FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2102, 7 June 1894, Page 32

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BY FOEWABD. The club at the Eweburn has been resuscitated under the title of the Maniototo Club. Inferior place - kicking lost; the ZiugariRichmond their match against the Union last Saturday. There are some clubs which would find it profitable to include a good place-kickiat in their teams even though he had no other claims for selection. Mason, who played for the Dunedin Ciub last year and at the beginning of this season but then went to luvercargill, has returned to town. He is desirous now of obtaining leave from the Rugby Union to play with some o'ub other than the Dunedin, but the O R.F.U. committee, which is showing a determination to closely scrutinise applications for transfer*, is not >6b satisfied with the reasons submitted by Mason for changing the colour of bis uniform. The following is taken from the notes of the Southland correspondent of the Weekly Prefsi a last week's issue of that paper: — " If Otago docs not join the NZU, (and I hardly*think she will) then there will surely be trouble iv store for the latter here when the time for the annual match between Otago and Southland comes round, as in the case of permission for the game being refused Southland footballers will waken up in a way that will surprise northerners. The matter is often discussed, and when this is tho subject of debate the local men never forget what Otago has done for S )uthland football, and this means a great deal." The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union have given consideration to the question of representation on the New Zealand Uni in and have decided to recommend that each union having at the beginning of each season up to 10 teams playing under its auspices should be entitled to one vote ; over 10 teams and up to 15 teams, two votes ; over 15 teams and up to 20 teams, three votes ; over 20 teams and up to 25 teams, four votes ; over 25 teams, five votes ; five votes to be tho maximum. The committee of the Canterbury Union have come to the opinion that if the provincial basis was not carried into effect it should support some such proposal as that submitted by the Hawke's Bay Union. At the meeting of tha Canterbury Rugby Union's committee a letter was read from the secretary of the New Zealand Rugby Union stating that the Management Committee of that body deßired to draw the Canterbury Union's attention to a paragraph which appeared in the Otago Daily Times in reference to the iaterclub match between the Pirates (Danedin) and Christchurch Clubs, to the effect that although the New Zealand Union had refused permission to play the match, the Christchuroh Club would meet the Pirates, and asking whether the telegram in the paragraph bad bsen forwarded to tne Pirates Club by an officer of the Canterbury Union. "Mr Frost," I read, "stated that the telegram published in fch?. Otago Daily Times was not sent by his club, but ore something to the same effect had been. The secretary was instructed to reply that the committee regretted the action taken by one of its clubs in the matter." What is the use of splitting hairs on the subject? The teli gram as published was not identical with tint received by the Pirates, but it was in almost identical terms and the effect was absolutely the same. "At the dinnar given to the Piratos by the ChrJstchurch Club on the Queen's Birthday, extensive mention of Otago's non-affiliation with 'the New Zealand Union was made, aud I noticed most of the prominent officials of the Canterbury Union strongly advising the Pirates to convey to their club and to their union the urgent desirability of O Sago's affiliation." Sj wwtes "Quidnunc" in the Cmterbury Times. *' This is as it should be," he adds Well, it is only a matter of taste. Seeing that tha Pirates Club has always been uncompromising in its opposition to the New Zealand Union and that its members were the guests of the evening on the occasion of " extensive mention " being made of Otago's non-affiliation, I must confess that my feelicg is not that this was *'as it should be" bub that simply txecrable t&pte was t-hown in the introduction of each ft question at a social gathering, where the Pirates would not have been j.i«-tiQ;din arguing the point. "Quidnuec" e-jEitirs'ittj : — "I hear that the visitors have bt( a so impressed with the arguments and rationings they have heard during their stay in (Jhrißtchurch that they have fully determined to work their hardest upon their return to Dunedin to bring about the accomplishment of perfect unity in New Z^ aland footbal 1 ," Surely, "thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought." I have had the opportULity of conversing with fche prominent; mtsmbsrs of the Pirates Club since their return to Dunedin, and so far from their beii-g "impressed" they were simply amu«ed wit'i the '"reasonings" they heard iv Cbristcburch. The wtat'jer at Chrs'cburch last Saturday