FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2997, 23 August 1911, Page 60

FOOTBALL.

August 26—v. Maori Team. September 2—v. Taranaki. -. September 9—v. Auckland. September 16—v. Canterbury. September 23 —v. Southland. September 80—v. Wellington. NOTES BY FULL BACK. The members of the Wanganui touring team pass through. Dunedin by the express from the south on Thursday morning, going straight on to Chrisftohucch, where they play their next mate hagainst Canterbury on Saturday. Wanganui expect to put up a much, batter game against Canterbury tbam they did against Otago. Wanganui recognise, too, that it will take a much better game and superior fonm to hold their own against the team on tihe other aide of the Waitiafci. Coutts, the Wanganui full back, who was injured in the match against Otago on Saturday and 1 had to leave the field, did not proceed to Inveroargill with the Wanganui team, but will rejoin it as it passes through Dunedin on Thursday. I aim pleased to say that Ooutts is much better, and that no evil ooaisequenoes are anticipated from his injury. He cannot explain how it happened, arid' remembers nothing about it until "coming round" a,t 6 o'clock in his room, on Saturday evening. My own theory is that he was dazed in the first tackle a few minutes after the game started, and had not properly recovered from the shaking when he tackled Black, in which he received the concussion causing him to leave the field. The members of the Wanganui teaim were innmenselv pleased with the manner in which Mr W. J. Wilsonr controlled the game on Saturday, and at the dinner in the evening paid special tribute to that gentleman's abilities. After their experience in another match they assert that it was a delightful change to play under Mr Wilson. There was a fine sporting spirit in the Oba.go-Wanga.nui match oir Saturday, and though the nlay was sometimes hard, it never descended to unnecessary roughness. In this connection it is pleasing to mention that Sutherland (the Otaaro captain) impressed on his men "not to put the boot in." and W. Dustin (the Wanganui captain} followed with a. similar injunction. There are some good sportsmen irr Wanganui. as I know from personal experience, and it wias through the generosity of these —notablv Mr George Sprio-gers (president of the Wanganui Rucby Union) that the southern tour of the Wanganui representatives was made possible. Although Wanganui did not get the £25 .asked for out of the Otago gate, they will benefit to a greater extent when the Otago team tour next year.

Onoe a,p™in Otapro has let down on th© hones a.nd anticipations it ontertafned earlier in the season. The ill-ocvmibined South Island team showed up Ota.fjo'B weaknesses some three woolcs a.go, and on

Saturday in the second spell Wanganui again stripped the vetreer hiding Otago's true state, which they laid bare in all its nakedness. The game was neither great nor grand, and was only convincing in so far as it showed Otago up in a false light irr tihe first half, and in its true colours in the second. Against weak opposition—and Wanganui s opposition was very weak in the opening spell—Otago apparently did well, 'but when Wanganui found something of its game in the second half Otago not only made little headway, but for 25 minutes crumbled so badly on defence that Wanganui repeatedly went clean through to the final line, wihere only the excellent work o>f Sootit at full back and Wanganui's own lack of resource and initiative saved Otago from disastei-. What would 'have happened had the visitors found their game in- the first spell is merely toying with the obvious. It has always been my belief that a team plays just as well as the opposition allows it, and having faith in this belief, incline to the understanding that Otago only played well in the first spell on Saturday by reason of the fact that Wanganui, offering no serious opposition, allowed Otago to do so. The real test of Otago's worth was in the second half, and on the run. of tihe olay Otago had little or no real worth. The forwards at times we.ne hopelessly beaten by a younger, less experienced, and lighter pack, while the backs on the whole showed weakness in defence. There were individual exceptions, but generally the display of the Otago team was degrees below what was expected. If the two engagements in which Otago has taken part this season ana viewed in the nature of a try-out, how mwh betteir off is Otago for the knowledge? Frankly, it must be admitted that the lessons have not been well studied, and if well studied, what proof is there? There is such a handicap as having too many players to choose from, and the sole selector is evidently suffering this handicap. Twice this season experiments have been made, and in individual instances have failed. In only one more match can this experimenting go on without disaster following in its train. The two Otago teams which have .represented the province this season have just scrambWl out of defeats, and the victories have not been attended with any weight of glory. Indeed, instead of "Well won," Otago has been morally well beaten. Another Otago team has been selected to meet tlie Maori team on Saturday. It matters not so much that Otago wins this, or any other match, so much has how won or how defeated. One might well rejoice if Otago put up a good game and were defeated, but it is sneer distress to have to admit of such victories as proclaimed in the South Island and Wanganui matches. No changes have been made in the back division wihieh did duty against Wanganui, and although the majority may not admit of the selector's judgment in this connection, the division is worthy of another trial. Scott has proved his worth, and solid it is. The Taieri representative's sound tackling and defensive line-kicking have twice this season saved Otago, and will do so again. Norrie on his form is the best attacking three-quarter hi the team, as he is the most dashing. Millard might be improved upon, but I confess not to have any knowledge of his successor. Against Wanganui the University centre neither played well nor badly. He appealed uncertain /md listless, and his passing was too much of the slow, lob variety to be effective against a fast team such as Otago will meet in the matches to come. Millard is a much better player than his Wanganui form indicated. Ceckcroft was disappointing—failure to take passes and a dislike for defence appeared to be his particular offences. Another trial will find him out. Black, at outside five-eigihths, is Otago's star attacking player. He can make an opening oleverly, and is so quick into his stride that he has beaten the first line, of defence and is threading his way through the second line before the opposition is aware. With a belief in the theory that attack i 9 the best defence, I have never enthused over Eckhold as an attacking player," while none more enthusiastic for his Work on defence. On his showing against Wanganui, particularly im the second half, Eckhold did exoellent service. If the Otago forwards "let down," as they have already done on the two occasions tried, the Southern representative will be invaluable in stopping and turning back the enemy. An assurance from the Otago forwards that such lapses as occurred in the matches agiainst South and Wanganui •would hot be repeated might, weigh with the selector in giving Williams a trial at five-eighths, but on present ahowv ing there is no sruch guarantee, and Eckhold is therefore well placed.

