FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1163, 15 June 1894, Page 26

FOOTBALL.

FIXTURES. SENIOR SHIELD. Juno 23rd—Wellington v. Ponoke, No. 1 ground, Petono; Petone v. Athletic, No. 5, Show Ground. Juno 30th—Melrose v. Athletic, No. 1 ; Poneke v. Petone, No. 5. July 7th —Wellington v. Melrose, No. 1 ; Athletic v. Poneke, No. 5. July 20th—Petono v. Wellington, No .5 ; Melrose v. Ponoke, No. 1. July 28th—Athletic v. Wellington, No. 1; Petone v. Melrose, No. 5. On the two off Saturdays, 16th Juno and 14th July, representative practice matches will be played. JUNIOR SHIELD. June 16th—St. Patrick's v. Wellington College, No. 2; Petono v. Rugby, No. 0 ; Ponoke v. Melrose, No. 7; Oriental v. Wellington, No. 8. June 23rd—Rugby v. Selwyn ; Wellington College v. Wellington; Poneke v. Athletic; Oriental v. Petone. June 30th—Wellington College v. Selwyn ; Oriental v. Melrose; Rugby v. Wellington. July 7th—Wellington College v. Oriental; Selwyn v. Wellington; Melrose v. Athletic. July 14th—Wellington College v. Rugby; Petone v. Melrose; Poneke v. Wellington; Oriental v. Selwyn. July 21st—Wellington College v. Poneke; Selwyn v. Athletic. July 28th—Wellington College v. Petone. August 4th—Wellington College v. Athletic ; St. Patrick's v. Rugby. August 11th—St. Patrick's v. Petone. August 18th—St. Patrick's v. Athlotic. Any matches postponed follow on after the last date in the order of postponement. THIRD CLASS. June 16—Wellington College v. Selwyn, Rugby r. Wellington. June 23rd—Wellington College v. Rugby, Melrose v. Oriontal. Juno 30th—Wellington v. Wellington College, Athletic v. Rugby. July 7th—Melroso v. Selwyn, Wellington Collego v. Oriental. July 14th —Melroso v. ftugby, Oriental v. Selwyns. July 21st—Wellington v. Athletic. July 28th—Athletic v. Wellington College PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The following are the results of the drawing for tho Wellington Public Schools, Rugby Union : June 16th—Te Aro v. Clyde quay; Terrace v. Mount Cook; Newtown v. Petono. (By Half-Back.) In reference to the refusal of the New Zealand Union to allow permission for the Otago-Cantorbury match, "Quidnunc" in the Canterlwy Times says:—" I cannot see how else the Union could have acted, and I hopo to see that the step taken will hasten Otago's inevitable affiliation.

Concerning this, " Forward " in the Witness says:—"lt is hardly to be imagined that the Committee of the Canterbury Union will listen to the monstrous suggestion—and it is pretty certain that the Canterbury public will not listen to it — that, in consequence of the difference of opinion that there is respecting the question as to whether there should or should not exist in Wellington a body charged with tbe control of football throughout the Colony, tho fixture which has been regularly observed between Canterbury and Otago for a period of over 15 years should be disturbed."

Since "Forward" is "pretty certain" about what the Canterbury public will do, we can take it for granted that they will do exactly the opposite to what he predicts. All his prophecies concerning the New Zealand Union have been so entirely wrong that ho should really leave the matter alono. As a matter of fact, it was undoubtedly the pressure of public opinion in Canterbury that compelled the Canterbury Union to join the New Zealand Union. The answer one can reasonably give to " Forward" is that it is hardly to be imagined that the Otago public will listen to the monstrous suggestion tliat they should bo robbed of the matches with Canterbury and the New South Welshmen because the Otago Union was prevented from joining the New Zealand Union through the action of several fossils.

An effort is being made to arrange a march in Dunedin for the benefit of players who have this season been incapacitated through mishaps on the field.

There will bo no Senior Shield matches here next Saturday. A rep. practice has been arranged by the Management Committee. " A rep. practice for what ?" the players are asking. It simply means wasting a Saturday. This ridiculous proposal can be added to tho many other remarkable decisions of the Committee.

McLean will, I heai, be included amongst the Wellington forwards in tho match against the Ponekea.