was highly favourable for football, but r«cent rains had made Lancasber Park very wet and soft. At Kaiapoi, however, the ground wss in splendid condition. The result of the match there between* Christchurch and Kaiapoi was another surprise, the Christchurch men winning after a desperate struggle by 10 points to 5 The wet ground at Lancaster Park did net seem to hamper Merivale much, as they ran up 35 points to nothing against Sydenham. On the adjoining ground, Linwood and Canterbury College fought a hard game, the former just winning by 6 points to 3. The position of the clubs is now as under — Merivale 5 points, Eaiapoi 4, Christohurch 3, Linwood 3, Canterbury College 2, East Christchurch 1, Sydenham 0. The match last Saturday between the Eaikorfti an 4 Duncdiu Otabs w»8 too much a one*

sided contest to be very interesting, and the heavy state of the Bishopscourt ground prevented anything like fast play. The Blues did not play wibh anything like the dash they displayed on the previous Saturday, and owing to their inabitity to take the ball in the scrum gave their backs no chances. The Kaikorai men gave a very good exposition oSt the passing game, and seemed to be more at home in the wet than their opponents. Mr Croxford scted as referee with the greatest promptitude and impartiality, notwithstanding | which one or two players (including an interprovincial representative) took it upon themselves occasionally to question his decisions. At lasb week's meetiug of the committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union a letter was received from the Otago Union asking about what date the annual fixture with Canterbury was likely to take place It was decided to write that the C.R U. must be loyal to the N.Z.R.U., bub w@uld forward a letter to the latter body giving the many reasons why the match should not be forbidden, and a sab-committee was appointed to draft the letter. The Southland Union wrote asking if Canterbury wa3 likely to go south this year. It was decided to state what | was being done in connection with Otago. It is hardly to be imagined that the committee of the Canterbury Union will listen to to monstrous suggestion — and it is pretty certain that the Canterbury public will not listen to it — that, in consequence of the difference of opiuion that there is respecting the question as to whether there should or should not exist in Wellington a body charged with the control of football throughout the colony, tha fixture j which has been regularly observed between Canterbury and Otago for a. period of over 15 years should bs disturbed. A meeting of the Fort Chalmers Football Club was held one evening last week, at which there was ac excellent attendance. Mr A. Beck was elected • captain ; Mr A. Hunter, deputy-captain ; and Mr A. D. Rosa, secretary. A gold medal has been presented by Mr Beck for the best ba"k, while a silver medal is expected for the bsst forward. The play in last Sxlurday'sm itch between the Union and Ziogari-Richmond was, excepting at occasional intervals, distinctly good. The teams were very evenly matched, and, as the account of the game will indicate, the Ziugari had more opportunities of scoring than their opp )nent3 hid. The winner' forwards were superior in the footwork, Douglas, Alexander, Beadle, aud Barr frequently showing to advantage, but tha ZiDgari were the batter on the line out, and also in the short passing rushes. Campbell was the most prominent forward in the losing team, but Henney, Delahunty, and Caradus also did good work. The back play was on the whole good Harris was very smart in getting the ball away from the scram, and if A. Fordyce was equally clever in that respect, the latter was not so effectively backed up. Thomson and M'Lennan both played capital games for the winners, the former being perhaps the most useful back on the ground, though it would be hard to too highly estimate the value of Esquilant's services to his side. Minn and Smith did good service for the Union, and when he can be relied on to take a pass Peake should prove a troublesome wing three-q uarter back. Williamson shaped wel 1 at half back for the Zingari ; Pollock was not co trustworthy as usual ; but R. Fordyce played in his best form, and was very safe at full bick, though, even yet, he does not appreciate the necessity of getting his kicks into touch. Tire New S juth Wales Rugby Union has decided to send a team to Melbourne to play matches on July 28, 30, and August 1. The Marlborough Rugby Union has under consideration the advisability of making a northern tour. The West Coast Rugby Union has decided to oppose the affiliation with the New Zealand Uuioa of the proposed Bailer District Union. Western civilisation (says the Northern China Herald) is advancing apace, its latest development being an exhibition of Association football on the sand bank in front of Ichang city. The sides were a team from the steamer Esk v. the (Ichang) World, and it was an excellent game, very even, and well contested for the