FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 52

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO R E PRESENT ATI V E FIXTURES. The folio wing are the Otago represents tivo fixtures for the season : August 16 —v. Canterbury. August 23—v. South Canterbury. September 6—v. Wairarapa. September 15—New Zealand v. Australia September 17—v. Wellington. September 27—v. Southland. AUSTRALIAN RUGBY TEAM’S TOUR IN NEW ZEALAND. Wednesday, August 27—Versus Auckland, at Auckland. Saturday, August 30 —Versus Taranaki, at Now Plymouth. Wednesday. September s—Versus5 —Versus W anganui, at Wanganui. Saturday, September 6—Versus New Zealand, at Well ington. Wednesday, September 10—Versus Southland, at Invercargill. Saturday, September 13 —Versus New Zealand, at Dunedin. Wednesday, September 17 —Versus South Canterbury, at Titnaru. Saturday, September 20 —Versus New Zealand, at Christchurch. Wednesday. September 24 —Versus Marlborough. at Blenheim. RUGBY. Bi Full Bacs. Several members of the Otago Rugby Uniou propose journeying to Cnristchurcli to witness the North and South Island match on Saturday. They will leave by Friday’s steamer, and return on Sunday. The Maori team play a match against South Canterbury at Titnaru on Thursday, and arrangements are being made to play Wellington on Saturday. This: will end the lour so far as the Maoris are concerned. Among the spectators who witnessed the match Maoris v. Otago at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday was Mr 11. Galbraith, the well-known ex-player and football log Is lator. Mr Galbraith has left Invercargill, where ho has resided practically all his life, and has now taken up his residence in Ashburton. The Now Zealand team for America, which is to bo selected after the North and South Island match at Christchurch on Saturday, ia exciting considerable interest, and the personnel of the side is certain to be keenly discussed. The task of the selectors is by no means easy, and even when the team has been selected, the players will probably experience difficulty in getting away for the three months tour. I cannot help thinking that the New Zealand Union were over-hasty in accepting the invitation of the Californian Union for a New Zealand team to visit California this season. Next season would have been much more suitable by reason of the fact that there ia every possibility of the English Union extending an invitation to a New Zealand team. At the end of next season, then, a New Zealand team could have returned the visit of the coming Australian team, proceeded to California and played two or three matches there, and then gone on to England. Now, what happens if England extends an invitation to New Zealand at the end of next season? A Now Zealand train will have to he sent to Australia, but it is unlikely that, following on the tour to California this season, another New Zealand team will be got together to tour England nixt year. The New Zealand tea.m for California 'eaves Wellington by the Willochra on September 12. going via the Cook Is'ands and Papeete. The return trip will probably be made in the Niagara from Vancouver, via Honolulu, and Fiji, reaching Auckland on December Ifj. Speaking at the annual meeting of the English Rugby Union the other day, Mr A. Hartley, the newly-elected president, said he was pleased to take office at a time when the committee was on friendly terms with the colonics. The latter had helped them, cspec'ally with finance. In due course they hoped to welcome a colonial team; but it was not practical for these tours to take place every year, oy even in alternate years. My esteemed correspondent with the New Zealand University tram in Sydney, writing after the second match of the tour, which New Zealand won by 21 i*>;rits to 19, says: “As you will know, we won our second game against Sydney University by 21 to 19. It was a very exciting game, and one of the fastest I have over played in. The papem here are going mad about our play, and everyone who sees us congratulates us. Sydney, too, playing far above form, and give us very close goes. On W ednesday we were down by 13 points to 3 at halftime, and soon after the start Sydney •scored again, making it 16—3; and he had only half an hour left. However, we did it. The forwards were simply magnificent— Fisher and Kidd, as usual, in tiie vanguard. Their loose rushes were irresistible. The backs were good too; hut the feature of the game was Child’s place-kicking. 1 have never seen anything like it at any time. lie had seven shots, the majority of them difficult angles and oui past the twenty-five. And yet ho kicked live beautiful goals, and the other two fell short. It was "grand. Cuthdl still delighted the crowd with "his plav, ami they are picking him as an “AH'Black” easily. To-day w c - are playing the Metropolitan team, which is picked from the Sydney clubs and contains nine New South Wales reps., so wo are not feeling too confident to-day. Next Wednesday we are playing the University again, anil that ought to bo a real good iro.” [New Zealand won both these matches, completing an unbeaten record as follows: Defeated Sydney University (throe times), 14—11, 21 —19. 30 15, and Metropolitan ream, 27—10. Full Back.] _ The team gave two stirring Maori warcries. and Mr Bradclon, when ho had to respond to the toast of his health, said ho remembered when Taiaroa, a graduate from New Zealand, was in Newcastle, he was asked to speak in Maori. Ho accordingly recited the Lord’s Prayer in Maori, ami the chairman thanked him for all the kind tilings he had said of the footballers of Newcastle.

