FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2927, 20 April 1910, Page 60

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BY FDLL BACK The latest member of the Otago University team now in England to win international honours is Alan Adams, one time Otago centre tbtfee-q'uarter. From a. private letter received last week it was stated that "Rastus" had been "capped" for England. The Otago University team has turned out several high-grade Rugby players, who have won fame in England and Scotland — notably, Colin Gilray, D. Gv Macpherson, Alan Adams, A. C. Palmer, say, P. F. Foo&e, and Ohapman. Rain on Saturday last sadly interfered with practice, and the Rugby grounds were for the most part deserted, few players caring' to strip in the biting wind which cut like a whip lash. Consequent on this and the -fact that several of the clubs have not yet got their teams together, the'Otago Rugby Union at its meeting on Monday evening decided to postpone the opening of grade matches until the 30th inst, -. thus giving clubs a chance of at least one more practice game before the serious business of the season. This is a wise decision, and players may reasonably be expected to make the most of the opportunity The application of R. J. Dansay for a transfer from the University Club to that of Dunedin. declined by the Rugby Union owing to the University Club's definition of a member, places the University player in a somewhat curious position. Dansey is no longer a student at the Otago University, and there one would have thought that his connection with the University Football Club would cease if need be. But, according to University rules, "once a member, always a member." This definition is far too sweeping, and I feel was never intended to apply in the case of a player, no longer a student at the University i desiring a transfer to another club to which "h-a might legitimately belong. One would like to know when such an application- might be granted. Dansey is no longer a student at the University, and therefore should not be tied down to play for that club unless he so desires. There may be very excellent reasons why the Otago' University should put such a construction on the status of a member, but there aio many good reasons why it should not be so.

Talking of the University. I hear the Royal Blues will have a very fair side to place in the field this year. It will, of coursie, be nothing like the team of 1907. but the new blcod introduced, which includes Frevberg, of Old Boys. Wellington, and M'Kenzie, a Wellington, representative last season, threatens to lift tie student, team above itself. M'Kenzie will be- remembered as the player who replaced Walshe in the Wellington team when that player was injured on Carisbrcok last season.

It has definitely been decided that the New Zealand team for Australia will leave on matches against New South Wales, Queensland, and probably the combined American Universities team will eventuate. The .■■eason of the early departure of the New Zealand team for Australia is to counteract the influence of the visit of the English Northern Union, team, which commences a football campaign in Sydney early- in June.

So far as the selection of the New Zealanders is concerned, the team will have to bo selected largely on reputation. This is rather fatal tc the choice of the best team to represent the Dominion, and I fear will be prejudicial to the giving of first-class exhibitions of the game in Australia. The Ne.v South Welshmen are advancing' rapidly in Rugby, and are now almost a- match for. a 'O'ur'ely representative team from these islands.

-If reputation is to guide the selectors in their choices of the : New Zealand team (and I see nothing else for it) one or two players will find places who otherwise might have to be "merely considered." The North-South Island match at Wellington last year revealed a heavy " passenger list," inainly in the ranks of the North

islanders' It is to be hoped _ the . selectors will'' not forget the men who failed to play up to their reputation last season. The Salectian Committee which 'did duty last sea-son has been reappointed for 1910, wherefore one congratulates V. G. Cavanagh. A Low, and J King on having retained the confidences of the committee. There are few positions connected with football administration which call for more intelligence than that of selector, and none which call for greater criticism by the outside public and the '.'amateur'' selector. With regard to the visit of the Maori team to Sydney under the auspices of the New South Wale? Rugby Union, the New Zealand Union has been applied to to sanction this tour, and it is encouraging it for many reasons. The principal of these', however, is that the visitors are undertaking to pay all the expenses connected with the trip, which, as a matter of fact, only means relieving the New South Wales Union of any liability, since the programme of matches may be relied upon to draw sufficiently large gates to cover this. It will be interesting to give the names of the committee who are acting on behalf of the Maoris in New Zealand. They are-.—Messrs H. L. Dansey, assistant railway engineer, Dunedin; Mr J. L. Brintz, sheep r ■ ner; Mr A. Takarangi, land and Native agcuL; Mr George Dansey, of the Telegraph Department; Dr T. Wi Repa, surgeon; Mr W. T. Parata, sheep farmer; and Tai Mitchell, district surveyor. Those gentlemen are exceedingly anxious to make this trip in order that the public may have some opportunity of judging of the real stamp of the Maori, and they also want to make it clear that the race as a whole are imbued with the pure amateur spirit in sport. The arrangements for the tour are almost complete.