whole time, except for five minutes when the sailors went to piece 3 and their opponents pat on three goals. The crowds that assembled were in the besi; of tempers, and the ground was easily kept clear by two or three volunteer foreigners Once the natives understood what was wanted, they became perfectly tractable, entered into the spirit of the game with great ze?t, and seemed to enjoy the ridiculous element immensely. The following inspired paragraph is taken from last Friday's Wellington Post : — " A recent Press Association message stated that Mr Sleigh has written from London to the Otago Union denying that he charged the New Zealand Union officers with professionalism. Mr Sleigh's charge before the English Union was one of veiled professionalism, and as he failed entirely to substantiate it, or to eveu explain what he meant by it, the committee of the English Union decided that there' was nothing in i*. Neither did the English Union offer to arbitrate a3 to the grievancas which the O bagi Union professes to hold against the New Zealaud Union. It, however, held an iuquiry into them, with a view to determining its own attitude, with a result that it found there was nothing in them, and decided that if the New Zealand Union re-considered its system of representation (as is now being done) it could aff ,rd no support or countenance to any unions which chose to remiin outside it " The statement in Mr Sleigh's letter, which was not written to the Obago Uaion, but to a private individual, U th's : "I did not charge the New Zealand Union with professionalism, buh remarked that such a sttta of affairs nrgh*; exist should a New Zealand team come, over." The assertion to which this is a reply was contained in a Wellington telegram dated February 1 , which said — "Intimation has b=eu received here that a sub-committea of the Eaglish Rugby Union called on Mr S. E Sleigh, as representative of the Ofcago Union, tJ appear before them to give reasons why the Otago Union remained outside the New Zealand Rugby Union . . . Mr Sleigh staged a number of objections, and charged the New Zealand Uaion with professionalism " There was a dis^r c1;c 1 ; assertion, to which Mr Sleigh has giveu thq lie Now, the N«w ZiaLuvi Union people, with characteristic disiogennousness, change their grouud, and say that Mr Sleigh's charge was oae of " veiled profe<sioaal<sm " Caa there b3 any believing such individuals? The public have been l"d bo understand that the English Rugby Union has btea in communication with the organisation at Wellington on this point. It will be news therefore to footballers to know, as is the fact, that Mr Rowland Hill, tho secretary of the English Rugby Uni >n, has not written out to the New Zealand Union on the subjent. The matoh which the O.R F.U. Committee is endeavouring to arrange for the 16th inst. — East v. West — should, if it eventuates, furnish an interesting contest. The Eat team would consist of representatives from the Kaikorai, Zingari-Richmond. Pirates, and Taieri Clubs, and the West of players belonging to the Alhambra, Union, Dunedin, and University Clubs. The unfortunate acoident which W. Johnston, (he welWmown Otago representative, sustained

last Saturday in the match between the Alhambra and Taieri Clubs will doubtless be oited as an example of what may happen in the " rough game of football " ; and yet the accident happened in the simplest manner possible. Johustsn was running with the ball, and crossed his legs, with the result that he fell, and one leg snapped with a report that was heard all over the field. Johnston took the accident in quite a matter of fact way. The referee rushed up to him and asked what was the matter. "My leg is broken," he replied ; "don't make any fuss." Dr Allan set the limb on the ground, and Johnston was taken home in the evening, bub on Sunday he was removed to tha hospital, to have the benefit of the nurdiug in Uuit institution. A player named Stewart, who recently insulted and attempted to assault a referee at Greymouth, has been suspended by the West Coast Rugby Union from playing fcr the rest of the season. It is currently reported, (says the Southland Times) that the Southland footballers are likely to reconsider their recent dec'sion to join the New Zealaud Rugby Union. Clutha defeated Kaitangata at football by 17 points to nothing. OTAGO RUGBY UNION. The weekly meeting of the Committee of Management of the Otago Rugby Football Union, held on Monday afternoon, was attended by Meßsrs Allen (president), Btadle, Chalmer, Monkman, Mathe&on, Montgomery, Torrance, and Hutchison. „ With respect to the aopl ; cation of the Alhambra Club to have W. Elder recognised as a member of that club, correspondence was read from the Alhambra aud Taieri Clubs, and from Elder himself. The statements contained in tho various letters were of a conflicting character. It was resolved — •• That W. Elder has by his ac>s identified himself with the Taieri Ciub, and as he has not yet convinced the committee of his