Dear "I'lil! Back,” —After the poor, dispJay of the Otago team last Saturday it is evident that a Dig alteration is needed in the personnel of the team. Do you not rh. nk tnc following team would be a much stronger one—viz. Dull back. Watson; three-quarters—Baird, Cuthill, and Harris; five-eighths—Curran and William*, half back, Drydcn ; forwards —Cascv, Williams. Symonris, Fisher, At’Donald. MuCcllar, Patterson, and Skinner;- Patterson and M’Kcllar were in the New Zealand team that visited Australia in 1910, and Skinner was ;n the Wen mg ton team, J believe, last year, and yet these players are left out of an Otago team. I am etc., Disappointed.— L I he form displayed on Saturday by the Otago team was too bad to be the true form of t.lio team. With Cuthill as centre we may expect a big improvement in the backs, while the forwards are certain to go better in the next engagement.—Full Back.] • Foil Back,” —Once again Jack Stalker proved his mettle when by scoring the only try registered against Hawke's Bay on Saturday and converting same J;c won the match tor the local representatives. The game in the second spell was full of incidents. arid rem nded one of olden days, when football was football. —I am, etc., lOx-Dcxkdimte, Palmerston North, July 16. 'I he Auckland Referees’ Association submitted the following noints to the New Zealand Referees' Association last week, and asked tor a ruling:—(l) From a kick from a mark in goal by the defending side, the ball strikes the goal-peat and rebounds back into the hands of an attacking player who is standing at the mark. Ho promptly puts the ball down on the ground. Can ho claim a try? Answer: Yes a try should be awarded. (2) At the kick-ofi’i the ball is kicked less than 10 yards and is immediately played again by one of the kicker's side. Is this allowable?—-Provided no appeal is made by the opposing side, play should be allowed to proceed. The following questions were submitted by the Wellington Rugby Referees’ Asso. ciation : (1) What is the correct way to restart the game under sub-section B of law. 3? —In all cases where a player is ordered off, the game will bo restarted by a freekick only where tho laws provide for a. free-kick being given for the offence tor which tho player is ordered off. In all other eases by a scrum, unless the' offence occurred in touch in which case the ball should bo thrown out of touch. What some critics regard as a sign of weakness has boon d splayed by the English Rugby Union. For the first time since 1895, that body lias seriously altered its attitude in regard to tho laws touching professionalism. In future individual transgressions are to bo dealt with on their merits. There will bo degrees of offensive ness in what is done, and punishment will bo meted out accordingly. The General Committee has adopted a law under which players may be reinstated. * As illustrating the progress of amateur Rugby in England, the following figures are interesting;—ln 1909 the profit from the Australian match at Bhickheath was £325; under the new financial scheme the profit from the South African tour last year was £3313; the French match at Leicester in 1909 yielded £226 profit, last season it returned £764; the Scottish match at Rchmond in 1909 left a profit of £936, last year the same match produced a surplus of £3126. Again, in 1909 th.e union had an overdraft, and tiic debenture issue stood at £5600. The sum of £15,991 was at that time expended on tho Twickenham ground. Now that property is valued at £24,065. and instead of an overdraft the union has a credit ba.ance *>f £3661. All of which facts fro to illustrate the increasing popularity of the game. Cuthill and Withers, the Otago University players, have been making history in Sydney. Whhers’s try for the Maonlanders in the second game against Sydney University must find a place in my records of the game as “ one of tho best ’ (writes •• Arawa ” in the Daily Telegraph). I have seen some groat, individual scores Jn my time, some on the wings, won eitner by pace or strength, some gained by phenomenal dash and trickiness over a space of a few yards. Hut this affair of Withers s eclipsed them all for prolonged merit. Ho began in the middle of the held, and really ran through the whole side. Ho did not make for the open, but flashed, whisked, treaded, and snaked his way at a ripping rate through ” forwards, half-backs, threequarters, and all,” and then, perhaps, to his own profound astonishment, so electrifying was it all, ho found no one but the full back in front of him, and victory for his side. He seemed to realise that it was really time to hurry up, and he raced diagonally past tho fu'l back, and endyd a most astonishing effort. Standing behind one goal, and watching Withers streak his way through the higgledy-piggledy until, panting and puffed, he grounded tho ball under the other, was like watching a man trying to trace the irregular tracks of eccentric lightning. Both friend and foe wildly cheered this part eel, part will o' th’ wisp, effort of the slick New Zealander. ” Much of the spcctacularity of the game on the Black si<ie was provided by the light-haired Cuihill, who came to us “ unhonoured and unsung,” but he will not leave ns so. This sturdy young gentleman from Otago is in promise one of the best centre three-quarters New Zealand Union Rugby, so prolific in “ first-class A 1 at Lloyd’s ” backs, has sent us since the days of the dumpy Macgicgor, who insisted on appearing in a slouch hat, to assist in bewildering crowds at the Cricket Ground in the pa.'my days of the famous 1903 team. Since then we have seen no centre threequarter the equal of this unassuming University captain in black. He has got beautiful “ hands,” he takes the hall like an angel, and ho kicks quickly, strongly, and irritatingly far. He is a powerful chap, much more so than ho looks; runs with his knees well up and his legs in a swervy fashion, which makes it puzzling for tho enemy to decide how they are going to got him. and. above ak —in these days of machine-like running and passing to tho side —he goes straight ahead, keeps the fun going inerrilv. and to tho unbounded admiration of liis own side and the envy of the others, gets his wings into delightful scoring positions. The crowd on Wednesday were so delighted with this dashing Now Zealander that they yelled. ‘ Give it to Snowy,’ and there were many Sydney men who cheerily honoured the enemy’s captain. We shall hear of Cuthill again.” The once famous Otago and New Zealand footballer, 11. Braddon, who was a member of the first Now Zealand team to visit New South Wales in 1884, and of whom many good stories arc told in connection with tho tackling of Whiteside, the Aucklander, in a memorable match in Dunedin many years ago, is in Sydney. Fittingly enough Braddon presided over a complimentary luncheon to th»

Kew Zealand University team the other day. Braddon gave the toast, “Our Visitors,” and praised those who kept the amateur flag of Rugby Union football flying in preference to the professional game. He said he was one of the members of the New Zealand team which came to Sydney in ISB4. He complimented the visitors and their opponents upon their sterling and sportsmanlike play. He remembered the first intrusion of the desire for money reward for football in New Zealand. It was when Bob Whiteside, a clover player, who could do his ICO in lOiscc, was asked to go to Sydney with the New Zealand .fifteen. Whiteside said he wmdd go if he were given £25 to compensate him for his loss of business while away. Needless to say, the proviso was turned down, and there were no more communications with the player respecting representing his country in amateur sport. Recently a League team, why’ll purported to be a Now Zealand one, was in Sydney. Well, if it represented the best footballers the Dominion could produce he had no hesitation in saying that the 1884 team could have “ eaten them.” He was glad to hear that the League was not progressing in New Zealand, and that it had failed to get a footing at all in Dunedin. The amateur game produced a reputation for sportsmanship which would stand a man in good stead throughout his life. lie constantly met in his business career friends who Pad been his respected opponents on the field. The detention of the New Zealand University team in Sydney has occasioned some alterations in the Otago team to meet the Maori’s on Saturday. Watson now takes the place of Cut hill in the centre, Baird filling the vacancy on the wing, while Woodrow-, in the absence of Fisher, goes in in the forward division. An Otago member of the New Zealand University team in Sydney writing me after the first match against the Sydney University team, says: — “As you will know before this gets to you, we were victorious in our match on Saturday. The winning of the match, however, was not the greatest victory. The triumph lay in the fact that our game is recognised on all sides to 'have been the best exhibition of Rugby Union football seen in Sydney for veal’s. It was about the fastest game I have ever played in, and most of the others say just the same thing. At our reception by the New South Wales Rugby Union, Judge Backhouse said ho thought it would be a good thing to make some alterations in the rules in the direction of making the game faster. This morning he had a. letter in the press saying that after seeing our game on Saturday he retracted all he had previously said, and said that if the Union game was played as we played it and in the same spirit, then we had nothing to fear from the League. Everyone says the same thing who saw the match, and those who did not see it are all regretting the fact. Cuthill was the hero of the day, and simply astounded everyone by Ids running and kicking. Every time Jock got the ball there was something doing. Childs scored the first try of the tour, and it was a first-rater. There was a scrum near the lino, and I saw Childs get the ball and disappear entirely among the forwards. The next thing was he reappeared on the other side of them a moment later, having crossed the line. Fishor and Kidd played fine games, the latter especially showing great form, being on the ball from start to flush. Of course, everyone is in good condition, as wo train solidly every day. Our forwards, though much smaller than the Sydney forwards, got their fair share in the scrums, and were easily superior in the loose. The Sydney backs were very fast, and did thenbest to make the game open, but they lacked the necessary finish. They had a grand place-kick in Reynolds, who outshone anything which we had. Several old University players have told us that it was the finest University game they have ever seen, and that Cuthill is the best man they have seen play in a University game. A great feature of the game was the splendid tackling on both sidtjs. The New South Wales team was supposed to go to Queensland this week, but owing to the smallpox they cannot go. Therefore the team that we will be playing on Saturday will bo practically a New South Wales representative team, and so we will get a good idea of what we are worth.” [The New Zealand University won this match by 27 points to 10 points.—Fuu, Back.] My correspondent forwards press opinions of two of the most prominent Otago players in the match against Sydney University. One critic says: —“The most prominent player of the day, however, was on the New Zealand side. Li their captain. Cuthill, the Blacks have a player of doc cledly international rank. His running, handling, and general all round soundness was that of a groat player. Childs, tho halfback, though of somewhat Herculean proportions (to our eyes) for tho position, was distinctly good.” Another says:—“The player who caught the public eye most was the visiting skipper. J. Cuthill. Elusive as many of the famous Now Zealand backs who have toured Australia, he wa« a thorn in tho side of tile Bluo-and-Gold throughout the entire game. Childs. the New Zealand halfback, played very cleverly. He varied liis work nicclv. either feinting around or whipping the bull out and backing up-” At the annual meeting of the English Rugby Union hn]d recently Mr George Harnett, who will be remembered as manager of the British team in New Zealand in 1908, asked for explicit information concerning the next colonial (New Zealand) tour. The chan-man (Mr C. M. Crook) said that the matter would receive the earnest attention of (lie committee. The new president of the English Union is Mr A. Hartley, of Yorkshire. WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION. WELLINGTON, July 15. At a meeting of tho Wellington Rugby Union to-night R. Baton, of the Athletic team, was severely cautioned for rough play, and E. Osborne, of the same club was disqualified till the end of the season for striking another player. M'Leod, of the Oriental Club, was also disqualified till the end of tile season for striking another player. NEW ZEALAND UNION. WELLINGTON, June 16.^ The Management Committee of the X.Z Rugbv Union to-night received a letter from the English Union regarding the reinstatement of players who had signed the Northern Union form or had played with or against Northern Union players. The letter proceeded: “My committee have considered the matter, but are unable to relax the rules for players of maturer ace than 17. Here the reinstatement of youths under 17 lias been in certain districts helpful in controverting the machinations of