Sutherland is thoroughly sound behind the scrum, and in addition to his work has a fine sense of requirements so far as his forwards are coMoorned.

The real weakness of the Otago team, as so effectively proved, is in the forwards. The pack is made up of some good men, and one or two neither good nor great who ■might well he set aside for others more worthy. Of combination there is none, of dash not a trace, of following up scarce the remotest intention —one lone individual at times against a horde, —of weight in the serums pounds below what should be, but of hanging off for chances in the open much and to repletion. Altogether the play of the Otago forwards distresses inglyOwing to his transfer to Oamaru there is a possibility that Norrie will be unable to take' part in Saturday's match against the Maori team. Efforts are being made to ensure Nome's services, and his place is beinsr kept for him in the meantime. The youngest and lightest team that has ever represented Wanganui on tour met the Otacro representative team, on the Caledonian Ground, on Saturday. The day was beautiful, the ground in ffood order, a.nd the conditions generally ideal for a fast, open game. There was an attendance of over 5000. The visitors did not find their game in! the first spell, and _ baffled by the sun in their eyes, and playing against the wind, were at a great disadvantage. There was, too, a listlessness in their play and an apparent lack of faith in their abilities, whiich betokened a weakness more apparent than real. The forwards played without dash, and while showing glimpses of form iii the loose, had little verve on attack. Tho backs rarely got moving on attack, ruid their defence was weak, sometimes to exhaustion. In the second spell, however, so marjced was tho improvement in the visitors' play all round, that they were almost unrecognisable as the same teami. One explanation for the change was the supreme faith they had acquired in the referee.

Freed from the handicap of sun and wind Wanganui " cut loose," and for fully 20 minutes had Otago kicking to the line in sheer defence. The lighter Wanganui forwards were beating the Blues for the bail in the scrums and on the line-out, and hustling the Otago backs into uncertainty. The visiting backs still lacked combination, nut their individual efforts were responsible f<>r the two trios scored in the second spell. For a team which included so many young and comparatively inexperienced players Wanganui's second spell form was of much promise, and had the massed play of the team been consistent, they must have gone very nlear beating Otago. Coutts, at full back, played sound defensive football ? up to the time of his unfortunate injury. The three-quarters combined poorly, but Siginall played really well when fed by Campion, who was the best of the Wanganui back*. Atkins, behind the scrum, showed rare promise, and is a plucky half back. The forwards, for their weight, were excellent in the tight play, while in the loose they outshone Otago. W. Dustin (captain), O'Donnell, Ma.rtis, and Souter were the pick of a resolute pack. Against the weak opposition offering in the first spell Otago played a winning game and appeared to show improved form. The forwards combined well in the loose, and showed a fair amount of skill on the lineouitv. The combination behind the scrum was good, and the backs generally played well. In the second half, whan Wanganui were aggressive, the lamentable weakness of the Otago forwards and the uncertainty of the backs were again shown up. Scott at full back was thoroughly reliable, and his kicking powerful. Of the three-quarters Norrie was the best, Millard and Obckroft playing uncertainly. Black was at times brilliant, and was the best back on the ground. Eckhold excelled in defence, and was invaluable when Otago was being sorely pressed in the second spell. Sutherland, in addition to his responsibilities as captain, did good service behind the Bourn. There was a great weakness in the forwards, and it was evident that some of them were not doing- their share in the 6crums, while it was evident, too, that some were hanging off for chances. Mr W. J. Wilson kept a nice touch on the play, which was free and open. One feature was the consistency with which all the shots at goal failed.

