Gossip From The Queen City.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17890, 5 July 1926, Page 4

Gossip From The Queen City.

TOPICAL NEWS OF THE DAY FROM AUCKLAND.

(Special to the “ Star.’*) AUCKLAND, July 5. Rugby Illegal. Much amusement was caused at a dinner given by the Auckland Hockey Association to the officers of the Indian Army team on Saturday evening, when Mr H. B. Speight declared that the game of hockey dated back to the first Irish king in the second century. It was then known as “hurley.” Hockey was the “daddy” of all games. Exception to this statement was taken by Mr W. A. Gray, of the Auckland Rugby Union, who said the scrummage was as old as history. (Laughter.) Mr W. J. Hammil, of the Auckland Rugby League, reminded Mr Gray that Rugby was declared illegal in the reign of one of the Jameses, and this had never been repealed. Rugby today, therefore, was illegal. (Laughter.) A Military Coincidence. One of the speakers at the laying of the foundation-stone of the new Roman Catholic church at Otahuhu yesterday afternoon, remarked on the coincidence that the original church was erected by soldiers, and two of its earliest pastors, Fathers Clery and Parsely, were military chaplains who accompanied the British troops to New Zealand. The present parish priest, at Otahuhu, Rev Wm. Skinner, is also a military chaplain, having seen considerable service during the Great War with the New Zealand forces, with whom Bishop Cleary, who laid the foundAtion-stone, also acted as chaplain in France and Flanders. English Hockey Team. Stating that it was on the cards that England would be invited to send a hockey team to New Zealand in 1928, provided the financial position warranted it, Mr P. N. Quartermain, at the New Zealand Ilockey Association's dinner to the Indian Army officers on Saturday night, expressed indebtedness to the Govern ment for the assistance given in look ing after the Indian players. The splendid spirit of the affiliated associa tions was also a factor in the success of the tour. All the guarantors would get back 20s in the £l, and out of it*-. 10 per cant, the New Zealand Associa tion hoped to establish a fund to hring out overseas teams without call ing on the affiliated associations tc help. Responding to the toast “Ou Guests,” Captain Cowan said it wa:

only reasonable that a touring tea should have a superior combinatio The score that afternoon did not me* that Auckland was lagging behir the other centres, for, in many way their play was superior to the hock< in other parts Of New Zealand, ps ticularly the quick passing from tl halves and the elimination of tl drive method adopted by the Incjiai themselves.

Attractions of Norfolk Island. Among the sightseers returning by the Hinemoa from Norfolk Island yesterday was Mr B. H. Turner, a member of the well-known Auckland firm. He has travelled extensively in the Cook and Society groups. He considers Norfolk a pleasanter spot than all. Everything was beautifully green. The bush was luxuriant and alive with brightly-coloured birds, and, unlike many other Pacific island, every square foot was accessible. Norfolk Island, being only three days’ sail by the Hinemoa, and its winter climate approximating Auckland's, it offers a real inducement to Aucklanders for a winter resort. The accommodation is moderately good, and the food of the best. Mr Turner says there are considerable trade openings between Norfolk Island and New Zealand. Most fruits, particularly oranges, grow well in Norfolk Island, whose inhabitants are keenly anxious to extend their trade.

A Shooting Fatality. A shooting fatality occurred at Mercer on Saturday afternoon, the victim being a Maori. Sam Amo. aged eighteen, Accompanied by a youth named Purua. Amo went rabbit shooting. fatality occurred when returning to Mercer in a rowing boat. Amo was sitting in the bow with a gun while Purua was rowing. Suddenly the gun went off. Purua, turning round Amo lying on his back. The shot, had penetrated the head between the eyes.

Wednesday's League trial match will be Auckland versus New Zealand, and Saturday’s, A team versus B. The teams in the latter match will include the thirteen players whose positions in the side for England are assured. It is understood that a number of certainties have already been decided upon, but the names are not available for publication, though some are not lard to pick. The fact of Petersen, Icnry and Wright going south last ?ight points to their inclusion. South’s ast two goals on Saturday were kick.d by Henry-, not by Mouat.