FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13453, 1 June 1907, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

' *' /notes AND COMMENTS. . • THE CUP MATCHES. The concluding matchcs of tho first round ; , of tho Auckland Rugby Union's championship cup contests will take place to-day, two senior games being played at Alexandra Park, and. one at North Shore. The interest in tho game has not boon sustained 'M-i ii this' season 'so well as was expected, though it, is gratifying' to nolo that there is still a fair attendance of spectators at tho playing grounds. As last season, tho contest is again principally between two teams City & and Ppnsonby—tho latter occupying tho ; '•! place of North Shore, lib ruiiners-up last year. Four matches have been played, and City has won them all, scoring 77 points, and only having three scored against them. .. Ponsonby have sustained oho defeat, by - City, North Shore and Parnell havo lost i and won two games each respectively, Newton have won one game, and Grafton is at -jthe, bottom of tho list, not having yet achievJ" 'I ed victory.' Players of tho losing , teams, however, have shown gameness, and ihey are to bo congratulated on their sportsmanship. Whoa the inter-union matches coriio to bo played, and the selections for the Southern and Australian tour are made, public interest will, no doubt, bo rokindled. A close, ..even match should take place •on No. 1 ground to-day between Newton and Parnell. The teams play a similar game, and, while tho difference in the scores should not bo much, I expect to see Newton win. Ponsonby will have no difficulty in defeating- Gr&ftoii'on tho No. 2 ground, and City. will bo the conquerors of North Shore on ' the Dovonport ground. The following arrangements have been made for to-day's matches: — •■ - V" " ■ FIRST FIFTEENS. ■'/ji;■ No. 1 ground, Alexandra Park: Newton v. Parnell ; referee, Mr. W. Pitt£. £' So. 2 ground : Grafton v. I'onsonbv; referee, Mr. K. Oiiphant. At Devonjmrt: North Shore v. City; referee, .Mr: s G. liaiterns. r,-, j'. ... . ' SECOND FIFTEENS. ' ' No. 4 ground, Alexandra Park: Grafton v. Ton:,a son by : referee, Mr. N. McLean., At King-stand - New ion v. I'arnell; referee, Mr. ■ * M. Lemliin. • At North Shore: City v. North Shore; referee, " Mr. 11. Frost. ■ * THIRD FIFTEENS. At Kingsland: City v. North Shore; referee, Mr. R. McGregor... > No. 5 ground: Alexandra Park: Grafton v. Pon- ' ' "sonbyi referee. Mr. A. Jaggs. • No. 6 ground : Newton v. Parnell; referee, Mr. — - C. Martin. • ' FOURTH FIFTEENS. No. 3 ground,' Alexandria Park: North Shore v. Citv; referee, Mr. F. Chalmers. No. 7 ground': Grafton v. Tonsonby; referee, Mr. W. Parker. No. 8 ground: Newton v. Parnell; referee, Mr. A. Nicholson. LAST SATURDAY'S GAMES. The principal match last Saturday-was between Parnell and North Shore, on the No. 1 ground, and, although thoso who had followed- form closely this season, favoured Parnell's chances, it was anticipated on all hands that tho marino suburb's representa- • tives would put up a good, close fight. ' These ' anticipations y. were, .however, not realised, and the wearers of the maroon left the field victors by the substantial margin of 22 points to nil. The ground was wet and greasy, and, as the ball, was soon .in a. similar state, a good exposition of the ; game was not possible. The game;' however, was one oi tho best for the spectators seen this season, for, a' - frequent intervals, pretty * passing rallies were indulged in. The -score hardly indicates the relativo merits of the teams; thero was decidedly , ■ riot "such : a. great disparity. It must also be. remembered that the Shore team was playing under unfavourable conditions, for. .several of their best men could not tako ' part, and the substitutes were not in sufficiently good form to keep paoe with .the game all through. ;No great fault can bo found with the individual play of the Shore ' team, but when, it .'came to combining in •attack they were decidedly not in it. Tho . whole team played a sterling game. In V, view of the state of the ground, Parnell's ' open play was very fine,- tho handling of the wot . ball being at times very good, while fine form ana dash, with admirable com- . bi nation, were shown by tho pack. In tho first spell, with the wind in their favour, the Shore players held their own finely, and there was very little difference between - the teams. But with the change of ends Parnell attacked - almost . continually, 'the Shore players, although playing dashingly ? in 'a few .spurts,- appearing to tire quickly and lose heart, though- defending fairly-well to the end. - Of the Parnell pack J. Kinder was the most . conspicuous right through, and his claim to representative honours may have to be considered,, P. B. Walsh, Bamford, and J. Muir were also generally in the van of an attack. The combination ' of tho forwards all through was creditable. Twiname'was tho finest back, his attack and opening up of the gamo being creditable, while the others backed him up well. • Fox, at half, had a number of opportunities, and generally diet the right thing, and Todd also placed the oval well. D. • Miller,' the ■ i Shore .back, had plenty to do,i and did it, < ; well. His coolness in stopping • rushes, and " getting .in his 'kicks were admirable. O. , • Miller and F. Woodward also did well, the ; latter repeatedly breaking through, but, s not being supported '-.sufficiently, nothing much camo of. his work. The forwards did • t not have that homogenity that , is-so desirable in Rugby football, and their work at times was decidedly straggling. Mays, Yeo- , land, and Clailk, however, at times did good , work, but individual work does not count , • for much, unless it is well backed up.- ... j * Ponsonby in their match against'-Newton 1 on Saturday did not display anything like ] the form which they showed themselves capable of in the contest with City, but this was no doubt due to the fact that they con- 1 sidercd they were not called upon to make ' any great effort, and to the wretched con- 1 dilions under which the match was played. 1 . . With a. strong wind blowing across the field ! play was-mostly confined to the one side, 1 and as the game progressed tho ground be- ... : came more and more slippery, with the re- { suit that a good exhibition of football was i . out of the question. Most of the time was i taken' tip in line-out play, in which neither l side showed out to much advantage, and c in scrum, work and a general scramble in i the mud. Ponsonby managed to break away t on several occasions, and Nowton once or