The Wellingtons were a long way too good for the Petones last Saturday. With the wind in their favour tho suburban men were only able to score one try, and when the Yellows had the breeze behind them they simply romped in winners by 16 points to 3. Harloy's and Johnston's tries were obtained by good passing.

The back play of the Wellingtons was excellent. Ward played capitally at half, starting most of the passing. He was remarkably quick in getting away too.

K. Duncan, the other half, also played cleverly.

Johnston was in good form, making several dashing runs. He took the ball better than usual.

A. Duncan, in the centre, ran and kicked splendidly, but he does not pass with good judgment. Once he passed to Harley when he could have scored easily himself, but still he must be excused for that, as he has a tendency to stick to the ball too much. His try was very cleverly obtained.

I have seen Harley shape better. Perhaps the soft ground did not suit him. He nearly got his team into trouble once by making a weak kick against the wind in front of his own goal. Of course one of tho other side secured the ball, but fortunately for the Wellingtons the kick at goal was spoiled. K. Duncan made a similar mistake in tho match against tho Ponekes, which resulted in tho latter scoring four points. Backs under such circumstances should make suie of getting the ball into touch.

The forwards are a fine strong lot, and they aro improving in combination. Tho " wings," however, could bo improved upon. Pisher, although out of form, played well, and Dacre, Jacks, Bishop, and Pownall appeared to bo the best of the others. Pownall's following up was a feature of his play.

The Petone forwards, strengthened by " Tiki " Milne and Speedy, proved very tough opponents in the first spell, but they lacked combination, and in the second spoil they died away. McKenzio and Pringle made two dashing "wings," and in the pack Shaw, who I think will about get a place in tho rep. team, Milno, Maber, and Woods wero the best.

The back play was weak. Baumber played a good game, and Wynyard also did well, but as a whole, there was no combination amongst them. Ross should be mentioned for his tackling.

The meeting between the Wellingtons and Ponekes, which takes place on Saturday week, promises to be a most exciting game. The Wellingtons, after their easy victories over the Athletics, Melrose, and Petones, aro supposed to have an excellent show of lowering tho colours of the redoubtable Reds, but the latter die hard, and they always take a lot of beating. Ellison., it is said, will assist tho Ponekes on this occasion. With fine weather, a good ground, and a good referee, tho match should be well worth seeing.

A Christchurch paper urges the Canterbury Union to fall into line with the other Unions and form a Referees' Association.

At the last meeting of the Canterbury Union the secretary said that the committee had been asked to report on tho question of junior interprovincial matches. Ho had no report to bring up, but speaking on behalf of the majority of the committee ho thought they wero opposed to it. They considered it would only create a false junior status, as if mon found they could not get into tho representative team they would join a junior club, in order to got into tho junior interprovincial team.

There is a groat deal of truth in this.

The Canterbury Union has formed a committee to enquire into the feasibility of tho formation of district clubs.

I am a believer in tho district system, and I should like to see it adopted in Wellington.

Mr Cresswell informed the Canterbury Union last week that he had applied for permission to play Otago this year. Tho arguments ho had used were that it would be hardly worth while for Canterbury to send a team away unless permission were given for them to play Otago. If they went to Tiinaru, Southland would be wanting the team to go to Invcrcargi 1 !, and it would bo scarcely worth the expense unless a match could be played in Dunedin on the way. He had not yet received a reply. The chairman (Mr A. E. G. Rhodes) said he thought tho mateli with South Canterbury ought to be played under any circumstances.

Tho suggestion made by the Wellington Union that some action should be taken in tho direction of getting a legal status for football and athletic clubs and similar bodies has been referred to the committee of the Canterbury Union, with powei to act.

People who use profane and objectionable language at football matches, says an exchange, will bo interested to learn that they are liable to be severely dealt with. At Melbourne City Police Court recently a young man named Henry Thurgood, who had rendered himself objectionable by making use of insulting language intended for tho hearing of the central umpire at a football match, was charged with this offence. The accused was near tho grandstand, and there were ladies and children within hearing. Two constables in plain clothes took him to task, but instead of desisting ho repeated his disgusting language, and was accordingly arrested. In defence the accused made an ad misericordiam appeal to the Bench on behalf of his wife and little ones, who would suffer if he were sent to prison. A fine of .£5 was inflicted, or tho alternative of one month's imprisonment. Major Bartrop, P.M., commended the action of the police in taking steps to abate the nuisance complained of.

