugby Union. Tbe secretary was instructed to acknowledge Mr Bush's letter, and Mr Matthew was thanked for communicating with Mr C. A. Spaigbt.

NOTES BY " TOUCH LINE." The opening match of the season — Te Kuiti venus Otorohanga— was played on the Domain on Saturday under ideal weather conditions. After an interesting open game, Otorohanga proved the victors by II points to 3 a score which about represents the merits of the teams engaged on the day's play. As was to be expected for the first of the season, combination was lacking in the back divisions of both teams, and in consequence the spectators were not to any good passing rushes. The forwards played a hard game, but it was noticeable in the concluding stages of the match that lack of condition was very much in evidence Although Otorohanga were much the heavier team, they owe their win principally to the splendid following up of their forwards. They were abty assisted by an even set of sure backs, who invariably kept the game open with the centre kick. For Te Kuiti Dr. Will played a splendid forward game and was ably assisted by Williams. Heise, and Pulford In the back division Vercoe as fullback had plenty to do, and played the best game for his side. Rooney as half-back played a plucky game for his weight and should be heard of later. Owing to the superiority of the Otorohanga forwards in the scrums, the remainder of the Te Ktiiti backs had not many opportunities of displaying their football abilities. The Otorohanga backs, without exception, proved themselves sure fields and good kicks, and had the advantage of playing behind a good set of forwards —the best of whotrf was that burly player. G. Easy. Mr G. Elliot was an impartial referee, and gave general satisfaction to both sides.

The Nehenehe Club Journeyed to Mangapeehi, and were victorious in their match with the local club by 13 points to 3. I understand the tricky back play otf Anderson, Hetet and Co. were responsible for Nehcwehe's easy win. RAILWAY V. HANGATIKI. For the match,. Railway v Hangutifci, the following are' the players selected for the Railway team Geraghty, Ongfey, Stewart, De Thierry, Bathgate, Henderson, Swain, McLachlan, Barnes, Davidson, Frost, Keay, McLean, (XConncil and Borrell. EmergenciesElliott, Tavlor, Brick son, Williams and Lloyd.

REFEREES FOR SATURDAY. For the Nehe Nehe-Pio Pio match Mr N. Bl Lttsk will be referee, and Mr Gallaughcr for the Mangapebi-Otoro-hanga match; Mr Wilson will referee tfie JUiJway-Hangaliki senior match; Mr Osmond will take the second grade match, Otorohanga v. Hangatiki; Mr McNae will referee Pio Pio second grade match.