. twice.' but r beyond this- there, wan little or .. no open play. Newton played with three -«■• juniors in their forward division, and must bo given credit for keeping the redoubtable "Ponies" in check to such an extent as to ~ only allow them to "score six points. The • best of the Ponsonby team were Gillett, , Francis, Nicholson, and Cunningham, while :• of the' Newton representatives those who shone out most conspicuously were Trevarthen, Linkorn, and Hayward, among the forwards, and Rowo and Farrant among the • :■ backs. .-■.-- . -■• . The result of the City-Grafton match was never in doubt, and the former team won, , 4 without any groat exertion, by 27 points to nil. The game calls for but little description, for in every department Grafton were outclassed. Although the work of the Grafton men was earnest, enough, 'they never once crossed the City's lino. City had once to force in the first few minutes' play, a Grafton player from the field kicking over ;*' the line. • One of the most pleasing fea- .'■ tures of the match was the (rood feeling that existed, and viewed from this point it was in strong contrast to some of tho games played this season. The Gitv players when attacking in earnest worked magnificently :■'.' together, each man doing his share in effec- . tive style. If any deserved special mention on City's side they are G. Smith, Tyler. R. Masree. -and S. Maa-ee (for his kicking), i''while for Grafton. MaoOormirk. Sutherland, ' and Eaton were most prominent. : , PREMIERSHIP POINTS. :,■'", position of the clubs for the Premiership to date is as follows:— ---. : T"- V ; Team.' '"' :.;.-.. , . Points. P. W. L. For. Agst. Citv : .:.... ,'4 4 ■ 0 77 '3 :■ Ponsonbv * ... 4 r 3 1 47 8 North Shore... 4 22 19 46 :; Darnell... ... 4 22 « 48 Newton... ... 4 1 ,3 21 35 'Grafton;. . ... ' 4 0 4 9/6 v ■■■■ THE PROFESSIONAL TEAM. „' The talk of the week in Rugby football ' l ..circles has been the projected visit to Eng- • land of a team of professional footballers, and the discussion had .been accentuated by, refusal- of the 12 Auckland, players to sign the necessary declaration last SaturV" dav. The matter has already been referred "in the columns of : the Herald.- so there . is no necessity to recapitulate. ' The Auck- ""* land plavcrs. at a meeting on .Wednesday

