FOOTBALL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 18 March 1910, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

ANOTHER NEW ZEALANDER FOR A HOME CLUB. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, February 3. Friday and Saturday of last week witnessed a record list of what may be called notable registrations, all, of course, made with the avowed intention of clubs qualifying the players for the cup ties. ;St. Helens have registered an other colonial in Frank Talbot, a powerful scrummager from Christchurch. Talbot came to England with Gray, but, unlilke the half-back, his intention was to join a Rugby Union club. When, however, Seeling signed for Wigan, Talbot determined to throw in his lot with the Northern Union. A story could be told, says q, well-known football critic, regarding the 'hunt" which has taken place in. Gloucestershire, where the Dominionite has been laid up with influenza. However, St. Helen's had Gray on their side, and Talbot duly signed for the West Lancashire club. THE NORTHERN LEAGUE AND "STUDDING."

The Northern League Committee have recently received complaints that the boots worn by many of the playqrs are studded in such a manner as to be dangerous to other players. Tangible evidence that such is the case has been produced, and it would appear that the studs, are so made as to leave the nails fully exposed by having the leather carefully pa.red away. The committee feel that the time has arrived when action should be taken to prevent further injury to players from this cause, and a special circular is to be forwarded to all the clubs in the Union on the subject. The committee call the attention of club officials to Rule 18 in "Laws of the Game." This declares that it is illej gal for any player wearing any projecting nails on any part of his boots to take part in a match. The League Committee are, further, of the opinion that studs should be so made as to show a bearing surface of at least the size of a threepenny, piece.