Northern Union emissaries. Each case, however, has to be very carefully judged on its merits, and it is not obligatory for your union either to adopt or make a trial of it.” It was decided that a copy of the loiter be sent to all unions, with a letter pointing out that only this committee had power to exercise the discretion, and that this discretion would bo exercised only in very exceptional cases.” In reply to a communication from the Wanganui Union in regard to the payment of expenses to members of the New Zealand team for California, it was decided to inform it of the decision already arrived at on the matter —that no daily allowance will be made, but that all reasonable travelling expenses will be paid. In connection with the North v. South Island match, to bo played at Christchurch on July 26, it was decided to instruct tho South Island team to assemble at Christchurch not later than July 24, and the North Island team not later than July 25. It was decided to ask Mr G. H. Mason (Christchurch), president of the union, to accept tho position of manager of the New Zealand team for California. NORTH ISLAND TEAM. WELLINGTON, July 16. The following team will represent t lie North Island against the South Island at Christchurch on July 26:—O’Leary (Auckland), Roberts (Taranaki), Stohr (Taranaki), Gcddis (Auckland), Ramsdcn (Wellington), E. Roberts (Wellington), Dustin (Wanganui), Sellars (Auckland), Cain (Taranaki), Gillespie (Wellington), M'Kcnzic (Wairarapa), Baton (Wellington'), Bruce (Auckland), M ’Gregor (Auckland). NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY TEAM. SYDNEY, July 16. The New Zealand University team completed their lour to-day. They maintained their unbeaten record by placing the third match against Sydney University to their credit by 30 points to 15. Tho weather was fine, and the attendance mfrnbered ai>out 1000. The home team opened strongly, placing two converted tries to their credit in the first quarter of an hour. For the icmaindor of the spell the visitors were in tho ascendant, Fisher (from u lino-out) and Cartwright (from a scrum) scoring tries, which were not converted. At half-time Sydney led by 10 points to 6d. In the second half the New Zealanders livened up, and ran over their opponents. Their play and combination were excellent, and towards the close brilliant. Fairo obtained two trios, Quillian, Fisher, Baulson, and Fawcett one each. Childs converted two of them and Ryan one. Sydney scored a try, which was converted. OTAGO RUGBY UNION. The weekly meeting of the Otago Rugby Union was hold on Monday evening, was attended by Messrs H. Harris (in the chair), Dunne, Miscall, Sinclair, 'Thomson, Dey, Stuart, Brown, Driest, Cavanagh, Maudes, Wilson, Nelson, and Dr Evans. CORRESI'OX PENCE. C. Connor was granted a transfer from the Havensbuurnc Club to the Clyde Club (Central Otago). G. Harrhy’s application for a transfer from the Alhambra Club to the Port Chalmers Club was noted, bur he was informed that lie could not play for the latter this season. 'The Secretary reported that August 16 had been arranged as the date of the junior representative match with Canterbury, and August 14 for the match with North Otago. Mr F. Dodgshun wrote requesting that the match between teams drawn from the Waihemo and Waikouaiti counties and the Otago junior representatives might be arranged to take place in Dunedin. —It was decided to play the fixture on August 23-as a curtain-raised to the South CantcrburyOtago match. It was decided to grant £3O to the Referees’ Association towards the expenses incurred during the year. TWO PLAYERS SUSPENDED. The charge of misbehaviour against a player named W. Reddington, w ho had been ordered off thg ground by the referee in the Alhambra-Union match of July 2 was considered. The matter had been introduced at tho previous meeting by a letter from Mr A. J. Brown, in which he stated that Reddington had been talk ng a great deal, and had returned to the field after being ordered to leave. In a statement to the committee Mr Brown said that the game (which was played on a Wednesday afternoon) had been getting out of control, and Reddington had Item talking a great deal, and appealed against the other side very frequently. On one occasion he advised hi<- own side to play the man, not the ball, and for that he was ordered off the field. The Chairman: Had you previously cautioned him? Mr Brown; I cautioned him for talking, and (hen ordered hint off for inciting the others to play the man. Reddington stated that ho had not played off-side, and had only Appealed to the referee for a scrum on one occasion when the ball was not thrown in straight. The Chairman: The referee says you left the field and then returned again. Yhy did you do that? Reddington ; I was somewhat excited, and if was just on the call of time. In reply to the chairman, the Referee stated that Reddington had been ordered off the field some ten minutes before ho returned to the ground. Reddington. in reply to Mr Driest, stated that he had mu incited the members of his team to play the man and not the ball. The player and the referee having retired the Chairman asked for a motion. Mr Sarnies slated that fir's man bad evidently been a source of annoyance to the referee. The most serious part of his offence consisted in returning to the field after having been ordered off. He moved —“That Reddington be suspended until the end of 1915.” Mr Dunne seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. A further letter was received from Mr Brown staling that in the Wednesday match' between the Alhambra and Locomotive teams a player named Keen had been ordered off the field for questioning his ruling As Keen did not appear before the committee it was decided on the motion of Mr Priest, seconded by Dr Evans, that be be suspended during the- pleasure of the committee. A nOUP.I.K PUNISHMENT. Mr T! lomson said he was very much surprised to observe a man present at the match between the Maori team and Otago on Saturday as an emergency who bad been suspended for two years for deliberately kicking another player.

