HOW HOCKEY BEGAN IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17871, 12 June 1926, Page 2

HOW HOCKEY BEGAN IN CHRISTCHURCH.

An interesting photograph brought into the “ Star ” office this morning, the subject being the first hockey team to start playing the game in Christchurch. The Christchurch Hockey Club was formed in the year 1896, the promoters being Messrs J. D. Lawrence and J. A. Matchell. There is an explanatory note under the photo, which runs:— ** There is a strong and enthusiastic committee, who have the interests of the game ax neart, and are wor-:ing hard to make this, one of the most scientific and fascinating of games, a success here. The Christchurch Hockey Club played their first match at Ashburton, and made a draw of it. We notice that the Ashburton papers speak very highly of the dash and pgssing displayed. There is a mi®* taken idea that hockey proper is * game boys play at school. The correct game requires precision, judgment, end careful training. The field is placed as in Association football, and the ball is passed from forward to wing and back with lightning rapidity, and when it is remembered that it is ell done with a crook stick, and that one's opponents may stand anywhere, it will be seen that exact passing, r* i cool head, and * strong wrist gus all necessary.”