Oliphant aking a name for himself as a place-kick n Auckland. Playing for Grafton against North Shore he converted four tries.

An excellent series of photographic views of the winners of cup contests in Wellington and rep. teams has been presented to the Wellington Rugby Union by Mr I. Hyams. This little album is a splendid record of the football heroes of the past

It includes all tho winners of tho cup contests, both senior and junior, and rep. teams, tho latter from the time when the members of tho teams were nearly all bearded like the pard. Mr Hyams is an enthusiastic photographer, and the manner in which he has "executed this series of views reflects great credit on him.

The Senior Cup match between the Pirates and Caledonians at Napier last Saturday resulted in a draw, both sides scoring eight points.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL. By Cross-bar. The match between the Wellington College and tho Melroso teams at Petone on Saturday was woll worth witnessing, although after the first spell it became somewhat one-sided.

Tho College team were considerably lighter than their opponents, but for all that they managed to put up a score of 26 points against the Melrose 5.

In the first threo minutes after the kickoff Tripe got hold of the ball, and scored a try with very little trouble. There was nothing particularly clever about his run, only he took advantage of an opportunity and profited thereby. And that is exactly Tripe's strong point. He can run well and is a good kick, but he is above all essentially quick to perceive an opening and to take advantage of it.

The Collegians were, as I have said, a very light team, but their combination was excellent, especially considering that, as I understand, they have had very little practice of late. They worked hard and well, and their passing was really good.

Tripe, McAra (small but good), Gray, and McKenzio showod up most prominently; Hales being very sure at full-back.

The Melroso team lacked combination, and though a much heavier lot of men than the Collegians had co give way to superior skill and quickness. Their passing was by no means good, being of a wild and jerky nature, and they also failed to make proper use of their weight in tho scrums.

For next Saturday's matches I venture to make the following predictions: — Wellington College should beat St. Patrick's College; Rugby should beat Petone ; Melrose should beat Poneke ; and the Wellingtons ought to defeat the Orientals.

Tho Wellington second suffered defeat at the hands of the St. Patrick's College team to tho tune of nine points to three. The Wellingtons apparently held their opponents too cheap, they having to play several substitutes through tho nonappearance of some of tho team.

Dunne's absence was particularly noticeable in tho back division when any passing was being attempted.

The College boys kept tho ball on tho ground whilst tho Wellingtons tried passing, which was a most difficult feat with a greasy ball. The Pat's boys being very "handy" with their feet camo off best.

Fallon is improving every game. He scored a try after a brilliant run of half the length of the field.

Driscoll also scored a try, the outcome of a nice rush.

Cullen kicked and collared well, as also did Quinn.

Tymonds and Mahoney worked hard among the forwards.

Flowers played a fine game, his kicking and running, considering tho state of the ground, being good.

Stuart did not seem at home on the wet ground. He and Horno did the scoring for the Wellingtons—a try each.

Barnett, Reid and Lawson were the best of a not over-brilliant lot of forwards.

After this reversal the Wellingtons will have to wake up and not make too sure of victory in tho future.

The Athletic-Rugby heat of the Junior Cup was an interesting game to follow, and some good football was seen. Tho Athletic forwards aro a very heavy lot but pack badly, and therefore the Rugby forwards, although much lighter, succeeded in holding their own in the scrum work. Tho Athletics had the advantage of the wind in the first spell and scored two tries ; Tucker and Parsons being tho players to score. Tho former's try was a good one, but Parsons' was a decided fluke. He was a long way off-side when one of his clubmen kicked tho ball down to a Rugby threequarter, who touched it, but failed to take it cleanly. The result was that Parsons was put on side, and snapping up the ball wa3 over the line in a twinkling. Longton secured a try for the Rugbys from a rush in which it was a case of who got the ball first scoring, and Bannister placed a beautiful goal.

Tucker, who played for the Athletics for the first time as centre three-quarter, is a distinct acquisition to the team as he possess all the essentials of a good back.

