HOCKEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14109, 10 July 1909, Page 8

HOCKEY.

TO-DAY'S SENIOR FIXTURES.

To-day's senior fixtures are as follows :-r- ---■'■'■ United v. University (No 4 ground, Remuear), referee Mr. Larking. " . ■■ „ ' ;'■ College Rifles v. Auckland (No 2 ground, Rcmuera), referee Mr. Diuuison. ', Grafton v. Ponsonby (No 5 ground, Remuera), referee Mr. Bcckeitd. . / at. George's v. Y.M.C.A. (at the Domain), referee Mr. Madden. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The successful culmination of the efforts of the leading executive officers of the Auckland Hockey Association ami the Reterees' Association at conciliation in the deadlock is the most gratifying feature of the week. Both parties approached the matter in •an ainicaiilc spirit, and it- was soon apparent that- the counsels ot those who suggested a conference were wise. There was scarcely any argument, but a lot was said in sucu a manner that both associations will benefit by the gathering. Tne end of the deadlock is certainly a cause for much rejoicingThe United-University fixture should provide a lino exhibition of hockey to-uay. The students are going to make a hard attempt to lower Uniteu's colours, while the whites. are just as determined that Uacy shall remain at .he top of the list. In view of last Saturday's fixtures having been postponed on account of the bad weather, and a shield match being played here on August 7 the association have to alter their arrangements in regard to the playing-off for the champiomlhip. It had been decided that the four leading teams should play a teparato round, but the " sudden death" policy will probably be adopted. That is, Auckland and University and United! and the fourth team (the position rests between Grafton and North Shore) will meet next Saturday, and the two winning teams play off the following week. . Tlie Thames and Hamilton representatives will 'meet at Hamilton to-day. Auckland play Taranaki for the shield on August 7. Wellington are determined to play Auckland for the shield before the departure of the touring team. The Dominion slates that, stronger efforts will be made to arrange a match for July 31. - The Auckland Hockey Referees' Association will hold a meeting on Monday evening, when a full attendance is requested. Tho association has forwarded a letter of _ condolence to Mr. Errol Hay, a .prominent) member, sympathising with him in his bereavement, his mother having recently died. A farewell social was tendered to Mr. MeKeehenio at Ngaruawahia last Monday, on the evo of bis departure for Duhedin, where ho is entering into business on his own account. On behalf of the Hockey Club, of. which Mr. McKcchenio was captain, Mr. Roper presented him with a handgome case of silver-mounted pipes, and a gold cigarette rase and holder, as a token of esteem from his many friends. LADIES' NOTES. As a winter, game hockey stands above all others as the very best, game for women. Its charms can best be gauged by asking a, non-player her opinion of tho average winter weather. She finds little enjoyment in the long, dreary Saturday afternoons or the dreary days from April to September, but to tho hockey girl the winter is looked forward to with the keen enthusiasm that a swimmer anticipates the summer months. Hockey is within the reach of all who have leisuro and tho advantages of the Wednesday or Saturday half-holiday. Think of the exercise and exr'toment. compressed in the seventy minutes' duration of the game. Hockey.. is an deal game for the large class of girls now occupied in teaching or at colIcfe , or following other sedentary employment. As a training, ground for character i the hockey field takes a high place, as it develops unselfishness, pluck, endurance, indifference to hard hits, good temper, cheerful ; i acceptance to defeat, generosity to opponents, and a, love of fair play. Those interested in ladies" hockey were, no doubt, surprised at the result of the Rangatira B v. Ladies' College match, which took place at'..the polo ground on Thursday, the latter winning by two goals to nil. The little girls well deserved their victory; they all played splendidly, and the team worked like a clock. ■ , , ; The two teams coming on to the field looked .well, Rangatira resplendent in their navy and gold, and Ladies' College in navy blue frocks, Ted belts and caps. Rangatira attacked strongly for the first 15 minutes, except for an occasional flying rush by a Collego Wing. Then tho College had; their turn. Miss Watson secured the ball about, half-way, and eluding the opposing fullbacks met Miss Cowperthwaito in the eircfe. 6 She tripped in passing, but, nothing daunted, gave the ball | another hit, and scored the first goal of the match. Then Miss Walshe, right wing, a little girl with her frock tip to her knees, went flying up the line. She took tho ball into the circle, but missed only by inches. Midway through » tho second spell, alter a scramble in the "circle, Miss Massey scored the second goal for the College. ".""Misses Walshe, Massey, and Watson were the % pick of the College forwards, although. Misses MacKenzie and Rosa did their share. Miss E. Culling, right half, got through an immense amount, of work; she was here, there, and everywhere. Miss Deane and Miss Wright also played well. Miss Payton, at fullback, was a regular stonewall, and Miss Slack, her partner, also did well. Miss E. Wright, in goal, was not called upon to touch the ball throughout the game. None of the Rangatira girls played up to their usual form ; the; want of practice was evident. /

i The first round is aow finished, except for the Moana-Ladies* College match, and the teams stand as follows: —

' '• Goals— Cbatn- \ THj-ed W. T* D. For. Agst. points. Rangatis '\ A 5 5 0 ' 0 26 — 0 iO Moana | ... 4" 3 10 8— 3 6 Rawhiti A... 5 22 1 17—11 '5 Ledie*' College .4 22 0 5— 8 4 Rangatira 8.. 5 1 3 1 7—13 3 Rawhiti B ... 5 0 5 0 0 —27 0

•■'.•The*" second round will commence this aftei..o6n. Rangatira B, will journey to Devonport to play Moana, • Rawhiti B will play Rangatira A, and Ladies' College will meet Rawhiti A. The last-named should prove an interesting contest.