The Chairman pointed out that this suspension took place four years ago, and added that it could not be inferred that the man was a foul player now. Mr Thomson: The action of the Selection Committee is not in sympathy with the motion passed at the annual meeting of delegates, that a man's conduct both on and oil the field had to be taken into consideration. Mr Nelson : If Mr Thomsoni. looks back over this player’s record for the past two years and a-iia!f he will find that he has made no mistakes and is now playing a thoroughly clean game. Mr Thomson reiterated his statements that this man's selection was not in sympathy with the motion passed at the annual meeting, and added that he did not think the Selection Committee was doing its duty. The Chairman: The committee of the Rugby Union should not hold that suspension up to the player again. He lias been sufficiently punished for his offence. Mr Thomson: if a man is bad enough to kick another deliberately he should not be chosen again for a representative team. The Chairman: 1 do not agree with you. He might see the error of his ways. Mr Thomson, however, persisted in his former statement that it did not make Unclean siKirt if- a man who would kick another was subsequently allowed to play. The Chairman explained that at the time the committee had gone fully into the case and stated that if the man had deserved a longer suspension he would have got it. The player had, however, served his term, and that remedied the matter. He was again a clean player in the eyes of the committee, and it could not now take any cognisance of what had happened in the past. Mr Thomson: There is no justification for a man kicking another, and anyone who has done* so lues no right to be playing for his province again. The Chairman : Then you nfust blame the committee of four years ago, which imposed the suspension. Mr Thomson: I consider that the people who selected this man as an emergency did not observe the terms of the resolution passed by the delegates. Mr .Stuart: I object to Mr Thomson persecuting a player. It is like hitting a player when he is down. The Chairman: I am sorry we cannot agree with Mr Thomson. 'The Selection Committee certainly has to take into consideraton a man’s conduct, but that must only be judged from his play during the present season. The Selection Committee had done that during the present season. Mr Thomson : If the members of the Selection Committee will say they have done so I will be satisfied. Mr Cavanagh ; I do not think Mr Thomson should ask that question. The Chairman; Mr Cavanagh stated at the meeting- last week that he wa-S aware of the resolution carried at the annual meeting. and if ho knew' of it lie would act upon it. If not, the only thing they could do was to ask that committee to resign. Mr Thomson: I only want the Selection Committee to say “Yes” or “No.” Mr Cavanagh: it is not a fair thing to ask that question. I will resign if Mr Thomson thinks I am not fit for the position. The Chairman: I do not think that is necessary. If I were a member of the committee I would not answer the question. Mr Thomson: Surely the committee can say “Yes” or “No ’ to the question? The Chairman: 1 think your only remedy is to move u vote of no-confidence in the committee. If not, the matter should be allowed to drop. Mr Nelson: It is not fair of Mr Thomson to bring up matters of this kind at all. He has no right to drag up the name of a player who has served his punishment. Mi- Thomson: I will keep doing it in the ease of those who are not clean players or football will never bo cleaned up. The Chairman ; Have you anything further to say, Mr Nelson. Mr Nelson ; No. 1 think it is a waste of 1 ime.—(Laughter.) NEW ZEALAND TEAM FOR AMERICA. Mr V. Cavanagh, one of the selectors of the New Zealand team for America, advises us that the New Zealand team will be selected in Christchurch after the North v. South Islands match on Saturday, 26rh inst. SOUTH OTAGO MATCHES. The following table shows the respective positions of the various teams in the senior competition : • £ & -s -3 C .£ ra - js .? S £ J2 » JT P-t t-3 Q C-t to to Tokomairiro 6 5 0 1 36 6 11 Owaka 6 4 0 2 57 20 10 Clinton 7 2 4 1 18 31 5 Chit ha 7 2 5 0 39 71 4 Stirling 4 C 4 0 3 25 0 Stirling defaidtcd to Milton and Clinton, and withdrew from I lie second round. TOKOMAIRIRO v. CLINTON. After a hard-fought game at Clinton on Saturday Tokomairiro heat Clinton by 5 points to 3. ’There was no score in the first spell, the backs on Ixnh sides failing to get into their stride. About 20 minutes before time Moffat passed to Stevens, who after a good run scored, Ellis failing to convert. 'This put the home team in the lead by three points, and Toko then livened up. from Toko ground Naylor led , a dribbling run right up the field, and it culminated in (J. Lane getting the bail 10 yards off the line and scoring in a iiosition which made it easy for W. Reid to c onvert. Clinton then attacked and made hard efforts to score, but were repulsed. OWAKA v. CLUTHA. Although Ow-aka scored 23 points to Glut ha’s 6. the game played at Balclutha on Saturday was not as one-sided as the scores would indicate For the most part it was a forward game, in which the losers held their own, but when Owaka got away on rushes the Clutha backs —in which Cuff (full-back) was the only sound man— failed badly. 'There was no score till about 15 minutes’ play had gone, Clutha haying had slightly the' best of mutters. Then the Owaka forwards rushed down speedily, Cuff was knocked over before he could get to the ball, and Spence scored. The kick was futile. .Shortly afterwards Patterson dropkicked a goaf, the ball striking the crossbar and rolling over. Before half-time Duff scored from a dribbling rush, 'Patterson converting and thus bringing Owaka’s score to 12 points. Directly after the kick-off Hair