The suspension of A. M'Donald, captain of the Otago representative team, and the well-known All Black, to the end of the season 1912 .has raised a storm of indignation at the injustice of the Otago Rugby Union’s sentence.. Just how the local union reasoned the matter out, and after reasoning arrived at such an astounding decision, passes comprehension. As a court of inquiry the union has bub furnished another prdof of its inability to realise a just proportion of things and of its failure to realise a true sense of values. In its efforts to purify the game the union has frequently allowed its judgment to run riot, but surely no wilder riot than this. Leaving all the curious circumstances of the M'Donald cose out of the question, and its irregularity of procedure, the punishment is out of all proportion to the offence. To the unusually large number of representative matches to be played in Dunedin this season —seven, inclusive of the Maori match—the Otago Rugby Union is looking to replenish depleted coffers, and to furnish funds for an extended tour of New Zealand by an Otago beam next season. OTAGO REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. The following team has been selected by Mr H. Harris to play against the Maori team oh Saturday next: Full back, G. Soott. Three-quarters—E. Cockroft. J. N. Millard, J. Norrie Five-eigihthsi—A. Eckhold, R. Black. Half back, J. Sutherland Forward —S. Casey, P. Williams (Alhambra), A. Patterson, R. M'Donald, J. Graham, C. M. Molloy, P. heehan, J. On thill (wing forward). Brown has a bad ear, and cannot play, while Symonds and A. Scott are the other two forwards omitted. The new forwards are Sheehan, Williams, and Cuthill. The back team which played last Saturday remains unchanged. MANIOTOTO SUB-UNION. The flag fixtures under the jurisdiction of this sub-union were resumed on Saturday, afttr a spell of about five consecutive Saturdays on account of the bad grounds, in. consequence of the recent snow, accompanied by severe frosts, and followed by a quick thaw. The St. Bathans ground is yet unfit for playing on. Ranfurly journeyed to Gimmerburn, where they were defeated by 11 points to 5. After the recent dispute between these two clubs regarding a fixture which was not played on account of bad grounds, there was keenness on both sides for a win. A few minutes after the start Ranfurly, with a good passing rush, scored, Forrester getting over at the corner, Bleach with a good Kick converting. A little later A. Helm, for Gimmerburn, broke away from a line out, and scored in a good position, the same player converting. Throughout the remainder of the spell Ranfurly kept up the pressure, and though force-downs were numerous, the defence was too sound. For the first half hour of the second spell the game was very uninteresting. Both teams used the touch line, and. seemed content as long as the play was about the halfway, but after this Gimmerburn livened’ up and scored two tries in quick succession. Davis and Stephens scored, neither try being converted. Ranfurly was never dangerous in the second spell. Mr M‘K. Marshall gave every satisfaction as referee, and the game was played in a most friendly spirit. The visitors were entertained at a dance in the evening. Following is the positions of the teams for the banner at present. Two matches have yet to be played—viz., Ranfurly v. St. Bathans and Matakanui v. St. Bathans:—

TARANAKI REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. NEW PLYMOUTH, August 17. The Okaiawa Club, winners in the southern division, to-day defeated Clifton, the winners of the northern division, for the football championship of Taranaki. The representative team for the southern toui

is as- follows: —Hill, Cameron, Stohr, Roberts, M'Leod, Mynott, Brown, Colman, Prince, Taylor, Cain, Osborne, Young, Whittington, Tamu, Kissick, Hawkins, Dewar, Ward. REFEREES' STRIKE. AUCKLAND, August 17. The Auckland Rugby Union held an. emergency meeting this evening in reference to the referees' strike, and decided to make its own appointments of referees for Saturday's matches. The committee considers that it has been treated discourteously by the Pierces' Association, and has decided that fcny negotiations for reconciliation must come from the referees. There is no difficulty in getting referees for Saturday's matches, those offering their services including Messrs C. W. Oram, J. Williams, and H. Frost (who have officiated in representative matches), D. Gallagher, S. Nicholson, F. S. Murray, A. Bonella, P. M'Elwain, and G. Murray (representative players). OTAGO RUGBY UNION. The weekly meeting of the Otago Rugby Union was held on Monday evening, when there were present Messrs F. H. Campbell (in the chair), White, Harris, Cavanagh, King, Dunne, Sinclair, Priest, Sandos, Stuart, Smith, Dey, Low, and Wilson. