HOCKEY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9186, Issue 9186, 9 April 1910, Page 6

HOCKEY.

MEETING .sIociAIior AWATU ! Tho annual meeting of the Manawatu Hockev Association was held last night. Primrose, and Canton (Pa.lmergton). Two Representatives, of the new Fitzhorbert Club (Messrs Blain and Hughes) were also present. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was received as fol°From the Palmcrston Club applying for affiliation and entering, two teams for ■the senior championship.—The new Club was affiliated on the motion oh Mr F'rom N.Z Hockey Association drawing attention to rule which provides that no Association can play against Associations unaflilintcd to the New Zealand body.— It was decided to ask for a list of such Associations. VISIT OF ENGLISH TEAM. \ letter was received from the N.Z. Hockev Association offering Manawatu a match with the proposed English team for a guarantee of £75, this sum to be in the "hands of the Association by beptember, 1910, and to be pooled, and any profits divided pro rata between-the contributing Associations. The Chairman did not sec how tne "Association could guarantee the amount. The whole gate receipts last year were only £20. and it would mean that the guarantors would be called upon to pay up a large portion of their guarantee. Other speakers said that the total cos-. would be £100, and they failed to see how that amount of good, would, bo done the game in this district by tho visit ot an English team, which, after all, would not be thoroughly representative. It was ' pointed out that the recent cricket match in Palmerston. allowing for the greater attendance and two days' gate receipts, had not paid expenses. ,-■.,.,,. The meeting unanimously decided that the Association regretted it was unable to join in the scheme on account of the impossibility of recouping itself from the gate and the problematical amount of benefit the game would receive. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET.

In presenting their report on the season 1909-110 the Executive congratulated the Association on tho improved position of hockey in Palmerston and the healthy state of the Association s finances. During the season there has been no deterioration in the standard of play, nor anv falling away in numerical strength. The senior championship was contested bs' six teams, and was won—together with tne Da wick shield—by Post Office. The juniors could only muster three teams, Old Boys winning the Maclean bhickl. and a similar number of teams contested the Indies' championship, the Craven Cun falling to Old Girls A. Old Boys won tho Manager's Cup in the five-aside championship. Aβ usual a. large number of outside Associations were played during the year, and though there are not many victories to chronicle there were no very decisive defeats. The Green and White'record is as follows :—Beaten by Wellington (Saturday Association), 4 to 2; beaten by Wellington (Wednesday Association), 3 to 2; beaten by Auckland, 4to 2; beaten by Wairarapa, Ito nil; beaten by Wellington (Shield match), 4 to 2; beat Horowhenua. 6to 1. A match was played for the New Zealand Shield at Wellington under unfavourable conditions, and the result was defeat by 4 to 2, after a struggle- worthy oi Manawatu in its best days. Thi* 4e«ociation owes matches to tno Dauncvirko Sub-Association, Wanganui, Canterbury and Otago, and an eftort should be made to pay some of these visits back during tho season. The Executive recommend that a team be sent on a tour of the South Island early _in July. Matches are due to this Association from Wellington (Wednesday and Saturday). Horowhenua and Waiurrapa, and no doubt they will bo played on convenient dates. Last year a conference of hockey referees throughout the Dominion was held at Wanganui. this Association being ably represented thereat by Mr C. H. Warden. A number of resolutions were amvea at, which should be put into force this eeason. The Association is greatly indebted to those gentlemen who regularly took tho whistle last year. Referccing is always a thankless duty, but this Executive feels bound to put on record its appreciation of the cheerfully given services of Messrs L. Giorgi, C. H. Warden and E. Tucker in senior games, and Messrs G. Isaacs and D. Opio in junior fixtures, as well as several emergency referees. The Association requires one or two more referees, and several players have intimated their intention of relinquishing the stick for the whistle this. year. For several eoasons past the ladies competition has been lacking in vigour. Only three teams have contested tho Graven Cup. and when it is reflected that in one season there were eight ladies' teams in the field, it will be evident that in this department there is room for a revival. To ensure an interesting tourney there should be at least four distinct clubs represented, and the Executive trusts that the formation of new clubs will be a featurd of the season's operationsl The thanks of the Association arc duo to Messrs W. F. Durward, H. N. 'Watson and H. M. Simmonds for donations to the funds of £1 Is. For the first time in four years the treasurer has the pleasure of announcing a credit balance at the Bank. The year opened with _a debit of £1 17s lid. The expenditure totalled £54 7s 4d and the receipts wore £60 17s 7d, leaving the Association in credit to the cxtent_ of £6 10s 3d. In addition tho Association has

a quantity of gear in, the shape of nets, jerseys, etc., though the former require to be put into a state of repair. Owing to the removal from tho district of Mr

G. Reed, the Association's auditor, it has been impossible to have the balance-sheet audited, but it is herewith _ submitted with vouchers for they information of dele-

gates. In conclusion the Executive trust that the season of 1910 will bo as successful as

its predecessors, and that players will thoroughly enjoy their encounters with stick and 'ball, it could wish that greater

public interest might be taken in the game. but. while grateful for tho continued support of a small band of enthueiasts. it believes that while hockey is played for its own sake, rather than for the approbation of tho spectators, it will continue to hold its place in the affection of its devotees. Tho Chairman referred to the satisfactory position of tho Association, as disclosed by the annual report. He urged all players" to take more interest in the doings-"of the controlling body, and to do all possible to advance the gamev "The fact that tbcro was a credit balance was also referred to. The report was adopted. The balanccrsheet was referred to the newly-elected auditor, and when audited will be presented to tho Executive. OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follows: —Patron. Tho Mayor, re-elected; president. Mr H. R. Cooper, re-elected; vico-pre.s'i-dpnts. Messrs I<\ M. Garner, H. M. Siminonds. ■ W. F. Dunvard (re-elected), and H. Watt; secretary, re-elected; treasurer, Mr G. Watchorn'; auditor, Mr 11. R. Swallow; delegate to N.Z. Hockey Association. Mr E. Norden; executive. Messrs Crump, A. Korslake, Walkl.ey. Anderson and Primrose; postponement committee, Messrs Crump, Garner and Walkley;- representative team selectors, Messrs Crump, Gamer and A. Roe. TRAINING FRAGILITIES. M. Watchorn mentioned the proposal to form an am ateu* , _ boxing club and open a gymnasium, wjhich would be available for training purposes. He urged that every assistance's should bo given to the movement by tho Association. The Chairman' snijl the idea, was a good one. as in the winter it was often impossible for men to get out, owing , to the weather. Facilities for indoor train-

ing should bo of 'great help to the representative' team. It was agreed to support the proposal. GENERAL. The affiliation fee was fixed at £2 10s per team. Several minor matters wore referred to the Executive.