HOCKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19527, 9 July 1925, Page 4

HOCKEY.

By Centbe-Half.

By the time last week’s notes were published it was practically a foregone conclusion that the playing areas on the Oval would be unfit for use on Saturday last. The consistent rain of the five previous days converted all level ground into something resembling lagoons. The superintendent of the reserves wisely issued a proclamation against sport on any of the grounds under his control. It will now be some considerable time before the Oval will be firm and dry enough for hard and fast hockey, and those participating in the games next Saturday should be ready to adapt themselves to what possibly will prove to be new conditions for them. A few days of sunshine ■v work an improvement in drying off the surface water, but there can be no pace on any of the Oval grounds. The losing of a Saturday afternoon’s practice is unfortunate particdarly as the time for picking the team for Wellington is fast approaching and the selector must be feeling now that he is working at a disadvantage in.not having the opportunities of keeping regularly in touch with the prospects. Some information has been secured from the secretary of the association with regard to hockey " matters generally and particularly relating to the forthcoming trip of the Otago team to_ Wellington. _ The canvass for subscriptions and donations is being prosecuted vigorously and a substantial sum is in sight, the leader of the movement {M. D. Woodfieldl having already achieved unexpected support. An application has been _ made to the Rugby Union for some assistance, with a suggestion that it might grant the use of Carisbrook to play a University and City match as a curtain-raiser to one of their big fixtures and' grant the Hockey Association a portion or the gate money._ The matter has not been finally dealt with, but it is hoped that some assistance will be forthcoming. Another particularly pleasing feature is that the Ladies’ Association is willing and ready to co-operate with the Men’s Association in attaining its object. I_ am sure every hockey player from the novice to the representative player appreciates the good sporting spirit exemplified by the Ladies’. Association. Hitherto ihere has been _ a lack of cooperation between the Ladies’ and Men’s Associations (excepting on special occasions) but active minds have been quietly organising and a meeting held early this week when the need for closer relationship was discussed and suggestions made, which, if carried out, should result in mutual benefit. At the same meeting plans for helping the men’s tournament expenses fund were also considered. It would be for the betterment of the game if the Men’s Association would emulate the example of the Ladies’ Association by holding meetings periodically at which the ideas and principles of the game are discussed. Instruction could be given to the juniors and rules explained on the blackboard. Very successful meetings have been held this season by the Ladleo’ and Referees’ Associations, and there is no reason whv the men should not either hold special mootings or join forces the other two associations.

The selector has hinted to me that he may divulge some of his ideas ns to the proposed personnel of the tournament teams for publication in next week’s notes, provided that the weather will permit of all matches being played next Saturday in which case he will have a further opportunity of making comparison He also wishes to ascertain more definitely the names of those who will be available.