; evening, wisely decided to sign the declaration, but it must be said tbo excuse given for the rofusal in the first instance was rather lamf. 'It. is hard to understand why any ' footballer in New Zealand should decline to sign an amateur declaration in the present emergency if he baa no intention of becoming a professional. Football is the national . game of Now Zealand, and the fame that New Zealand has won in it all over the world is worth guarding, and should not be risked in any way. The action <the Now Zealand Union in requiring the declaration to be made on the eve of the inter-island match and the Australian tour has undoubtedly disconcerted those who had the arrangements for the professional tour in hand, and all lovers of football'will heartily applaud the New Zealand Rugby 'Union for their prompt measures. The Auckland players signed too late to allow of their being considered, for the North Island team, and this is unfortunate, for Auckland would undoubtedly have had at least half-a-dozen representatives, who would have left Auckland yesterday. However, now that they have signed, their claims should bo considered by the New Zealand Rugby Union for the Australian tour. .■';'• .'' ;..

Tho proposal to send a professional team from New Zealand to play the northern counties in England has been received with mixed feelings in New South "Wales (says a Sydney paper). In Australasia there is no professional football, as far as one can tell. "There have been many rumours, but in the absence,of proof it must be accepted that tho sport is pure. The movement is naturally meeting with a good deal of opposition in Maoriland. If the organisation of the team is successful, so many good players ■will bo shut out from local football that the standard of play ■ will be reduced considerably. Amateur football has worked very well so far, and it.would be a matter for regret if a number, of the best players i» Now Zealand—which may bo regarded as the homo of Rugby in tho Southern Hemispherewere disqualified as amateurs. An important communication' addressed to all tho loading clubs in the Northern Union has come from New Zealand (says a Homo sporting paj>er). It contains the suggestion that New Zealand should send next year- a - team to play clubs under Northern Union rules.' Clubs are asked what support can be promised. Several leading clubs favour the project, anu look on it as offering a means for bringing about a revival of interest in tho Northern Union game. Tho. statement that an " All Black" team from New Zealand is to visit. England to play the Northern Union clubs i 3 prema turo (says another English sporting naj < r). It is a fact that letters have been received by all the leading clubs and the resp<wtive county committees suggesting such a v.'sit, but it emanates from a speculative syudieato hailing from Wellington, and in no >vj>y lias, as may bo expected, tho sanction of the New Zealand Rugby Union. The originators of tho proposed visit state that it is probable that several of the famous "All Black" team which had such a triumphant career in the British Isles might form part of the proposed combination to play the Northern Union Clubs. This, however, is open to doubt, and, though naturally the Northern Union. game would benefit "from such a visit, it is questionable if a monetary guarantee could be made to ensure a visit from a Now Zealand professional side, even if such exists. ' ' *

HERE AND THERE. W. Wynyard will probably not play any more football this season. '-, H. Rowo did not play-for Newton in the match against Shore on the 18th inst., owing to ill-health. •;■ ; Negotiations are still ponding for tho visit to'.». Zealand of a team representing Great Britain and Ireland. The Auckland Rugby Union has accepted tho challenge of the Buffer Union to play Auckland for the Ranfurly shield on July 13.',--' ■.■■.■■■■>.. • . . : The Rugby Union of England has practically decided to -■ secure a ground as a permanent homo for Rugby football in the vicinity of London. ■ -The Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. J. H. Carruthers, was hon. secretary and • treasurer ■ of . tho Sydney University Football Club in 1875. " ; The * New Zealand Rugby Union has a, credit balance of £12,329 19s lid. Of that amount £8800 is at fixed deposit, and £3450 has been lent to local unions.

; How many of the first grade three-quarters ever think of centring the ball, notwithstanding the grand object lessons of Morgan and Llewellyn, of the British team?

In the football match Chelsea v. Birkenhead, last Saturday, the former club won by six points to nil, S. Premain scoring a try and kicking a penalty goal.

Scotland is admitted at Home to be the

best international team of the season. Their line was not crossed until tho last moment in the last match i* the four internationals, 'V'-'--York (England) offered a substantial sum to Kadeliffc Bangers to play their cup tie at York this season, but, in response to, the wishes *of their supporters, Raciciiffe were not to be bribed. ' .'. '-

The president of the Northern Union (Mr. J. B. Cooke, of Wakefield) says tho management of the Northern Union is a sort of House of Lords without the help of a House of Commons.