got the leather from a rebound, and scored for Clutha. The kick was a poor one. Patterson notched his second score for Owaka, getting a pass from Tobin and running well. Beattie kicked a penalty goal, bringing Chitlin's points to six. Before the call of time Wilson and Patterson again scored from passing rushes, the latter converting the last try. INTER-ISLAND MATCH. The Otago members of the South Island team —Scott, Williams, Douglas. M‘Donald, and Graham (emergency)—will leave fot Christchurch by the second express on Thursday. Cuthill. who is returning with the New Zealand University team, will arrive in Wellington on Wednesday, and will roach Christchurch on Thursday morning. THE MAORI TEAM. WIN AGAINST SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL. July 17. The Maori team yesterday boat Southland by 8 points (two tries—-one converted) to 5 points (a converted try). The weather was very showery, and the ball difficult to handle. Southland had the Maoris on defence for most of the game, and were rather unfortunate in losing. MAORI TEAM v. OTAGO. A DRAWN GAME. Dunedin has a happy turn in its reception of Maori football teams, and Saturday showed the old warmth of welcome to the Maori team. Not on y were the Maoris received joyously, but they were graced with the largest attendance (over 6000 spectators) of their tour, treated to a perfect day, and a dry ground and a dry ball. The Otago team was compelled to undergo two changes from the team originally selected, and the absence of Cuthill from the centre of the three-quarter line was severely felt. The Maori team was heavier back and forward than Otago, and the extra weight told in the scrum Despite the favourable conditions under which the match was played, the standard of football was poor, ami degrees below representative form. In the first spoil, play rambled up and down the field in a tired and listless fashion, with an occasional forward rush as a bright spot in the monotony. Neither side showed any particular combination, and while there was execution finish was totally lacking. Playin the first spell may be best described as haphazard, but the second half saw a welcome change. This spell was as bright and interesting us the first bad been dull and lifeless. There was patj-, colour, life, and incident in this half, but all through the football was of low quality. Otago secured the ball from the scrums, but the Maoris, playing close on to, if not actually on top of, the Blues’ backs, smothered the attacks almost at the outset. Otago flung a series of passing rushes at the Maori line, but the tackling of the Natives was sound, and they repeatedly cleared from dangerous positions by bursting clean through the Otago forwards. The Maoris made a lot of .play off the innumerable mistakes of the Otago backs, who were fielding bad'y and failing to stop the forward rushes. The kicking, too, of the Otago backs was poor, and the Blues' forwards were raced off their legs by the good returns of Grace and Hughes. Two minutes after the start of the game Eokhold. in going down to a rush, received a kick full in the face. lie went down like a log. and it was anticipated that ho was ser'ousiy hurt. Blood was streaming from his face at he left the field to have Ills injuries attended to. He resumed play a quarter of an hour later, but the marks of the laceration, plainly visible, showed how severe had been the injury. There was a good deal of reckless and indiscriminate kicking in the game, and the wonder is that more players were not injured. Mr A. Downes was referee. The teams were as follow: MAORIS. Full back. J. Hughes (11.12). I’hroe-nuarteis — C. R viand (13.8), Ru Kingi (12.6), 11. Grace (13.10). Five-eighths— C. Woods (11.6), Tahiwi (11.0). Half back, P. Blake (10.2). Forwards—J. Hiabia (12.8). 1). Sma’l (11.8), C. Tipene (12.6), J. Wahia (15.6). >S. French (13.10). J. Martin (15.6), (J. Paki (13.10), J. Jacobs (14.2). OTAGO. Full back, G. iScott (12.0). Three-quarters—J. Baird (11.7), E. Watson (11.0) R. Harris (11.4). Five-cighths—F. Richardson (12.0). F. Williams (10.4). Half back, A. Eckhold (10.6). Forwards—S. (,'asev (12.2), I*. Williams (12.2), A. M ‘Donald (captain, 12.7), J Irvine (14.5), T. Woodrow (12.4). J. Graham (13.0) J. Douglas (13.0), T. Smith (12.12). The Maoris won the toss, and Graham kicked off for Otago, who defended the southern goal. From a line-out in the Maori twenty-five the ball travelled across the field, and Williams found the line a few yards from the Maori goal. Eckhold went down to slop a Maori forward rush, and received a kick on the head which necessitated his removal from tlie field. Williams meanwhile went up behind the scrum. Grace put in a good kick, and Blake swung round the tail-end of the Otago defence, and shifted play to half-way. Blake again snapped up the ball from a serum, and, slipping round, got the side-line past half-way. An Otago rush, headed by M‘Donald, was well stopped by Grace, and for offside play Otago were awarded a free kick, from which Graham just failed to kick a goal. Williams got tlie bail away from a scrum, and passed to Baird, bur the wing threequarter finished badly. Elkhold came on at this stage. Hughes, the Maori full back, found a good line at half-way. The teams had so far not got warmed up to the play, which was tame and uninteresting. Woodrow broke away at the head of a forward rush to be turned back by Hyland, who opened up a fine piece of play, -which, however, left Otago fighting it out in the Maori twenty-five. A free kick to Otago saw Scott’s kick go outside the posts. From a scrum Eckhold got the ball away to Williams. who sent it on to M atson, but Harris missed the subsequent pass in a good position near the line. Eckhold broke away on his own. and raced through looking round for someone to pass to, and, finding no one, kicked. The subsequent play was fast, and bad fielding by the Otago bocks let the Maoris right down on the Otago line, where Scott was lucky in forcing down. A had kick by the Otago hacks was saved by Baird, who came through on his own, having drawn the whole of the Maori defence. This let Otago again in on an attacking position. Eckhold, who was playing well, sent a quick pas' out to Williams, who sent it on to Richardson, who in turn passed to

Harris, but that player was overwhelmed. Play worked to the corner, where Williams was thrown into touch, and Otago had a free kick. The referee clec laved “no charge” against tho Natives, but the kick failed. Otago were getting the bull from the scrums, and Williams broke away single-handed, but tho scene of action was changed by Ru Kingi breaking through the Otago defence. After making a good run he passed, but the ball was not taken, and Otago came away again in a loose rush A poor return by Scott from a kick by Grace left the .Maoris in the Otago twenty-live, where they attempted a pissing rush, but the stalwart Grace wan brought down. M'Doinald and Woodrow headed an Otago rush, which Hughes stopped with a kick winch Harris fielded. The wing three-quarter attempted to dash through, but was tackled before getting far. Grace and Ru King; were kicking well for the Natives, but the Otago backs were kicking poorly, and letting down badly. From one such lapse the Maoris got right under the Otago goal, where a free kick relieved the pressure. The Maoris had a free kick inside the halfway, but Grace's kick went outside. Grace, who was taking all the free kicks, got a good line abutting on the Otago goal, but Scott relieved the pressure Grace fielded the Otago full-back’s' return, and had a left-foot pot at goal, which forced Otago. Exchange kicks by Eck'hold and Hughes left the play at; midfield, where the Otago forwards came away with the bud at too. Grace stopped the rush with a mark, and the ball went out at half-way. The bell was then rung for half-time, with no score. The second spell opened with Otago haring the advantage of the wind, which increased in strength from the harbour end. The first piece of play of note was a passout by Eck’hold to Williams, who passed to Harris, and lot that player into an attacking position. Play swung m front bf the Maori’s goal, but the Otago backs were not equal to the position, and after somo ragged play the Maoris cleared. Play scrambled across field, and then the game opened suddenly by Tahiwi, who bored through and passed to Ru King!, who led a charmed life dodging amongst the Otago players, but being unable to cross the lino. Williams relieved, and the subsequent play saw Harris break away on the left wing and racing down the toupbline, was making his way to the Maori goal when *he was tackled from the side Play was now faster. Tha Maoris broke through, but Richardson came to the rescue with a good mark. Tha Maoris were trying passing but the boll was badly bandied. Then Richardson’s kick was charged down, and the rebound let the Maoris away with an almost clear field in front, but Williams kicked the ball away from under Tipene’s feet just on the Otago goal lino. It was a close call for Otago. The Maoris were off again, Grace passing t>ul to Ryland, who was stopped by Scott. Then Fred Williams made a nice opening and kicked into the Maoris’ twentyfive. M’Doriald took tho Ixill on. but it went over the line, and a force resulted. The kick out brought no relief, and Baird kicked over the Maori line. Grace found the side line, and from the lino-out tho Maoris broke away. The Otago Uuka failed badly, and the ball was taken over the line, mid appeared to be fallen on by a Maori forward. The referee awarded a serum five yards out, which Otago carried, and the scene of action was removed to midfield. Ryland broke away on the right wing and looked like scoring when Scott stopped the rush. Blake took a. mark in front of Otago’s goal, and the referee awarding no charge, Grace had an uninterrupted kick and sent the ball, fairly over the bar. Maoris 3 points. Otago a Nil. After tile kick-off Eckliold got a pass out to Harris, who made a bold dash, and was just tackled on tho line. A rnlskiek threatened to bring trouble to tho Maoris, who were lighting desperately to clear the line. Eckhold got the ball from a scrum, hut instead of passing out, in front of the Maori goal, attempted to go on bis own. and the Maoris cleared. Otago attacked nga>n, and were awarded a free kick. The hall was placed for Watson, who succeeded in putting it, over. Maoris 3 points. Otago 3 points. On the resumption of play Han is turned a complete somersault over the back of hiwi. Play was now fast and furious, Maori ami pakeha bowling each other over like ninepins, and the plav leading to nowhere in particular. Eckhold had his jersey torn oft in the melee. Each time Otago got down to the lin > the Maoris came away through the weak defence. Otago were making desperate effort.-) to get across, but the tackling of the Maoris was good. Harris and Williams were collared in rapid succession, and then Grace shifted play by taking the ball from the end of a long lineont. Following up quickly, Grace tackled Watson, who then passed to Baird, this player finding the line. Eckhold raced across with a pass which he gave to Richardson, who transferred to Watson. That player attempted to cut in, and doing so, cut out Harris, who was waiting for the pass. Again -Eckhold passed out, but dliarns missed the ball, and the Maoris broko through the gap. Back caino the , play again, Eckhold passing to Harris ’then tho ball shot along the chain of the Otago backs to Baird, who was tackled right on the line. The Maoris cut off a pass and kicked high. Scott kicked hard down to the Maoris’ line, where Williams was all but over. Then Otago had a free kick, winch Watson failed to improve, and the game ended in a draw. Otago 3 points. Maoris 3 points. THE RANFURLY SHIELD. AUCKLAND BEAT WELLINGTON. AUCKLAND, July 19. The Ranfurly Shield match Auckland y. Wellington was played here to-day in atrocious weather. Heavy rain fell over night, and continued all tho morning and most of the afternoon. A strong southeasterly wind added to the unpleasantness, but. nevertheless, there was an attendance of about 7000. Auckland won by 6 points to 5, but they were lucky to win. Auckland's strength lay in the forwards, who played well in the mud. but the backs were much below tho Wellington players, who handled the greasy l>a!l really well, fortune favoured Auckland throughout, but never smiled on the Blacks. The genera) opinion is that Wellington would have won on a dry day. Wellington won (lie toss and played with a fairly strong wind. Roberts secured tho ball, and after running to the twenty-five,