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr G. W. C. Macdonald. GENERAL. J. Pagan, hon. sec. of the WaihemoWaikouaiti Flag Committee, wrote asking permission to play a North Otago team on Saturday, August 26. —Granted. E. Watson applied for a transfer from the Port Chalmers Club to the Zingari Richmond Club. J. W. Hay made a similar application.—Noted. G.- A. Nelson, hon. see. of the Junior Representative Selection Committee, wrote forwarding the names (already published) of 22 junior players who had been selected for training- in view of the match to be played against a Waibemo-Waikouaiti team. Mr Nelson said it was the intention of the committee to make its final selection on August 26. He also intimated that the following resolution had been carried: " That the O.R.F.U. Committee should give earlier consideration to the selection of a junior representative selection comnrttee. The late appointment of that committee this year had made the selection very difficult through no notes having been taken or names asked for of junior players. This committee also considers that it is necessary to hold practice matches prior to the final selection of the team. The committee regrets that it will be impossible to no'd a trial match this year."—Received. It was decided to submit the names of five referees to the manager of the Maori team, he to make a final selection. The Kaikorai Club was 'granted permission to travel to Palmerston to play a match against the local club on Saturday next. The Maniototo Sub-union wrote asking if the union would make a monetary grant towards the travelling expenses of a team it was sending to play Vincent County.— It was decided to ask the country club to forward a statement of expenses after the match had been played, when the union would favourably consider the application. AN OAMABU APPEAL. F. G. Williams, secretary of the North Otago Sub-union, wrote as follows: —''The Management Committee of the North Otago Sub-union desires permission to appeal to the N.Z.R.F.U. for a ruling on the interpretation of the rules of the 0.R.F.U., as this sub-union thinks that the Otago Union has gone outside its jurisdiction in interfering with the decision of this subunion in imposing a penalty under rule 30 of the Rules of the 0.R.F.U." The writer went on to state that his sub-union, after a careful inquiry into the conduct of Hugh Driver, decided unanimously to inflict a penalty on him under rule 30 >f the O.R.F.U. rules, and wished to know if the O.R.F.U. had any power under its rules to interfere with the penalty of the sub-union after having first endorsed the disqualification. The writer requested this letter, together with all correspondence in the possession of the Otago Union, should be forwarded to the N.Z.R.F.U. On the motion of Mr Harris, it was decided to refer the appeal back !x> the Oamaru Sub-union, asking it to amend the clause which stated that Otago had endorsed the disqualification, as it had not done so, and pointing out that the necessary deposit of £1 had not been enckted. It will be remembered that the Oamaru Union disqualified Diver, a spectator, for life- fur misconduct during the course of a match, and that this penalty was recommended to be reduced to five years bv the Otago Union. . CHV.BiIE OF FOUL LANGUAGE. R. Heron, referee, reported that the Dunrdin Second Fifteen defaulted to Southern A Second in the fixture set down for last Saturday. He further reported , that Tavlor, a member of the Zingari-Richmond Fourth Grade team, who was on the ground, had made very filty remarks about him. The writer stated that he fad reported the same player three weeks ago, and that was probably the reason he had used the language. The referee, who appeared before the committed, said ho was certain the remark was made towirda him. The occurrence took place at the back of the dressing shed at Montecillo. Taylor denied having made any remark to the referee. He had never spoken to the referee. The cas=* was adjourned to allow of a witness named Harris being called to give evidence, the referee stating that Harris had told him he had heard the languaee used. AN ALH.VUBHA TLAYEB OHDEBED OFF. J. H. Miller, referee in the Alhambra v. Kaikorai match, played at Carisbrook on Satuiday, August 12, reported having ordered 11. Watson, a member of the former team, oft' the ground for kicking the Kaikorai half back, Dryden. The referee and Watson were both in attendarce at the meeting. The Chairman asked Mr Miller if the kicking was wilful, and he replied that he would not have been before the committee that evening if he thought it had not been. Continuing, he stated that the ball came out from the side of a loose rush. Drvden picked the ball up and an Alhambra forward smothered him, falling over him, leaving Dryden with his back facing the Alhambra line, Watson then came up and put lids boot into him, kicked him in the back, and went over the top of him. The ball wa/j buried under an Alhambra man and Dryden. Watson was not kicking at the ball, as there was no ball showing.

