HOCKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19800, 27 May 1926, Page 5

HOCKEY.

Bs Waooes.

Death has removed from our midst one who has been a strong and loyal supporter of the game. The news of the passing of Mr Stan Foote came as a shock to his hockey friends last week. His association as an enthusiast dates back several years, when he joined up with the now defunct Gymnastic Club. He later accepted the arduous duties of secretary of the Otago Hockey Association, and capably controlled his affairs for two years, t>nd on relinquishing this position on account of pressure of other business he was elected a vice-president. He was also chairman of the executive for two years, but resigned last year on account of ill-health. Since his war experience he has not enjoyed the best of health, and was unable to give the time to hockey that he wished. Appreciation of Mr Foote's services has frequently been expressed, and all present-day players are under a debt of gratitude to him for his past services. Deep sympathy to his widow and relatives in their loss. The funeral, which took place on Sunday at the Anderson's Bay Cemetery, was attended by a large following of hockey officials and players.. The weather conditions of last week rendered outdoor sport on Saturday hopeless, and consequently all games were postponed. An interruption of the programme of matches is most unfortunate, as the near ness of the Indian Army team's visit renders it necessary for as much practice as possible to be obtained. The advent of the University vacation adds difficulties to the other problems facing the selector. It was intended that a first trial match should be played next Saturday, to be followed by another on Thursday, June 3, and a final test on June 12—one week before the big event, but the absence of the University team at -Wellington for its annual match with Victoria College considerably limits the scope of the selector. It is recognised that a trial game between players of the two remaining clubs would not prove satisfactory, so the Match Committee has wisely decided that the club matches' programme will be carried on by Technical Old Boys meeting City next Saturday, leaving the University A and B match to be played on a week day after the vacation. A trial can then be played on the following Thursday (the King's Birthday), a further one on the following Saturday, and a final between the Otago XI. and the rest on Saturday, June 12 - . , T 1 4 L t From information received 1 learn tnat our Indian visitors observe a very strict regard for all the rules of the game and do not appreciate persistent infringements. The penalties for "obstruction" are apparently not so strictly enforced in New Zealand as in India, So unless we are more attentive to this rule we may suiter a rude awakening on facing these dusky warriors, and a referee who is well schooled in every point of the game. Their interpretation of the rule may differ slightly from ours, but to be forewarned is to be forearmed. I understand that Mr Syd. Holland is accompanying the team as manager through the South Island and will ialso referee on its behalf. , Mr Jack Starr has been nominated as Otago's referee, and his reputation as a strict and impartial judge should warrant his nomination receiving unanimous confirmation by headquarters. The Indian team is still pursuing its victorious way in the north and despite t uncongenial conditions, winning matches by very substantial margins. Undoubtedly the hardest match the Otago players have ever been called on to play will be on June 19, and every man selected will require to be trained to the minute, because this will be no ordinary interprovincial game, but rather a test of endurance. The selector, realising this, has authorised me to state that players selected for trials must be prepared to train regularly —(arrangements are in_ hand for the use of a suitable hall) otherwise he many not consider their claims unless there are 'exceptional circumstances. What are the prospects of securing a local XI to extend the overseas visitors? The talent appears to be in the city if it can be correctly assembled and moulded into a smooth fast-running machine. Quickness of movement with feet and stick are essentials, physical fitness in wind and limb must also be an important factor in the qualifications for a position in Otago's best, while the ability and willingness to harmonise and combine with other membersof the team must command consideration. The following players on form to date are popular selections:—Goalkeepers: Davies and Twose; backs—Les Ireland, Fleet, North, M'Donald and Munro; halves—Jory, Gurr, Butler, Deay, Sew Hoy, Barrett, Wilson, H. Mayston and M'Caw; forwards—Renwick Brown, Hinton, Woodfield, : C. Mayston.. Gillespie. Edson, Johnston, Smith, Tompkins, EHffe and Millar. There are also others who are rapidly coming into prominence. Mr Percy Foote (now of Timaru) was in Dunedin for a few days last week-end in connection with the death and burial of his brother Stan. Up to a few years ago "Percy" was a very conspicuous figure in hockey circles and in his day fought many a game in defence of his old club's (Gymnastic) and the province's reputation.

INDIAN ARMY TEAM. VISIT TO DANNEVIRKE. (Pee United Pbess Association.) DANNEVIRKE, May 26. The members of the Indian Hockey team during their stay at Dannevirke have been entertained in various ways. The native members of the team visited the town and country schools, while the European officers were otherwise catered for, including a complimentary dinner at which Captain Cowan, in replying to the toast the visitors, distinctly stated that no political significance was attached to the tour and that it was organised solely by the New Zealand Hockey Association in the interests of the game. During their stay the members of the team have taken the greatest pleasure in demonstrating some of the finer points and scientific aspects of the game to local players, both by a lecture and a demonstration.