POPULAR ERRORS CONCERNING ALCOHOL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13997, 2 September 1907, Page 2

POPULAR ERRORS CONCERNING ALCOHOL.

Yesterday afternoon, at tlio Garrison Hall, in connection with the Central Mission Brotherhood, a large number ot men gathered to lloar Dr B. ji. de Laulqur give his address upon the popular subject of alcohol. The. chair was occupied by Mr. J. M'Farlane, general' secretary of the Y.M.C.A., and solos were rendered by Mr ])il (on the cornel) and Mr D. V. M'K.enzie. The doctor commenced by saying that there was no subject around which more error ha'd gathered than that of alcohol. Ho took his. hearers back to the time of the alchomist, and showed how the discovery took place. Alcohol was the all-in-all to the man with the -heartache or t-lio headache. If a man's finger ached, alcohol ! was resorted 10. Alcohol was taken to make and keep a man Warm, and it- was n.lso taken to keep a man ccol. It had . been claimed as one of the best stimulants in the world, whilst, .'as a matter of fact, iit was not a stimulant at' all. This was I the greatest of all errors, and the doctor j clearly demonstrated that, in no v.'av could alcohol be teimcd a stimulant. Alcohol was a. sedative, a narcotic, and an anaesthetic. He very cleverly illustrated each of these terms, and showed that a man Who was dead drunk was really in a state of stupor or rinco/iseior.sncss, and could suffer almost any pain without knowledge. In tho old days before tether and-chloroform a Burgeon had, in otdot to perform any serious operation, to make 1113 patient as drunk a3 possible. The speaker thought that a man : lying full length would hardly strike any. ; one a<3 being stimulated,' nor could 110 think : 1110 same of the man who when 110 got home at night had had inoro than ho could carry, with the result that that vr.sn could, not do aught but fall asleep in his chair. Ho showed how tho idea of alcohol as a- stimulant had arisen. Ho =iaied that- overy narcotic, and particularly alcohol, had tile power of selection

or me power 01 pieumg out parricidal 1 i organs. For neuralgia, for instance, there I word particular drugswhichwould act only I up - the nerve affected. - Alcohol bad Iho I greatest effect, upon tho brain and nervous 1 system, tho most highly developed parts

Ixnng tho first affeoted. Perhaps it was first notioeablo in tho loss of self-control. A man under tho influonce of alcohol soon got into thai state as evidenced by tho loose tongue. Ho showed that the giving of brandy to a patient whoso breathing had become difficult and whose pulsation hail becomo weak was wrong, and that although thojo was n quickoninj of tJic heart's action _ and a. marked improvement in tho breathing, the offcct was brought about by action upon two nerves connected with tho heart,, a. result anything' but good. Tho speaker wound a strong appeal to the men that the worst feature was of money laid up m the euchuigermg of human Thp' tea.mg wore as follow: — Auckland (Bluc-md-whito).—Full back,- D, Miller (9st 7lb); tltteo-quarten—J. Twinanio (lOst 121b), G. Mitrr&v (12st Sib); W Hogan (list) j "five-eighths—C. Diilamore (12®t' Gib), R. Magco (12st 41b); hftlf back, C. Coote (list 71b); forwards—F. .Herring ,(13st 3lk), E. M'Cormiok (12st Sib), A. Francis (13st 81b), J-. ITacguiro (14st 21b), I. Smith (lSst 81b), H. Hayward • (12st 121b), P. Williams (lSst), J. Hall (13st 41b). Otago (Dark blue).—Full back, J.' Davidson (list 81b); three-quarters—lV Scanaell (12st 41b), B; Dansey (list Gib), D. G, Macphereon. (list); fivo eighths—A. Ohambars'(list 41b), A. Eckhokl (lOst Gib)'; halfback, "W. Fullarton. (tet 81b); forwards—B! Spiers (list Gib), S. Oasey (12st 41b), H. Paton (13st), P.- Fikpatiick (12st Gib), P. L. Footo (12st 81b), P. Ivimoy (13st),' A. Low (12st 6lb), K. Adamson' (12st Gib). , .. ~