Watson said he went to play the ball, ] Dryden was facing the Alihambra goal ! posts. He tried to play the ball, and if ho kicked Dryden it was a pure accident. He ■would not swear that he did not kick Dryden or anyone else. He did not think he did. Dryden had told him that he had been kicked on the mouth. He said he was : r.ot kicked on the back. ' Mr King asked whether Watson could ■' not call evidence to prove that it was not he who had done the kicking that was said to have occurred, but another Alhambra playor. Watson, he said, could bring evi- , dence to prove that the referee had made j a mistake as to the player. i The Chairman said the referee had . stated that Dryden was on the ground and that Watson had come up and kicked him on the back. He (the chairman) was not going to allow Watson to call evidence to say that the referee was wrong. It was a question of fact. I Mr King then moved that Watson be granted the right to call evidence to show j that the referee made a mistake in identify- j ing the Alhambra player. Mr Low seconded. The motion was lost on the voices. Mr Harris said he had only seen part of the match. He considered", however, that the referee allowed Dryden too much latitude in the matter of lying on the ball. The fact of a man hanging to the ball was, j however, no justification for his being kicked. Still, he considered there was some- | thing in Watson's statement that he was j trying to play the ball. j Mr Sinclair said he also saw the match. He thought the circumstances as related by Mr Miller were quite correct. He, how- j ever, did not think at the time it was a case for ordering a man off. It appeared to j hirn as if Watson was. trying to hook the J ball away from Dryden. He did not think there was any deliberate . kicking. He would not i vote for any punishment unless he was certain it was a deliberate attempt to kick a man. Mr Sandes- moved—" That Watson be disqualified until the end of the first round, 1912," He said that, in accordance with previous decisions of the committee, they must take the referee's word in matters of . fact. Mr Priest seconded. • . Mr Sandes then asked what sentence had been passed on another player for what I he said was a similar case, and on the information being supplied by the. Secre- I tary, asked that his motion be amended to I read "to the end of the season, of 1912." j . Mr Priest said he thought that that was ' rather rough. He declined to second the motion as amended. Mr Smith seconded the motion. Ho j said it was practically similar to Newland's case. " j Mr Priest moved as an amendment — "That Watson be disqualified to the end of the first round of next season." Mr Dey seconded. He said he thought Dryden was prone to try to take advantage of his size and to hang to the ball. The amendment on being put was carried by 7 votes to 5. Mr White moved another amendment — "That Watson be disqualified to the end of the present season." Mr Low seconded. He said the amendment, if carried, would not debar Watson from s playing, but it was more than a caution. - The amendment was lost by 7 votes to 6. Mr Wilson then moved as a further amendment—" That Watson be disqualified for the first two playing Saturdays next season." « v Mr King seconded. I Mr Dunne said he was surprised at the attitude taken up by members of the union who were also referees. Had the oase come up at the commencement of the season Watson would have got three years. ' Mr White said that a penalty of two or three months was felt by a player just as much as one of two or three vears. It had been proved that they got no better •football from the punishment' they had inflicted. The amendment on being put was lost by seven votes to six: - ■ On the motion being put—" That Watson be disqualified till the 'end of the first round of 1912," —it was declared lost by eight votes to three. " '"".".' 'I This left the meeting with no motion before it. Mr Stuart then movod — ■" That Watson be disqualified to the second last playing Saturday in 1912." He said that it appared to him that the committee was trying to get round the referee's statement. Mr Dunne seconded. Mr Harris then moved as an amendment —" That Watson be disqualified for the first four playing Saturdays in 1912." Mr Sinclair seconded. Mr Smith said Watson had been found guilty, and that there was no more ex- ! tenuating circumstances in this case than in that of Newlands. The latter player j had been disqualified for two years for practically the same offence. He thought i Watson should get as severe a sentence as i Newlands got, if they wished to be con- . sistent. '. ' . | On being put to the meeting Mr Harris's amendment was carried by 8 votes'to 5, and . became the final motion. ! A. M'DONALD'S DISQUALIFICATION. ■NOTICE TO RESCIND THE MOTION. ' At Monday night's meeting cf the Otago Rugby Union the following letter, which explains itself, was received from J. L. j Applegartli, honorary secretary of the Kaikorai Football Club : ! The Secretary Otago Rugby Football Union. Dear Sir,—ln re disqualification of Alex. M'Donald, the committee of my club held a meeting to discuss the above matter and resolved to appeal to you to reconsider the case, and if you can possibly see your way to do so, to can- j eel the disqualification. My committee j desires you to look at the very creditable record' of Mr M'Donald. „', He has played the game for a number of years and re- : presented the province worthily, and who can say that he has not been a true sport and clean player, playing the game for the game's sake. Probably you are aware that r he has refused many tempting offers to j forsake the amateur game for the Northern Union game. His good qualities are too j well known to you to make it necessary for us to'enlarge upon them. In face of nJI, we ask you as men' to men, does M'Donald deserve a- . sentence . such as is imposed upon him for a remark, alleged to have been used in the heat of the game, when he considered himself wrongly ruled ■ ne-ainst My committee thinks the senfpnee too severe under all the circum- [' stances and consider the matter was

