FOOTBALL MATCH BY THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5669, 31 May 1879, Page 2

FOOTBALL MATCH BY THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.

THORNDOX V. TE AKO.

The football match by the electric light took place on the Basin Reserve last night, but can scarcely be called a success. One light only was in use, as the other, owing to the shortness of time to make the necessary arrangements, would not work, the consequence being that the one in operation had to be shifted with the players, so that at times one half of the ground was in darkness. However, the public had au ample opportunity of seeing the power of the light. Another drawback to the success of tto affair was that the engine—a 16-horse power portable one—was not secured or placed on a level, and would not work regularly, which caused the light at times to flicker, and often loft the players iu utter darkness, The night was .all that could be desired by the players. The wind during the day had dried up the grass and the ground. It would be hard to arrive at a correct estimate of the number of persons present, but iu round numbers we should say between 7000 and 8000. The fences right round the reserve were crowded, but not more than 2000 thought fit to pay for admission. The grand stand was illuminated with Chinese lanterns, and presented a very pretty appearance. 1 The stand was but poorly patronised, no ; doubt the people preferring to walk about' and witness the game. Mr. Smith, Government electrician, was in charge, and, worked the light; He made several attempts a little . beforajeight o'clock to make a start, but the light only lasted for a few minutes*,/.when it suddenly went out, and at one time it looked very much as it the whole affair would bo a failure. At’ ’ eight o’clock another start was made, and the two teams mustered close under the. grand .stand and were photographed. The appearance of the crowd, ground, and the surrounding houses, with the hills at the distance all lit up by the light, made a very effective picture. From the ground any one standing outside St. Mark's Church could, easily be recognised. The ground itself looked more like a large billiard table than anything else. The grass appeared to be of a deeper green, and the red stockings of the Te Aro team were very conspicuous. 1 The public seemed to thoroughly’'enjoy the game, and frequently cheered the players when any good kick or smart play was made. The Volunteer Fife and Drum Baud were in attendance, and several young people indulged iu dancing, no doubt preferring it to witnessing the match. The name's’.of the players were as follows;—Te Aro—Messrs’.'Astley, Bentley, Radley, Butts, Bishop, Cameron, Christie, Campbell, Hanks, Forsyth, A. Gray,, J. Gray, G. Gray, Hill, Houghton, jaggar, C. Kemble, R. Kemble, McDermott,, SandiDnds,: Stubbs (captain), Schur. Thorndon—Blacklock (2), Barnett (2), Buchanan, Clark, Davis, Knight, Kirker, Ludwig, Maxton, McKenzie, Page, Regg, Robinson, W. Sandilands (captain), Salmon (2), Wymond, Dr. Gillon, Randell. Thorndon won the tosr and kicked with the wind, and in a few minutes got the ball well down towards their opponents’, goal.’ Page soon made himself conspicuous and secured several good runs. Gray, .however, baulked him, and sent the ball flying back to the centre of the ground. Sandilands then kicked it hick again to Te Aro, and the play began iu good earnest. Randell then nearly succeeded in getting a goal, l and had it not been for the prompt measures taken by the goalkeeper the ball would have gone between tho sticks. Cameron next showed up for Te Aro, and the bladder was for a short time kept down to the other part of the ground, Christie, Gray, and Hanks doing good work. The next half hour the game was pretty even when time was called, and the players exchanged ends. During the last half Te Aro had decidedly tho best of it, and two or three goals were nearly obtained.. Unfortunately at this stage the game bad to cease, as some portion of the engine got heated,; and therefore had to be stopped. As it would take some little, time to cool it was deemed advisable to stop. Three cheers were then given by the respective teams, and the public dispersed. We believe that the expense in connection with the light has been £4O, which will be paid jointly ; by the two clubs. It is their intention shortly to; have a match by the electric lights again, when no doubt they will work- much better.;' About £37 was taken at the gates last night.