Apropos of the Otago Rugby Union and the grant of footballs to schools, the Southland Rugby Union has decided to grant footballs to those schools not favoured last season, and hold over other applications until May 1, after "which date applications will not be entertained. The following is the programme of the Northern Union Team which will leave England shortly: —

June 4, v. Sydney, at Sydney. June 6, v. New South Wales, at Sydney. June 11, v. New South Wales, at Sydney. June 15, v. Western District, at Bathurst or Orange. June 18, v. Australia, at Sydney, June 22, v. Northern District, at Newcastle. June 25, v. Queensland, at Brisbane. June 29, v. Queensland, at Brisbane. July 2, v. Australia, at Brisbane. July 6, v. Queensland, at Toowoomba. July 9, v. Australia, at Sydney. July 13, v. New South Wales, at Sydney. A series .of matches will be played in New Zealand, probably at Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Otago, and Rotorua. The most remarkable thing about the new season's play is the fact that eorne changes are likely to come into for.ee in the rules relating to" the playing of the .game. The committee of the International Board have given their approval of certain alterations, which were to have come up for discussion at the annual meeting of the board on the 23rd of March. In this connection one would have thought the New Zealand Rugby Union would have spent the few shillings necessary in cabling to the English Union as to what was done with these suggested amendments at the annual meeting referred to, but evidently they preferred to let the matches commence in the new season before deciding to bring the amendments into force. I am hoping, however, writes " Touchline," that the Management Committee of the New Zealand Union will meet during the present week, and authorise the various Rugby Unions to play under the amendments as if they were already in force. There is nothing of vital importance in them, and, even if they have to be unlearnt at a future stage, but little harm will be done the players in the meantime.

At the annual meeting of the New South Wales Rugby Union Mr R. A; Arnold, hon. treasurer, submitted a statement of accounts, showing a credit balance of £2951 6s 3d. Mr Calvert, in moving the adoption of the report, expressed satisfaction that the union at Home, usually a conservative body, had modified its views, and much good might be expected from their future concessions in regard to the rules. He remembered having an interview with Mr Rowland Hill when he was last in England, and scon discovered how impossible it was at that period to have any change made. They were so conservative that it was useless to make any suggestion. Now, however, that they had met the New South Wales Union, they would have the pleasure of observing how rmich the changes would do for the game. Mr J. F. Macma;namey said it was absolutely essential that those concerned in the game should devote 'themselves to the great changes made in the laws, as the result of the concessions of the English Union. For many years the various colonial unions had made representations to the Home Union, without effect, but now that they had lent a willing ear those interested in the game should acquaint themselves with the real meaning of them. The trouble was that the New South Wales Union had no proper representation in the parent body, otherwise more reasonable changes would have been before to-day. Two alterations —the advantage rule and that with reference to carrying the ball into touch—were great concessions*.

The "first fourteen" of th« Northern Union team for Australia and Zealand have been selected, and are as follows:

Fullback T. Sharrock Wljran T,eft wing J-back .. tW Batten JTunslPti Left, centre .. .. +J. Lomas Snlfbrd R-'ght centre .. tChic J<nkins . Ebbw Yale Right wing .. .. 10. Tvson Oldham Outside half-backs { \ 3 . Thomas . Wigan I i.T. Davies Hndriersfieid Scrummage J-back IT. H. Newbould Wakefield ( J. Ferynson Oldham [ tA. E. Avery Oldham Forwards.. ... J& Padbury Runcorn ) t'V. Jukes Hnnslet ■ F. Webster Leeds V IF. H. Shugars Warrington t English International, i Welsh International. Wo hear much, about, amateur,status. I wonder what the Northern Union tourist's for Australia will bo described (writes "Foiv ward"), for ..when- I.iomas,. .Sharrock, Thomas, and Avery agreed to '-accept the terms they were taking 1 less than the allowance popularly attributed to the amateur "Wallabies." who toured this country last season. The terms of the Northern Union players, and I have confidence in the other players. yet to be interviewed, will be an