irregularly put before, you. The referee in his remarks at your meeting is credited with saying that he would have taken no notice of the matter in a club game, and also that he was not sure that the remark was intended' for him (but this is beside the question). The referee did not caution M'Donald, which he should have done before the matter could be brought before you in" a regular manner. Further, haying come before you, my committee is of opinion that the whole thing was too hastily considered and the sentence too harsh." M'Donald also wrote as follows: " With reference to the disqualification imposed on me at your last meeting, I hereby beg to apply for a rehearing and reconsideration in order that the disqualification may be removed. My reasons for this application are that, in my opinion, the case was not one to come under the jurisdiction of the union, the referee not having cautioned me whilst on the field of play; that the verdict is against the weight of 'evidence, the referee in his remarks at the meeting stating that ho could not for certain say that the alleged words were spoken to him; and, further, if the words were used and meant for the referee, the sentence is out of all proportion to the offence. Under the circumstances, I respectfully solicit a reconsideration of-my case. On these letters being read by the secretary, the Chairman (Mr Campbell) said: If this case is to be reopened it will require notice of motion. Mr Harris: Well; I shall give notice: "That the motion! passed last week by the committee disqualifying M'Donald to the end of 1912 be rescinded." The Chairman: The matter will now come before the committee next Monday night.

WANGANUI v. OTAGO

WIN FOR THE HOME TEAM. Following were the teams: Otago.—Full-back, G. Scott; three-quar-ters, E. Cockroft, J. N.jMillard, J. Nome; five-eighths, A. Eckhold, R. Black; haif- . back, J. Sutherland; forwards—A. Scott, S. ! Casey, A. Patterson, R. M'Donald, A. Symonds, C. M. Molloy, W. . Brown, J. Graham. Wanganui.—Full-back, M. R. Coutfts; j three-quarters, W. R. Stewart, C. Phillips, ! A. Signal]; five-eighths, R. Campion, A. i Phillips; half-back, F. Atkins; forwards—j A. Schmidt, W. Cunningham, D. Leahy, ' W. Batloy, W. Dustin, B. Martis, R. O'Donnell, T Souter. | THE PLAY. '< Otago won the toss and gave Wanganui the handicap of a breeze and the sun in 1 their eyes. Dustin kicked off, and the visitors penned Otago in the twenty-five. The Blues cleaned from the line-out, Casey taking play to half-way. From a scrum the ball came out to Cockroft, who found the line well in Wanganui quarters. The visiting forwards were playing well in the loose, and broke away. The ball came out to Stewart,, the Wanganui left wing three-quarter, who kicked across field, where the Otago backs opened out in a passing rush, and Cockroft broke away . to the Wanganui twenty-five. The visitors were troubled with the sun in their eyes, and a high kick by Black was missed by Coutts. Some close work followed on the visitors' line, and a kick from a mark by Wanganui, which should have relieved the pressure, rebounded over the line and I Wanganui forced. There was no fire | in the play of the visiters, who were off ' their game, while the Blue's, on the other hand, were playing free and open football. From the kiek out Norrie came away with a dribble, and the bounce favouring him, he picked up cleverly and dashed across the line, scoring a good try just as he . was tackled by the Wanganui full-back. The quickness of the movement took Wanganui by 'Burprise, the backs being all out of position when Norrie made his run.' Scott failed with the kick. * .-•••♦ Otago ... ... 3 points. Wanganui ... ..." ... ... Nil. „ Otago • were holding the Wanganui f or- ' wards, and Sutherland was making plenty of play for the backs, who set off again. I Norrie secured the ball and then passed to Black, who immediately transferred to j Graham in the visitors' twenty-five. The Zingari forward tried. to bore across, but lost the ball, which was carried over amongst the feet of. the Wanganui forwards, who failed to force. Eckhold made a quick dive and another try was awarded Otago. Scott made a jrood, but unsuccessful shot at goal. . Otago ... ». ... ... § points. Wanganui ... Nil At this stage the game was temporarily suspended for an injury to Coutts, the . Wanganui full-back, who resumed after : getting a severe shaking. Otago were still playing a winning game, the. forwards ; securing the ball from the scrums and the backs attacking against uncertain opposij tion. An exchange of kicks between, ' Norrie and Coutts saw the Wanganui back j find the Otago twenty-five. Offside play I by Wanganui gave Otago a free-kick, which i Norrie landed under the bar. Otago- were | making all the play, and Scott, with a | fine kick, placed Wanganui on defence. ■ Playing well in the loose, the Wanganui | forwards cleared, only to be driven back I again. Graham, and Molloy headed an Otago rush, whioh was countered by C. Phillips punting over the heads of the Otago forwards. • At this stage a clever move was executed by the Otago backs. i Hemmed in on all sides by the .enemy , one of the Otago backs flung the ball to ' Scott, lying deep and clear of the rush. The Taieri man promptly turned defence into attack with a powerful kick. Black, who was playing a clever game, cut in, and beating the Wanganui backs, set off at rare pace for the goal line, finishing up a sensational run with a wild pass intended for Norrie, which was, however, inter- , : capted by Stewart, over whose shoulders it rolled. Norrie turned smartly, picked up, and raced across' the line. He took | the kick himself, but failed. Otago 9 points. Wanganui ... Nil. |- In tackling Black, the Wanganui fullj back received a concussion, and ho was ' carried off the field. It was extremely unfortunate for the player, who was doing ! much fine work on defence. The vacancy was filled by Percival. Wanganui then found gaps in Otago's defenoo,. and with fine footwork got into the Blues' twentyfive, where the visitors lost a good chance of scoring by obstruction. The free-kick saw Otago out of the trouble, but Atkins, a plucky little scrum half, marked for /Wanganui, and Leahy had a shot which fell short. Eckhold sent the Otago backs

