FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 31

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BY FORWARD.

The Phoenix Club in Oamaru has, I believe, returned to its ashes. It did not gain tho accession of playing strength that was anticipated.

The proposed trip north of the South Canterbury Union will, if it comes off, produce a revival of the old and regrettable system of visiting teams demanding gate money from the places at which they play. The Wellington Union has, I see, agreed to offer the South Canterbury Union 50 per cent, of the takings at the match

This reminds mo of the fact that a few years ago the Union Club in Timaru— the club with which the New Zealand Union's jackal in South Canterbury is connected—decided to have a jaunt south as far as Gore, and negotations were opened up with clubs in Dunedin, asking what proportion of the gate takings would bo granted to the Union players, who were of that economical class that likes to have other people pay for its outings. The reply was returned that Dunedin clubs when on tour paid their own footing, and expected their visitors to do the same. Nothing moro was heard of the proposed trip.

A Timaru gentleman whom I met the other day informed me that he had not heard a single argument in that town in favour of the existence of the New Zealand Union. He had, however, heard this said : " What a pity that the Otago Union does not affiliate with the New Zealand Union" "Why?" he asked. " Because a small union like ours," he was told, "has not the funds to send its teams away, and the large unions ought to assist it ! " Why the Otago Union should affiliate on that account I cannot see. The fact is, however, that there are too many small unions, and that there ought never to have been a South Canterbury Union —the players there should have been loyal to the Canterbury Union. "Quidnunc" in the Canterbury Times hints that it was selfishness which induced the Canterbury Union to join the New Zealand Union, the idea being that more matches will be obtained by Canterbury through its connection with the central body than if it retained its independence.

The sane writer, referring to Southland's secession from the New Zealand Union, twits the " lamb-like voting machines in the Southland Union " with being controlled by " two or three master spirits in the south " This sorb of assertion is, of course, very weak. The Southland Union recognised it had nothing to 'gain, and much to lose, by remaining iv the New Zealand Union, and, that being so, acted very sensibly in withdrawing. The Naseby Prospectors hope to pay their contemplated visit to Dunedin some time next month. From a member of the club, who was in Dunedin last week, I gather that Gleiidiiiing, at present playing half back with the Christchurch Club, is expected to be with the Prospectors by that time. The Naseby footballer also informed me that the players in the interior of the province were perfectly sound on the affiliation question.

At a meeting of representatives of football clubs in Christchurch wibh a committee from the Canterbury Rugby Union to di.scu.ss Dr Jcnnings's proposals for the formation of football districts a resolution was passed to the effect that as it was premature it should not be recommended to the union for adoption. In connection with the withdrawal of the Southland Union, I reproduced last week in these columns a leaderette from the Wellington Post, in which it was said that the secession of that union "will save a considerable amount of trouble in arranging the programme of the forthcoming New South Wales tour," inasmuch as it "would mean a considerable loss of time and much travelling for the visitors to go to Invercargill " This is v«ry amusing, but the Post might have gone a little further. Supposing, for instance, the South Island were entirely omitted from the New South Wales tour the Australians would have so much more time to devote to the north and a few additional matches might be given to Wellington. That would admirably suit the book of the New Zealand Union's officials.

At a special meeting of the Z^alaudia Association Football Club held on Friday evening a resolution was passed inefcructiug the delegates to the association to Hring uadec notico the necessity of a rule to prevent any player playing for more than one club in i he same season. At Invercargill laat wepk, the second match of the season between t he Invercargill and Pirates Clubs was won by the latter by three goals and two tries (19 po-nts) to nothing. Purdue, M'Robie, Rodgftrs, and M'Kay scored tries for the Pirates ; Manson aud Rodgers each con« verted a try ; and Mauson placed a goal from a free kick. The Sydney Daily Telegraph, of the stb insfc.,