allowance of ten shillings pe.i";w©ek on shipboard, and one pound each week on land. An extra allowance will be made to the dependents of married men, but the players themselves will in Australia receive their pound, which, be it noted, is less than the 3s per day "table money" which amateurs received and yet retained their status. Thus the players are showing their interest in the tour. Should the trip result in profit each man will receive a proportion of the third share of such profits, but this bonus is purely prospective. 1, of course, hope that the profits will be substantial, but my point is to show that even Northern Union players of the highest class are not so saturated with greed as some of our critics would, make out. Two matches each weak for twenty shillings is a rate of payment which conclusively proves that the player is interested in his play apart from financial considerations, and Lomas, Sharrock, Thomas, and Avery have given a lead which will be followed. Summer pay is not allowed in the Northern Union, and the players' remuneration will be confined solely to the source I have mentioned. Scrummage play, in its developments consequent upon the encouragement of-heeling, by the prohibition of what is loosely termed offside play by the halfbacks, is the root of nearly all the troublesome questions of the day. The London Society-of _ Rugby Referees has had under consideration the question of the "loose head" (says London Field). The New Zealand team, which visited this country in 1905 are generally credited with having introduced it, but the claim has been put forward that the Swansea Club had previously made the discovery and actually'beat'the New Zealanders at it. It is objectionable on account of the delay occasioned when it is practised by both sides. As soon as the one side, in packing, gets the "loose head," a forward of the opposite side places himself in the first row and robs his opponents of the advantage. It only requires a forward of the first side to pack up against him to regain the position, and so the movement; may go on until a scrummage formed near a touch line may move across the field to the opposite line before the ball can be put in. Such a scramble has been known not only to delay the game, . but also to reduce it to a farce.

The London Society of "Referees, being convinced of the necessity for prohibitivelegislation, formulated a proposal for a new clause, providing the penalty of a free kick against a side attempting to place more than three men in the front row of pack. This proposal is to be submitted to the International Board, but, apart from the question whether it would 'remedy the difficulty, there are reasons for considering it to be superfluous. Both the London Society and the committee of the Rugby Football Union seem to have omitted to consider whether the present rules of the game do not apply. Cannot a referee repress the "loose head" by enforcing Law IV (section M.): "Free kicks by wa; of penalties shall be awarded if any player or team wilfully and systematically break anv law or laws for which the penalty is only a scrummage, or cause unnecessary, loss of time"? A referee would be acting according to the spirit of the laws in penalising the retardation of the game by what amounts to delay in forming a scrummage. Only in the fast" resort should' the laws be tinkeredin such a way as to discourage variety and originality in tactics or to dictate to the players,, provided that the main principles of the game be observed, how they should station themselves in the field, Besides, experience has proved that the continual screwing up of the rules has the general effect of stimulating perverted ingenuity, and for every undesirable trick suppressed a new -crop springs up.

Th© following- sub-committees have been appointed by the CKR.F.U. for the ensuingyear:—Flag Committee—Messrs St. J. J. Dunne (convener), V. Cavanagh, and A. Dey; Finance Committee—Messrs Sincock, (convener), H. Harris, and H. H. S. White; Works Committee—Messrs .V. (1. Cavanagh (convener), H. Ha,rris, and D. Stuart: Correspondence Committee— Messrs D. Stuart (convener), S. Sandes, and (i. Gallaway; Emergency Committee— Messrs H. Harris (convener), P. J. Priest, and H. Sincock,

181JGBY GOSSIP.

Ii is stated that, there is a possibility that George Smith may return to Auckland irom Yorkshire.