The back play of tho Athletics in the first spell was very good indeed, some excellent passing being done by the backs. Brodie at half played hard, but why won't he keep behind Hood instead of forcing that player to throw forward each time he wants the ball out. The Rugby backs would do a great deal better if they indulged in more kicking,

In the team are several men who havo made their appearance on the running track, and their fault is depending so much on their pace. McKinlay is a flier, and he on one occasion was within an ace of scoring. The forwards play well together, but the team as a whole lack knowledge of the finer points of the game. If a good exponent of the gamp were to take them in hand, they have the making of a dashing team which would take a lot of beating. The halfbacks especially require coaching. ASSOCIATION NOTES. On Saturday, in a friendly game with the United, the Swifts scored their first win, by three goals to love. Earlo played at full, getting his kick without fault. Brunton does not play with enough dash. • • * * Courtney was a host in himself. Peighton played very well. The outside wing seems to suit him better than inside. Thompson, as usual, worked his hardest, but the condition of the ground was against him. Badden was tho most improved man in the team. Cramp dribbled and centred well. He will be a dangerous man with a little more practice. • • • « I was once told that Harry Leo could not play full-back, but he certainly was a success in that position on Saturday. He seldom failed to get his kick. • . * • Woolcott and Isherwood played well. • • • • Atkinson played a sound and vigorous game. Sautell played well, but was outrageously oil-side on several occasions. Housiaux was very safe considering the state of the ground. The few Selwyns who joined in the game played very well considering their newness to the game. SENIOR SHIELD. WELLINGTON V. PETONE. The first fifteens of the above teams met for the first time this season at tho Show Ground on Saturday, the town team winning by 16 points (two goals and two tries) to three points (one try). Tho ground was in very good order. The match was an interesting one to watch, the play being fast and open throughout. The Potone team, strengthened by Milne and Speedy (forwards), made things lively in tho first spell, but in tho second term tho Wellingtons outplayed them at every point, the passing and combination of the Wellington backs being \ery good. The forwards also played well together, but their wings are weak. There was a fresh breeze blowing from the north, and tho suburban men had tho advantage of this in the first spell. Tho aggressive Petone forwards at once placed Wellington on tho defence, but K. Duncan at length relieved his side with a good kick. The Petone forwards, of whom Shaw, Milne, Pringle and McKenzio wcro conspicuous, rushed tho ball back into the Yellows' quarters, and tho backs failing to stop them, Berntson scored near tho corner. Maber assisted in scoring tho try. Hudson failed in tho kick at goal. Wellington were still hard pressed until relief was afforded by a free kick. McKenzio made a splendid rush, and looked like scoring, but he spoilt his chance by kicking too hard, and the Yellows were forced down. The play continued to be fast and exciting, especially when Pringle broke through, but ho threw away the chance of scoring through attempting to pick up. Half time was called immediately after, the scores b«ing:— Petone, 3 ; Wellington, nil. Tho second spell was entirely in the Wellingtons' favour. The first thing of note was a fine dodgy run by Johnston, K. Duncan immediately after following suit. The latter was prevented from scoring by the sure tackling of Ross. Harley, after a brilliant little dash, nearly scored, and Petone was then forced down. For a few minutes the Blues livened up, and Pike, Woods and McKenzio made a great rush, but their efforts were nullified by the fine kicking of A. Duncan and Johnston. The passing of the Wellingtons was completely mystifying the suburban men, and Ward getting away from the scrum, passed to A. Duncan, who sent tho ball on to Harley, and the latter got over at the corner. K. Duncan made a poor attempt at goal. Wellington, 3; Petone, 3. The Blues were kept on the defensive for some time, until McKenzio, with a magnificent da?h, removed the play to tho centre of tho field, and following up the advantage, tho Petone forwards rushed over the line, but no score resulted. Tho Yellows returned to the charge, the big Yellow forwards sweeping down the field, but Wynyard stopped them when a score looked imminent. The Yellows worked tho play up near the Blues' line, and Roe sending the ball out to Ward, the latter transferred it to Johnston, who took it cleanly, and dashed over the line. This was a very fine bit of passing. K. Duncan converted the try. Wellington, 8 j Petone, 3. Tho Petone men seemed to go to pieces after this. A Duncan was tho next to score after a splendid dodgy run through his opponents, who were all round him. K. Duncan was again BUCOOBsf ul in the place-kick. Wellington, 13 j Petone, ft The Blues were hopelessly