in a report of a meeting of the committee of the 3ST«w South Wales Rugby Union, has the following : — "A letter was received from the Otago (New Zealand) Union, extending a cordial welcome to the New South Wales representatives, should they visit this part of New Zealand. It was dc cided to inform them that, as the New Soath Wales team would be the guests of tho New Zealand Union, and as the Otago Union were not affiliated to that body, their proposal could not be entertained." Since tho meeting of tho New South Wales Union's Committee, at which the resolution above recorded was passed, it has been decided that the team from the other colony will have all its expenses paid by the New South Wales Union, and its members will, therefore, not come as the guests of the New Zealand Union. Whether that fact will cause any alteration to be made in the arrangements of the New South Wales team— a team which, we have been informed, will, not include any members of last year's premiers, the Sydney University Clvb — it is, of course, impossible for me to say. Possibly the New South Wales team will pr*efer not to come to Dunediu. They will be sent pottering about in the small towns, playing third-class unions for the greater portion of their time, and I shall not bo disappointed to find that they steer clear of Otago.

If they had any desire to wipe out defeats that have been previously administered to them the New South Welshmen would of course insist upon playing Otago. The previous matches between teams from New South Wales aud Otago have, I may remind my readers, resulted as follows :—: — 1882, at Dunedin— Otago won by 11 points to 0: 1886, at Dunedin— Otago won by 23 points to 0. 1886, at Dunedin— Otago Avon by 9 points to 0. On the occasion of the visit of the team in 1886 they had an exceedingly humiliating experience in Dunedin, for, after the local represen ' tatives had drubbed them to the tune of 23 points to nothing, the O. R F.U. placed a second fifteen against them for the extra match, with the result that the chosen representatives of New South Wales were foond to be 9 points inferior to the second fifteen of Otago. Apparently, however, the New South Wales footballers are not revengeful ; discretion is now with them the better part of valour ; and they will hie themselves to remote corners of the colony where they will be opposed by teams of, perhaps, the strength of a Dunedin club fifteen.

The mountain has laboured and another vidiclilous mouse is the product. I ventured to predict the other day that the result of the inquiry by the Management Committee of the - New Zealand Union into the charges made by the Nelson Union against the Wellington representative team of last season would not be satisfactory to the complainants, and I cannot imagine that the decision is anything but highly unsatisfactory to the Nelson Union, for, mark you, the whole of the blame for the disgraceful proceedings which occurred in the match is virtually cast upon the Nelson Union "for not providing an efficient referee" — a referee, that is, I take it, who would have ordered "off-side" M'Kenzie, the Wellington captain, off the field in the first 10 minutes — and for not playing in uniforms dissimilar from those worn by their visitors. And M'Kenzie— what is his punishment ? He will not again be allowed to act as captain of a representative team during the pleasure of the New Zealand Union ! Prodigious ! Any union with, due regard for the reputation of the game would, if one half of the statements made in the Nelson papers were, upon investigation, found to have been correct, hwe "pub up" M'Kenzie for a year or two.

Apropos of the difficulty which has arisen respecting the continuance of the match between Otago and Canterbury, "Quidnunc" says: — •'Here we have the two old friendly unions Canterbury and Otago in opposition ; their long-established and well-cherished annual match in danger of extinction ; all the old and pleasant interclub meetings threatened with an ending. . . . I ' take it that it was the bounden'duty of the Christchurch footballers to endeavour in every way to heal the breach and have things in harmony once more ; and for that reason I think the New Zealand Union is not acting altogether with wisdom in preventing meetings between Canterbury and Otaso footballers."

It is cjurious, however, that "Quidnunc" cons'ders that the " only course possible to keep all the old relations and associations from being blotted out" is f',r Otago to join the New Zealand Union ." ]f< Canterbury play Otago this year," he says, "one of two things must happen. Either Otago must affiliate t > the New Zeiland Union or Tanterbury must secede from that body. If the latter course were taken - which, by'the way, is highly improbable — the Canterbury public would not be able to witness a single foreign match against Canterbury until the season of 1895, as the Canterbury-Otago game would be played this year in Dunedin On the other hand, if Canterbury holds to the New Zealand Union the public here will be privileged to watch their team playing a c uple of matches ajainst New South Wales, and in all probability against the representatives of a couple of the northern provinces as well."