The Manawatu Rugby Union commenced last season with a deficit of a few pounds, £IOO ** up with ' a credit balance of

• The Melbourne Rugby Club expresses its appreciation of the services rendered by its honorary coach, Mr W. Gillanders, of Otago University. ' T. Carlton, who was prominently identified with Canterbury cricket last season, is the latest recruit from the Australian football game to Rugby. Despite statements to the contrary, Frank Mitchmson, the' New Zealand representative centre three-quarter, will be playing . for £oneke this season, probably in the second

In Rugby circles it is anticipated' that X rank Glasgow, who was a member of Gallahers All Black team, will engage in our national pastime this winter. Glasgow ""ow residing in Timaru. J-he south Canterbury competitions will begin on May 5. The South Canterbury Kua-by Union has decided to enforce punctuality in starting its matches. Teams not ready to commence punctually will bo disqualified. .

Archie M'Mmn, cf the lew Zealand football team which visited New South Wales under J as. Duncan's captaincy, underwent a serious operation at the Palmerston North Hospital, last week. He is said to be now processing favourably. _ The London Dailv Express, in commentnier on the Guy's Hospital team, says tha.t Milii|er, the club captain, a visitor from than _t.h e average English back." It is peculiar that whereas England has this seawn won the Ru-aby championship lor the first time for many vea.rs. h«r representatives have this season "failed to maintain their suwemacy at the Soccer game, havmer been beaten by both Ireland' and Scotland. .'■■ : .' •' '.'■'-' '' Chapman, who toured New' Zealand'-'with Harding's British . team\ of •■.•1908,' won ■ his international oap playing for.: England against Wales a few weeks ago. Chapman was the hero of the English side, and it was mainly through his agency that the Welsh colours were lowered by England for- the finst time for 12 years. Eighteen of the Northern Union team will leave England for Australia on A<PTil

15, the remainder coming along' later. A return will, be made via America, and matches will be played at San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. It is said that the Northern Union will support the families of players while absent from England. The money to be paid the members of the Northern Union football tenvu is not being disclosed, but it will be on a uniform ' scale. It is probable that the Englishmen will play two matches before leaving for Australia. One game may be against the Australian and New Zealand League players, who are now playing in the Old Country. At Blackburn, in an inter-league match, before a crowd of some 95.000 onlookers, Scotland secured a narrow win over England at the Association game. At half-time the sides wer© level, with a goal each, but immediately on resuming the Sects secured another point, and, though this was soon equalised, a further goal accrued to them just before the finish, and 30 Scotland won by 3 goals to 2. . "This Wallaby preserved to the Plymouth Rugby Football Club (England) by Captain M'Mahon >and the Australian footballers who w«re in England in 1908-9, was landed at Plymouth recent^ 7 . The little animal, about six months old, was sent Home under the care of Ihe chief steward of the liner. Several of the officials went off to receive the wallaby, which has been n&rned "Jimmy." It is very tame, and was received wearing a coat of the club colours. Auckland has this season lost the services of one of its most promising last season's representatives, in A. T. Waddell, who left Wellington by the Niwaru en route to England. It is possible that Waddell will play the Northern Union game there, as. he will do so shculd sufficient inducement be forthcoming. Waddell is a slashing forwiard. and, besides representing Auckland and Hawke''s Bay, played for the North Island in the inter-island match last year. Definite information was received in Sydney on April 8 by cable from the United States to the effect that the Californian Rugby team would visit the colonies this season and engage in a series of games in New South Wales, Queensland., and New Zealand. It will be remembered that Messrs L&nigan and Presley, of Stanford University, and Schaefier, of California, were in Australia . and New Zealand within short intervals of each other studying the game and the local methods, and know exactly what their men will b'a expected to face.