beaten now, and they seemed to play without any heart; not even Wynyard 8 pathetic appeal to them to**buck in" had any effect. From a looso rush Ward got over but lost the ball, but Pownall chased it, and secured it. K. Duncan failed in the attempt at goal. Tho game ended soon after, the scores being—Wellington 10, Petone 3. The winners played a fine combined game. All the backs appeared to advantage, especially Ward, whoso pjissing was excellent, and A. Duncan. Of tho forwards, Jacks, Fisher, Bishop and Dacre were tho best. For the losers Baumber was the best of tho hacks, and McKenzio, Pringle, Shaw, and Milne were tho pick of tho forwards. Mr J. Gamble gavo satisfaction as referee, and Messrs King (Petone) and Galbraith (Wellington) were the line umpires. PONEKE V. MELROSE. Tho attendance at the abovo match on Saturday was very poor, the general idea being that it would be a one-sided game. However, it proved tho reverse, for after a tolerably close game tho decision was, when no side was called, a tie. Both teams had scored half a dozen points, and the match was consequently declared a draw. The Melrose players undoubtedly had much the best of the game. The play was more open at tho finish, and this just suited the Melrose. They made it fast and furious, and it proved to be the best game, for Melrose appeared to bo the best out of the scrums. Tho art of getting the ball out appeared to bo practised assiduously by both teams, and the result was that neither team gained very much advantage, both teams making efforts which nullified each other. Although the game was a draw there is no getting away from the fact that Melrose had all tho best of the game. Tho Poneko throe-quarters played brilliantly (Gage getting a try from five hands), but their efforts wero considerably nullified by the Melroso forwards. They always followed up well, and wero on tho spot every time. In tho second spell the Ponekes were very hard pushed, in fact tho Melrose had them in difficulties. Tho skipper, on one occasion, asked them to rally and thoy did, but immediately afterwards they had to succumb, for the Melrose forced their way up to tho half-way flag and stopped there. Two tries wero obtained on both sides, but neither of them wero converted. From a common sens© point of view it looks that, as a result of tho abovo game, Wellington will boat tho Ponekes, although a groat deal of uncertainty lies about it.

Tho first round for the Senior Shield was concluded on Saturday, tho positions of the various clubs being as follow :

Pending the result of the protest by tho Poneke Club against tho Athletic Club tho points scored by the various teams are as follow: Wellington, 6 ; Poneke, 5 ; Petono, 4; Athletic, 4; Melrose, 2. If the Poneke's protest against tho Athletics for playing Hales is upheld tho Ponekes will lead with 7 points, and if the question of tho try only is decided in their favour they will be equal with tho "Wellingtons with 6 points. The position of the Athletics will also bo affected by the decision with regard to tho protest. JUNIOR SHIELD. The Athletic second fifteen defeated the Rugby first by 6 points to 5. Tucker and Parsons scored a try each for the winners, neither, however, being converted, and Longton scored a try for the Rugby team, which was converted by Bannister. Tho game was an interesting ono to watch, and some good play was shown. In tho earlier stages of the game tho Athletic backs did some good passing, and their kicking was also good. Their forwards wero much heavier than those of the opposing team, but did not show so much combination. The Rugby team includes several very fast men, but the backs depend too much on their running powers, and do not kick nearly as much as they should. St. Patrick's College defeated the Wellington second on Saturday by nine points to three. The game was fast and interesting, although the ground was very wet. Fallon and Driscoll obtained tries for tho College, the latter also placed a goal from a free kick; Home and Stuart scored tries for tho losers. Driscoll, Quinn, Cullen (backs) and Fallon, Mahoney, Tymonds (forwards) were tho most conspicuous for the College, and for the losers Barnett, Rawson, Reid (forwards), Flowers, Stuart and Horn© played well. The College team wore crape out of respect to the memory of tho late Mr C. M. Crombie, who was a vice-president of the club. The Petone-Poneko heat was won by tho latter by default. Tho Wellington College beat the Melrose by 20 points to 5. For the winners tries were scored by Tripo (3), two of which were converted by Hales and one by McKenzio, Gray (2), ono of which was converted by McKenzie, and McAra. For the losers Lingard scored a try, which was converted by Edwards. Mr W. Fraser was referee. THIRD-CLASS CUP. The Orientals beat tho Wellingtons by 3 points to niL The Melrose beat Wellington College by 40 points to nil. Tho Swifts and United Clubs met in friendly contest (Association game) at Hobson street on Saturday, resulting in a win for tne Swifts by three goals to love. Our Masterton correspondent telegraphed on Saturday:~~The Star A Juniors defeated tho Kotahitangi (Papawai) team to-day by 10 points to 5. Tho Masterton second defeated the X? Qw Ore second by 29 points to fy

