HOCKEY SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20333, 14 August 1929, Page 15

HOCKEY SEASON.

SATURDAY'S TEST MATCH.

RETENTION OF THE "ASHES."

LEADING PLAYERS INJURED

The prevailing feeling about Saturday's final test match is one of keen regret that such line exponents of the game could not have met on u dry ground under favourable conditions. Ono could only guess from occasional glimpses what the players were capable of when given a chance. Had the conditions been good, spectators would have been able to measure for themselves the decided advances that the gamo has made in both countries in recent years.

Much public interest had beon aroused in the event, and had it not been for the rair there is little doubt the attendance would have been large enough materially to assist tho finances of tho association. As it is tho association expects tho visit to result in a substantial deficit, as it has done in Wellington. Those who were at Eden Park on Saturday may be surprised to learn that even that was not the worst ground tho visitors havo had to play on in the course of their tour. The ground at Feilding was so much under \vat«r that tho lines could not be marked out.

Soundness of Defence. The soundness of tho visitors' defence was a featuro of tho gamo. Todkill was very safo and accurate, and anticipated tho run of play like a veteran. Ferguson also showed himself capablo of much good work. Wanless threw himself into it heartily, and did not a little to organiso the attack and hold it together. Among tho forwards Stephens gave an outstanding display ou the right wing, and showed great ability and resource in beating his man. If. Comrie and Nettleton worked well together, and at times caused tho defence more than a littlo anxietv.

Making allowance for the conditions (ho New Zealanders wore all able fully to justify their selection. Fletcher did not have much to do in goal, largely on account of the effective work of the Spiers brothers in front of him. The halfline, Mahoney, McLcod and Cole, gave a uniformly good display Phillpotts managed to bring off a number of his spectacular inns that rouse the crowd, but ho did not always judge his centring to best advantage, sometimes hanging on too long and occasionally transferring across before lie had drawn tlio opposition. Tho Watts brothers, llobb and Reid all gave a sound and satisfactory display. Referees' Attire. Few people who watched the referees and line umpires running about in the mud and rain could have guessed the reason why they were attired iu white flannel trousers, white boots and white sweater. Tho reason is that this is the dress laid down by the New Zealand Hockey Association, regardless of the state of the weather or tho ground. The matter was referred to at the complimentary dinner to the visitors, when Mr. H. B. Speight said it was time steps wero taken to have the referees clothed in a manner suitable to the weather and tho circumstances.

Not cricket alono, but hockey also has its "ashes," and hockey enthusiasts claim that in their case tho "ashes" aro not mythical, but real. It was at Palmerston North in 1922 that Australian and NewZealand hockey teams first met, and at, the dinner afterwards someone had tho bright idea of collecting the cigarette and cigar ashes as a memento. This Was done, and they were carefully put away in a silver tobacco bowl. The custom has been kept up ever since, when the two countries met, and at the dinner last Saturday evening the precious store of ash was duly added to and given back (o the charge of the New Zealand Association.

Two Sericu3 Mishaps. Mishaps that befel both Eric and Clivo Watts in the game on Saturday are going to bo very awkward for tho Auckland challenging team against Canterbury, and probably also for the Somerville Club for tho remainder of the season. Clive Watts had to havo two stitches put in to a cut above his left eye, and although he may still make the journey to Christchurch this week, considerable risk will attach to his taking part in representative hockey again so soon-.

The injury to Eric, who is regarded as probably the cleverest and most successful scoring forward in New Zealand, is si ill moro serious from a playing point of view, for he has developed water on the knee, and been ordered to rest it for sonic weeks. His place is certainly one that cannot be adequately filled.

In the second set of matches for the Devonport Shield, to be ployed next Saturday, Somerville is drawn to meet Epiphany, Mount Eden will meet University, and St. Luke's will play North Shore. As North Shore succeeded in defeating Somerville ten days ago, it will be particularly interesting to see what it can accomplish against St. Luke's.

FOOTBALLER FAKEWELLEI)

DEPARTURE OF T. HANLON

A largely-attended gathering of members, players and supporters of the Richmond League Football Club took place at the residence of Mr. B. W. Davis, Point Chevalier, the occasion being a complimentary# social tendered to T. IJaiilon prior to his departure for England under the three years' engagement to play for Broughton Hangers, Lancashire. Numerous vocal and instrumental items wore interspersed with the many toasts duly honoured. Mr. B. W. Davis being iu tlio chair.

The guest wis presented by (Jie patron of tlio chili Mr. I'avis, sen., on behalf of tho tnembeta and su]pporters, with a cabin trunk. Mr Lew Binns presented llnnlon, on behalf of tho senior players, with a Now Zealand travelling rug, and on behalf of the old players Mr. W. Swift gave Hanlon a gold-mounted fountain pen, suitably engraved. llanlon and wife will leave Auckland on Sunday evening next to catch the Ruab'.no at Wellington.

MONEY IN BILLTAItDS.

PAYMENT TO CHAMPIONS.

When Willie Smith and Walter Lindrum were engaged iu their second billiards duel at the Y.M.C.A., Pitt Street, Sydney, many envied their wondrous skill, says a Sydney writer. Their ranking, mighty deeds, and art, certainly merited and attracted splendid patronage. No doubt, it caused many to envy them, also, thoir sharo of the gate. Tho takings of the opening night were only £l9 17s Bd, but tliey rose until the peak was reached on Thursday night of the Bocoud week, when £B4 O.i 6d was paid for admission. The crowds packed tho ball, and standing room was at a premium Six other sessions the gate exceeded £7O, and the total receipts for the fortnight aggregated over £1426. After deduction of tax and expenses £1265 13s remained (o be divided between the plil.V" crs. This meant that their combined earnings for a week wore £632 16s 6d—£3l6 Ss 3d each! Thus each received £l3 3s 8d per hour's plav, and as 45,793 points were scored during the match, (hoy were paid at an average of 6.6 d per point.