SOCCER.

Southland Times, Issue 19658, 7 October 1922, Page 13 (Supplement)

SOCCER.

(By Shoot). Saturday last staged a variety of football that was quite unique, and those who witnessed the game had their reward in fun, if in nothing else. There were plenty of interesting incidents in both games, and no doubt both sides gained some experience which will be of benefit to them. Some really tunny “stunts” were executed in the first half, especially some of the duels between Morow and Hobbs. By the way, Morow seemed to be one of a few who sensed the right position in the soccer code, and would improve his rugby considerably by soccer practice. However, as was to be expected, each side proved successful in its own code, and both exhibitions were far ahead cf some of the games played this season. The teams seemed to enjoy themselves, and it is to be hoped that last Saturday's game was only the first of many more games of the same sort next season. All Societies are invited to attend a special meeting at the Labour Hall, Esk street, on Monday at 7 p.m., and it is to be hoped that there will be, a good attendance to finish up the season. A match will be played to-day between a Town team and a representative team from the Orari, at present in Bluff. The game will be staged at Tweed street, and should prove a hard tussle as the sailors have r formidable team. MANCHESTER CITY’S NEW GROUND. The construction of Manchester City’s new ground at Maine road, Moss Side, in that city, has commenced, and will be completed for the opening of the season 1923-24. Then Manchester City are hoping to have the finest,-equipped ground of any club in the country. The site, which has been purchased outright, is admirably situated as regards tram routes, covers 16 A acres, and Mr Charles Swain, of Manchester, the architect for the undertaking, has prepared plans in which he has embraced the salient features and improvements which have suggested themselves to him from a tour of the principal grounds in England and Scotland. An enclosure is being laid out for the accommodation of 80,000 spectators such is the scheme that at very small cost and well within the limits of the site (his may be extended to 120,000 when and as occasion demands. From the provision that is being made at the outset for 10,000 spectators on the grand-stand, may be increased to 15,000, and (liat on the popular side and around the huge sweep behind each goal from 70,000 to 105,000. Apart from the grandstand, which will be fitted with tip-up chairs, there will be no covered accommodation at the commencement. Ferro-concrete terraces, rising to a height of 90 tiers on the far side of the ground, and 60 tiers behind each goal, will encircle the enclosure from each end of the main structure, and these will contain the latest devices to assist in packing and avoid unnecessary crushing. There will be special staircases to the various terraces, and such arc the arrangements that, with 22 exits, the ground can be emptied of a full complement in a very few minutes. A special feature of the architecture is that every spectator, no matter where he may be located, will be able to obtain an uninterrupted view of the game. That is the reason why the terraces behind the goals are being constructed on a lower level than those on the big stretch fronting the grandstand. There will be entrances from each of the four sides of the ground, and no fewer than ninety turnstiles are being installed. Hie playing pitch, which will be 117 yards long and 75 yards wide, will be sunk eight feet, and surrounding it, with a margin of 25 feet between each goal-line and 20 feet behind each goal, will be a concrete wall. In addition to all the latest equipment for the convenience of players and officials, including plunge and needle baths for both teams, the grandstand structure will include a gymnasium and rest and recreation rooms, tea lounge, offices and board room, as well as modem laundry and repair shop. The scheme includes the erection of two cottages, and a special feature has been made of the provision for parking motor cars and char-a-bancs. A space of five acres has been allotted for this purpose. The ground has been so designed that the sun will never be shining directly in the eyes of either goal-keeper.