O.R.F.U. COMMITTEE. The weekly meeting of the O.R.F.U. Committee was held on Monday evening, Mr F. H. Campbell presiding, and there being a full attendance of members. The Acting Secretary of the University Club wrote as to the status of a member, and stated' that his club's rule was once- a member always a member.—ln this connectior R. J. Dansey wrote applying fop. a transfer from the University to the Dunedin Club.—Declined. The Secretary of the Vincent Sub-Union wrote stating that the idea of the Matakanui Club joining* the Maniototo SubUnion had always met with' favour.—To be sent to Maniototo Sub-Union for approval. The Secretary of the Zingari-Richmond Club wrote, under instructions from bis committee, asking the committee to consider the advisableness of postponing the opening of flag matches until the 30th iri'st. —The Secretary of the Kaikorai Club wrote in somewhat similar terms, also the Diinedin Club. —After some discussion it was resolved that the date of opening be postponed for a week—that is, to the 30th inst. H. Pearson wrote asking for a transfer from the Southern to the West Taieri Club. —Granted. "".-' A. •E. Hunt applied for a transfer from the Alhambra to the Southern Club.—Referred to the Alhambra- Club. Robert Haig, Cambrians, wrote asking that a club, to be called the Ca m hrians Club, be affiliated to the union.—Application granted. Mir White, referring l to an amendment of the flag rules, said he thought it was a great pity that in bringing forward such a recommendation notice of motion was not given, or the matter referred to the Otago Referees' Association It was a pretty big question, and he found there was absolutely no justification for it. From 1901 to the present time he found there was no record and no minute where two clubs had asked for a referee to be appointed on whom they had agreed as being competent to take a match. That clearly showed there could be no justification for the rule ,to be amended.—The Chairman said the Referees' Association was represented on the committee, and they could submit suggestions in future when the flag rules were being framed. It was resolved that two delegates be sent from Otaa;o to the New Zealand Union, and the Chairman, in speaking on the subject, advocated sending delegates from Ota<ro. They had already removed Rome unpleasant impressions that had existed between the New Zealand and the Ofcago Union. If it were not a slight, he would say send all their delegates from here. The strongest representation was given by their own men sroin<r up.—Messrs F. H. Campbell and H. Harris were appointed to represent Otago, ?nd it was resolved to write to Messrs Isaacs. G. M'Kellar, Falconer, and Brodie asking them if their services were available. The following- were Appointed a Selection Committee: —Messrs V. G. Cavanagh, A. Low, and J. King. WELLINGTON SEASON OPENED. WELLINGTON, April 17. The Rugby football season was opened vesterdav in fine but verv windy weather. The senior matches resulted as follows: Oriental beat Athletics bv 18 fc 8: St. James beat Southern by 2ft to 8: Petone beat Wellina-ton by 12 to nil: Poneke beat Victoria, College bv 13 to nil; Old Bovs beat Hutt by 12 to nil. NEW ZEATiYP '""-'TCAM FOR AUSTRALIA. A.ra-il 14. The Mnnatremont Committee of tb© New Zealand Rujrbv Union dehitely decided tonight to send a repre.seintative team to Australia .durinsr coming season. T'he team will !eav!> on June 3, and will nUy a series of marches in New South Wales and Queensland.

THE (mONIAt TOUR.'

PROBABLE PLAYERS. ': , (From Otra Own Correspondent.) LONDON. March 4. Writing- in the Athletic News, " Forward '' says : I do not envy the committee its task of selecting the 26 players- who will comprise the first Northern Union side to leavo the TJhifcod Kingdom/ Already the riomi-

