FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144197, 13 September 1913, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

(By “Goal Post.”) AUSTRALIAN RUGBY TEAM’S TOUR IN NEW ZEALAND. Saturday, Sep. 13—Versus New Zealand, at Dunedin. Wednesday, Sep, 17—Versus South Canterbury, at Timaru. Saturday, Sep. 20—Versus New Zealand, at Christchurch. Wednesday, Sen, 24—Versus Marlborough, at Blenheim. For some reason unknown to us, the Herald did not receive anything like a full account of the first test match. Complaint was made to the authorities, and the matter will not occur again. A full account will be received of today’s test and will be published in Monday’s Herald. / E. Roberts, who met with an injury to his leg iu the match Wellington v. Taranaki last month, has been pronounced fit again by his medical adviser, and so will be able to undertake the Californian tour. Roberts has been receiving massage treatment. The New Zealand Government has arranged to have the results of the matches played in California cabled to New Zealand, as was done in connection with the tour of the All Black team which visited Great Britain some years ago. Auckland has five representatives m the team to play the Australians at Dunedin to-day, and no doubt most people will be quite satisfied. What about Taranaki though ? asks the writer in the New Zealand Herald, The question will be asked by all supporters in the butter province. "What about Brown ? There can be no doubt that Brown should have been the half-back of the New Zealand team, but when one knows how Dominion teams have been selected in the past, his omission is not such a great surprise. It is just about time that the New Zealand Union insisted on selectors carrying out their duties in au efficient manner. Under the present system few country players have a chance of being included in the teams, and even some good citv men are overlooked. For instance, take the case of J. O’Brien. Wellington critics were unanimous in the opinion that ho was the best back on the Auckland side on Saturday week, and on Thursday lastthe Now Plymouth papers state. that he was one of the best men on the field. His form in club games here was also good, but for some reason or other ho was not oven considered in the team to play Australia. For a long time country unions have been- complaining about the manner in which they have been overlooked when teams are being selected, and the quicker; the governing body puts its house in order the hotter will it be for Dominion football. C. Brown has been chosen as emergency for to-day, and has gone down to Dunedin. On his form this year. Brown has certainly found no equal, barring perhaps E. Roberts, as a halfback, but, acknowledging the latter’s claims, no complaints were made at Brown’s omission from the original New Zealand team for California. Let us hope that ‘ Burns, tho Canterbury half, who fills the position behind the scrum to-day, will prove himself worthy of the position. Taylor has at last received his dues in being chosen as wingforward, and it is a pity that the Australian stylo does not give l him a direct vis-a-vis, so that he may prove his true worth. Tarau is the only forward from this province to bo picked out for today, which causes one. to wonder how the claims of Hawkins have been ever--looked. He has. shown remarkably good form in all the big matches this year, and from a personal knowledge of the play of both’Francis and Barrett, the writer has no hesitation in saying that Hawkins has been done an injustice. The- selectors might perhaps he experimenting, and ir so Hawitms might be given a chance in tho final test in Christchurch. Word has- been received in Welling- , ton that Piki, tho half-biysk of Patvita’s team, who \\as left behind. in Sydney owing to illness, has been successfully operated on in the hospital there. Ihki had his leg broken, and blood-poisoning set it, with the result .that he has spent twelve or thirteen weeks in hospital. At first it was thought that it would be necessary to amputate the leg—in fact, Piki was actually placed under an anaesthetic to enable the major operation to be performed. At the last moment, however, it was decided that only a minor operation would be necessary, and it is now good news to' learn that Piki is well on the way to recovery. . THE INGLEWOOD CLUB'. I have to thank the secretary of the Inglewood Club for. an invitation to bo present at the. dinner held i,n the Coffee Palace, Inglewood, on Thursday evening. The affair was very successful and enjoyed by all present. The MAyor (Mr. G. xoung) presided over a largo attendance of members and friends. After the toast of “The King,the Chairman proposed the toast'of the “Taranaki Rugby Union.” He referred to the great achievement of the Taranaki team in winning the Ranfurly Shield, and also spoke of the very inconsistent form shown this year by tho reps. Mr. F. Spurdle responded. In the absence of the captain, . Mr. Spurdle presented the Sole Cup, won by the Inglewood Club in the Saturday competition, to the acting vice-captain, Mr. A. Smith, who replied and-proposed the toast of “Kindred Sports,” coupled with tho names of Messrs. I. P. -Grant (golf), H. Hislop (hockey), Fowler (cricket) and Meitsiz (bowls), all' of whom replied. Tho Caairman proposed the toast of the “Inglewood Football Club,” and at the same time made a presentation of a gold medal to Mr! P. Chapman as a slight recognition of his consistent support to the club. Mr. V. Harkness, vice-president, responded to the toast, and also referred to tho sterling qualities of tho recipient, who. briefly returned thanks. Other toasts honoured were:—‘The Referees’ Association,” proposed by Mr. 0. Boldt, and responded to fiv Mr. F. Spurdle; “The Press,” by Mr, A. Pitman; “The Ladies,” by Mr. Spurdie, replied to by Messrs. 0. Boldt and J. N. Bullard ; “The President,” by Mr. A. Smith, replied to by Mr. W. Ugier; “Our Host,” by Air. I. P. GraivL Mr. Hamerton responding, and “The Chairman,” by Mr. F. Spurdle, Mr. Young replying. During tho evening songs were contributed by Messrs. A. Smith -.2), Dal low (2), Boldt, Meitsiz, Chapman, apd Ogier, and a recitation by Mr. Boldt.