The Pirates defeated the Fionoer on Saturday at Kaiwarra by 6 points to nil. Tries wore obtained by Burton and Steven. THE REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. A mooting of the Wellington branch of the Referees' Association was held at Davis and Clater's room on Friday night, and was fairly attended. Messrs J. T. King, W. Frasor, and A. Erskino were olected members. A request from the St. Patrick's College Football Club to havo their match with the Wellington College on the lGth declared a special match, and a referee appointed instead of being drawn for, was not acceded to. Mr Liddle's resignation as a member of the Association was accepted with regretMr Fache was drawn to refereo in the Molrose-Poneko match vice Mr Firth, and Mr Isherwood in the Petone-Poneke match vice Mr Gibson. Mr J. M. King was appointed referee in the representative practice match on the lGth inst. The following gentlemen were drawn to refereo in tho matches on Saturday, 16th :—St. Patrick's College v. Wellington College, Mr A. Do Costa; Potonev. Rugby, Mr J. P. Murphy; Poneko v. Melrose, Mr W. Fraser; Oriental v. Wellington, Mr A. Laurenson; Wellington College v. Selwyn, Mr A. Erskine; Rugby v. Wellington, Mr C. Isherwood. Several by-laws in reference to classification and mode of selection of referees were approved. REPRESENTATIVE PRACTICE. The Match Committeo have selected the following teams to take part in the representative trial match at tho Show Ground on Saturday next: — A team : —Backs Davidson, Harloy, Wynyard (captain), Johnston, Ward, Baumber; forwards—-McKenzie and Kelly (wings), Thomas, Swindley, F. Young, Poland, Campbell, Maber, Soffe. B team : Backs Pollock, Bourke, Roberts, Duncan, Hales, Bennett, Gage; forwards —Lawton and Arnott (wings), White, Jack, Dacre, Hyland, Pownall (captain), Bishop, Pringle. The abovo are to notify to the Match Committee on or before Thursday next if they are unable to pjay. Tho Committee have decided that absentees from the representative practices, unless they can give a satisfactory excuse, will be struck off the list, and other players substituted. A team will play in blue or black, and B team in colours. Players are requested to obtain the necessary jerseys by next Saturday afternoon. The Committeo havo evidently overlooked Shaw of Petone. He should havo been included amongst the forwards. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. A meeting of tho Management Committee of the Now Zealand Union was held on Monday at tho Pier Hotel. Present—Messrs G. F. C. Campbell (in the chair), A. T. Bate, J. W. Card, G. C. W. Morris, A. Do Costa, H. McCardell and the secretary (E. D. Hoben). The Committee completed its consideration of the representation question. Letters embodying the views of tho English, Auckland, Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and other unions on the subject were read. It was decided on tho mot : on of Mr Campbell, seconded by Mr McCardell, that the Committee report to tho Council in favour of the adoption of the following scheme .—Unions having under 15 teams, 1 vote; 15 and under 25, 2 votes; 25 and under 35, 3 votes; 35 and under 45, 4 votes; 45 and over, 5 votes. This, on a provincial basis, will work out as follows:—Auckland province, six votes, viz., Auckland Union, 56 teams, 5 ; Poverty Bay, 10 teams, 1; Taranaki province, 10 teams, 1 voto; Hawke's Bay province, 3 votes, viz., Hawke's Bay, 15 teams, 2 votes ; Bush Districts, 7 teams, 1 vote; Wellington province, 6 votes, viz., Wanganui, 12 teams, 1 vote; Manawatu, 9 teams, 1 vote ; Horowhenua, 6 teams, 1 vote; Wairarapa, 10 teams, 1 vote; Wellington, 24 teams, 2 votes; Nelson province, 8 teams, 1 vote; Marlborough province, 16 teams, 2 votes; West Coast, 15 teams, 2 votes ; Canterbury province, six votes, viz., Canterbury, 37 teams, 4 votes; South Canterbury, 16 teams, 2 votes. The evidence received from Nelson and a communication received from the Wellington Union as a result of a meeting of last year's representative team was considered, and it was decided to ask Mr McKenzie, captain of the representative team who visited Nelson, to appear before the committee on Saturday evening, when Mr J. P. Firth will also be asked to be present on behalf of the Nelson Union. A cablegram was receivod from New South Wales Union to tho effect that its team could not leave before August 25th. It was decided to reply, urging reconsideration, as in this case the team would have to come first to Wellington, which would greatly increase tho expense of the tour. At the request of the Wellington Branch of the Referees' Association, made through the Wellington Union, it was decided to ask the Appeal Committee for a riding as to whether the ball should be put into tho scrum by the referee or the player. It was pointed out that different practices obtained in various parts of the Colony, and in view of the New South Wales visit, it was important that tho practice should be uniform. In New South Wales the player puts the ball in. In Wellington it i 3 the referee, and in some parts of New Zealand the player. It was reported that the Hawke's Bay and Marlborough Unions had decided to support the proposal of tho Wellington Union, forwarded through the New Zealand Union, for the registration of unions and other athletic bodies. The Melrose-Selwyn protest was referred to the Appeal Committee.