permanent change of residence they cannot grant him permission to play wibh the Alhambra Club." An application was made by A. Mason for leave to join one of tha senior clubs. In this case it appeared that Mason had played in tho beginning of the season with the Dunediu Club but resigned his membership prior to leaving for luvercargill ; he played with tho Invercargill Club against the Dunediu Club on the Queen's Birthday, and remaining in Dunediu, with the intention of staying permanently, wished to join another club. A letter was reUd from the Danedin Club requesting th«t the action of Mason in playing last Saturday as a substitute for that club against the Kaikorai' might not prejudice his request. The application was declined until Mason should furnish the committee with sufficient reasons for leaving the Dunedin Club. The secretary was instructed to ascertain from the senior clubs whether they would be willing to forego their natures for the 16bh inst. to enable a maich, East v. West, to be played on that date for tho benefit of players who have this season bean incapacitated through mishaps mtt with on the football field. SATURDAY'S MATCHES. The Rugby Game. The first match of |tie season between the Union and Ziugari-Richmond was played on the North grouud on Saturday and attracted a large concourse of spectators, probably 2000 people being present. The rain of the early part of the week had made jthe field of play very greasy, and Mr D. K. Torrance, who acted as referee, showed a due appreciation of the conditions when he appeared on the ground with tho lower portion of his limbs encased in leggings. The Zingari-Richmond team were quietly, confident of victory, and the game was quite as much in their favour, so far as attacking was concerned, as in that of their opponents, but they had to submit to defeat by two goals (8 points) to one try (3 points). The Zingari had the benefit of playing with the sun behind them for the first spell, the northern goal being defended by them, and at 3.15 p.m. Beadle kicked off for the Union. Good passing let the Colours at once into the Union quarters, and a force down was after five minutes' play registered against the home team. Continuing aggressive tactics, the Zingari again had their opponents in trouble, and a free kick straight in front of the Union posts should have produced a goal, but Pollock made a very poor attempt. Upon the resumption of play, the Maroons had a turn at - attacking, Alexander's good following-up btiog largely responsible tor carrying the play into the Zingari quarters, between which and neutral territory it went on for some time, I until, while the Colours were wasting time in appealing, Beadle ran in without opposition, and M'Lennan placed a goal. With 5 points against tho Zingari, the play became distinctly interesting and decidedly fast. Passing rushes carried the play up and down the field, and each side became aggressive in turn. On one occasion a passing run, started by Smith and carried on by -Thomson, Minn, and, M'Lennan was threatening the Zingaii line,' when Eequilant snapped up the ball and threading his way through got clear off down the field, but was brought down by Larkins. Tne Zingari then bad another good opportunity of putting up three points as a free kick was given them in front of the goal, but Pullock again failed. Some give-and-take play followed the kick out, the Union attacking rather more than their opponents, aud a foolish kick by A. Fordyce gave M'Lennan a mark, from which Beok attempted without avail to place a goal. Campbell then headed a strong onslaught of the Colours, and tha Uuion had a very anxious time at the close of the spell. First of all, another free kick was awarded to the Zingari in front of the goal, Ctradus failing to utilise it, and eventually Williamson initiated a passing ru.«h which produced a fccore, bending the bill out to Pollock, who handed on to E-:quilant, and the latttr raced in and obtained a try, which Pollock failed to convert. The *core was thus 5 points to 3, at which it st <od at half-time. Tae commencement of (he fci-c >r:d 3pell ss>.w the Union defending their lmee, but tha tables were shortly turned en the O'j'o.iu, out! Ituy were forced twice in quick succupti:."n ; aud tbe Ziugari were again acting cv '< he dv f« iv>ive, when a frs.e kick was awardsd to thu Union, and the ball was placed about the qtarter-diotacce fl*g and close to the touch hie lor M'Leunan, who registered a beautiful goal Afu-r this reverse the ZiDgari pUjed up admirably, aud the home team again had a busy time in defending their goal. A. Fordjca two or three times stole away from the scrum with the ball, and on one of thtse occasions Pollock, to whom Esquilant threw it, nhould have scored, bub he missed tho pus 3. A free kick to the Zingari was granted shortly afterwards, but to the keen disappointment of the team's supporters Caradus failed with the kick, and shortly before the call of time th?y had another chance of scoring from a penalty kick. Esquilant, having tried his place-kickers and found them wauting, essayed a drop kick this time, but with no better success, and the Colours' ohance of winning was gone, the whistle being Bounded a minute or two laftr,