away with a pass to Black, who made an ; other sensational run to the Wanganui full-back. Percival made a good tackle, but Black shot the ball over to Norrie, who swerved clejir and raced over the l.line, scoring his third, and Otago's fourth try. The place kick again failed, Norrie ■ missing from an easy angle. Otago 12 points. Wanganui Nil. Baffled by the sun and hampered by the wind Wanganui were at a disadvantage, but within a few minutes of half time they got into the Otago twenty-five with a § ! ood kick by Signall. Scott returned, but tewart sent the ball back again, and Campion breaking away, set up a hot attack on the Otago line, where Souter scored. , ' The kick at goal failed. Otago 12 points. Wanganui 3 points. After the kick out the Blues started a ' rush on the left wing. The first pass was ■ forward, but it escaped the referee's notice, ■ and it went through the hands of Millard, Cockroft, and Eckhold, who finally trans- ' ferred to Black, that player dashing over ' at the corner. The kick was given to Patterson, but without success. '] . Otago ... 15 points. • Wanganui ... 3 points. Again the Otago backs were sent » way j ] the ball travelling from Black to Millard ! and then to Cockroft, who ran well to } the line, missing a try by inches. lhe < Wanganui forwards, with fine loose play, i removed the danger, and Atkins, securing . i from a scrum, passed to C. Phillips, who, i when tackled by the Otago full back, sent on to Signall, that player scoring in a good position. Leahy made a good but unsuccessful attempt, and at half-time the scores stood : Otago 15 points. Wanganui ... ... 6 points. On changing over Otago broke away - into Wanganui quarters, and the visitors were farced, down from a mark. A. dangerous rush by the Wanganui forwards was stopped by Scott marking cleverly ! in the teeth of the" rush. The Wanganui j backs, practically for the first time, I swung into action on attack, and set up j a rush on the left wing, where Percival | was smothered by Norrie and Scott on the Otago line. It was a close call from I which Black cleared. Wanganui were now j playing with more dash, breaking through . flie Otago (forwards and carrying the ball well into the home twenty-five, c Martis came away from a line-out. but, kicking too hard, lost the ball, and Norrie forced. Wanganui kept Otago penned up in their twenty-five. From scrambling play Campion ran clear of the. ruck and passed to ! Stewart, who after a good run transferred to Signall, that player badly beating the Otago defence and scoring on the right wing. Black and Scott both made to tackle Signall, but were tangled up in their own embraces. Leahy failed with the kick. Otago ... 15 points. Wanganui ... 9 points. Wanganui had found their game at last, and were playing with superior dash J forward. The Otago pack, meeting with i sterner opposition, were being thrown j into confusion, and the. backs were de--1 fending for their lives, Eckhold excelling, j as he always does, in this department. i Otago rallied, and Black passed to Milj lard, but Cockroft missed the subsequent pass. Off-side play by Patterson gave Wanganui a free kick, but Leahy's effort Ifell short. Wanganui kept up the attack, ■ and Otago had an anxious time on defence. Eckhold cleared with a punt to the line, but Wanganui came back stronger than ever. Campion passed to Souter, who in turn sent the ball on tK> Signall, who took play right on to Otago's j line, where from a scramble Atkins dived i across and scored. Again Leahy's kick failed. Otago ... ..; ,„ ... ... 15 points. Wanganui ... ... ... 12 points. >■ Encouraged by success Wanganui were playing with rare vigour, correspondingly, Otago was falling away. Another swift rush by Wanganui tested Otago's defence to its last line> but j Stewart missed a pass when in a scoring ! position. Eckhold again- cleared the j Otago lino by breaking away and kicking j into : tho_ Wanganui twenty-five. The j Wanganui forwards were showing superiI ority on the line out, and Leahy broke i away. Cockroft did not like the defence, > and Black, running, back for the ball, was j pushed out in Otago's twenty-five. Otago \ rallied, and Millard ran to Wanganui's | side of half-way, where he . passed... to j Norrie, whose infield . pass was intercepted. Scott saved, and Eckhold with a good kick set Otago hot on Wanganui's line, where desperate efforts were ■ made to | get across—Millard, Black, and . Suther- ! land making repeated dives only to be j held up. Wanganui drove Otago off, ! Campion kicking to half-way. Millard j swung clear and passed to Cockroft, who j was tackled, but Black snapped up the > ball and raced over,' touching down at j the corner. The kick at goal again ' (failed.' Otago ... „. m ..... 18 points. Wanganui ..V ... ... 12 points. From a mark and a ." No charge " against Wanganui Otago had another shot at goal, but Eckhold failed. In the final stages of the game Otago were in Wanganui territory. Black made a good opening and might have scored himself but he passed to Millard, whose slow lob pass to Cockroft gave the latter no chance, and he was tackled all standing. Play swung back to midfield, and the ball going out the game ended —; Otago ... ... ... ... 18 pointfe. Wanganui 12 points. Mr W. Wilson controlled the game. Past Results. - 1904—At Dunedin, Wanganui won by 5 points to 4 points (potted goal). 1906 —At Wanganui, Otago won by 26 points to 4 points. DUNEDIN PAST v. PRESENT, As a curtain-raiser to the WanganuiOtago fixture a match was played between present players of the Dunedin senior team and past 'and representatives of the Dark Blues. The wind in their favour, the Pasts pressed the attack, but the defence was sound. A mis.field b yClarke (the Pasts' full back) let | the Presents away, and Worger scored, j Hubble converting. The Pasts next drove i the Presents back on defence, and in a I scramble on the lino Popplewell gob j across. Paton failed with the kick, but i shortly afterwards made amends by kicking a goal from a mark, At half-time the (score stood —Pasts, 6 points; Presents, 5 points. Assisted by the wind lirj, the second spell the Presents got: into the Pasts' twenty-five, and in a passing rush

I O'Keefo scored. _ No goal was kicked, and the game zig zagged up and down : field. Eventually Worgcr scored again for the Presents, and Robertson converted, the game ending—Presents, 13 points; Pasts, 6 points. WAIRARAPA v. BUSH UNION. PAHIATUA, August 19. The representative match between the Bush and Wairarapa Unions was played here to-day, and resulted as follows: — Wairarapa, 11 points; Bush, 8 points. CANTERBURY v. WANGANUI. - CHRISTCHURCH, August 19. The following team has been selected to play for Canterbury against Wanganui on Saturday next:—Full back, A. E. Doell; three-quarters —D. Guthrie, A. R. Jacobson, R. Pyle; five-eights—H. M. Taylor andi G. D. Gray; half-back, P. J. Burns; forwards—H. V. Murray (wing), T. Carroll, E. Basel!, S W. J. Morgan, J. Auld, W. Oram, A. Morris, and T. Bain. MATCHES IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, August 20. In the Rugby Union matches yesterday University won. handsomely from City by 15 points to 5. University are now virtually level with City, and both have to play the same team. A play-off may be ordered next Saturday. Other senior results were: Marist beat Parnell by 12 points to nil, and Grafton beat Newton by 13 points to nil. MATCHES IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, August 20. Fine weather prevailed for outdoor games yesterday. In the senior football championship Oriental beat St. James by 9 points to 6, Petone beat Poneke by 3 points to 5, Athletic beat Southern by 8 points to nil, Victoria College beat Wellington by 11 points to 6, and Melrose beat Old Boys by 20 points to 3. The schools representative frame Wellington v. Manawatu was won by Wellington by 24- points to nil NEW SOUTH WALES v. QUEENSLAND. SYDNEY, August 20. New South Wales defeated Queensland yesterday by 34 points to 14-. THE DISTRICT SYSTEM. PALMER&TON N., August 21. The Mamawa-tu Rugiby Union has decided to adopt the district system next year, Palmerston being divided 'into four districts and Feildmg into two. - WANGANUI DEFEATED BY SOUTH CANTERBURY. . , TIMARU, August 17. The match between Wanganui and South Canterbury was played here to-day, the home team winning by 16 points to 3. The game was very strenuous, and two players had their jerseys torn off. WELLINGTON v. TARANAKI. WELLINGTON, August 21. The following Rugby team will represent Wellington against Taraniaki on Saturday :—Full back, Evemson; three-quarters— Daly, Michinson, Cook; five-eighths, Jas. Ryan and M'Leod; half back, F. Roberts; forwards —A. Wilson (wing), Hughes, D. Sullivan, Elliott, Moffitt, Perry, Ring, Bell; emergencies—Maofarlane and Kinvig.

