GRADING OR ZONING?

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1932, Page 3

GRADING OR ZONING?

A HOCKEY HIATUS. MEETING OF PROTEST. OVERWHELMING SUPPORT. Tlk' ('oiiti'ovcrsy regarding the alternative systems of grading and zoning wliieh lias raged in the Whangarei Hockey Association this season, was brought to a climax last night, when there was a large attendance at a general meeting, held in the Coronation Tea Rooms. The meeting was called on the application of four clubs, who opposed the division of ladies' teams into northern and southern sections. Mr H. R. Monkhouse, the president, was in the chair. y In order to test the opinion of the meeting, Mr J. Wilson moved: “That, in the opinion of the meeting, the zoning system is considered quite satisfactory." This was seconded by Mr W. Saul.

As an amendment, Mr R. Caton moved that the Management Committee bo asked to adopt grading as previously. The amendment was seconded bv Miss Abbott.

A point of order, protesting against the acceptance of the amendment, raised by Air J. Wilson, was not sustained bv the chairman.

Air F, Primmer thought it was unfortunate that the matter had not been discussed at the annual meeting, which would have relieved the Management Committee of the responsibility. He was sure the committee had acted in the best interests of the game, but the alteration mot with a

great deal of opposition. Air A. Martin said that, the change would be very disheartening to the junior players, and he anticipated that in some games the differences in scores would be 20 goals, in every sport it was the principle to rise from tho bottom. He also thought that the alteration would lower tho standard of hockey, and cause tho stronger teams to lose interest. Air E. Taylor said that at the an nual meeting representatives of the B grade had protested against the system adopted in grading last season. He would like to hear expressions ot opinion from representatives of the B teams.

A letter was read from the Huia Club supporting the grading system. The Pakotai Club (Naumai) was not represented, but the secretary said that the club supported zoning. Air R. Snowden, on behalf of the Kia Ora Club, which had played in the B grade last season, gave reasons for supporting grading. Air R. Caton stressed tho aspect of Country Week participation, and said that it was necessary to maintain the standard if tho Whangaroi representatives were to do justice to themselves. He spoke in favour of the winning team in the B section being advanced to the senior ranks each season.

Air L. Goodcnough said that local hockey had to be the first consideration. If the younger players could meet better teams, the standard might be improved thereby. Air Dyer considered that the Alanagement Committee had gone beyond its powers in making such a change without consulting a meeting of delegates. Air L. Goodenough said that the need fur change had been raised by Aliss Wigley’s protest at the annual meeting concerning discrimination in refereeing and grounds, to the detriment of teams in the B grade. Aliss Wigley said that she could not understand the" criticism against the abandonment of grading, in view of tho fact that, prior to 1931, the teams had not been graded. She asked whether grading last season had resulted in Whangaroi doing better in repre sentative matches.

The secretary, Air J. 11. Batchelor, said that the whole position had been altered on account of the large influx of now teams.

Air P. Everett mentioned the result of last Thursday’s matches as the best argument in favour of grading. Air Goodenough asked where tho future players were to come from if the best teams declined to play "with tho weaker. Air Alartin said that if there were only one or two weak clubs, play in one section was feasible, but where there were enough weak teams to group, the solution was a much easier

Mr Ansell said that, as a supporter who was interested in B grade teams, he was in favour of grading. Other, wise hockey would be largely a matter of defending for the weaker teams, who would have Title or no real hockey. lie had noticed listlcssiicss in the play of strong teams, and an absence of criss-cross passing so noticeable in keen games.

Mr W. Wilson said that the whole matter hinged upon travelling costs in times of depression. After theii heavy defeat at the hands of Old Girls, Bakotai had been momentarily discouraged, but had then got, to work practising and studying tactics towards improvement, Mr J. Wilson inquired whether, if the grading system was to tie adopted, any provision would be made to meet the heavier travelling imposed on T> teams. Other speakers voiced the opinion that if the old system was followed the senior teams would have more travelling. Mrs McLeod said that College supported A and E grades, and Mr Goodenough advised that Maungakaratnea was neutral.

The chairman ruled that each delegate should have one vote, and that the postal votes of Huia be accepted. The amendment was carried by 21 votes to 9.

A vote of confidence in the Alanagemont Committee was moved by Mr Ansell, seconded by Air Alartin, and carried by acclamation.. Alteration Made. At a meeting of the Alanagemont ■Committee, held afterwards), it wa= decided to accede to the request of delegates and divide the teams into two grades. Aliss Wigley suggested that the lead of the Auckland Hockey Association be followed in apportioning the teams into juniors and seniors. Other members thought that, desirable as this system might be, it would not be practicable on account of the scattered location of Whangarei clubs.

The graded sections will be called A and B, and tho following division was made. —

A. Section.—Wesley A, White Star, Avoca,, Alaungakaramca, Portland, Naumai, Horn Hora, Hincmoa, Old Girls and School A.

B Section. —College, Kia Ora, Wesley B, School B and Huia. It was proposed that the selector be instructed, when choosing possibles and probables, that tlm former be selected from the. A section and the latter from the B section. The wish of the committee is that the good players in the lower grade should come under the eye of the selector.