The match between the Eaikorai and Dunedip Clubs played at Bishopscourt, resulted in a win for the hillmen by 21 points (seven tries) to nothing. The Eaikorai won the toss, and the Dunediu kicked off. The play, owing to the htavy Btate of the ground, was chiefly confined to the forwards, although the Eaikorai occasionally got on some good passing rushes. Shortly after the game commenced some passing among the Eaikorai backs let Armit score near the corner flag, the kick at goal being a failure. For some time after this the play was of a give-aud-take nature, till Eerr from a forward rush dropped across the line with the ball, no goal resulting. After some fast play in the Dunedin twenty-five, a pass from Davis enabled Duncan to score behind the potts, the kick at goal being again resultless. This reverse seemed to rouae up the Dunedin men, and the play for somo time was fairly even, but eventually a pass to Davie enabled that player to sore after a good run down tho touch line. Shortly after half time was called. In the early part of the second spell Woods obtained a mark, from which H. Wilkinson narrowly escaped kicking a goal, the ball striking the crossbar. The Duuedin men now warmed up to their work, and prevented the Kaikorai for some time from scoring, bat at longth Woods, after a dodgy run, evaded the Dunedin's full back, who was saving splendidly, aud added another try to the Eaikorai score, which was not enhanced by the kick at goal. Towards the end of the spell Armit and Davis scored in quick succession, neither of tbe tries being converted. Time was then called, with the score — Kaikorai 21, Dnnedin nothing. The match Pirates v. University, which took place on the Carisbrook ground on Saturday afternoon, resulted iv a win for the forcer by 5 points to nothing. There was a small attendance of spectators. The game in the firot spell was somewhat uninteresting — due to some extent to the greasy ball. The Blacks had the best of it, on the whol^. The 'Varbifcy players once or twice got on some good rushes, but the Pirates always managed to regain their lost ground, and succeeded i% confining the game to the Blues' quarters. From a throw out , Carter secured the ball and passed to Johnston. The latter made a good run and passed to Macassny, who scored between the posts, the try being enhanced. This was the only *cote during the game. In the second half the play , was more even, but, as it was seldom loose, it was nob very interesting. Both sides were forced two or three times, and on one occasion, through a bad return on the part of Robertson, Holmes secured a mark in a fairly favourable position. Priest took the kick, and made a capital attempt — the ball fallingja little short. A match between the Alhambra and Taieri Clubs was commenced at Mcsjiel on Saturday, but after about 30 minutes' play the game was brought to an abrupt termination owing to Johnston, the Alhambra's centre three-quarter, meeting with a mishap by which his leg was broken. Up to this point the game was very open and fast. Both teams indulged in some excellent passing, which was most effective on the Alhambra side as tries were obtained by Johnston, Smyth, and Esquilant, from which Resfcieaux placed two goals, and a penalty goal. There was a marked improvement in the play of the Alhambra team, the forwards being noticeable for their combined following up, which resulted in their spoiling the returns of tho opposite side on several occasions. The combination of Crawfurd and Restieaux behind the scrum was very good, the latter getting in some of his old dodgy runs which puzzled the Taieri backs. Smyth and Clarke also shaped well. Of the Taieri forwards Johnston, Allan, and Davidson put in good work, as did Mann, M'Donald, and Hetherington. Mr R. M Falconer gave general satisfaction with 'the whistle. On their own ground, the Caledonian, on Saturday the Dunedin Second met and defeated the Eaikorai Second by 6 points (two tries) to 3 (one try). This result was a surprise to the visitors as they have, so far, been very successful this season, and have, like their seniors, been running up big scores. The game was for the most part carried on amongst the forwards, who, on both sides, were heavy but fairly well matched. The Eaikorai, however, appeared to carry the scrums at will, and, in the first spell, endeavoured to make the game a back one by getting the ball out to their halves. Their backs, however, although they had a strong wind in their favour, failed to make the most of their advantage, while their opponents played well on the defensive and also (Da vies showing them how) with any amount of dash. At last Connor, getting the ball about the centre, set off at full speed, dodged all the opposing backs, and scored between the posts. He failed