, " Where are our boys to play?" may well be asked when we bear in mind that in London alono last year there were 1700 lads charged with the atrocious crime of playing football in the streets. .North Shore will be strengthened to-day by the inclusion of' R. Wynyard and two or three men from H.M.s. Pioneer, who played against the Permanent- Force, and are reputed to be good average men. Mr. . W. W. Hill, secretary of the New' South' Wales Rugby Union, has received a telegram from West' Australia, which announced that the terms for the visit of a New South Wales team to; the West in July, and August were acceptable.

The Auckland Referees' Association has decided-, in reference to the ball going over tho goal line (re case law, section C), that in club matches under the auspices of the Auckland Rugby Union, if tho referee is in doubt,, he is to give the ball to, the defending side.' ' .• '■'," ":■'; . '

The Great Public Schools Rugby team will not go to ; New Zealand this season. Tho authorities in Now Zealand generally acted in a poor spirit, hence the falling through of tho proposal. Fortunately, the unions' in New 'South Wales have always been more generous (says a Sydney paper).

The Australian agreement.will reach its termination with the visit of the New Zealand team. to Australia this year. There will probably be a conference between representatives of the New South Wales, Queensland, arid New Zealand Unions during the visit of the teams from Maoriland.

The Rugbv outlook, is bright in England (says an exchange), and if matters progress as they have been doing, wo may see a revival in the northern counties, and the realisation of what once seemed a vain dream—all the English publio schools playing Rugger. Eton and Harrow are setting the others an example.

Tho "North. Shore and City first juniors. (who have not yet been defeated) will play at North Shore this afternoon. The contest should be a fine one, as the sides are well matched. It is unfortunate that the

juniors were not" given a better position, as little interest will be evinced in the senior contest at the Shore. '

The president of the English Football League gave some excellent advice to referees in a speech ho made recently. He held that roforees were responsible for the conduct of a game, and they should study the laws in their quieter moments, and then got assiduous practice on the field of play. There was a great difference between theory ant" practice. ' •";

" Club management is one of the most important parts of the Northern Union game. It is necessary that club committees should insist upon their" teams playing the game in a bright and attractive fashion, and not with tho idea of winning at any price, and by introducing unfair methods. Good football has always attraction for the public." This from the president of the Northern Union.

An exciting three-cornered fight was taking place between Durham, Lancashire, and Cheshire for the Rugby Union county championship when the last English mail left. Durham have not yet been beaten, while Lancashire and Cheshire had onlv lost one match each. Lancashire have still to meet Durham, and there are hopes of lowering the colours of a county which has long been in the forefront.

During the past year the New Zealand 1 Union granted tho following loans to affiliated unions:—Auckland, £1000; Taranaki, £400; Wanganui, £750; Southland, £1300; total, £3450. Further loans of £750 and) £1000 were allotted to the Hawke's Bay and Wellington Unions respectively.' • In the case of Hawke's Bay. the details of the security are in course of arrangement; and the Wellington Union did not avail itself of the allotment. ........

R. L. Baker, in the course of a letter to tho secretary of the Metropolitan Rugby Union, says:—"All" the Rugby is over here. I was anxious to see some games to let you know of them. Everyone speaks highly of ' the Springboks.' They say that South Africa played a superior and cleaner game than ; the 'All-Blacks.' I fancy-New Zealand 'sorted' thorn a bit too muclf. A visit from an Australian team -will do the game a lot of good."

; It is reported that there is no 'hope of a visit to Australia by art American team ■■ this year. The associated 'schools of California were desirous of sending a combination, to New Zealand, and negotiations were opened up between the schools and the New South Wales Rugby Union. Recently Mr. W. W. Hill (secretary of the local governing body) cabled for some definite* information, and the reply above mentioned came to band. The time is ripening for a world's championship at Rugby football. There is a proposal on foot that when the next British Rugby team is organised for Australasia, it should go to America, and play tho noted college teams. There is a great nublic for football in the States (says an English paper), and there is a cry for a game less gladiatorial in its character than the present so-called recreation. Some six or eight matches could be arranged, for the season starting in September, and finishing the second weetk in October, is only short, but it would very profitable, the spectators being of that class which does not mind the number of dollars charged to see collegians play. It is rumoured that Sir Thomas Lipton has made a promise to provide a challenge cup for competition in the States. Perhaps tho Rugby Union will discuss the matter at its meeting.