Jiations are being received, and every club } in the Northern League appears to possess ' pardonable pride and the belief that the i side cannot be representative unless its i bright and particular star is considered. Indeed, some clubs have nominated 10 players, others will be satisfied with on© «r two, but striking the average of four from each of the 28 clubs brings the nominations over the century. Forecasting teams is a popular recreation with readers, and I have been asked by many to give ray opinion as to the probable candidates. I can only give the names of those players I have seen this season, for the final selection, apart from' character, will be made from men who at fhe present time are exhibiting convincible form. My first 13 would be: —Sharrocks (Wigan). Leytham (Wigan), Jenkins (Wigan), Lomas (Salford), Tyson (Oldham), Davies (Huddersfield), Newbould (Wakefield), Ferguson (Oldham), Clampitt, J. L. (Broughton Rangers), .Webster (Leeds), Crossland (Wakefield), Avery (Oldham), and . Boylen (Hull). I may, perhaps, be charged with an undue preference for Lancashire in my three-quar-ter back line, but who can suggest superior players in their respective positions? THE SECOND SIDE.' Mr Second Thirteen . (two thirteens, of course, are to be taken) would be: —Barton (St. Helens), Farrar (Hunslet), Chic Jenkins (Ebbw Vale),. Oliver (York), Batten (Hunslet),: Thomas (Wigan), Smith (Hunslet), Jukes (Hunslet), Ramsdale (Wigan), Winstanley (Leigh), Padbury (Runcorn), Sandhani (Hull, Kingston Rovers), Francis (Wigan). My preference for Barton, as reserve full back is due to the fact that I have witnessed two particularly telling displays by the St. Helens captain this season. Had Turtill been away Barton would have filled the rear position, and if Barton was worthy of international honours "three or four years ago, his claims to-day cannot be overlooked. Added to this, he is a capital right wing three-quarter back. For this all-round adaptability I should like to include John, of Salford. On occasion he could play full back or centre threequarter back, "and "his ckjiim as the half back scrummage worker is one that will need serious,consideration. The committee will need carefully to consider the claims of players who in cases of emergency can with credit ocupy any back position. FAST T 'BACKS. We have a sur'eit of forwards, but only 12 will be token, although with little difficulty I could select another dozen" of merit nearly equal to the 12 I have given. Also the scrummage half-backs could be duplicated, but for outside men John Thomas, of Wigan, and James Davies, of Huddersfield, are our best representatives at the present time, for the fact must not be overlooked that the. Australian grounds will be firm, and that fast, open play, with attack as its object, will be the fare palatable to the. colonial spectators. I learn that Mr Piatt, has received applications from professional trainers, and others, all anxious that the team should have the benefit of their advice. I do not think, however, that the party will exceed the original number, for the expsnditure will need to be carefully,watched. The question of a return being mad© via America is now under eoroide.raition, for the editor of a well-known American paper is anxious to' arrange a series of exhibition games, and given favourable terms, should time permit, the union will no doubt accept the offer.

MORE COLONIALS FOR ENGLAND. The Athletic News also' sa\s: —"Should the proposed test of strength take place between the Northern Union representatives for Australia and N«w Zealand and a team of colonial players now in England. some slight difficulty may be experienced in securing a oomplement of forwards for the 'aliens.' This defect, however, will mot be apparent should another match be played next season, for we learn from a most reliable source that negotiations are proceeding between two well-known Lancashire clubs and three players of repute now in New Zealand with a view to the colonials coming to England next August. Thus once again will the .spirit of the drastic resolution of the Northern Union Committee be broken. The desired players are not connected with the New Zealand League, but are Rugby Union men, and will need no transfer. The des're d; the Northern Union is that colonial players should remain in the colonies, but until a resolution strictly prohibitive in character, and one which makes no distinctxm between the league and the Rugby Union, ie adopted, we .shall nped to report this steady immigration which, to say the least, is bound to. check the progress of the game abroad."

ASSOCIATION. By Left Wing Club secretaries are reminded that their entries for the various competitions must be in the hands of the secretary not later than 5 p.m. on Monday next. The draw ■will be made the same evening, and such as have not entered in time will be excluded. The wet weather on Saturday caused the abandonment of practically all practices. About a dozen bold spirits in Northern .ierseys, were to be seen on the Gardens Reserve. The Asylum, unhappily, reverted to its customary lagoon stage. It is regrettable thai; Southern will probably not maintain a First Grade team this season. The district from which this club should derive support is probably more thickly populated than anv other olub district, and properly worked, it should yield a rich harvest. Should the club finally decide to reduce its status it is hoped that the set back will only be temporary, and thaifc the club will keep in view the purnose to rise again next season. The defection of Southern and Kaitangata from the First Grade ranks would leave onlv five senior teams. The promotion of Ravensbour.ne to First Grade ra.nk is therefore fortuitous. _ By winning the Junior Cup two veavs in succession Ra.vensbourne have demonstrated their right to advancement, and whilst ihere is no doubt they will soon be conscious of the marked difference between Senior and junior standards, they are good sports ■with great hearts, and should rise superior to initial discouragements. It behoves the members to recognise the responsibilities of promotion by stnying to strengthen th» olub numerically, and to enter a Second Rradc eleven. Hov ~nfl.*»" plavers making the welfnre of the carnival ~ personal matter? How many have made up their minds to Bell at least one book of art n»™ tmkets