The Auckland .pack was nearly' a stono heavier per man than Otago, and their superior height on the lino-out gave thoni a dc-tidcd' advantage, Francis, .the only "All Black" " playing for the. visitors, „ 6tood a clear-hoad above any of tho othors, and frequently intercepted tho leather iw a result. Th Otago team was generally considered tho strongest that could lx> put on the field. - • •

THE GAME. ; Tho teams lined out on the'field at'lo minutes past 3. Otago had woh tho toss and elected to play from tho'harbour end'. '. Francis kicked off for the visitors, and Dinsoy roturriod the ball into touoh about half-way. Fullarton stopped- an incipient rush by tho' Auckland vanguard,. ' and play hovered about tho half-way flag for -somo -minutes. Two froo kicks wero awarded tho local rtien in quick B'uccessio'n; • • and from tho-second Paton put tiho ball into touch past tho half-way. . From n.n ensuing - scrum Fullarton got tho tell away . well to Eokhofd. -It was then sent on to Chambers, and from him-to-Dansey, who', howovor, failed .to take it. Hogaii, who was close up, took advantage-of tho mistake, and snapping up tho ball passed it to Mageo, who put m a good run and then, transferred to Murray, who ran' in almost unopposed and drew first, blood for tho . visitors within seven minutes after starting. Ma. gee failed to convert. Auckland 3 points. Otago Nil. ' On tho resumption Of play tho gamo.-was warm. Murray was instrumental.in placing tho leather in Ota&o's twenty-five, but Davidson returned. Hall, tho Auokland witid forward, followed with a kick'to the" centre, and Davidson juet managed to' get in liis. return. Vigorous work in Otogo's-twohty-fivo followed, until Addmson marked and relieved. Tho Blues' vanguard Iriade a fruitless'.effort'to break away, but Hall marked in tho Otago, twenty-five, and, Francis had an ineffectual shot at goal. Macpherson fielded undor tho posts, and after beating- some slight opposition passed to Chambers, who-failed to accept, the ball, and tho Blues' lino was in danger.. . From " a centro kick by Hall, Dahsey marked under the posts and ..put .tho ball into touch at tho twentv-fivo flag... From the tine-out the northonl forwards broke away, but Maophcrsoh saved. M'Cormick followed with a useful 'ritii'-'iip tlio line, hut llaephetson stopped \hii progress. Play continued in Otago|s 'twenty-five. '-- Scannoil stopped a likely riislrby olovorly . marking, and play was removed to half-jvay, • whero Dansoy made an-oporiing and, assisted by Scannoil, invaded tho viaifcoi's'.. territory almost for tile first lime.. Fullarton, tho scrum lialf put in a usefid - ccnt-ro punt, and scann'ell followed up; speedily. Millar, tho Auckland full back; made • a fceblo' TBt-urii, . and''-"thd ball rebounded off Sca,njicli and -dvor the line. A race ensiled lor .if, -but,.'tho' Auckland man got there.first ami forooch 1 Ancldabi's kick was charged down r but, Murray took tho leather field.' responded with a characteristic run,' and' a few seconds later Kckhoid, Chambers, and Dansoy participated in a brief.passing bout, which a knock-on by the, last-named player upset, and a fairly likely- chanco- of scoring was lost. Tho Auckland- vanguard gradually but determinedly worked their Way up the line; From a throw-out Adamson, Paton, and finally Fitzpatrick broke away and put in sonic excellent- dribbling, but the Colours again regained their position - hy sound lino wirk. Maephereori and «. Dansoy wero prominent ill short runs. Play continued ti®ht and vigorous within tho visitors' twenty-five, where from a. serum Fullarton got tho ball smartly awajyand in. a loose, scramblo 'that .followed Cumbers/ picked it up, but. sent a wild pass to Scannoli, which the latter was uriablo to accept, and the lxill went into touch. Hay nurd broke away from tho line-out, but tho • leather was almost immediately again in touch. Fitzpatrick started off with tho ball at his feet, but for lack of support- the effort went for nothing. Several 6eruiris followed, and the Otago honkers, Casey and Spiers, wero invariably getting the ball, but