he parsed to Mitchinson, who kicked well down, O’Leary finding the line at the twenty-five. Wellington set up a bold attack, but Geddes relieved. A long kick by Kinvig was mulled by M’Gregor, and the Wellington forwards followed up the advantage, Auckland being compelled to force. Even play followed, and then Seilers initiated a forward rush, which removed the scene of action to the Wellington twentylive, but good kicking by the Blacks relieved the pressure. Play remained about the Auckland twenty-five for some minutes, O’Leary ultimately bringing relief in a good stylo. \\ ellington, playing with plenty of dash, were soon back again, and Auckland had a busy few minutes. Then Geddes broke through, but he was unsupported, and was collared by Evenson. Olsen gained a bit of ground with a nippy run, but speculations by the Wellington backs nullified the advantage. Auckland then began to infuse much more dash into their play, and Geddes was especially prominent. The game, which up till now had been very dull, began to got much more exciting. Auckland was forced from a long kick by Kinvig, and then judicious kicking by Olsen gained a lot of ground, but Ryan removed > played into the local men's territory with a good run. Uninteresting forward play at half-way followed, and then Wellington worked then way back to the twenty-five, where, from a scrum. Roberts shot the ball out to MTvenzie The latter cut in nicely, and passed to Kinvig, who beat his man and transferred to Mitchinson, and the last named put the finishing touch to a pretty piece of work, by dashing ever in a handy position. Evenson added the extra points. Wellington 5 points. Auckland Nil. Wellington returned to the attack, and Ryan threaded his way through the Auckland backs in great style, but a forward pass to Sullivan saved the situation for Auckland. Wellington returned to the attack. and were nearly over several times. Heavy rain set in just before half-time, and the spell ended with Auckland still busy defending. With a strong wind behind them it was generally expected that Auckland would have the best of matters in the second half, and before the game had been in progress for more than a minute Wellington was forced. Wellington, however, set up a hot attack, and looked like scoring until a series of penalties enabled the Blues to invade the Blacks’ territory, where O’Leary . had a fruitless shot at goal from a mark. Wilson secured from a lino-out, and kicked down the field, and Evenson being caught in possession Auckland seemed certain to score. Mitchinson, however, saved brilliantly, and a sweeping rush by the Blacks’ forwards had Auckland in trouble again. Mitchinson came through cleverly, and kicked well down the field, but was injured by a hard bump after he had kicked. Play continued well inside Auckland’s half, but a penalty eventually enabled Murray to find the line well down. Directly afterwards Wellington were penalised outside their own twenty-live, and O’Leary kicked a good goal amidst loud cheering. W r ellington 5 points. Auckland 3 points. Wellington were forced twice in quick succession. Roberts marked near his own line, and Kinvig’s kick was well taken by Macky. who kicked high. The forwards followed up- fast, and Nisbet dashed over near the posts. O’Leary failed with an easy kick. Auckland 6 points. Wellington 5 points. Wellington set nip a warm attack, but were checked by a mark by Macky. A fine kick by Evenson sent the ball out near the corner, but a good run by Geddes took play back to half-wiry,, and when no-side sounded a little later Auckland were attacking warmly. Mr G. Nicholson (Auckland) was referee. WELLINGTON B v. HAWKE'S BAY. WELLINGTON. July 20. The match Wellington B v. Hawke's Bayproved a walkover for the home team, who simply did practically as they liked in the first spoil and piled on 18 points to nil. Tries were obtained by Young (4). Ileketa. and Shearer. In the second spell the visitors made a better stand, and while they were unable to score they prevented Wellington from adding any more jioints. .NIATCIIES E LS E WI IE R ECHRISTCHURCH, July 20. The Senior football matches yesterday resulted as follows:—Old Boys (19 points) beat Marist Brothers (8 points); Limvood (13 points) beat Christchurch (6 points); Albion (10 points) beat Sydenham (nil); and Merivale (25 points) beat Canterbury College (3 points). INVERCARGILL. July 20. Star defeated Invercargill by 8 points to nil, and are thus practically certain of wining the championship. QUEENSLAND v. NEW SOUTH WALES BRISBANE. July 20. Queensland beat New South Wales by 13 points to 3. WAIKOUAITI v. PALMERSTON. The fifth match of the present scries between the Waikouaiti and Palmerston first fifteens was played on the Waikouaiti recreation ground on Saturday and resulted, after a hard struggle, in a' win for the visiting team by one point. The ground was very sloppy in places, and the players found it difficult to handle the ball. The local team looked very much like winning, but lost the game through failing to make the most of their opportunities. G. Townsend was injured in the second spell, and the loss of his services as full-back was unfortunate for Waikouaiti. At the cal! of tint** the scores were ; Palmerston, 9 points; Waikouaiti, 3 points. Mr Foster, of Dunedin, controlled the game satisfactorily us referee. Of five matches played during tiio present season. Palmerston have secured tw» wins and Waikouaiti one win. while two games have boon drawn. WAIRARAPA v. HAWKE’S BAY. MASTERTON, July 17. A match between Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay was played here to-day. in the presence of about 1000 spectators. Hawke’s Bav had the best of the first spell, and Holder potted a .goal. The second spell was in favour of Wairarapa, and C. Groubc scored a try. which was converted by 11. MTvenzie, Wairarapa. thus winning by 5 points to 4. IIAWKES BAY v. BUSH. PAIITATUA. July 16. The match between Hawkes Bay and Bush played at Pahiatua to-day resulted in

a surprise victory for the Bush by three points to nil. In the first spell P. Galvin scored a try. which M'Vay failed to convert. The visitors had a slight advantage in the first spell, hut the second spell was in favour of Bush. The Hawke’s Bay forwards were good in the tight work, but Bush excelled in the loose. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ MATCH. The following team has been selected to represent the Otago Commercial Travellers in their annual match r,ga;nst the Soutlnland Commercial Travellers at Balelutha on Saturday: Glidden. Kclroy, I'ca, Rudkin, Abercrombie. Forbes. Clyde. N. Jonnson, Collie, Johnstone. Elvidge, F nlay, Gunn, Bezett, D. Lindsav. Emergencies: Cameron, Helxlen, S. White. ASSOCIATION, Bt Left Winq. The following table shows the positions of the teams engaged in the senior Cup