The line of reasoning adopted by "Quidnunc" is not very clear, and he is singularly shortsighted. lie is dreadfully afraid of the consequences of Canterbury honourably continuing its annual fixture with Otago, and he inclines to the belief that if Canterbury remains in the union the publ c of Christchurch will have the privilege of witnessing several matches this year. But what of next year ? In the ordinary coursu of events Canterbury's matches with Otago and Southland would both be played in Christchurch next year " Quidnunc " overlooks this altogether, and ignores the danger that there is of the Christchurch public not seeing a single foreign match against Canterbury in 1895, for unless the Canterbury Union fulfils its engagements this year with Southland and Otago, it is idle to suppose that those unions will send teams again to Christchurch until they have been visited by the Canterbury representatives. It is worth while remembering, too, that the Canterbury-Southland match has been arranged to be an annual fixture as well as the Canteibury-Otago match, and the certainty of having ko matches a year — whether they be played in Christchurch or not — must in the long run be very much more satisfactory than the possibility of getting a chance visit from some northern union. If there is any "breach"' between Canterbury and Otago— and I am not prepared to say there is— it is, let me remind "Quidnunc," of Canterbury's making In proof of this it is only necehsaiy to recall to his memory tho fact that, in July last, a conference was held in Dunedin of delegates from the three unions of Canterbury, Southland, and Otago, at which it was unanimously resolved inter alia : — " . . . . (2) Affiliation to the New Zealand Rugby Union would not be conducive to the best interests of football in the three unions ; .... (8; no definite policy with regard to the New Zealand Union should in future be adopted by any one of the three unions without previous consultation with the other two . . ." Those resolutions were subsequently endorsed by each of the unions

represented at the conference. Without previous consultation with Otago, however, the Canterbury and Southland unions joined the New Zealaud Union. Southland has since retraced its step, and if there is any "breach" between Canterbury and Otago it can only be healed by the Canterbury Union severing its connection with the union that is "run" from Wellington.

Tho following was wired last Sundciy by tho Press Association in Wellington to the Invercargill, but not to the Dunedin, papers :—": — " At a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union Management Committee last night, re Southlaud withdrawing from the union, it was resolved that the withdrawal be acknowledged, and that the Southland Union be informed that while this union regrets tha*; Southland should have considered such action necessary, it recognised the difficulty of its isolated position. Tho Southland Union also wrote stating that tho Invercargill Club had acted entirely without the knowledge or concurrence of the Southland Union in deciding to play the Pirates Club, of Dunedin." The latter sentence is, it will be recognised, hopelessly muddled I wonder how long it is that the New Zealand Union officials have recognised tho " difficulty " of Southland's " iso'ated position " ? At th i weekly meeting of the committee of management of the Otago Rugby Union, held on Monday afternoon, a letter was read from W. Elder, renewing bis application for a transfer from the Taieri to tin Alhambra Cl'ib, and enclosing a certificate from Messrs Morgan, Cable, and Co , of Port Chalmers, to the effect that he bad been taken on by them as a regular hand. It waa resolved — " That the application bs granted on Elder producing to the secretary of the union a receipt from til's Taieri Club of hi* subscription for the current year." The High School Football Club intend to send theic First Fifteen to Wellington and Wangauui next month to play the long talked-of matches against Wellington and Wanganui Colleges. The team leave here oa July 4-, play Christ's Coliece on the 7bh, Wellington College on the lltb, Wanganui College on the 14th, and St. Patrick's College oa the 18Sh, so that their time will be fully occupied. Ths boys are training unusually hard, and are confident of giving a good account of themselves Owing to bad weather there was no football in Chris'cburch last Saturday.

