ASSOCIATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 8

ASSOCIATION

BY CORNER KICK. The opening of the 1925 season was favoured with fine conditions all round. The standard of play shown by the majority of the clubs was on the low side, and more solid training will be required to bring them up to the necessary fitness if they are to be in at tho finish. In appointing Mr F. Campbell, of Wellington, to act as their delegate on the New Zealand Football Council, Otago have secured the services of a keen supporter of the game, end the local body should be Kept more in touch with the affairs of the parent body than formerly. In writing his acceptance of the position, Mr Campbell mentioned that he felt sure the coming season is going to make progress As far as the New Zealand F.A. is concerned matters which have not been very satisfactory Jjave now been seen to and that at the end of the season’s play all associations will have confidence (which begets loyalty, without which the parent body cannot hope to do right work) in the New Zealand F.A.

Players and referees should note the fact that on the majority of grounds the circlo in the centre of the field has been cut out to a five yards’ radius instead of ten. On behalf of the patients, the Rev. F. C. Gumming handed to Dr M'Killop before liis departure from Seacliff a cup for competition among the mental hospital teams in New Zealand. Seacliff are to be holders for the present, and conditions are now being drafted to govern the games. The cup is a beautiful trophy, and is to be known as the Thistle Cup. Local Soccerites will regret to hear that Dr A. C. M‘Killop is lying seriously ill in the Ashburton Hospital.

The telegraphed report of the annual meeting of the N.Z.F.A. conveyed little information of the proceedings. From Wellington papers I gather that the meeting was of a lively nature, the council being severely criticised for its failure to arrange for the English “Soccer” team to visit New Zealand.

It was pointed out, however, that the lack of financial support from the affiliated associations haul made it impossible for the council to venture to arrange a visit of the English team to the dominion. Except in the case of Canterbury, the local associations had not given any definite financial encouragement to the council. Canterbury had agreed to a straight-out offered to make a similar guarantee if guarantee of £650; but Otago had only tho local association was given the first cut at the gate. Auckland, which no doubt had its hands full' to a certain extent with its new football ground, had not come to light with a guarantee at all; nor had any of the other associations. The balance sheet of the Chinese tour also came in for some adverse comments, exception being taken to the heavy expenditure on such items as advertising and printing, the outfit of the Chinese team, the expense of entertaining the teaqj in the different centres, etc.

Detailed explanations were given by Mr 11. G. Mayer (vice-president), Mr H. I. Graves (hon. treasurer), and Mr F. Campbell (chairman of the Finance Committee), who, in the course of his reply, is reported as saying: “The association has not suffered, the affiliated associations have not suffered; you have all got your money back, and you have had some glorious games. You have helped to popularise tho game in New Zealand. . . This is the balance sheet of the most successful tour ever held in New Zealand. We would have made more money had it been with any team but the Chinese. When they got here we were faced with bills that would have staggered most people. Assembling and outfitting wo never thought of. Wo had to provide them with boots, socks, and pocket money. The team was beaten, and they became very disheartened. It was a great relief when they played the last match. But for Colin Reid they would never have finished.” If associations had been more loyal to the council, there would have been a bigger credit balance than thoro is to-day. When they spend money without referring it to us, we pay, and that is why tho balance is not bigger. Give the council the loyalty it deserves, and you will get better rosults.” Mr A. E- Wells said that, on behalf of the Wellington Association, he had been inclined to criticise tho balance sheet, but after having heard the explanations he thought they hnd no kick coming at all. The council had done wonders. He advocated closer co-ordination between delegates and their associations in the futuro. The balance shoot was adopted. Regarding the English team, which is due to play in Australia this month, tho Otago Association suggested to the council the advisability of getting the English tourists to extend their tour for a month to play games in the four main centres in