Advice received by tho Now Zealand Rugby Union from the athletic director of tho Stanford University states that the University team, which adopted the Rugby gamo last year in place of the American game, has decided to permanently keep to the Rugby style of play. The team had little opposition last year, and the University now proposed to work out its own salvation in tho game, and it was anxious to get a good start. Mr. G. Presley and Mr. James Lanngan, of tho University, intend, the writer stated, visiting Auckland this year, in order to see and study Rugby methods in New Zealand. It was their present intention to leave San Francisco about June 15, which would land them in Auckland about July 1. The stay in New Zealand will bo limited to about six weeks.

The first of tho inter-union matches of the Gold-fields Union was played at Mackaytown on Saturday (18th inst.), between Karangahake and Waikino, and resulted after a hard-fought game in a win for Karangahake by eight points to five (writes my correspondent). The most noticeable players for the losers were . Bramble and O'Niell (forwards) and Montgomery and Armstrong (backs), and for the winners Capsll, Dacre, and Warner (forwards), especially the last-named, who did a lot of good work, and amongst the backs Dufty and McLean. Dufty sometimes gained half the field with his fine line-kicks, and converted two goals. The first was from a. difficult angle, and tho second, with a heavy, greasy ball, from nearly half-way. It is pleasing to know that Dufty is in such fine kicking form.'

" Tho carrying code and the English Rugby Union have just gained a groat victory," says a Home paper. "At a meeting of the ' guinea members '' of the Bradford Cricket, Athletic, and Football Club, Bradford, it was decided, after a good deal of discussion, to return to the fold of English Rugby.. After a lot had been said in favour of both courses (Rugby and Association) it was suggested that thero should be a straight vote between Rugby of any description and Association football, and tho Mayor, falling in with the wishes of the meeting, at once put the matter to tho vote, with the result that there was a substantial majority in favour of Rugby of any description, this declaration being received with prolonged cheering. The Mayor then called upon the meeting to decide between Northern Unionism (professional) and the English Rugby Union (amateur), and the vote resulted in a good majority in favour of tho Rugby Union, the Mayor's pronouncement, ' Tho old Rugby game has it,' being received with loud cheering." The action of tho- Bradford Club, it is declared, shows the tendency in English football circles.

President Theodore Roosevelt has a. breezy manliness about all he does that makes- him intensely interesting to every son of John Bull. In his fascinating book entitled "Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter,", thero is much that charms the reader. He has occasionally put in a good word for football, arid .the Harvard youths were stirred into a state of wild enthusiasm by his declaration that football, when properly ■ regulated, tends to develop courage. "•' There is no justification," remarked the President, "for stopping a thoroughly manly sport because it is sometimes abused, when tho experience of every good preparatory school shows that tho abuse is in no shape necessarily attendant upon the game."Another correspondent tells us that Mr. Roosevelt enjoys a visit to his old University,, where, like. the eagle, he renews his youth, and for the time being is once again an undergradute. His speech to the students is " regarded as important, says one message.' "His text is summed up in the.', words that rough sports make brave men. President Roosevelt is a great sportsman and athlete, who keeps in •■' good physical training for most of the year. He told tho University that lie 'didn't believe in-molly-, coddles,' and approved all good games, oven American football, not only, for themselves, but because they turned out. the best citizens, statesmen, and business men', who could endure bravely, and wero not afraid of a little pain." Coming from one who fills the dignified position of tho head of the United States, utterances such as the above are of weight and value.

!. r ;; WEDNESDAY RUGBY UNION. Fine weather again favoured tho president's cup matches of the Wednesday Union played last Wednesday, and in consequence a good attendance was present to .witness i the games. ■'.' • .. No. 1 match, played in front of the stand, resulted in a surprise, the Post, Telegraph and Railway fifteen being far too clover for the Drapers' Combined team, which they defeated by tho substantial margin of 17 points. The winners were a vastly improved team from their owning- effort, and bore the impression "of having been carefully trained and coached, which no doubt is the work of H. Kiernan, who has been acting, as coach during the past two weeks. The Drapers, on the other hand, were by no means as good a team as their play in the first match would indicate, and hardly did themselves justice on the day's play. , ; A regrettable feature of . the match was the unsportsmanlike attitude of a portion of the spectators towards the referee (Mr. Parker), and at several periods of the game that official's position was decidedly an unenviable one. Mr. Parker controlled the match in. a most impartial manner,, and his decisions were given promptly at all times, and certainly did hot. deserve' tho treatment he received. The Wednesday Union have hitherto supervised the attendance at their matches very ably, but have evidently become somewhat lax in their precautionary measures, otherwise the incident of Wednesday last would never have occurred. It is understood- that one of the players' and several of the spectators will bo called before the Management Committee as the result of tho demonstration.