A friendly game of footbill was played on the Asylum ground on Tuesday afternoon between the High School and the students of the Normal Training College. The ground was in a very dirty condition, but notwithstanding this Bsme good form was shown on both sides. Soon after the commencement of the, game J. M'Donald, after a magnificent piece of paßuing, was allowed to run in. J. B M'Donald failed wibh tho kick. For the rest of the spell the game was very exciting, but no further score was recorded. J. B. M'Donald scored a try in th« second spell, and took tbe kick himself, but, although it was a good attempt, he failed to convert. No further score was made, the g-ime thus ending in a wiu for the School by 6 points to nothing. For tho School M'Donald (2), of the backs, played well, while Inder, at forward, also played well For the College, of the backs, Nicolson and Melville played well, while Stewart, at full, was very safe. Of the forwards Foote was a host in himself, and was ably seconded by Gregg and Williamson.

The Milton footballers defeated Otakia by 51 points (three goals and 12 tries) to nothing. This is probably the highest score yet piled up by a country team. The Otakia is a newlyformed club, and it is just unfortunate that in its first match it should have been so decisively routed.

The Gore and Waikaka footballers played a drawn game last Saturday, neither side scoring.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

Wellington, June 17.

At a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union Management Committee last night the charges made against the Wellington representative team by the Nelson Union were considered, and it was decided there had been unnecessarily rough play, and thatjnuch of the ill-feeling had been caused by the similarity of uniforms; also that the captain of the Wollington team failed to control his men. It was resolved that the Nelson Union was to blame for not providing an efficient referee, and that M'Kenzie, who was captain of the Wellington team, be not again allowed to act as captain of a representative team during the pleasure of tha New Zealand Union. The Auckland Cricket Association, and Wanganui, Maryborough, and Hawke's Bay Unions wrota promising support to the proposals for the legal registration of athletic bodies.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES. The Rugby Game.

The Kaikorai team journeyed to Mosgial on Saturday afternoon to meet the Taieri representatives. The game resulted in a win for the Kaikorai men by 22 points to noth'ng. The ground after the recent heavy rains was in a very sloppy state, and in consequ«nc3 the passing and running were considerably interfered with. Duncan winuing tbe toss tha Taieri kicked off, aud wtra almost at once placed on the defensive, tho bill men making the game open and indu'g ing in plenty of passing, but thu stubba-n defence Bet up by the country men for a timo was unbreakable. From a brilliant piece ot passing among the Kaikorai backs Da vie was enabled to run in and fcore, Kerr making a poor attempt at goal. The kick oub brought little reluf to the Taieri, for Du'ican saapping up a pass and transferring to Armit allowed that player to dodge over the line. The kickist was again at fault. The Taieri forwards now got on a dribbling rush and pinued the Blues in their twenty-five, but their stay there was of sborb duration, the Kaikorai backs very soon clearing their lines, and by a fine bit of passing allowing Arrnib to score his second try. The kick at goal was again fruitless. The Taieri made great efforts to clear their lines, aud by some good play on the pirt of O'Neill, Johnston, and Guest the hill team were kept; in neutral ground till Duncan, passiDg in the nick of time to Davis, enabled that player to score close to the posts. Woods safely negotiated the place kick. The score thus stood : Kaikorai 14 poiut3, Taieri nothing.

In the second spell it was confidently anticipated by tbe supporters of the hill team that thu latter would run up a big score, but in this they were sorely disappointed, for tho Taieri seemed determined to die hard, their collaring and stopping of rushes being at times excellent. The Kaikorai made desperate efforts feo score-, bat they were always meb by an almost impregnable defence. The Blues, however, were at .ast rewarded, for Bain gritting aw«v and passing nicely, to Woods, that <Jayor scored near the posts. He took the kick himself aud registered tho major point. A vigorous attack was st'll kept up on the Taitri liue3, but for a time it was of no avail. Eventually H. Wilkinson managed to scramble over the line, Kerr failing to convert. A greab deal of liae-oub play hero ensued, bub nothing noteworthy afterwards occurred. Among the Kaikcrai backs Davis, ■'.Duncan, and Anuib wtre prominent. Bdllantyne and

Kerr did good scram work, while M'Laren showed up in the open. Of the Taieri team Mann, Mackie, FJynn, Johnston, and O'Neill were the pick. Mr A. Downes acted as referee and gave every satisfaction.