New Zeaalnd. A reply has now been received from the secretary of the council stating that the Australian authorities have arranged a full programme of matches right up to the time of the team’s departure from Australia, and it is doubtful whether it will be possible to arrange for matche* in all the main centres of New Zealand, but the council hope to at least have one match played against a New Zealand team. .I.a matter is to be discussed at the next mating of the council, i f°Ho. w * n g particulars of the player* in the English team should be of interest: n . \ Hardy (Stockport County, SeconO Uivision), goalkeeper: Many Soccer enthusiasts aro under the impression that it 1* the famous Sam Hardy, but it is not so. He, however, is a relation. This player kept goal on 42 occasions for Stockport during the 1923-24 season, and is still going strong. Was given a trial for the North v. South last year. C. Boynton {Tottenham Hotspurs, First Division) back: Appeared on ten occasion* foi the Spurs in th* 1923-4 season, and ha* appeared regularly this closing season. T* Whittaker (Arsenal, First Division), back: Appeared in Arsenal’s first eleven on eight occasions in 1923-4, and up to time of leaving appeared regularly this season.

J E. Davison (Sheffield Wednesday, Second Division), back: Played on 26 occasions last season, and appeared regularly lately. A sound defensive player. S. Charlton (Exeter City, Third Division), half-back: Was on deck 39 times in season 1923-4, and was a regular member of the City this season, appearing in their Oup ties.

C> Spencer (Newcastle United. First Division), centre-half: Transferred from Scotland in 1923-4 season, and appeared on 19 occasions; was a member of the Cupwinning team of that year; a real clever player. J. Hannah (Norwich City, Third Division), right or centre-half: Appeared on 40 occasions in 1923-4 for the Canaries (Norwich), and is a very clever and polished half-back. L. Graham (Millwall Athletic, Third Division), half-back or forward: Played 60 well this season that he was kept back to play for England v. Scotland. W. Ceaser (Dulwich Hamlet, Amateur), half-back: Has represented England as an amateur, and holds an Amateur Cup medal. J. Hamilton (Crystal Palace, Second Division), half-back or forward; joined the police towards end of 1923-24 season, appeared on nine occasions, and is a regular member this season. Stanley Seymour (Newcastle United, First Division), outside-right; was top goal scorer for the Magpies in 1923-24. Is one of the stars of the team. Was a member of the cup-winning team 1923-24, appearing on 23 occasions. J. Elkes (Tottenham Hotspurs, First Division): A versatile player, and can play a good game anywhere. Joined the Spur* from Southampton. Was held back as first reserve for England. Played on 37 occasions, scoring 11 goals 1923-24. (W. O. Bassett, of West Bromwich and England fame, said: “Elkes was the best centre-half he haul seen for many years.’’) W. Williams (West Ham, First Division), centre-forward; represented England as a West Ham schoolboy, and signed forma for West Ham at the age of 15. 'The Hammers are nursing him; he played on five occasions last season, but has appeared quite a few times this season. Ts reported to be very clever and full of tricks. C. Hannaford (Clapton Orient, Second Division), centre-forward; appeared on 13 occasions in 1923-24, but is a regular member of the Orient this season. E. Simms (Stockport County, Second Division), inside forward; played 17 matches, scoring nine goals for South Shields in 1923-24, and was transferred to Stockport, appearing 20 times for eight goals. When with Luton was a proliflo goal scorer. , H. G. Batten (Plymouth Argyle, Third Division), inside or centre; Toured the Argentine with the Argyle last year. Is a good goal-getter, and appeared 37 times for the season 1923-4. J Walsh (Liverpool, First Division), forward, any position: Appeared on 37 occasions for Liverpool, and scored 16 goals, being top scorer. Appeared m Cup match this season. Is a good shot. W. Sage (Tottenham Hotspurs, First Division), outside left: Was understudy to Jimmie Dimock in 1923-24, and appeared on six occasions in the first eleven, and is now appearing regularly. This team, although not England’s best, is quite good enough to show the publio of Australia how Soccer should be and can be played. The hard grounds of Australia may prove a handicap to the team, but the team would be at home on the soft grounds of New Zealand. Tho managers are : Mr J. Lewis (Blackburn), and Mr Mark Froucle. Mr Lewis is the best known as an olci player, referee, and administrator. As a referee he gained the highest honours, and is one of the best authorities on lefereeing. What an assistance he would have been as a lecturer to our budding referees in New Zealand. The team opens the tour in Melbourne on May 18. and will be followed closely bv thousands of Soccer lovers in New Zealand.