each—if possible, more—and to pereuado some of their friends to sell a book each or make a donation of goods or money V There is not a soccer player who could not, if he were in earnest, dispose of at least one book of art union tickets, and persuade at least three friends to make something for sale at the carnival If players will take this matter up seriously there should bo no difficulty in disposing of 600 books of tickets, and this would give a handsome start of £3OO. It must be remembered that there is very little time iremaining before the carnival opens, and it is only by the vigorous personal effort of every footballer that the needful funds are to be secured.

Wednesday Association is showing evidence of lusty growth. Nine teams have entered the competition commencing this week. The Rev. J. Charteris, formerly known as "the Boy Preacher," will play for Alliance. This team looks forward hopefully to a prosperous season, with a watchful eye upon the Cup. Stevenson and A. Wilson, both of whom have with Roslyn-Wakan Seniors, are playing for A. and T. Inglis in Wednesday competitions. Younar has "decided to play for Mornington again. R. Notman will also reappear this .vear amongst the backs. . It 'is now certain that M'Clelland will play outside left for City this season. The olub expects to have also the services of Forbes, who played for Mornington last year, and has oraetised with Northern once this season. Jack will not be the custodian of City's goal this yea.r. In his p'ace will probablv be seen Birady,' formerly of Southern. Elliott will not transfer to Northern as has been suggested. The City first eleven will probably include most of the following.:—Goal, Br-ady;-- backs, Elliott, Mayhew; halves—Joyce. Wining, :W. Harrison-: forwards—Forbes, Lawsoh. Ritson. Russell, M'Clelland. The hard surface df the Clear has been responsible for a slight accident to Maori HiH's goalkeeper, R. Smith, who may be prevented from opening the season with the club. . . Asbton has been play in e in Wednesday practices this season. Present business arrangements confine him to Werlne-diay half-holiday, but it will not be surprising if he is yet found assisting a Saturday club. * .- • ■* D. Ba-illie, of Mornington, will be a ■ ■Wedne«dav man this _ The Rankier brothers, it is stated, are likely to plav for Mornington. . There are' still a few referees required before the sea«on oppns on April 30. The cv"ret.ary. Mr D. .Anderson, care Mr John Davie, will be triad to receive names. The following set of new rules.for tb« Brown Challenge Shield comnetition will he discussed at the annual meeting of the N.Z.F.A. next, month:— -v 1 The Council shall have power to require that the nett proceeds of amy match or such part thereof as the Council may think fit shall be paid to the Council and retained until after the last match of the current season has been played. 2. Out of the money so retained the Council shall have power to ray or make °ood to any association which may have incurred a loss in connection with a matcn at its own centre during the same season the whole of such loss or such proportion thereof as the Council may think fit. . 3. For the purpose of calculating the amount of loss on a match under -the last preceding rule an association shall be entitled to take into account expenditure on rent of ground not exceeding £lO for any one match, and on advertising not exceeding £5 for any one match, and no other expenditure. • •■■ ' ■ 4. As soon as practicable after the last match" of the season has been played th« Council shall refund the balance, if any, of the money so retained (remaining after payment of any such losses as aforesaid) to the associations concerned in the matches • from the nett .proceeds of which it was retained, and so that a proportionate part of the amount paid in respect of ray loss shall be deducted from the amount retained from each associaion. 5. Provided that in the event of a surplus being realised, the Council shall have power to apply any surplus over the gross expenditure en any match or any part of such surplus in any manner it may think fii. 6. "No association being the holdexs of the Brown Shield shall be asked to play more than three challenge matches during the season unless they agree to play extra matches.

7. No challenges for the shield sbia.ll be received before the Ist <}f May in each season. 8. The decision of the Council on all questions arising out of the above preceding rules shall be final and binding upon all the association- concerned.