A match between the Dancdin and ZingariRichmond Clubs was played on the Caledonian grouud before a fair number of spectators, who evinced great interest in tha game. Owing to the recent heavy rains the ground was in a very web condition, and it was a difficult matter for the players to keep their feet. The Dark Blues (Dunedin) won the tos*, and elected to defend the southern goal. M'Farlane kicked off, and play settled in Dunedin territory. The Blues seemed unable to cope with the determined onslaught of their opponents, and from a dribbling ruh Garside received the ball from Fordyce, and scored between the posts. Pollock took the kick, and placed a goal. The Zingari- Richmond continued ts press their opponents, good work being done by M'Farlane, GUrsidp, and Esquilant. M'Kenzie, Sullivan, and Turbon relievad, but the Blow following up of the Blues lost the ground gained by individual play. The Zin-gari-Richmond forwards before tb.3 end of the Brat spell broke away, and, from a pass, Williamson secured the ball and got over near the corner flag. Pollock again took the kick, but failed to register the major point. This further reverse appgared to rouse the Blues, and Best, Suliivan, and M'KeDzie took the play down to their antagonists' lines, bat not for long, the Zingari - Richmond forwards soon clearing their lines. Shortly after this half time was called, the first spell having resulted in the Ziogari-Richtnond team scoring 8 points to their opponents' nobbing.

The play in the second spell was far more even, the Blues playiug up with dash and vigour. In this spell good work was done by Best, M'Kenzie, Martin, Tur ton, M'Lean, M'Farlane, Williamson, Treston, Esquilant, aud Gregory for their respective sides. After some give-and-take play M'Knnzie, for tho Blues, got the ball from amid a crowd of players and p itted a very neat goal, a piece of play for which he was loudly applauded. Shortly after this Williamson secured the ball from a dribbling rush, headed by himself, M'Farlane, and Fordyce, and got over close to the posts, but the kick at goal was a failure. Several free kicks were awarded to the Dunedin for off-side play on the part of Garside, but no advantage was gained from them, and tho game ended in a victory for the Zing«iRichmond by one goal aud two tries (11 points) to one potted goal (4 poiabs) for the Dunediu. Considering the state of the ground, the play was frequently good, the backs on both sidus taking the web ball well. For the winning ceacn A. Fordyce played as good a game as any he bas this season ; and he was well supported in the back division by R. Fordyce and Williamson. Of the Zingari-Richmond forwards M'Farlaae, Trenton, and Campbell played a sterling game. Of the Dunedin backs M'Kenzie exhibited the best form he has yet shown during the season. Boyd at full back aud Best at half back were a]go conspicuous for good play. Turton, King, M'LeaD, and Symonds were among the best of the forwards. In the ecrum the teams were pretty evenly matched, bub in the dribbling the Colours were distinctly superior. Mr A. M'Leod (Zingari) and Mr R. Martin (Dunedin) acted as line umpires, and Mr D. Torrance gave every satisfaction as referee.

A match between the Warehousemen and Pacific Clubs was played at Tahuna Park before a large number of spectators, the " barracking" element predominating. The ground was in a very sloppy Btate, pools of water lying all over it. Reid kicked off for the Warehousemen, and play immediately settled in the Blacks' quarters, and the Reds' forwards, with a splendid rush, carried the ball over the line, bub only a forcedown resulted. On resuming the Blacks carried the ball to the centre, where it remained some time ; but the Reds, with an irresistible rush, carried all before them, and again compelled the Blacks to force. From the kick oub the Reds resorted to passing tactics, but owing to the greasy state of the ball not much grouud was gained. From a passing rush, in which Stalker, Barclay, and Cook took part, the latter crossed the line, but had the misfortune to lose the ball, the Blacks again forcing. From this to the call of time the Red 3 pressed their opponents very bard, and a Bcore was only prevented by Richardson's splendid tackling. In the second spell Naumann kicked off, and Ritchie muffing the ball soon had the Blacks' forwards on hi in, but the Reds rallying in finest; le pat their tp r onents on the defensive. The Blacks endeavoured to make the game open, but the Reda' forwards, by splendid tackling, nullified this, and resorting to dribbling carried the ball over the line, compelling the Blacks to force. From a throw in Stalker dropped across the line, but a scrum being ordered the same playor again narrowly escaped scoring. From this to the call of time the Red 3 made strenuous efforts to score, but without avail, Richardson's defence .being excellent. Time was called with the ball in the Blacks' territory, and a first-class game, considering the state of the grouud, ended in a draw , neither side scoring. Both teams must congratulate themselves on having secured the services of Mr J. R. Montgomery as referee, his decisions being prompt and impartial. For the Reds, Samson, Webber, and Reid (backs) and Stalker, Bryant, Murray, and Hutchison (forwards) played an excellent (•ame, and for the Blacks, Richardson and Drutnm were far ahead of their confreres, and Naumann, Coburn, and Keogh (forwards) played well.