it was prone to hang near the back row. On 0110 occasion l'Villarton got it cleanly awav, and, using the blir.d side, sent it to Scanncil, who piit in a. sterling run, but was brought, down by the Auckland full hack. Tho Blues continued aggressive, but the handling of tho ball by the local backs was faulty,, and a mistako allowed tho visitors to break away. Davidson saved with a feoble kick. Murray received tho ball from a line-out, and after running straight up the field 110 passed to Hogan , within a few yards of dtogo's lino. Foghn was almost over tho lino when Eekhold tackled him in fine stylo, and sent him into . touch at tho comer flag. From the thrc\'v? out which followed Smith secured tho ball and dropped over the lino and registered the second try for Iho visitors. Magcc's shot at goal went wide. Auckland 6 points. Olago :. ■ Nil. - : Prom tho kick-off tho ball went into touch close to the halfway flag, and Spiers made off'with the leather from the line- v out. Mageo retaliated with a high' kick, which Danscy fielded. Running round tho opposing bael.'S, he passed to Footc, from whom the ball went in quick succession to Kckhold and Chambers, and finally to Maopherson, who made a strong run , for tho ■ line, but was thrown into touch when witliih a few yards of it. The Aucklandm removed tho pressure, but soon afterwards they wore penalised for offside play, and Paton kicked high, and the ball fell almost under tho posts. Ivimcy and Low, both of whom were playing strenuous games. were 611 Murray like a flash, and the former collared him. Ho. roloased tho ball, but snapped it up again, and, although jycll

collared, olung tightly to it. A penalty sick was awarded for tho infringement, uid Eckhold oonvorted nicely ' amidst iithusiasm. Auckland ... 6 points. Ota-go 3 points. On. ffejr *S!ng' resumed Davidson was cobarcd with tho ball eloso to his own line, but Fullarton camo to the rescue and kicked into touch. At this stage tho refcrco bail occasion to caution ono of tho Auckland- forwards for unnecessary tackling. From a line-out about midfiold Mocguirc broko _ away, and 1 after some loose play tho ball was carried over. Otago's • lino and forrcd by Chambers. Hogan shortly afterwards sustained an injury tohia- hip, and had to retire, Wilson coming on in his place. The Otago pack mado their way into the visitors' territory, and Paton attempted without success a shot- at gout from a frco kick. Auckland, however, retaliated with some fine line kicking, but. faulty handling of the ball by the visitors' rearguard allowed Otago to invade their territory, and half-time ended a few minutes later. SECOND SPELL. In the second spell Riton kickcd off, and Auckland's return only wont to the twentyfive flag. A line-out followed, and Wilson kickod hard down the field, but Eckhold secured the-ball and looked like breaking through 'the opposing pack. Murray stopped a promising local rush, and ehanged the seono of play to uca.r Otago's twentyfive,'where it remained for a few minutes, until. Paton broko away with the ball at his feet, and it went into touch at tho middle distance. , Wikon put in another of his long kicks, arid Francis followed with ft shot at goal from a penally oufeido the half-way. 'The attempt,was a good ono, but it was unsuccessful A few minutes later Scannell fielded a kick by Magee, and was heavily bumped after he had freed himself, of the ball. As a result Scannell was nut but of action for a few minutes, and the orowd showed its wrath in an unmistakable "manner. The matter evidently escaped the referee's'notice. Scarindl, however, was "in tho thick of Hie fight again very shortly, and, backed up by Ivimoy, broke out of the ruck, and the two put in some creditable work, but Miller cleared. . Dansoy and Eckhold were prominent in individual runs, but the tackling of the Auckland five-eighths division was too good to allow them to get far. M'Cormick took a good mark, and charged down on EckLoid,. who fielded the ball. Ho bumped Eckhold after tho latter had'kickcd, and apparently injured him. The referee intervened, and immediately ordered M'Cormick off the fiold, and shortly afterwards Mr Evans administered a general caution. On resuming . Macguirc started off on a dangerous looking run, but Eckhold raved tho situation. An attempt at passing among the homo hacks was effectually put a stop to by the soundness of tho visiting backs' tackling. From fiovoral passing bouts but littlo ground was gained, and in two or three instances ground was actually lost. The Otago backs fmomed quito iinablo to get into proper working order, and they continued, to get tho ball_ from .the serums, in which Ca6oy and Spiers wore doing exceedingly well in the matter of hooking, but tnc local backs wcro not profiting by it. Low had a fruitless shot at goal, and Ivimey followed with somo excellent lino work. Murray stopped' a dangerous looking ran by Fitzpatric!;. A long kick was fielded by Macpherson, who ran across tho field <md tlion passed to Eckhold, who in turn transferred to Footo, hut,ho was not equal to the occasion. Fitzpatrick,' who .was playing a most determined game, and who was doing somo pretty dribbling work, got away from a line-out past tho half-way, and dribbled, well dowji with the field, Adamson subsequently joining in the rush. Murray, however, saved. Another vigorous rush by tho Otago vanguard saw Auckland in trouble, hut. Miller cleared his linci A kick by Dansoy was uniot-hored by Williams, and ho made off with tho ball, but Alaopherson threw him into touch. Anolhor Aticklandcr found it ncocssary to rot ire, owing to an injury, and Hoopor replaced him. In attempting to run round tho opposition Macpherson was collared, and play hovered for a time in Oiago quarters. Paton extricated hiß side from a tight corner, and a mark by Fullarton gained further ground, but Dulamoro returned to near the corner flag again, awl Francis shortly afterwards had an ineffectual shot at goal. Chambers broko up a further strenuous attack, but the Auckland men continued to hammer away at tho Blues' defence. Low and Eckhold, however, were instrumental in changing the scene of play; and Otago invaded the visitors' territory. Macpherson was responsible for a continuance of the invasion. In Auckland's twenty-fivo Footo secured the ball from a broken-up scrum, and passed almost, immediately to Macpherson, who ran strongly rip the line. ■ Fitspatrick was alone supporting him,, and ail interchange of passes between, tho two saw tho University player cross tho lino at tho corner amid great enthusiasm. ,It was a worthy effort on tho part of Fitr.patriok and Macpherson. Low made a vory poor shot at goal. Auckland f... »» 6 points. Otago 'i 6 points.

