No Centralisation For Men’s Hockey

Northern Advocate, 7 September 1939, Page 7

No Centralisation For Men’s Hockey

Men’s hockey matches are not to bo centralised in Whangarei next season.

Mr R. McKoy (Mata) said centralisation would mean cosily transport for country players and would detract from the interest country people showed in the game. Provided special consideration was given country teams, Otaika took a favourable view of playing all matches at Kensington, said Mr A. J. Magee.

Hukerenui held similar views, stated Mr Lynch.

Would Mean Belter Hockey

“Centralisation would mean better hockey because of better grounds being available,” contended Mr N. Leech (Bargain Stores). Agreeing with Mr Leech, Mr F. Draffin (Springfield) said players from his club were happy to travel to Whangarei for their matches; but centralisation would kill the country interest. Centralisation would mean better grounds, more referees, and less likelihood of players being hurt, said another Hukerenui delegate. There was little local support for the game in any case.

No Better Than, Maungakaramea

Agreeing with the general advantages of centralisation, Mr L. Goodenough said Maungakaramea felt its heme grounds were as good as those now available at Kensington Park. Difficulties of accommodating junior boys at Kensington were pointed out by Mr A. J. Magee. On the strength of the association at the close of this season eight grounds would be sufficient to 1 centralise hockey, Mr H. Patterson said. After an amendment had been lost, the motion of Mr McKoy—“That owing to the lack of grounds men’s hockey matches do not be centralised at Kensington Park next season”— was carried.