Zingari- Richmond Second beat the Dunedin Second by 9 points to 3. Tries were obtained lor the winners by Siminonds, Paterson, and Lane, and for the losers Davis scored a doubbful try. The grouud was in good order, with the exception of a few pools of water, and iv a fast, open game the winning team proved their superiority over their opponents. The fiual score is hardly a true index to the state of the game, as the losers were outclassed duriug the whole of the second spell, aud it was ouly owing to the over-eagerness of several of the Zingari-Richmond forwards that the score was not doubled.

Tbe match Southern v. Standard resulted in a win for the Southern by 5 points (one goal) to 3 points (one try). Reid scored for tho winners, and Sutton placed a splendid goal. Thorn Fcyrtd for the losers.

The Port; Chalmers and Melrose teams met wi the Porh ground oa (Saturday, aud after a vory c -joytible game (from a spectator's point uf view) the Meirose were defeated by 5 pointß to 3 Watseu scored for the visitors, who failed to convert, and Morgan scored for th« Port, Hunter placing a neat" goal. No ntlipr score resulted. The Port team played a tioe ail-rcu.jd &aoie, tho most conspicuous pUyerb using M>iiu, M 'Queen, Morgan, and P>ipe, the lvnt-namt-d repeatedly saving his .side. Mr Strong held tha whistle and gave every satisfaction.

The match Pacific Second v. Warehousemen Second was won by the Pacific by 8 points (two gofels potted by M'Kaj) to nothing.

The Mulrose Second met the Port Chalmers Sc-cor.d en the Asylum ground and defeated them by 15 points (live tries) to nothing. Tries were scored by Lyng (2), Thompson, White, and Philips. For the losers, Carter, Dowdell, Hotop, and Cable played well.

The Rossal failing to keep their engagement with the Star, the latter claim the match by default.

The Association Game.

The impetus that has lately been given to the Association game has resulted in the old premier club (Thistle) being revived. A3 the Rangers had a creditable record this season a fast game was expected on their meeting the Thistle on Saturday, and despite the heavy stateof the grouud at Sawyers' Bay, such was realised. The Rangers winning the toss, facsd np hill. The local club kicked oS. Some exchanges took place between the opposing backs until Crawford kicked well into the Rangers' goal, where Peters, in fisting out, slipped and allowed Stuart to pounce on the leather which he sent through. The Thistle continued to have the upper hand and were only prevented from scoring by the determined resistance offered by the Rangers' full backs. In answer to the cries of their supporters the Rangers' forwards came away with a passing rush up the field, where Sligo had a chance, but passed instead of shooting, and allowed the local backs to clear. Not to be denied, the Rangers, settling down to good steady passing, Cirried the leather back, and Ashton shot, making the score equal. The play now became very fa6t. The Thisble full backs, with welljudged kicks, placed the leather in dangerous proximity to their opponents' goal, until Reid passed to Sligo, and that for ward carried the ball up the fi -Id and passed beautifully to M'lndoe, enabling the latter to score, but he was ruled off - eiie. The visiting forwards, however, shortly after scored their second goal, half-time being called, leaving the score — Rangers 2 goals, Thistle 1.