Otago returned to I ho attack Again, but tbo Auckland forwards 6wept down tho field, and, invaded the Blues' quarters. Hall linil a splendid but unsuccessful shot at goal. The North Island men maintained a very strenuous attack. On ono occasion Adamson broke away, but Wilson returned the ball and for a timo matters looked extremely dangerous for Otago. An intcrcliarijo of kicks mado no alteration, but Eckhokl seourod the ball from a scramble and passed to Maophorson, who. cleared

well. From a scrum in tho twenty-fivo Low kicked up the field, but the Auckland full back retaliated with a long luck to touch. Play waxed fiorco and fast on Otago's lint, and tho Aucklandors made great efforts to score, Mocpherson on one occasion just forcing in tho nick of time. In tho closing stagos of the game Murray was entrusted with a frco kick in Otago's twenty-five, and the Aucklandci's were given the last chance of placing a win to their credit. Murray's kick was taken with much deliberation, but tho ball swerved before it reached the posts, and dropped outside tho upright. Tho roforce's whistle then announced tho call of time, and a hard suid strenuous game, full of incident of a kind, ended with tho scoresAuckland 6 points. Otago 6 points. THE PLAY. The game did not afford any of tho exciting incidents that the Canterbury team supplied the previous Saturday. Comparing tho standard of play of tlic two visiting teams Oil tho showing thoyhave given hero, Canterbury would beat- -the northerners vcr.Vv badly in tho backs, while their forwards would probably render a good account of themselves also. It wao a weak back and a strong forward team tliat met Otago on Saturday, but then the Blues wcro rarely permitted to test, the strength of tho rear division. The Auckland forwards paid them too much attention for that, and in addition to keeping the homo team from-getthig within striking distance, as a rule tney were usually successful in breaking down all attempts to play t-lio passing game effectually. Tho Bluo forwards put up an excellent fight; but lagged in following up, with the exception of two or three, and were invariably beaten on tho lino-out. Neither side appeared to gain advantage from tho scrams, which usually resolved into loose forward play. As for the -half 'back securing the ball and feeding his hacks, which was such a prominent, feature of Canterbury's play, if was a thing almost unknown on Saturday. Openings wcro made from loose play, but these rarely came to much, ,as will bo readily imagined, with tho forwards close on the ball and fully alivo to what was going forward. 'Lite visitors had 'the Ixrst of the game and (lid most of the attacking, but their scoring men appeared to 1* few and far between. Their first, try was practically given, to thorn through Dansoy failing io take a pass and the- lassitude of tho .rest of tile backs. Auckland was attacking at tho time, yet tho Otago backs left themselves 'almost unprotected On ono side, and tho northerners accoptod the chaneo • with alacrity. f Murray and Hogan were the most prominent men in the passing chain. Both played vot.v solidly in the first spell, but Hogan retired just, before half-time, and thereafter the other men got few chances. Ma-gee was probably tho best lack on his side, his kicking being vory useful.. At full back Miller was safe,-and let nothing pass him, while bo always' kickcd with I judgment. . i

