FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13543, 16 March 1906, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME. It. is in open secret that relations between the Otago Football Association and tho ruling body in Wellington—tho New Zealand football Association—have been the reverse of cordial for somo time. For two years the local association has vainly striven to obtain what it considers to be justice from tho governing body. As a result, there, is strong feeling locally that a South Island Association, with bolo control of its own affairis, should be established. To this end tho following notice of motion, to be moved by Mr S. S. Mycr» and seconded by Mr Emslio, will appear on tho order paper at the annual meeting of tho O.F.A. on April 2:—"That, in consequence of the unsatisfactory relations between the O.F.A. and the N.Z.F.A., a South Island or Otago Association be formed, to have the sole control of Association football in the South Island or in Otago, as tho case may be: .and tint this association sever its connect ion with the M.Z.F.A., and invite other associations to join with it for this purpose or to affiliate with such association when formed." The Association game has its strongest hold in Otago, and with the improved grounds will be stronger than ever this year, whilst the game is likewise growing in Canterbury. It is considered there should be no difficulty in forming a strong association for the South Islanj.

SAWYERS' BAY ASSOCATION CLUB. The sixth annual meeting of the Sawyers' Bay Association Football Club was held in the Sawyers' Bay Hall last evening. There was a good attendance of members. Mr G, Miller was voted to the chair and read the annual report and balanco sheet, which wore unanimously adopted. The report contained the following clauses:—

In presenting the fifth annual report and balance sheet, your committee desires to congratulate members on tiio position tlieir club occupies. From a playing point of view no doubt there ciuld have been an improvement, but when the small number of playing members is taken into consideration the difficulty of raising a full team each Saturday will be recognised. Your club was represented by one junior team last season, scarcity of numbers preventing a- Third Grade team' being raised as heretofore The team' gave a fairly good account of itself, playing It matches, winning 8, losing i, and drawing 2, finishing fourth out of nine teams fori the cup. Your club also sent a team to the Five-aside Tournament at Culling Park, hut owing to the ground being Imder water tho memlwrs refused to play. During the season a match was played against a team .from H.M.S. Phojbc, and, after a good game, victory resting with your representatives. At present your club is in a good financial position, having £3 Is 7d on hand, but when it is considered that wo slarted last reason with, £8 4s Id it will bo seen that wo have gone hack a little in money matters. There is, however, ffl owing by the O.F.A. for coupons yet to como in. During last season we lost our old ground owing to the O.R.F.TJ. taking it over, and, after making inquiries, wo decided mi playing in a paddock rented from Mr Ireland, for which we paid £2 for the season. Though not so goad as our old ground it suited us fairly well, and with a litllo more draining, etc.. it should be in good order this fcason, Divrinj the year your club made a donMion ot £2 to the football carnival. .The thankil of the club sire due to the press for publishing renorts, etc., and to Messrs Field, Haynes, and M'Taggart for donatit.na In conclusion, your committee would urge upon members tho necessity for consistent training, and trust that thei incoming season may be even more successful than the last,

The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—President. Mr John Mathews, sen.; vice-presidents—Messrs F. Field. R. Millar, jiiu.. P. M'Tageart. G. S. M'Dermott, J. E. Robertson, N. Gordon, A,. Tack; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr A. Chisholm; auditor and delegate, Mr J. Mathews, jmi.; custodian, Mr T. Jack; practice captain. Mr Gus Miller; deputy cantain, Mr A. Jack.

11. was resolved to appoint, three playing members—the captain, deputy-captain, and Mr DocW—as a Selection Committee. General Committee—Messrs Miller, Jack. Chisholm. Ballantyne. and Mathews. The subscription for playing members was fixed at ss, honorary members 2s 6d.

It was'decided to open the season tomorrow (Saturday).