THE MAORI TEAM.

DEFEATED BY WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, August 16. The match Wellington v. Maori Touring Team was played here to-day in fine weather. There was only a moderate attendance. In the first half the game was very evenly contested, the Maoris, with the wind behind them, having as much of the play as their . opponents. Playing against the wind In the second spe 1, the visitors were thoroughly outclassed, and were on the defence nearly all the time. They also tired quickly, and offtered only a moderate resistance to the battling Wellington forwards. The game commenced rather sensationally. Securing the ball in his own twentyfive, Cook snowed a clean pair of heels to the whole Maori team, and scored within five irilinutes of the commencement. A few minutes. later Daly, on the other wing, practically repeated the trick, securing the boll' ; at halfway and scoring behind the posts. , Mitchinson easily converted. The Maoris then rallied, and a vigorous, attack on the Wellington line culminated in Grace beating a couple of opponents and scoring near the posts. Rawhiri converted. The only other incident of note in the first spell was that M'Leod, the Wellington full back, beat most Of the opposition and gained nearly the length of the ground, but Ratima saved well. The scores at halftime were: Wellington. 8 points; Maoris, 5 points. " It appeared that Wellington would on their earlier showing moke things merry in the second spell with the wind Dehind them, and such proved to be the ease. Following a fine run by Ryland, there was a serum in front of the Wellington giqal, and Wilson, being too quick in running round, was penalised, but Rawhiri missed an easy chance. Then a rout started. The Wellington backs got going, and Mitchinson, cutting in smartly, gained a lot of ground and passed high to Hills, who scored. Mitchinson failed to , convert. Within a few minutes, from a kick by Mitchinson, Sullivan scored under_ the posts, Mitchinson adding the major points. The Maoris were then quite demoralised. Southeran, following up fast, scored near the corner, Mitchinson converting with a beautiful kick. A minute later < Tilyard ran round behind the posts, Mitchinson again being successful with the kick The game ended: ~ Wellington ... «* 26 points. Maoris ~. «. ••• 5 points. Grace was easily the best of the Maori) backs, his line kicking in the first spell being most accurate. He was not, however, so successful against the wind. The Wellington tackling was too good to allow Kaipara'or Ryland to get far. Takarangi and Winiata were the rhosE prominent of the forwards. M'Leod was very safe at full back for the local team, and aIL the other backs were in_ form, some of the passing being quite brilliant. The forwards were" an even, hard-working lot. MiMeredith controlled the game. DEFEATED BY CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, August 19. The match between the Maori team which is at present touring the Dominion

and Canterbury was played at Lancaster Park this afternoon, and attracted a good attendance of the public. From the spectators' point of view the weather was beautiful, though the players possibly found it somewhat on the warm side. The giame resulted in an easy win for the home team by 25 points to nil, but it was obvious that the Maoris wore feeling the strain of too much travelling and playing, their tour at one stage having included five matches in 14- days. Several of them were unable to show their befit form owing to injuries, and during the game three changes were necessary on this account. The result was an entire lack of dash on the part of the Native players, and the game, which had! been expected to provide a fast and brilliant display of football, was to that ex« tent disappointing. The' Canterbury forwards soon asserted their superiority over their opponents, and the result was that the local backs had plenty of chances. I* cannot be said, however, that the display of the Canterbury rearguard was altogether convincing. Burns, at second five-eights, proved altogether too difficult to follow, and the three-quarter line in consequence was cramped in its opportunities. AUCKLAND REFEREES. OUT OnTtEIKE. AUCKLAND, August 16. The Auckland Rugby Referees' Association went on strike. this evenine. The referees asked last week for a free handi in tho appointments for club matches and for consultation when appointments were being made for representative matches. The Auckland Union decided that the by laws forbad© acceding to the first request, but agreed to the latter. The actual cause of the strike is said to have arisen from} a remark made by the secretary of tho Auckland Rugby Union to the' president of the Referees' Association regarding past appointments for representative matches, and a withdrawal of this was demanded and refused. Hence the strike. A conference will be held to-morrow.

r O Q c3 a. & ■s' ■2 £ bo a •S I Won. d § 64 O to o s .s £ 12 c 'o dn bo Gimmerburn ... 9 4 3 2 48 31 11 Matakanui ... 8 4 2 2 78 44 10 Ranfurly St. Batnans ... 8 4 0 4 54 60 8 ... 7 1 1 5 13 87 3