with the kick. Just on half time Hill scored for the Eaikorai after a short dash, no goal resulting. In the second spell the Eaikorai kept the ball in the scrum, fto which they added more weight hy shifting Wingfield from three-quarter, but the Dunedin defence was again sound — Montgomery, Flint, Barclay, and Davies tackling in tine style. The last named was also of immense service to his side on the line-out, and put in some dashing runs. Getting the ball more from the serum in this spell, Dunedin got on some splendid passing rushes, in which Armstrong (2), Connor, and Oliver took part. The lastu?.med, however, made the run of the day, carrying the ball from past the half-way right down to the Eaikorai's goal line. A fcrum five yards out followed, from which the ball came out to Armstrong, who passed to Connor, and the last-named scored. No goal was kicked. There was no further score, and the game ended as bif ore stated. Mr F. Campbell acttd impartially as referee. The match Albambra Second v. High School was played at Opoho, and resulted in a win for the Alhambra by 17 points to 3. Tries were obtained by Aitken (2) and M'Nab (2) ; while Pollock converted one into a goal and also placed a penalty goal. The Ziogari- Richmond Second defeated the Union Second by 13 points (bwo goals and one try) to a penalty goal. Tries were obtained for tho winners by Proctor (2) and Simmoiids (1), two of which were converted by Mahone. The Warehousemen journeyed to Mosgiel on Saturday to meet the Taieri Second. Tho game was late in starting owing to the country boys having some difficulty in raising a t j am. The Warehousemen kicked off, and gave the Taieri team a merry time of it, the passing of the town team beii'g too much for them. The game resulted iv a win for the Warehousemen by 35 points to nothing. Tries were scored by H. Stalker (2), J. Melville (2), Williams, Smokebox, Barclay, Reid, and Cooke. Cooke also potted a goal, and Williams placed two from tries. The Green Island met the Melrose at the Asylum ground, and defeated them by 12 points (four tries) to 8 points (one potted goal and one goal from a mark). Lambert potted the goal and Walker kicked a goal from a mark for the Melrose. Irvine (2), Brown, and Moreland ecored tries for the Green IslanV. The match Warehousemen Second v. Union Third, played at Monteoillo, resulted in a win for the former by three tries to nothing. Tries were scored by R. Hutchison (8) and, Sanderson,

The match Star v. Standard, after a wellcontested game, resulted in a draw, each side scoring a try. King, who played well throughout, soored for the Star, and Thorn for the Sbandard. The Association Game. The meeting between the Northern and Roslyn Clubs, which took place on the reclaimed ground, has been the theme of conversation among Association players for some time past, each having so far an unbeaten record. There was a large muster of spectators, and excitement ran high, especially towards the close of the game, which ended in a draw, each having scored three goals. Mr J. L. Salmond had control of the whistle, aud was assisted by Messrs G. S. Mackie (Roslyn) and J. Hunter (Northern) as line umpires D. M'MHlan winning the toss elected to play with the slight wind blowing. De Lisle set the leather in motion, and a smart exchange of kicks followed in mid-field. As both tbams settled down, Roslyn gradually crept to their opponents' goal. Smifch made a neat shot, but without result. DoLisla fouled, but nothing came from the free kick, and Northern assumed the aggressive and gave Roslyn somo tough work. Arthur relieved, and Roslyn following up obtained a corner, but no score resulted. Northern retaliated with a determined rush, and secured a corner, but M'Leod kicked over. Some fine kicking followed, and then Roslyn made a combined dash, a corner being obtained, but again no score resulted. Roslyn continued to press, and a splendid shot presented itf elf lo D. M'Millan, but in his eagerness he mi-sed it; kicking the ball over the line,' however. Ro*lyn again pressed it, bub the Northern defence could not be broken. The Northern then had a look in, and from a free kick A. M'Leod tried a shot, but P. M'Millan cleared off with the ball and passed to the centre. The lloslvn forwards rushed down tho field and obtained a free kick not far from the Northern goal, but nothing resulted. Some give-and-take play followed till Roslyu obtained a free kick and agaiu assumed the aggressive, finally obtaining a corner. Smith kicked the ball over the line. The Northern forwards rushed the ball well up the field, and Ellis was called upon to save the ball going over tho line. M'Leod took two corners which followed, but nothing came oE them, and Roslyu by good hard play pressed their opponents and secured a corner ; but the Northern cleared their line in fine style, and some protty pasaing on their pait caused their opponeuts a lot of trouble, till P M'Millan obtaining possession almost on the Roslyn goal line passed quickly to his