The Wanganui Association is asking the other associations throughout the Dominion to support an amendment to the effect that none of the proposed new rules bo accepted, but the old rules be retained, with the addition of clauses providing that the holders of the shield shall not be required to play more than five challenge matches during one season unless they choose; that no challenge shall be received before Mav 1 or after July 1; that the present rule 7 be altered to read: "The association concerned shall mutually agree upon dates to be arranged for challenge eiames, but failing such arrangement the N.Z.F.A. shall arrange the dates. 14 clear days' notice being given to the challenging association; and no miatch sh«.ll -be played later than September 30;" that a team defaulting on the date arranged shall forfeit fI.U claims to the shield for that season. OTAGO FOOTR 4TT ASSOCIATION The fp-~t meetir » Executive Committer " f " the Ot • otball Association was hr',i on Moridav m Mr S. S. Mvers's r/iom There w*r« present,: Messrs Duncan, CVawleV, Sinclair, M'Hutohon, Brady, Rodgers. Robertson. Blcomfield, Cameron. Jones. Cocking, Freeman, Ferens, Haig, and Anderson. Mr W. R. Sinclair was appointed chairman for the season. The Secret-Tv of the N.Z.F.A. wrote advising th«* proposed visit of a New South Wa' am to New Zealand had baen abandoned, but the matter would be kervt in view for 1911. —Received. The Secretary of the N.Z.F.A. also wrote enclosing draft of proposed amendments to the rules governing the Brown Shield competition, to be submitted to the annual meeting of the N.Z.F.A. in May. In this connection the secretary of the Wanganui Association, also forwarded proposals for consideration.—Letters referred to a subcommittee to submit a report at next meetin?- ~ • : ■ -• A communication from the secretary of

the N.Z. Referees' Association asking whether there was a referees' association in Otago, and if so what were the names of the referees, and what method was followed in examining candidates for membership, was held over to see whether the Otago Referees' Association was likely to be revived. The Town Clerk advised that the following reserves had been allotted to the association on the usual terms: —Opposite Botanic Gardens, Montecillo No. 2, Asylum, Clear, Oval (two grounds), and Tramsheds. —Received.

The Secretary of the Roslyn-Wakari Club forwarded a list giving the names of five players who had not paid subscriptions, and advising that the names had been reported to the Amateur Athletic Protection Society. —Received; the secretary to write asking all clubs for similar lists, if any. The Secretary of the Kaitangata Association Football Club wrote intimating that his club would not enter the competition this season. —Received; the secretary to' write acknowledging.the sportsmanlike attitude that had always been characteristic of the club, and expressing the hope that at some future time the club might be re-formed.

Mr T. H. Broomfield, secretary of the Schools Association Committee, forwarded two proposals—(a) that the-management of schools' football be undertaken direct from the O.F.A. executive instead of by a special schools' committee, and (b) that the O.F.A. consider the advisability of inaugurating a Fifth Grade competition.—Resolved (a) that Mr Broomfield be empowered to form a committee to control the schools' competition ; (b) that clulbs be invited to enter teams for a Fifth Grade competition, only boys who had left school and who were under the age of 17 to be eligible.—The, announcement that the. president, Mr S. S. Myers, had offered a cup or a banner valued at two guineas as a trophy for a Fifth Grade competition was received with applause. Applications for footballs were received from three country schools —Kyeburn, Cambrian, and Waipiata.— Resolved that footballs be supplied at reduced rates. Owing to the wet weather of the previous Saturday having.upset practices, it was resolved to postpone the opening of the season'until April 30. : ;' The following sub-committees were appointed:—Grounds and Postponement Com mittee Messrs M'Hutchon, Crawley. Cameron; . Match Committee Messrs Brady, Freeman, ; Ferens, M'Hutchon; Registration and Transfer Committee — Messrs Haig, Cameron, M'Hutchon. Messrs Crawley, Sinclair, and Anderson were apponted : a committee to report upon necessary revision of the rules consequent upon the abolition of the district scheme. An application from the Ravensbourne Club for permission to enter the Senior coupetitibn was granted. Corinthian. Park was formally allotted to the City Club as the ground tor'the placing in order of which it would be held responsible. The 0.8.1, club wis granted permission to practise on Corinthian Park until 2.30 p.m. on Saturday.