The Otago backs played .but modoratoly well—not up to expectations, at all events,.Dansoy ,at centre, was decidedly off .colourOn ono or two occasions lio succeoded in •making Wight opening, but his fielding and passihg wore uiicorfam and weak. On ilio wing,3eannollplayed- a very determined game, and made no mistakes, anraly proving his fitness.for tho position. The feaTlcsa manner in which ho got down lo the- forward nialies of tho visitors at times was a thing to wonder at. ' The publio pinned its faith on Scannall as a scoring man early in tho first spell, when lie gavo promise of drawing first blood for Otago. on tlx; other wing, showed up in several jinky runs which proved somewhat. 'bewildering fo the visitors. Bis try was almost an impossible ono, but together with Fitzpatrick ho beat tho defence splendidly. Eckhold and Cham'liors both showed improved form, tho-'former playing a. vastly batter gamo ns compared with- his performance ' in the previous match. Both wcro solid in defence. Fullarton, at half, was not a success, and Davidson, full bade, fumbled tjio ball a great deal, and his kicking was weak. Tho liomc forwards played really well, and although pitted against a 'heavier pack, and a faster ono, gave-a oroditabie exhibition. Fitzpatrick played bis best gamo and excelled in every department of the game. Ivimoy and Low were the best of the rest, the D lined in representative being prominent at- all times and always on the ball. Occasionally' Adamson and Casey shone ill tho loose. , As for the visitors' forwards. Francis and Hall must lw bracketed as the mainstay of the division. The " All Black" representative played sound football throughout. In the second spell Hall played five-eighth, where he was given fow chaneos, but. in his position as wing forward he trave indication of exceptional ability. • Of the others Hayward and Williams wore perhaps the best. Mr F. T. Evans, of Christchuroh, acted as referee, and gavo every satisfaction to players and public. . DINNER TO THE TEAMS. ' In tho evening tho teams wore tho guests of tho O.R.F.U. at dinner at tho Criterion Ilotol. The President of tho union (Mr Macdonald) proposed the health of the visitors. With regard to tho game, ho said many of them no doubt were rather disappointed with it, and he thought there were many points that might have been improved upon. For instance, there appeared to bo a lot of knocking-on by the forwards at the line, and at other times good dribbling rushes would be spoiled by hard kicking. With all his experience of Otago football, lie did not think he had ever seen poorer line kicking. Tho chairman also com-; mentcd on tho action of lye of the Otago backs in trying to jink through the opposition from his own ! twenty-live. Tliero had also been too much " talk."--(" Hear, hear.") Tho health was drunk with enthusiasm. Tho Manager of the visiting team (Mr F. Murray) responded, and said he had been much disappointed in both teams. As Mr Macdonald had said, there had been too much talking, and this was a tiling ho would liko to sco put down. There was not much to enthuse over in tho game. Ho proposed tho health of "The Otago Team." Mr P. L. Footo responded. Mr J. Hutchison proposed "Tho Refereo" (Mr Evans), and said Otago's liking for him wa6 shaved by the other unions of the colony. Mr Evans said tho warmth with which ho had been greeted had quite taken tho bid taste of tho gamo out of his mouth. Things had' taken place during tho progress of tho gamo which should not take placo among footballers. They could not shut their eyes to that fact Tho gamo had reached such a stage that ho had folt compelled to order a man off tin field. In doing so he was 6imply doiii,» his duty. Ho could assure them jio ono was more grioved than ho was - at, having to take that extremo stop. When two sets of fairly even forwards mot they could expcct a. hard game, and he was suro the gamo thoy had witnessed that afternoon was lmrd enough to satisfy tho most fastidious. He had had 15 years' experience in reforeeing, and Saturday's experience wa6 to him a unique one. Ho did not want, ono liko it again. Tho Auckland team subsequently gavo a picturesquo haka and war cry. THE AUCKLAND v. OTAGO FOOTBALL MATCH. to rnr. editor. Siu, —Will you allow mc spaco to mako a fow remarks ancnt .tho unfortunato incident that occurred in to-day's football matoh in which I was unfortunato enough to bo ordered off tho field by the refereo for alleged rough play? I may say that in all matchcs I do my utmost to" what is Called in football " follow up," and it was whilst doing so that tho unpleasant incident in tho match occurred. One of our players had kicked the ball about 25 or 30 yards, and I followed it up as fast as I could. I saw lickhold, the Otago back, take tho. baJl on tho full when I was about 20 yards distant from him and begin running towards our goal. Ho must- liavo seen mo coming, because, so far as I am aware, I was tho only Auckland player anywhere near him. Now I ooutond that as soon as he saw mo coming ho should have allowed himself plenty of timo to get his kick in and to save himself from being charged down—he could not have hoped to have gained more than a few yards extra by retaining tho ball unless he beat his man, and lie thereby took' tlio risk of being tackled. I take it that tho duty of a forward following up is not only lo tackle tlio backs but also to make tlicm kick sooner than tlicy otliorwise_ would, and thus prevent them extra ground by running. It is very difficult, however, for a forward to got near a back in following up.' A player of Eekhold's exporionw must bo aware of these points. Now, in tho present Eokhold had tho option of cither running with the ball and boating his man or of kicking before I had time to reach him. Instead of doing cither of these things he ran towards mc, and when I was, as I supposed, about five yards distant. I saw that ho was preparing to kick. I immediately put down my head and charged him in tlio hope of .tackling him before or as scon as ho got his kick in, and in order that tho Ancklaiul forwards, who wore coming up behind, might get possession of tho ball, ag tliero .were tltqn only two men botwpeu

