HOOKEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14133, 7 August 1909, Page 7

HOOKEY.

NEW ZEALAND CHAMPION SHIP.

AUCKLAND V. TARANAKI.

' The Taranaki team arrived yesterday from New Plymouth, via Onehunga, to contest tho right to hold the Now Zealand Hockey Association's championship shield with the Auckland representatives. The challengers, who had a rough passage, were met on arrival at Onehunga by Mr. F. S. Shirriffs, and brought into town, where members of the Management Committee and Mr. H. Rees George, vice-president of the Auckland Association, met and welcomed them. They adjourned to the Waverley Hotel, where they will stay during their visit hero. The match to-day is being eagefly anticipated in hockey circles, the contests on previous occasions between tho chosen of tho Auckland and Taranaki provinces being exceedingly close and exciting. Auckland is placing a very strong combination in the field. Some critics say a stronger team has never been chosen to represent the association, and given a dry ground and fine weather sliould demonstrate the value of combined play, the numbers now having a knowledge of each other's tactics. Tho match will be played at tho Devonport Domain, where a splendid ground has been prepared during the week. Through tickets may be obtained at tho Devonport Ferry Company's Wharf for Is. These include ferry fare and admission to the ground.

Tho Rangatira A and Moana ladies' teams will pjovido a "curtain raiser that should be full of interest, tho fate of tho Auckland ladies' hockey championship hanging oil the result. Ladies' matches are always attractive, but the interest in to-day's fixture is exceptional. Mr. F. S. Shirriffs was last evening unanimously elected captain of tho > Auckland representative team for the third successive season.

Tho dinner to be given to the Taranaki representatives and the Auckland touring team to-night should bo one of the largest attended functions in -this direction the association have ever had. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr. C. Grey), who is patron of the association, will preside. Tickets (3s 6d) aro obtainable from members of the committee.

Mr. Simmons, president of the -Manawatu Association, has been in town this week, and returned to Palmerston North by the Main Trunk last night. Ho had an interview with Mr. H. Roes George, and other members of tho Auckland Association, , and holds out strong hopes of arranging a match with the Auckland touring team on Saturday, August 28, as at first suggested. P. Lepine and Richards are unable to make tho tour South, and their places" have been filled by Allison (Ponsonby) and J. Baker (Grafton) respectively. Tho constitution of the team to represent tho Auckland , Ladies' Association at the Napier tournament has not yet been definitely decided upon. It is probable another trial match will bo played. A meeting of the Auckland Hockey Referees' Association will bo hold at the Amateur Sports Club on Monday evening.