Football in Auckland.

Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 924, 26 September 1896, Page 26

Football in Auckland.

FOB THE OBSEBVER. Are ice quite sane about this game? Is our time sj)enl well, or to waste '{ A healthy sign, or show decline, and morbid, decadent taste ? For flood or harm, the potent charm, that draios such thousands round An oolong ball, and scrambling men, two ' goals, and a marked out ground ? Sensible souls, with unthatched polls, say it's sad to see strong men Risk life and limb in struggling for what not betters 'cm — From play debar all chance of scar, bruised ribs, or broken shin ; There's little sense in violence, and rowdy barrackin.' — Footballers say it is the play of youths who'll make true men ; The ill-lived lads, the sneaks and cads, can't stand the pummellin' ; For fleet of foot, and sound in wind, muscle and nerves strung true, Is not enough, if play be rough, without the will to do. Pity the lad whose grit is bad; better a broken neck, For eyebrows raised, a name dispraised, to moral tone means wreck. Better be rash, and take a smash, than have his captain say, 'Bar the beggar, he funked the leather when a rush was down his way.' The lad who joins a football team plants his banner in the wind ; The world may read what's written in his heart and in his mind, lie needs must do the all he can, however rough the rub, lie holds his honour in his hand, and the credit of bis club. It's good to hear a well-earned cheer, and praise from friendly tongueß ; "We're little proud of the barracking crowd, their bets, and brazen lungs. For those who long for money on, to racecourse should resort ; We play this game for our good name, and a love of manly sport. RECITATION. Brown hag the ball ; he plays half-back ; he'fj off for the run of the day. Full fifteen stone of tkew and bone, he's racing — yet warily, lie's fended one — another's slipped; he's yards now clear ahead ; He tVnr-3 through space, at fearful pace — tho cheers should wake the dead. Out from the crowd that follows close spriogs a youth with bright, strong face, Johnny VVinterl well-known sprinter, joins the exciting race. Is it work for you andyoar nine stone two, to stop that moving mass ? He collars low, a heavy throw and — Johnny stays at grass. Johnny ! the pride of your team and ground, whenever there's" wofk to do, In the football of life's less friendly Btrife, we know you'll put it through. We know your heart is your biggest parb, in spite your slender frame, You'll do or die ; to save a try, you'd collar a railway train. With strength and skill, and heart;/ mil. your friendly battles wa<jt\ Allow no fuss, be generous, in i<rro.n<jling ne'er engage. Your game keep free from brutality, and when the time comes round. We'll all be there, to raise a cheer for the boi/s on thu marked-out (/round. '. R. HL. Parnell, 15th September 18%.

A French horse had just won the Derby. The French spectators were delirious with delight One exclaimed, 'Waterloo is avenged!" 'Yes,' quietly observed a bystander, Sir William Harcourt, ' you ran well both times!' A Wairarapa lady advertised lor a companion who must be domesticated, an early riser, of good appearance, musical, and have some experience of nursing ; abstainer preferred. A wap sent her a hamper with a fine tabby cat inside, and this inscription attached : — 'The bearer is domesticated, an excellent vocalist, has an amiable disposition, is a useful companiou and an early riser. She has brought up a large family and is an experienced nurse. She is a total abstainer,and only requires a comfortable home. 1 Those who require to use Spectacles will find a very large assortment to suit almost any sight at Miller's Fancy Eepository, 110, Victoria-street. Prices to suit auy pocket, viz., 6d, 9d 1.1- and 1/6 per pair ; Real English Pebbles, 3/9 per pair. Coloured Spectacles for sun and dnat, 6d and 1/- per pair, sent post free to any address in New Zealand. Anyone mentioning this paper when purchasing or sending will have a case value for 6d presented to him.— Advt.