thorn and Otago's line. Tho last I saw of Eckhold was that ho was holding tho ball, and suroly I was then perfectly justified in charging him. Having ones begun my tackle, I was powerless to stop, and I struck him in tho side with my forearm, winding him. I darn say if ho had boon'a heavier man ho would not have boon hurt as badly, but would have stood tho knock. As it was, ho recovered very soon, and played as well as over afterwards. But, of course, this has nothing to do with tho question as to whether I wa6 guilty of rough play or not. I 6ay without hesitation that it was clearly Ecknold's duty to lmvc allowed himself plenty of timo to kick before I reached him, or, having made his kick, to have got out of my way whon ho saw that I had my head down to tackle him. By not doing either of these things lie himself contributed to the alleged rough play on my part. As soon as I saw ho was injured. I turned and pulled up his jersey with the intention of rubbing him, when to my amazement and surpriso Mr Evans, the referee, hurried :up and ordered me off tho field. I- say I was quite unaware of having done anything wrong. I feel that I have been tho victim of circumstances, Whon the Auckland forwards went on to the field, of play they'.wont with tho intention of playing a _ hard, dashing game in the hope of securing a victory. Unfortunately this hard play has been called rough play, and in tiie excitement of the game incidents occurred for which the reforeo—quito, justifiably, I think—had occasion to warn tho Auckland; players, and thev came in' for a good deal of adverse' criticism from the crowd. When I tackled Eckhold X am informed that, there was a. groat deal of 'hooting and crying , out. I did not myself the excitement of the game hear anything particularly..' 1 Mr Evans is admittedly a very good' referee—ono of the, best in TCew Zealand, —but, without in any way detracting from this statement, I 'oimnot help thinking, that he was, unconsciously perhaps, influenced in mv case by the conduet. of the crowd and by what had happened • previously in the'game; Can any sensible person think that I would deliberately, _ right out in the open and a few yards in front of a, hostile crowd, jicrpetrato a. piece of rough and unsportsmanlike play? My plav was no more rourii than was that of an Otago back, who a few minutes previously, had run into ine with his knees, and had disabled me for about as long as Eckhold was disabled. The chief'cliffercnce was that a section of tho crowd jeered and laughed when I was hurt and hooted on tho other occasion. I wish to say, in conclusion, that the members of tho Auckland team do not consider that they played with unnecessary roughness. They simply played a very hard game in their desire to win— the game played by them in Auckland, and t.ho frame played by the famous All Blacks. I can only say that, I regret very much that this incident has occurred, and I havo entered l into this somewhat lengthy explanation simply to justify mpolf, and with a view of removing any impression that we have bcon guilty of rouerh and unsportsmanlike conduct- in a match which was 'played in tho best of spirits by both sides.—l am, <rfc., , - EVAN MAOCobhiok. Duncdin, August 31.