brother, who made off with it. The Roslyn forwards forming rapidly into line right across the field immediately commenced a line passing rush, the ball travelling first to one and then to another, till P. M'Millan kicked the finest goal of the day. An exchange of kicks was followed by give-and-take play. Roslyn again pressed their opponents, and D. M'Millan had a long shot at goal, driving the ball against the bar. The shock fairly staggered the goalkeeper, and Watson, taking" advantage of this, made a bound through the goal, taking the ball with him. Half-time.was shortly afterward* called, the score standing— Roslyn, 2 goals; Northern, nothing. On returning D. M'Millan kicked off, and Clark neatly returned. The Northern pressed Roslyn hard, the ball finally going over more than once. Eventually, after a fine combined rush right up to Roslyn's goal posts, Gibson came foul of Ellis and both fell in a confused heap, the ball sneaking between the / posts and aoross the line. Some very exciting play followed. Smith had a shot, bnt it was a very poor one, and the Northern took the ball well down the field ; but Roslyn took it back again, and J. M'Millan shot a fine goal. Northern made a succession of rushes, - and a corner resulted, .but nothing came of it. The Northern agaiu pressed pretty hard, finally obtaining a free kick in front of Roslyn's goal. The kick was a neat one, but ElHb'b fists served him well. The Northern continued to press, and obtained a corner. M'Leod took the kick, and half a dozen rushed the ball through. Some exciting play followed in midfleld, Roßlyn obtaining a free kick, and pressing their opponents for a while. Some amusing give-and-take play was followed by the Northern obtaining another free kick right in front of Roßlyn's goal, and Clark cleverly put it through. Roslyn rushed the ball up the field, where White fouled, but nothing came of the kick. The game was now very exciting, first one side and then another putting in some fine play, which seemed likely to end in a score. Time was called with tbe ball in rpidr field, one of the fastest and most f-xciting games yet witnessed in Otago thus ending in a draw, each side having scored 3 goals. The match Zealandia v. Rangers was played on the Queen's Park ground, when the latter were victorious by 8 goals to nothing. The soft siate of tho grouud hindered fabt passing rushes, but some good play was put -in by both sides. For the victors, A«hton wing forward was in rare form, as were also Duncan and Calder. Sligo in centre passed, with judgment, but did so a little too often, and should have shot more than once. J. North played his usual good game. Of the backs, Hilgcndorf and Reid put in some effective work. Bowie was safe. Churchill in goal had little to do, but did it well. A. North is suffering from a sprain, and . could not play with his usual heart. Of the loser's forwards Jay Hutton ard Bradley were the pick, and once they get into the swift-passing game will be hard to stop. They were a source of trouble to the Rangers' backs in the first spell. Towards the end of the game the Zealandia seemed to tire very much, their backs not feeding the forwards well, but Hook and Sinclair were exceptions. Bennett in goal played a rattling game, and will certainly gain a position in the trial matches. Mr Wakefleld Holmes gave every satisfaction with the whistle, as did Messrs J. Hutton (Zealandia) and M'Bride (Rangers) line umpires. The Thistle Club held a practice match at their ground at Sawyers' Bay, and some good play was shown by Borne of the members, the game resulting in a win for the Captain's side by 4- goals to 3. After another game the club's team should be able to take part in the second round of matches. At the close of the match the Rev. Mr Adamson was elected a vicepresident. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION; Wellington, June 5. At a meeting of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union to-night, tho Canterbury Union wrote stating that Mr Frost, captain of the Christchurch Club, had not sent the telegram published in the Ofcago papers, but had sent a telegram to the effect that the match would ba played at a thne when permission was refused. The Canterbury Union expressed regret at the action of Mr Frost. The committee decided to accept the expression of regret and explanation, and take no further action in the matter. The Southland Union wrote that the Invercargill Club bad also telegraphed that it would play at tbe time permission was refused. The committee decided to ask the Southland Union whether they proposed to deal in any way with the matter. The Canterbury Union applied for permission to play the OUgo-. Canterbury m*tcb, Tbe committee fooUlecl 1^

reply that under the resolution passed by the recent special meeting or delegates permission could not be granted. Mr James Mills, managing director of the Union Company," promised to put a steamer on from Sydney to Auckland on August 18 to bring the New South Wales team over.