| As the Post, Telegraph and Railway, van--1 guard wore successful in securing the ball From the scrum, their fast backs were able to operate, and this they did to great advantage, almost all the scoring coming from members of the rearguard. Little, behind the scrum, gave an excellent exhibition; in fact, one of the best that has ever been shown by a Wednesday Union player in this position. : Edwards played with his usual versatility, and Caselton, at three-quarter, ' played with dash. Kirkwood, though weak in defence,, was successful in scoring two tries. The forwards played really well, Oallaghan" and Connel, in the front row,' leading tho way in fine style. < Parker held the scrum together very well, and was ably assisted by Jackson, and Flett. The Drapers' Combined team could hardly be recognised as the brilliant combination of the previous match, and were weak in all departments. Thomas and Martin worked hard in tho forwards, as did Brown; but the front-rankers were beaten by the opposing pack. None of the backs played above the ordinary, with the exception of Tomlinson, who defended the sticks in a most determined manner, and proved himself the surest tackier on the ground. Littlejohn's absence was (keenly felt by the Grocers and Milkmen in their match with the Bakers. In consequence, the backs lacked cohesion, and played in a patchy manner. From the start the Bakers' forwards controlled the game, and evidently did not exert themselves too much after the first score. Savoury stood out by himself, and with Pierce . headed every rush. In • the ' backs Greenwood was most conspicuous. Roscoe and Cliffe, on the wing for the Grocers, worked hard, and 5 Coppin was tho best of the pack. Behind tho scrum, Hunt was perhaps the best, but the backs, as a whole, lacked combination very sadly. Champion will be included in the Post, Telegraph and Railway rearguard next week. v

WAIHI REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] . - Waihi, Friday. At the weekly meeting of tho Waihi Referees' Association (Mr. P. Garvey, president), s Messrs. P. Garvey, R. Harris, and Moore were appointed to referee in the first., second, and third grade cup matches respectively to-morrow*

THE ASSOCIATION GAME. - The cup competitions will be continued as usual at the; various grounds this afternoon. The two first-grade matches are Corinthians v. North Shore, at Devonport, and Ponsonby v. Ever ton, on the Domain. Both should provide interesting and close games.-:.-' , The games last Saturday were anything but interesting, owing to the slippery state of " the ground, and the heavy rain which fell throughout the afternoon. On the Domain Corinthians and Everton met, and played a drawn game, each side scoring one goal. At Devonport North Shore met and defeated Ponsonby by <• goals to nil. At a meeting of the Management Committee of the Auckland Football Association held on' Tuesday evening a letter was received from Mr. A. G. Heigh way resigning all offices held by him under the association. The committee decided to ask him to reconsider his decision. It is due to his untiring efforts during the commencement of this season' that grounds to play on were procured.

The annual report and balance-sheet of the New Zealand Football Association was read at the Management Committee's meeting on Tuesday evening. It seems that Association football is going ahead by leaps and bounds in the colony, especially in the South. There is every probability of a New South Wales team visiting New Zealand this year, as well as an English team next

Mr. Bell has resigned from the secretaryship of the N.Z.F.A., and Mr. B. Salmon, the Canterbury delegate, has taken up the position. - , One thing that was noticeable in the balance-sheet of the N.Z.F.A. was that Wellington received the same proportion of profits that Auckland did. The Auckland expenses were much greater- than Wellington's, and the N.Z.F.A. should be approached on the matter.

It seems that the N.Z.F.A. is doing its best to get the five teams to visit Auckland for the Brown shield competition this year. This in itself ought to encourage Association football in Auckland.