, ALEXANDRA v. CROMWELL. The match between Alexandra, and Cromwell was played at Cromwell on Saturday, and after a good garao victory rested with the former by 8 points to 6. WELLINGTON v. TARANAICI. THE GAME ABANDONED. ' (Pep. United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 31.' Wellington was to hivo playod Taranaki to-day, and the match: was regarded with keen interest, as the two teams atro considered to be tho strongest. in tho field this year. Rain, however, had covered tho ground with water, and was still falling in shoots this afternoon; . Nevertheless, ncarjy 2000 people filled the stand, and an attempt was mado to play. The men struggled on for ono spell of half an hour, but their olothos and coots wore filled with water, and they wore pestered by an icy wind and rain, but after this experience it was dccidcd to abandon the gamo and call the match off. Just at tho' close of tho play Wellington, with tho wind behind them, scored a try, but this was no criterion of .actual superiority. Groat, disappointment was evinced at tho result, but it is a wonder that the plavors had the pluck to play at all*.'seeing ihat they could scarcely move, being ankle deep in mud and water, whilo tlm ball might as well liavo been covered 'with grease. HAWKE'S BAY' v. POVERTY BAY. (Per Uxited Press Association.) ! NAPIER, August 31. The representative match Poverty Bay ,v. Ilawke's Bay was played on tho Recreation Ground'this afternoon, and a very fast and intereting gamo ended in favour of lla.wke's Bay by 35 points to 8. The visitors wcro no match for the local representatives, and were outclassed in every department of tho game. COLLEGE FOOTBALL. (Pis United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 31. ' In consequence of a newspaper report that bad language was indulged in at ; tho foothall .match between Wellington College and the Suburban Club, tho governors of the college called on the head master to report upon athletics generally, and especially as to the propriety of the college teams engaging in matches with outside clubs other than schools. ASSOCIATION. CHARITY BANNER FINAL. The matoh between the Cup winners (Northern) and tho runners' up (Mornington A) to decidc which should hold the Charity banner for the year was played at Culling Park, which, as the result of constant use and ' littio attention, is becoming very lumpy. Otherwise the conditions were excellent.. Hut.chison (goalkeeper for Mornington) was on the ground, but was' not a player, his placo being filled by bays. C. Irvine took Deansf! place as right half or Northern, and Riley played outside right to R. Irvine. Mr P. Braitliwaito controlled tho game. Northern started tho ball rolling, and .Mornington immediately opened the attack, a corner kick being disposed of by Reid. A sudden change of scene, and Riley tried a long shot-, which Leys fumbled budly and lot through, first score. being registered for Northern within ono minute of otarting. Mornington brought tho ball baolc to Northern territory. Baillie and Bankier jinked cloverly down tho centre, and the latter steadied and shot, but tho ball went outside. A series of four free kicks to 'Mornington for infringements proved resultlose. Chndwick started M'Clelland. off, but Leys eleared, and good play by 'Barrington gave Airey a' chance, tho shot going over tho bar. This was succeeded .presently by a good centro from Renfrew, but Baillio. a few yards before goal, headed over tho bar. Northern attacked, a corner kick being concedod by Mornington. M'Clelland sont in a splendid kick, which curled in behind Leys, making Northern 2 goals to nil. ' After another Mornington attack M'Clolland, when faced by Notman, tapped in to Chadwick, who scored with a 6mart left-foot drive. In tho second spell Airey went into tlio centro and Baillie playod outside right. Play was of a desultory character for tho first ten minutes. Then Bankier njid

