HOCKEY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 365, 12 April 1915, Page 2

HOCKEY.

THE SEASON'S PROSPECTS. With the passing of Easter comes the opening of the hockey season, and the ciooked sticks are summoned from their vacation, and missing pads and "•ear are sorted out from various corners and shelves, and donned by the players of that growing game, hockey. This season promises to be as successful as those"''of previous years, in spite of the fact that so many followers of the game have gone abroad" in their country's cause. The majority of the clubs opened the season on Saturday with practice games, and the attendances were generally good. Since last season several important events have occurred, which will, generally, be in the interest of the game. Y.M.C.A. have made a determined effort to revive interest in the sport, with the result that they will probably be entering two or three teams in this year's competitions. They have been strengthened by their amalgamation with Bible Class, which will give them many experienced members. Christchurch and U.B.C. both felt that if they entered teams as separate clubs neither would be strong, either as clubs or as teams, : so these clubs have amalgamated, giving Christchurch a very strong playing membership, and one which should be able to give a good account of itself in the various competitions at the end of the season. The executive of the C.H.A. realised that the springing up of so many small clubs, each entering one or two teams, was a mistake. With a view of stopping the splitting up of existing strong clubs into smaller and weaker clubs, a rule was passed that all new clubs forming must show and maintain throughout the season a 60 percentage of new players to the game. This rule has had the desired effect, and it is pleasing to note that several of the weakening and struggling clubs' have been able to come to terms of amalgamation. With the opening of the season comes the inevitable dropping out of some of our prominent players. "Teddy" Hulbert has decided to give the game best, and his services will be greatly missed by his old club, Sydenham. "Teddy" has been one of the best sports that hockey has seen for a long time, and it is only his desire to give the; younger players a chance of getting on that he decided to give up playing. Another old Sydenham player retiring -is Ballinger, one of those ever-ready grafters who has done so much for hockey in his time. Always anxious to do his share of the management of the game, as well as playing, this old-time representative still has sufficient interest in the game to follow it each week, and he will be a valuable acquisition to the regular staff of the Eeferees' Association. Barton, last year's U.B.C. skipper, has gone to the war as a sergeant in the medical corps. Templeton, who played for Addington last year, will probably be donning the green and white jersey for Oxford Terrace this year, and it is rumoured that Bobb, of the Sydenham Club, is joining the same club. That promising left-winger, B'ufton, who received an injury to his back while playing for St. Luke's a couple of seasons back, will play under the "Addington colours this year. Sydenham will lose C. Hutchings, who has decided to have an off season, also Hawkins, who is leaving for the North Tsland. The 'New Brighton Club will probably be an absentee this year,: while St. Luke's, Te Whaka, and Star boys are doubtful. Appreciation. When electing this season's representative selectors, the executive of the C.H.A., or, rather, 64 per cent, of that executive, decided to dispense with the services of one of the keenest followers of the game, and also one of the ablest and most efficient selectors in the province. I refer to Mr L. A. Cusworth. Mr Cusworth has always been ready to do what he could in the interests of .the game, and his expert judgment and ;opinion have always been at the seriviccs of players in all grades. . Mr Cusworth is a man who will not bow to popular opinion if his own judgment is against that opinion. He is a man of strong and is always prepared' 'to advance Arguments to support his opinion. While his judgment does not ■always give satisfaction to the. majority, his reasons are always deeprooted and carefully thought out, as well as being conscientiously given. Another removal from the field of activity will be W. E. Bogeris. As deputy-chairman of the executive, as a representative selector, and as a player, Mr Bogers has done much useful work, and his interest aud activity will be much missed. The competitions commence on . the 24th inst., so that, as next Saturday will be Carnival Day, those players who did not avail themselves of last Saturday's opportunity of practice, will probably find themselves sadly out of form, and not in a fit enough physical condition to give their respective clubs their best services. Addington are certain to put a strong senior eleven in the field. Sydenham will have a few changes in their A team, which may increase their allround efficiency. Christchurch will be represented by a strong eleven, while Selwyn and Oxford Terrace may again be the upsetting proposition in the competition. Club secretaries are reminded that all entries close on April 15, at noom