MATCHES IN THE WAIRARAPA. From Our Masterton Correspondent, Tho Star senior team on Saturday, to everybody's surprise, were defeated by Carterton by 5 points (a goal) to 4 (a goal from a mark). Tho Stars had several of their best men absent, and until too late played without any dash. The ground was in a very heavy condition, and the game was an exposition of hard kicking and play of tho bullocking order. Merc wood scored for Carterton from a forward rush. In the Senior Cup match To Ore Ore v. Greytown, tho To Oro Ore team kicked off shortly after 3 and claimed tho match, their opponents not having turned up. About ten minutes afterwards Greytown pnt in an appearance, having been delayed through bad roads and their horses breaking down. Tho Union will have to decide whether Te Ore Oro can claim tho match or not.

Te Oro Ore second, who were defeated by the Masterton second on Saturday by 29 points to 5, intend entering a protest on tho grounds that McGovern, one of the Masterton players, has not been resident in the district 14 days as required by the by-laws of tho Union. From Our Carterton Correspondent. Tho most oxciting match ever witnessed in Carterton was played on the Reservo on Saturday, when tho locals defeated the Red Stars in the first round of the Senior Cup by 1 point. Rain fell heavily, the ground was in a soaking condition, and the game was made a forward one in consequence. Five men from the Stars were absent, and their places were filled by emergencies, several of whom played very well. Both teams were in good condition, and the codtest was fast and furious from start to finish, the ball being rushed from one end of tho field to tho other with oxciting frequency. In the first spell Wrigloy kicked a goal from a mark ; and within 10 minutes of final time T. Merewood scored a try for the Cartertonians, which was converted by H. Nicolson amidst deafening applause. T. Merewood and Waterson, both this year's players, distinguished themselves throughout among the forwards. SECESSION OF THE SOUTHLAND UNION. Invercargill, June 8. At a meeting of the delegates of the Southland Union to-night, it was resolved that in view of the resolution passed by the New Zealand Rugby Union to the effect that no matches with unaffiliated clubs bo allowed, the interests of the Southland Rugby Union will bo best served hy seceding from the New Zealand Rugby Union. There was somo doubt as to the attitude of the country clubs of the Union, but it was found that these were very strong against the dictum of tho Now Zealand Union, and tho motion was agreed to unanimously. „ THE CANTERBURY-OTAGO MATCH. Christchurch, June 12. At a meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union to-day, the refusal of the Committee of the New Zealand Union to sanction tho match between Canterbury and Otago was considered. It was resolved to ask for a hpocial meeting of the New Zealand Union to consider the matter, and tho secretary was directed to write to tho various unions asking them to instruct their delegates how to vote. Sydney, June 12. At a meeting of tho Committee of the New South Wales Rugby Union last night it was decided that the team should pay all its own expenses in connection with the New Zealand tour, the New Zealand Riigby Union taking the gate money, on condition that it sends its team to New South Wales on similar terms next year.

Wins. Losses. Draws. For. Agst. Wellington 3 1 0 79 22 Poneke ... 2 1 1 17 6 Pctono ... 2 2 0 17 22 Athletic ... 1 2 1 12 34 Melrose ... 0 2 2 17 55