Airey raanceuvretl in tho centre, and the latter shot hard and straight,, but Reid fielded safely. Ratlcy made' a tricky run, but foil. A' persistent. Northern attack was broken up by Notman, and the ball was placed well up towards Renfrew, a. corner being registered against Morrison. The kick was received by Barrington and placed . outside. Presently Morrison miskickcd, ■ and Baillic dashed in smartly, scoring for Mornington. Mornington gathered ill again, and Baillie had Reid in difficulties, but tho goa-lkcepcr saved by coming well out'to the wing. Riley mads a lino and surprisingly fast run down tho right, but Young clearod brilliantly. In the next minuto Baillio and Timlin made each a long run. The former was stopped by -Shepherd; and the latter missed tho goai by a.yard. Then followed a splendid • pacing bout by. Northern forwards. Timlin opened out to M'Clelland, who beat Notman and contred hard across the goal mouth, , whero Irvine received and shot, but Leys turned smartly over tho bar. Baillie feinted clevcrly' past Kilgour, but Shepherd camo to the rescue. Northern inado a continued assault.; .but shots went wide until M'Clelland drovo in smartly, Leys and'< Notman clearing. Mornington forwards broke" away, and Racbiirn tried the goal, but the ball came back to Renfrew. who' missed amusingly. Northern swept back' into Mornington territory, and a shot over tho bar by M'Clolland closed tho ma.toh', tho banner being again won by Northern. Northern ... :. 3 goals. Mornington A' ... ... 1 goal SCHOOLS MATCH. The following School team has been 6clectcd to. play against.the team of Southland schoolboys at Culling Park next Saturday, prior to the rep. match Otago v.■ Southland, commencing at'3'p.m.:— Goal, Grant (Albany Streot); right back, Brown (Forbitry); left back, Albertson (Christian. Brothers); right half, Clark (Boys' High);' centre half, Eton (Caverehani); loft half, Anderson (N.E. Valley); forwards (from right to left), Bruce (Boys' High), Race (Boys' High), Deuchraes (High Street), Johnson (Kaikorai), Marlow (Christian Brothers) ; emergencies—Park (Boys' High), Wakelin (Christian Brothers), Gart- I shore (High Street). BROWN CHALLENGE SHIELD. (Per United Press Association./ AUCKLAND, August 31. Tho final ■ Association football match, Auckland v. Wellington, in the Brown Shield tournament was decided hero to-day. The weather was showery, and the attendance numbered about 2000. Owing to tho slippery 6tatc of the ground tho players experienced great difficulty in remaining on their feet. Soon after the kick-off Auckland attacked, but tho .opposing, full baoks (Roberts and Elson) wCre vory sound, and tho local forwards found it very difficult to break through. Wellington occasionally set up an attack, i but their passing was erratic, and their efforts would go unrewarded. Abont half-way through tho spoil Salo (Auckland)'had the leather sent to him near neutral territory, arid, getting it at his toe, he ran right through tho opposition, and scored a grand goal. From thonce on the gamo was fairly 1 oven. Auckland having, if anything, the best of it. Tho spell ended— Auckland ..' ... 1 Roal. Wellington ... Nil. ' Upon resuming Wellington appeared to possess new life, and the local eleven wore ■kept hard on tho defensive. A pretty piece of play near the Auckland goal ended in Ash scoring, which made the scarce— ' Auckland ' ... ... 1 goal. Wellington*. 1 goal. Tho game then became fast and exciting, tho ball travelling up and down the field at a great rato. Auckland's next score was tho result of a, splendid piece of play. Auckland being awarded a corner kick, Hinds ploocd tho leather nicely-to

Sale, who headed it to Forreshaw, and the latter headed it through. Auckland 2 goals. Wellington ... ... 1 goal. The visitors then appeared to fall to pieces, and from this out tho itsuo was really never in doubt. The Auckland van-, guard swept down the field, and, Hinds centering nicely, Davidson' scored Auckland's third goal. Auckland 3 goals. Wellington, ... 1 goal. Ash (Wellington) was breaking away time after time, but, being unsupported, lie was not ablo to make much use of his opportunities. Tho game ended—' Auckland 3 goals. Wellington 1'- goal. Wellington hold tho shield last season, but there can be no doubt but that the bettor team won to-day. •