In the second spell the Thistle missed, through the over eagerness of their forwards, several chances. Adams and Ashton got away on the right; wing, and with a splendid passing rush, the ball going right across the field from to a to toe, the latter sent a stinging shot through Warden's hands, which, owing to tbe slippery state of the ball, he could not stop. By smarb play the Rangers were placed on the defensive, Peters having a lively time of ifc, but A Norbh kicked aoross to Calder on the left wing. The town forwards immediately spread out, and with almost fruitless passing eluded the opposing backs. From this out the game was in the hands of the Rangers, though Stuart and Manning were on several occasions within an ac 9of scoring, bub were spoilt by some of their own forwards not koepmg their places The whistle was called with the score — Rangers 7 goals, Thistle 1.

Despite the heavy score against them the Thistle's forwards were far above their opponents in following up. Their passing was weak, but had their captain (Peter Ross) played matters would have been more serious than tbe score indicates. Some of the backs showed good defence. Considering this was their firsts match the Thistle are to bo congratulated on the stand they made. For the winners Asbton made some dashing runs, and was responsible for the major part of the score. Sligo and Calder played judiciously ; Roid and Hilgendorf at half-back did good service, as did Peters in goal. Mr Ross made an efficient referee.

The match Northern v. Zealand ia, on the former's ground, was played on Saturday, and although the ground was very sloppy some very fast play was put in. After a very exciting game the Northern won by 6 goals to 3. For the winners A. White and Haynea were the pick of the forwards, and M'Leod (2) and Pollock played a rattling game at back. Goals were scored by A. White (3, one being through a penalty kick), Hayes (2), and Pollock (1). The Zealandia forwards have baen changed since the last match, and have improved very much in their combination, the most noticeable being Bradley, who played a splendid game. Of the backs A. Butterfield, Findlay, J. Hutton, and Kirkwood put in some very good play. Goals were scored for tlje Zealandia by Bradley, Cameron, and L. Hutton. Sir Findlay made a very impartial referee, and gave every satisfaction.

A match between the Queen's Park and Roslyn Club's was played on the latter's ground, and resulted in a win for the Roslyn by 4 goals to nothing. The ground was in a very sloppy condition which pat good play out of the question. The Queen's Park won the toss and elected to play uphill. Smith set the ball in motion, and the Roslyn at once assumed the offensive, but the good defence of Eraser and Rodger prevented a score. After some give-and-take play, the ball was neatly passed to Watson, who fairly beat Turner with a lightning shot, thus scoring the firet goal ; shortly afterwards half-time was called. It was thought that the visitors with the hill in their favour would make it warm for their opponents, but the Roslyn at once settled down to good passing rushes and quickly added three goals more to their score. Towards the end of the second spell the town team woke up and gave their opponents a lively time of it, but were unable to break through the defence. They kept the game lively, however, the bill travelling from one end of the ground to the other. Nicholson had hard luck in missing aa almost certain score, Ellin clearing a shot in splendid style. Shortly after time was called, and so ended oue of the most Triendly and enjoyable gamea of the season. Mr May gave every Batir»faction as refereo

The mitch Rangers Second v. Roslyn Second was played oa tho Exhibition ground, aud resulted iv a win for the former by 3 goals to 2. The game, despite the el >ppy condition of the field, was very fast, mainly owing to the good kicking of the backs of both teams. For the winners Dobbie and Gilbert (backs) were safest, and the forwards all played well, Churchill (2 goals) and North (1 goal) beiug the scorers. Jackson and Gillespie gained the points credited to the Roslyn, who played hard and pluckily throughout the game. The Northern Second played the Zealandia Second on the Exhibition ground, and won rather easily. Although the ground was very sloppy some good dribbling was done. If the homo team had as smart backs as their forwards the game would have been more even. There is a decided improvement in the play of the Zealandia team, which should assert itself by the end of the season. Wilson, White, and Clark (the last is a regular little nugget) played best for the Northern, and Beaver, who scored for the losers, was ably assisted by Wise and Hatton.