It is stated that Hamilton is going to form an Association team. This is a welcome sign, and we'aro asked by Mr. W. J. H. Reynolds, hon. secretary to the A.F.A., to say he will do anything he can do to forward the game along. There is some talk of a Wednesday afternoon competition taking place. The protest by Shore against Everton in i regard to last Saturday's match was heard by the Management Committee. After a lengthy inquiry the match was awarded to Everton and the protest dismissed. Association football, or, as the English schoolboys call it, "soccer," is becoming popular in the American v college world (says "Vanguard," in the .Wellington Post), there already having been' formed a strong inter-collegiate association football league among the eastern colleges, Harvard, Pennsylvania, Columbia, and Haverford; while keen interest is shown in tho game at the Chicago and western universities. This is no doubt the result of the English Pilgrim team, which undoubtedly has planted tho game move firmly in America. The object of the Pilgrim's visit was to introduce a fast, clean and wholesome game of football, in which the roughness and .bru-tality-of the American game have no part, the game being of an open character, easy to follow, and in which all can take part, as agility, cleverness, and speed are more essential than a 44-inch waist. The Otago Association have inaugurated a fourth-grade competition.' It had been for some time a matter of concern that there was no way of bridging the gap between the schools and the clubs, which was causing the loss of several players. t The prospects of a successful season in the Newcastle district (New South Wales) are Tory bright. Record entries have' been received, and the fact that 1000 players have been registered this year is sufficient indication that the soccer game is becoming very popular in the Newcastle and Maitland districts. ~.■*.': •'

Association football has been played in England for many years, but it is since 1885, when professionalism was legalised in Lancashire, that the game has boomed to much that at the present time there are over 40 football leagues, each league having 12 to 20 clubs in it. There are over 100 leagues in England, and it is a common occurrence to see from 40,000 to 75,000 spectators at a first league game, while for an English final cup tie there have been 110,000 paid admissions. Commenting on tho matches on the opening day at Sydney recently, the Referee says. they were "oppressive, similar to what wo have seen before. Do any of our men study tho game? The field "is a big one, and. 11 men a-side should he able to invent new combination, new methods of procedure, to put more life in the game, and maiko it attractive. One is never surprised by %vhat one sees on . out ■■'" soccer", fields; the tactics are so often 'repeated. Where are those surprise pots ,from. the . halves, bits of play by forwards and halves together that arc so pretty to the spectator? Hardly ever seer.in fact, it is often hard to distinguish the two linos, so much out of place are they. It is lime that haphazard methods were replaced by scientific football.

THE AUSTRALIAN GAME'. To-day the premiership matches will bo continued, Imperial meeting Austral. (-riven fine weather, an interesting game may be looked forward to. All matches this season are being played on the 'Domain Cricket Ground. Both teams are likely to be strongly represented, but on present form I am inclined to tip Imperials as the winners; in, fact, though defeated in their first match, I am of opinion that they will just about manage to win the premiership this season, having been runnors-up forf the three past seasons. , Vance, a splendid halfback, is expected to make his reappearance with the Imperials to-day. H. Webb states his intention of again playing after his return from Melbourne next month. "With two such players Imperial will be strengthened in their weakest point, the ruck." ' -', On Friday week (Empire Day) the Auckland senior and junior representatives visit* ed the Thames to meet Waihi, the proceeds of the match going to the Thames Hospital. Something liko £15 will go to the hospital as a result of' the ; game. Had the weather been at all good a fine gate would assuredly have resulted. The locals won. both games, but, in the senior match Auckland won somewhat easily, though it is fair to say that Waihi were certainly weak, several of their best, players missing the train from Waihi. Good form was shown for Waihi by Darby (one of the best men on the field), Swan, Bond, : Dance, and for Auckland Spence, Marshall, Abnalter, and Fletcher. /

The scores were as follows:—Auckland seniors 45, Waihi senior* 27; Auckland juniors 26, Waihi 21. The Eden-Austral match, played lash Saturday, resulted in a very hollow victory for the former.' The outstanding- feature of the gam© was the " play of Fletcher. .His form and handling of a wet, greasy ball was very good. Word was received by the secretary or the Now Zealand League during the week from the Queensland League, asking for a match to be played at Brisbane in 1908. The Geelong (Victoria) Club also wrote suggesting that the Now Zealand team should play at GeeJong on their return from Adelaide. It is apparent that if all requests are acceded to the tour will last netfrly three months instead of two as originally anticipated.