Hockey and its Players

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17012, 10 April 1923, Page 3

Hockey and its Players

Notes by “Centre-Half”

Most clubs had their opening practices on Saturday, but with the exception of Technical and St Albans the attendance ot players was not what it should have been. However, sufficient players were out to give some indication of the strength of the various teams. There is every prospect of at least six teams talcing part in the senior grade competition. feelwyn have all their last year’s team to call upon, and A. Mahoney, who played in their half line two seasons ago, is back again in his old place. The three Bell brothers will occupy tlv' centre positions, but the wings have not yet heen selected. There is a possibility of H. J. Down, who has re cently returned from Dunedin, donning the chocolate jersey once more, and if this is correct Selwyn’s front line will bo better than it was last year. The halves and hacks will be the same, but the goal- keeper has yet to be named. hriatchurch will be fairly strong again but their seniors are always slow to get started. •Sydenham had a fair muster at Svd•nhani Park, and their teams will 'be similar to those of last season Technical College Old Boys'are hav ing a difficulty in finding a strong «*mor eleven and will have to rely mamly upon then- W year’, juniors. The St Albans club, whic-h is practicsll.v the Cranford club sorted out and strengthened is making a good start. Many of the solid members of the Cranford club are turning out, amongst' whom are M. Templeton. H. Luxton, S Wander and possibly P. Quartermaiu. who played centre forward for many years. It is doubtful whether F. Faulk old Vu' Frankl . l " " ;11 rp tuni to their eld club or remain with Y.M.C.A. The latter club need their services, but are nat standing in the wav should either r'i»h to rejoin his old colours. The VM.r..!. club, which, bv the way had a poor attendance at the an ? U ij * s turning out well and Part-*!" enjoyable practice at St Albans Park last Saturday. Most of the team are young players, and improved considerably during last season. In the junior grade, the entry of tw.-, new clubs makes the issue doubtful, but with an entry of seven or eight teams the competition will bo keenly contested. The entries for the competitions close Monday next, and the matches start on April 21. The Canterbury Association intends holding a big opening clay at Hagley Park next Saturday. As one of tb* many attractions, the Referees’ Association has challenged the committee t.» a match. The Management Committee accepted the challenge on the corvlitioo that a- fish supper was provided by tin* losers. Despite the fact that there are no fewer than eight representative players on the committee, I hear that the referees have agreed to the condition 1. addition to this event, the match wifi be an amusing one. The ladies have been asked to provide a match and it is possible that TVharenui and Waimairi will trv conclusions. Mr H. Throp. I am pleased to be able to record, has reached the convalescent stage, and is able to come to town, bu:, he will not resume his regular duties for some time yet. Mr f . Graeie. who was an energetic member of last season’s executive, is now in Sydney, and T hear that his energies so far have been fully employed in Ins business. No doubt he will be heard of in Australian hockey this season. NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. ANNEAL REPORT. The twenty-first annual report which will he presented to the meeting on April 26 shows that hockey is becoming one of the favourite winter pas-

times of the youth of New Zealand. The census taken during the past season shows that there are well over three thousand y layers in men’s hockey in, the Dominion One reason for tingrowing popularity of the game is its introduction into the primary schools, where it is obtaining a substantial hold. The revival of the Buller Association and probable resuscitation of the Most Coast body is satisfactory, and the revival of other associations is looked for.

The report pays a. sincere tribute to the memory of the late Mr E. Norden, who was president of the association lor years, and whose work for the sport won him a host of friends. The cup which is competed for by the minor associations was presented by Mr Norden and tho cup bears his name. The challenge shield changed its resting place during the season, and r.ow reposes at Palmerston North, in the custody of the Manawatu Association, whose representatives defeated Auckland and successfully defended the shield against Wellington. The Norden Cup changed hands on t ” * ns Loin” won by Wairarapa from Taranaki, and by Poverty Bay i. • .. .....»a t n :i is to be re-

gretted that no challenges were received for the Norden Chip from South Island teams, and this should he remedied this season if possible. The Junior or Zanol Gup has not attracted many entries so far. Only cne match was played, when Canterbury met and defeated Wellington by four goals to nil

So far the Hatch Cup, which was presented by Mr H. Hatch for competition between primary schools representative teams, has been competed for by Canterbury and Otago teams. In the 1922 season Canterbury defeated the holders by nine goals to two. During the season a. cup was promised for secondary school competition, but its delivery was delayed and the trophy was not competed for. However, the cup is now available and the competition will be inaugurated this season. The inter-island match was player! N ? lson > when the South Island won by three goals to one. The report congratulates the Nelson Association upon the excellence of the arrangements for the match, which was in a financial success The visit of the Australian team is extensively dealt with. The presence of the Australians gave the game a great lift throughout the Dominion The tour was a failure as far as finance was concerned, but this is attributed largely to the fact that it was undertaken late in the season. However, tho increase in the popularity of the game justified the expense incurred. The report speaks of the projected Visit ot an English team in the 1924 season, and if such is to be a success the Few Zealand Association should to make its preparations „ T ' le r « vi J al ff the. New Zealand Hockey Referee* Association is a matter for congratulation, as it- is only tv the existence as such a bodv that uniform rulings can be secured throughout tho Dominion The statement of accounts shows a .satisfactory position. - That, the expenditure for tho season was only £4 10s m excess or the income must be considered very satisfactory, when ail t ic circumstances are tasen into consideiation. Ih© report concludes with a well merited expression of praise ’for the services rendered by the secretarv, Mr J • • Quarter main. The success of the Australian team’s visit and tlio whole season generally was large due to Mr Quartormam s untiring energy and enthusiasm, and if any man deserved the thanks of the followers of the sp°rt it is the popular secretary of die N .Z.H A.