HOCKEY HITS.

Observer, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4, 5 October 1912, Page 22

HOCKEY HITS.

(By Like-Out.]

SATURDAY last was the red letter day of Auckland hockey. It_ marked the steady progress the game has made during the ten years of its existence here. In looking back over that period the great disadvantages under which the pioneers of the great stick game laboured loom up. The days of a hurried lunch, then a rush out to Eemuera to mark out grounds and make general preparations for- an afternoon's sport are now past. The present generation are receiving the benefits of the hard labour of the pioneers.

A splendid pavilion has been erected and to mark the occasion of its opening a carnival was held. me Programme was one of sports and tournament games that provided for those who braved the elements a good afternoon's sport.

In the absence of the Mayor (Mr■ C. J. Parr), the genial President of the Auckland Hockey Association, Mr VV. Coleman, in a few well-chosen remarks performed the opening ceremony, and hockeyites sent up a ringing cheer as they gained possession of Vie newbuilding that affords so much comfort.

The pavilion has seating accommodation for 500 spectators, and affords from any position a splendid view ol the grounds. The basement is divided into three rooms, the two end ones fitted with all conveniences as dressing rooms, and the centre one tor frlshments. It now only remains for the pathways to be laid out to obviate the necessity of crossing the principal playing areas to reach the pavilion. A couple of willing hockeyites have promised to attend to the flower beds. It is to the Mt Eden boys this pleasant duty will fall. '

The racing provided interesting finishes, the results being : —

75 Yards Referees' Handicap—E. E. Madden (scr.), 1 ; C Kent (2yds.), 2. 100 Yards Hockey Players Handicap— Fordham (North Shore), Byds, 1 ; Burns (St. James), 7yds, 2 ; Robinson (University), 3yds, 3. 50 Yards Players' Handicap—Jacobsen (University), 1 ; M. Moore (Auckland), 3 yds, 2 ; L. G. Robinson (University, lyd, 3._ 75 Yards Ladies' Handicap — Miss Hamblin, 1 ; Miss Pickering, 2 ; Miss Burton, 3. _ 300 Yards Ladies' Relay Race — Mt. Eden, 1 ; Training College, 2 ; Ao-tea-Roa, 3. 600 Yards Handicap Men s RelayUniversity, 1 ; St. James, 2 ; United, 3 St. James have protested against University, but at the time of writing the case had not been decided.

The tournament games were brimful of interest. Thirty matches were played in the men's section and eleven in the ladies 5 This meant a strenuous afternoon's work for only nine referees. The.majority of the games were concluded in the stipulated >time, 15 minutes, but extra spells were required in several. The various winners were : — Ladies , Seniors— Training College. ' Ladies' JunioTS—Hobsonville. Men's Seniors—Auckland. Men's Second Grade—Mt. Eden. Men's Third Grade—North Shore. Men's Fourth Grade—Tui. Fifth Grade (schools) —Edendale. . Present at Saturday's gathering were three of the founders of local hockey—R. W. Barry, still an active player, J. E. Lepine and H. D. Hill, whose attentions are now directed to the control and general advancement of the game. It's only a small matter but one that attention should be paid to at future tournaments — some of the ladies matches should be played in front of the stand, and. a result board should be procured to enable those upon the pavilion'to become acquainted with the various results.

There is perhaps one worker whose connection with the pavilion is somewhat overlooked. I refer to Mr F. Brooke-Taylor. Some three years ago this gentleman was secretary of the Association, and like all others he had a pet scheme. It was the pavilion. As the prime mover in the question he has battled along most consistently and now there stands a lasting memory of his work.

To Mr H. D. Hill, the chairman, much of the present day work has fallen, for his has been a strenuous labour in securing the debentures.

.The tournament games were somewhat of a surprise. 'Varsity, generally considered to have a big chance, never got a look in. United were hard pressed by Unitarian and looked all over a beaten team, but the old war horse, " Bob" Barry, rose to the occasion and saved the situation.

College Eifles went under to Mount Eden, but in the next round the browns, after a struggle extending over four spells, suffered defeat by Ponsonby. Meanwhile the two oldest rivals, Auckland and United were on the main ground fighting out another struggle. It was appropriate that these two teams should meet on such a day for what would local hockey have been without them.. Somehow, Auckland have the knack of snatching a win from the whites, and so it happened this time.—Auckland and Ponsonby were drawn to meet in the final and the Western suburb's players looked all over the winners. Jacobsen, only known locally as an exponent of full-back play, showed his ability forward in a clever run by eluding the reds' defence, and scoring. The blue and blacks held the position for the greater portion of the second spell, when suddenly Auckland swept down and gained a corner. Then another was conceded and Ponsonby hit out. Baker rushed up quickly and rolled in. Lepine secured and although hesitating somewhat, made no mistake with his shot, for back flew the net. A goal to the reds. The game was prolonged unnecessarily owing to the tactics indulged in by Auckland. Once in the lead they wasted time by big hits out of the field of play, but forgot that when such methods are adopted the referee takes note of the time. It all has to be made up and the sooner teams remember the better.

While recognition can be made of many players there are two who all hockeyites will agree deserve special mention. The first is Mackiel the young Ponsonby goalkeeper, who must surely at no distant date wear the Auckland rep. c.ap. Then' comes the latest discovery by the Auckland Club, Adams. Hβ is only a midget, and has been battling away in the fourth grade section, but the seniors were shorthanded when called upon to take the field. The colt was requisitioned and played as left wing. How capably he fulfilled the position, playing with the assurance of a veteran. •He is a welcome discovery, for being possessed of pace and ready to receive advice, a good future is before him.

The ladies' matches were keenly contested and once again the Training College* representatives annexed the honours for the senior division. This team's record for the season is one to be proud of, having annexed, in addition to Saturday's success, the Pennant at the opening tournament, and the Club Championship banner.

No win was more popular than Hobsonville's. A keener set of players would be hard to find. Week after week they travel far for the game, and endeavour under great disadvantages, to forward its interests. The plentiful supply of " button holes" was a kindly thought very greatly appreciated by all recipients.

The second annual "At Home" of the Mt. Eden Club will be held in the Society of Arts Hall on Friday night. The energetic committee's efforts should result in the function proving moat enioyable and successful. The Club's annual dinner will take place in about a fortnight's time.

Whangarei journeyed to Warkworth last Saturday and defeated Rodney, the Country Association's champions. In all probability an Auckland team will test Eodney's strength next Saturday. .