HOCKEY NOTES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 25 April 1907, Page 1

HOCKEY NOTES.

(By Bdlly.) Coming fixtures. April 27, Federal v. Nelson, at the Botanies. One has only to pass the Botanies of an afternoon or evening to have the fact brought home that hockey is once more "in." And the coming season already shows promise of more than usual interest. First and foremost, the Association has wisely decided to send a team on tour at the end of the season; and the fact that two more teams have entered for the Championship fixtures is a sign that hockey is becoming more popular every year. The Association met on Friday last and drew up the first round of fixtures, with the result that the Nelson "A" team and the Federals "bully off" on Saturday. A glance at the fixtures will show that a new club has sprung up at Richmond. The members - intend to sail in right away after the Banner, and they are to be encouraged for the enterprise shown. Where are all the sports at Stoke? Last season a deal of enthusiasm was shown by the Stokeites in forming a club, and several scratch matches were played with the town teams. But this year, when it was expected that a team would be entered for the Banner, it is found that all last year's enthusiasm was a mere flash in the pan. This is to be regretted, for with the material at its. disposal something more was expected of the subusijanites. The Tuis (ladies) are, I believe, also defunct. It will be seen that the Nelson Club is entering two teams this season, owing to the largo increase of membership. Several of th.6 rtovices are already displaying good | form, and promise to reckoned with in the future. It is a pity a Wednesday afternoon [competition coiijd hot.be instituted this year. Tho Neisbri Club were prepared to enter a team ; but the idea has had to be abandoned owing to want of sufficient entries. Unless a Wednesday competition is instituted in the near future, it is more than likely that the Wednesday teams will . either have tc drop in with the Saturday fixtures, or drop out altogether ; which would bo a course regretted by all. But it is beyond doubt that the present system is unsatisfactory ; and one wonders whether such a thing would be tolerated in football. I think not. The Wakatus will have to look to their laurels at the present rate of progress in ladies' hockey. Three mere teams have lately been formed in the city— tht St. John's, the Thistles, and thr- Wainuis. All the clubs have lost several members since last taking the field. The Maitais have to bear the lo:s of Webb ai. 1 Toms ; the Federals are lamenting the absence of Neal, Sharebrooke, and Brown ; and the Nelson will find it difficult to fill vacancios caused by the absence of G. Harrifl. Blair, and Rowley. The latter player das rendered good service to hockey, and was picked to represent the South Island in the match against the North, Island team a season or two agb. The Motueka Club has also lost one or two members. Last year it was hoped that a ladies' "empetition would be instituted thi season ; but owing to the fact that neither the Tuis nor the Mctuekas are entering teams this course has had to be dropped. It is intended, however, to have two si-a-sides for their benefit. There is a probability of f>n Otago team touring the North Island this season, and the local Association has written inviting them to include Nelson in its itinerary. Mackay, an Otago rep. last season, is now a master at Nelson College. He, however, docs not intend to take an active part in the pastime at prerent, but may turn out later in the season.