niiig necK. and neck wan x 7 points, have puned away from the rest ot cue nelu to mo extent ol a point, leaving a. gap ol 4 points between tnemseives anti tne next pa.r (aiso even), Aiornmgton B and Kcfllyn- \\ akan. Morningmn A nave again to waiK humbly before tnoir B’s, who passed the A’s by a point through the m.tiium of a conclusive 5 —2 victory over Christian Brothers.- Ravens bourne are still climbing, although Maori Hill deserve credit for finishing only 2 down against the compact Kavensnourne Eleven, who make use of the gymnasium regularly every wee>k. It will De interesting to watch how many out of the second round of matches arc won by Ravcnsbourne. To knock both Northern A and Knitangata out of the running for the cup is possible, but it is a contingency so remote that few would care to predict it. The Charity Banner competition holds interesting possibility's as to who shall be the four leading teams in the Cup competition to play off for it. On the run of the match between Mornington A and Northern A the latter were the more often in goal-scoring position, and on the whole were the better team Of the “scientific” display that was promisee!. however. Mornington’s forwards contributed more than Northern’s. It was a thoroughly interesting game, although not nearly so keen as the match between Rcslv n-Wakuri and Northern A. Taking -goal for goal. Northern were lucky to win, for, after all. a goal from a free kick from halfway is not frequently in the realm of practical football, although, as on this occasion. it sometimes comes off. The wind carried a well-directed shot from Reid into the goal month, and the slippery goal area did the rest. There was more than enough of hard kicking in tlr.s match, the half backs frequently wasting effort by placing at the toes of the opposing backs. Kelly undoubtedly lost the match for Mornington A in the' first" spell. His clean miss in the first case gave a gift of a goal to Evans, and later his slowness enabled Evans to come from behind and sneak the ball from him and score. In the first half, too. both Kelly and Young on one occasion paused when close in to goal, and allowed the ball to drop and the goalkeeper to take his chance. In the second spell both Kelly and Young did much strong defence. For the rest, Haig, one of Mcrnington's most ardent supporters whether in debate or play, deserves credit for the- valuable game tie played a.s centre half. He was always about, and he generally did right. Shadwell was again a persistent obstacle to Northern’s advance, and incidentally a subject for attention by the referee. Frazer’s work was not less earnest, but his pa-sing was not always the perfection of judgment. And it is not for lack of example, for on Saturday (and not alone on that day) Bailiie and Simpson gave some of the prettiest example's of when and how to pass that have been seen on Culling Park for many a day. Campbell is another student of the fine art of passing. The goal lie gave Simpson was an excellent sample. Campbell’s drive at goal is {lie hardest we have scon for some time. Reid, who stopped it once at close quarters, anti simultaneously stopped play for a minute or two. could feelingly testify to the accuracy of the foregoing statement. In the second sp il in part’cu’ar Mornington team, against the wind, kicked hard in the hope of gaining ground. Mostly the effect was to give Northern backs plenty of time to return. Mornington missed Forbes. Vernon is possibly neater, but a man who repeatedly falls (as he did on Saturday) instead of getting away with the ball could never be the equivalent of Forbes, win* wastes no time in getting ahead, and is always up with the play and ready to head a. goal from a cross from the opposite wing. Some of Vernon’s centres when he did get moving were very nice. And what of iho victors? Again Non hern A have added to their prospects in the popular estimation as Cup winners. Evans has come amongst them with fresh inspiration. Abandoning his old habit of loitering along the line, requiring the ball to bo sent to him before bo would make an effort, he is now found thirsting for work, hunting for the ball, crowding into the goal month when the ball is coming in from tlic other wing, and revelling in being in the thick of it. In fact, in bis zeal bo is beginning to show signs of getting out of his position too far and poaching. He was in the midst of the work that got the three goals on Saturday. Raih's was less accurate than usual in crossing, many of his centres going behind to inner forwards. Timlin appeared to lack the usual faith in his backs, or else it was a part of the club’s policy for the day to make the defence specially secure, for Fudge also played deeper than usual. With the exception of Evans. Northern forwards did not deliver manv dead'v shot s . The backs are a sound lot. Shepherd's proper position appears to have been discovered. He played a very bright game at left half. Rerd was at tunes inclined to change places with Timlin. Patience and persistence characterised Dryden’s

work, and time and again he picked the ball from the toes of an adversary. But is ho developing a taste for fiddling! Lot him avoid any such fatal temptation. Millar was again an outstanding back. He is not a fullback, but a half-back. He has not a massive kick, but wants instead to make an opening and pass. Taylor, as usual, was a tower of strength, and Black was in good form. Why do players take unfair advantage of an unprotected goalkeeper? M hen a goalkeeper holds the ball it is a fair principle that ho must go through—good and hard if necessary. But when the custodian has delivered the bail the player who will finish h’s charge hard into the goalkeeper, and perchance push him with his hands, has a very low ideal of chivalry and sportsmanship. Thrice was this unsportsmanlike action visible at Culling Park on Saturday—once by a Mornington man and twice by a Northern player. There is a meanness about the thing in that it happens Just after the ball lias left, and the eye of the referee is necessarily following the sphere. Why will a man accept the position of line umpire if ho feels so keenly that ho cannot refrain from addressing the players in action? “Keep your hands down! was heard from the tense lips of a line umpire at Culling Park on. Saturday on two occasions, Northern players being addressed on each occasion. From the pavilion at Culling Park on Saturday there proceeded from certain excited young barrackers remarks calculated to incite players to improper tactics. The officials would do well to put a prompt period to such tendencies on the part erf ill-balanced spectators. Why did Mornington permit one of its men to appear in a senior match wearing other than the club’s uniform? J. Harrison, who has returned from Auckland and settled again in Dunedin, is keen for a game, with leanings towards fus old club, Northern. If he has. not lost his form he would be a strong factor in a tight Gup encounter. The reft ree in the match Ravensbourne v. Mornington B has explained that in the case of the penalty kick given when a Mornington back struck the ball before the ball passed through the goal, he had whistled for the penalty before the ball passed over the goal-lino. The decision, being the referee’s, stands, but it will not meet with general approval. In any case, the decision he abided by on the ground had to stand, even although he should later have stated it was erroneous, for no power can reverse the referee’s, decision once ho has allowed the play to proceed. In such a case a match could only be upset by proving the referee incompetent, which no one would dream of attempting. Quite a feast is provided on Culling Park for Saturday. The titanic struggle will bo between Mornington A and Kaitangata, and it will be worth the early start for the park to see the match, which commences at. 1.45 p.m. Northern A v. Mornington B will furnish an interesting return at the close of the former match. All interested in Soccer would bo pleased to see A. Cook, of Koslyn-Wakuri, about again, oven although the leg that was bioken still requires the support of a stick. Kaitangata and Old Boy.s have worked up a friendly rivalry, and this perhaps affords an example of what home-and-home matches may do. Of the four matches played by these clubs Kaitangata ca,n claim victory in two, played at Kaitangata, while Old Boys have been successful in the two matches played in Dunedin. The match at Kaitangata was singularly free from anything in the way of rough play, there btying hut one doubtful tackle penalised. 'lho best of footing was shown throughout. At the conclusion Old Bovs ireatc<l the spectators to a haka, which was much appreciated. The" Wednesday Association invited Oamaru to send a team to Dunedin, but Oamaru regretfully declines, being unable to respond. The Oamaru people will still welcome Dunedin teams on Saturdays. If the Second Grade competition docs not extend into throe rounds some of the teams intend to visit Oamaru. SECOND (i.RADE.

OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The weekly mooting of the Otago Football Association Executive Committee was held on Monday evening, Mr A. M'Hutcheon presiding. With respect to the allegations that, mud had - been thrown at Mornington players when leaving the Gardens Ground at the close of their match against Northern B, Mi- Donccy. referee, wrote stating that the first he had hoard of any such happening was from the newspaper reports. Nothing such as was alleged had occurred while he was on the field The match was played in the friendliest manner possible. He bad bad to caution a youth for making himself objectionable on the touchline, and had had to move back from the goal lino some boys for booting R. Jack, Mornington’s goalkeeper. At the conclusion of the game he had changed his clothes in the pavilion and left the ground, and he had seen nothing in the way of mud-throwing. —T. Fraser, captain of Mornington A, reported through his delegate that ho and T. Young had been struck by clods thrown by small boys.—Dunne, captain of Northern li, reported that be had not seen clods thrown, but be had loft the field almost immediately after the match.—After considering the evidence it was decided not to take further action. With respect to Ilavonslgmrne’s appeal against the decision of the referee who awarded a penalty kick instead of a goal when the ball had gone through the goal

after it had been struck by an opposing back, the referee stated that the ball was hit by the defender before it had crossed the line, and he had at once whistled for a penalty kick, as, although the ball had trickled over the line, he was of opinion it would have been possible to save the goal. He further reported that ho had had occasion to caution Liddlc, of Ravensbourne, and Booker, of Mornington, for threatening each other, but did not consider any other action necessary.—lt was decided that Ravensbournc’s appeal be dismissed and the deposit refunded. In connection with Christian Brothers’ appeal against the awarding of the Third Grade match, Christian Bros. v. RoslynWakari, to the latter, the allegations being that Roslyn-Wakari had played Robertson, an unregistered player, Mr Cocking reported that Robertson was played as a substitute, but had not been registered. An effort to register him with the referee had been made at half-time.—-It was decided to award the match to Christian Bros. It was decided by 6 votes to 4 not to play a third round for the Second Grade. An extension of time as required was granted to the special committee set up to revise the rules. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. FIRST GRADE. Northern A v. Mornington A. Save in the vicinity of goak Culling Park was in good condition for the eagerly-looked-for return meeting of Mornington A and Northern A. Forbes "was missing from Mornington’s eleven, Vernon replacing him on the loft wing. There was very little wind in the first spell, when Mornington were running with it. Northern A 3 goals. Mornington A 2 goals.x Roslvn-Wakari v. Northern B. Roslyn-Wakari and Northern B met at ■ the Oval, the turf being very lumpy in places. Roslyn-Wakari 4 goals. Northern B Nil. Ravensbourne v. Maori Hill. The Clear was in good order (with the exception of one bad spot) when Ruvensboujno and Maori Hill took the field. Ravensbourne 4 goals. Maori Hill 2 goals. Kaitangata v. High School Old Boys. Kaitangata people turned out, to the Recreation Ground in large numbers to witness the match between their team, holding a top place in the competition, and High School Old Boys, represented by a team comprising four juniors. High School Old Boys have the honour of being the only team to record a win against Kaitan gat a this season, so an interesting match was anticipated : nor were the spectators disappointed. The game opened on a very heavy and particularly tenacious grouud, and Kaitangata made a vigorous attack on the Old Boys’ goal. The pressure was no sooner relieved by Clark’s kick than tilings wore happening at the opposite end. Richardson received from Hay and transferred to J. Rarity, whoso shot struck the upright. Hoy next had a run and crossed to Peake, whoso return was nullified by offside in front of goal. Lockhead and Allen came again, but P. Thomson proved safe. There was no lagging on either side', and both came near scoring on several occasions. Hey, on Kaitangata’s right wing, was very effective, and Richardson was a thorn in the side of the defending backs. Hoy and J. Allen were working the Old Boys’ left wing to advantage, and the defence of Anderson (goal), Clark, and R. Allen was excellent. At half-time no score had been registered. On resuming Old Boys worked a way to the Kaitangata’s goal, but Allen’s slot wont wide. Play was of an even but strenuous character for some time; then Bennie put up a high shot, in clearing which Anderson was penalised for carrying the ball. Rarity outwitted the defence at the free-kick and the ball was bustled into the net. From the kick-off, Rostieuux and Lochliead wore prominent in an attack on Kaita ngata’s goal. Shortly afterwards, Anderson having been drawn temporarily out of goal, Middlcmass seized the opportunity of driving in a fine shot, which found the net unopposed. Hey and Allen now got busy for Old Boys, and hammered in two shots in quick succession, but to no purpose. Huy made a fine effort from* near the lino, and, amidst excitement, Anderson pushed it over the bar. Peake sent in a fine low kick from a corner which beat the goalkeeper and rebounded into the net. There was a scramble in front of Old Boys’ goal, from which Kaitangata scored. In the closing moments of the game a corner-kick, nicely placed by Hay. rebounded from an Old Boys’ player and beat. Anderson. The game was evenly and fairly contested throughout and was played in the best of spirit. The condition of the ground made fast play impossible, and good shooting was out of the question. The game, satisfactorily controlled by Mr T. Middlcmass, ended : Kaitangata 4 goals. High School Old Boys ... 1 goal. Mornington B v. Christian Bros. Mornington B defeated Christian Bros, by 5 goals to 2, the scorers being : For the winners—Pratt, Douchrass (3), and Wade; ami for the losers, Marlow and Wakeliii. Mornington B 5 goals. Christian Bros. 2 goals. SECOND GRADE. Mornington beat. Old Boys by 3 goals to 1. Haig, Crooks, and Stanley scored for the winners. Christian Brothers defeated Northern by 2 goals to 1. E. Salmon and J. Walsh scored for the winners, and Edwards for the losers. Green Island defeated Roslyn-Wakari by 11 goals to nil. THIRD GRADE. Northern beat Roslyn-Wakari by 3 goals to 1. High School Old Boys B beat High School Old Boys A by 4 goals to 1. A itches'm scored for the losers and M’Lennan 12). Ford, and Ritchie for the winners. Mornington beat Christian Brothers’ B by 5 goals to nil. Southern beat Green Island by 9 goals to 1. Christian Bros. A beat Ravensbourne by 4 goals to 1. M’Caughan (2), A. Clements, and Wilson scored for the winners. FOURTH GRADE. Southern beat Christian Bros, by 2 goals to 1. Green Island B beat Mornington by 6 goals to nil.

competition r — O 0 > t 0 1 ao CS O 4 a. 3 P-. fS fl o O O Kaitnngata . 10 8 i 1 34 11 17 Northern A . 10 O 1 1 36 20 17 Morning-ton B . 10 5 2 3 54 24 13 Hoslyn-W'akari . 10 6 3 1 32 23 13 Morninglon A .. 10 6 4 0 33 25 12 II. >S. Old Boys ... , 10 4 5 1 36 31 9 Ravensbourne . 10 5 6 1 17 28 Y Christian Bros. . 10 2 7 1 15 31 5 Northern B . 10 1 7 2 15 35 4 Maori Hili . 10 1 8 1 12 38 3 Kaitangata, and Northern A, Sti 11 run-

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