HOCKEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 6

HOCKEY.

HEALTHY POSITION SHOWN AT ANNUAL MEETING OF COUNCIL. The twenty-sixth annual meeting of the council of the New Zealand Hockey Association was held last evening, Mr H. S. J. Goodman presiding. The delegates present were: —Messrs P. N. Quartermain (Auckland). H. Throp (Buller), C. C. Holland and C. Bellamy (Canterbury), W. H. Down (Dannevirke), H. R. Sampson (Hawke’s Bay), A. F. Preston (Manawatu), Ralph Gracie (Nelson), H. S. .1. Goodman (Otago), H. Rogers (Poverty Bay), G. Strack (Wellington). I. Gunn (Waikato), S. G. Holland (Wanganui), A. S. Drayton (Wairarapa), R. P. Grainger (N.Z.H. Referees' Association), and W. J. Franklin (Feilding). The outstanding features of the year, stated the annual report., were the successful tour of the New Zealand representative team, in Australia, the revival of the inter-island match, and the numerous inter-provincial matches for the shield and the various cups held by the association. The standard of hockey throughout New Zealand showed a decided improvement during the year, mainly owing to the visit of the Indian Army team during the previous season; this was reflected in the high standard of play and 1n the unbeaten record of the. New Zealand team in Australia. This team' played fourteen matches in Australia, without one defeat. The test match wa-s played in Brisbane, and was in competition for the Manning Memorial Cup held by New Zealand. The match was drawn, each side scoring three goals, so New Zealand retained the cup. The total of goals scored by the New Zealanders was 109, and fifteen were, scored against them. The team had enjoyed splendid hospitality in every Austi'alian centre. The interisiand match was revived during the 3 927 season and was played at Christchurch, the game being won by the South Island by six goals to one. The Challenge Shield was competed for at a tournament which was held in Auckland. Auckland had no difficulty in defeating the other two teams entered. The Challenge Shield had now been competed for in fifty-eight ordinary matches and three tournaments. It had been won by or retained by the Auckland Association on twenty-five occasions, Wellington nineteen, Canterbury twelve and Manawatu five. Competition for the Norden Cup (open to minor associations) was the most successful in the history of the cup. The cup is now held Jby Daunevirke. The rules of the game were altered for the season in order to make the hooking of sticks illegal. The new rule had been given a good try-out, and several affiliated associations had commented favourably on it. The Hockey Association, England, was interested in the experiment, and had written asking for a report of its working. The finances for the year disclosed a very . satisfactory position. A credit balance of £43 8s lOrl was shown, and the accumulated fund stood at £379 16s 2d, the highest amount in its history. The chairman complimented those present on the very successful year. The New Zealand representative team in Australia had been exceptionally good 'and the association had to thank Mr Williamson (manager) for the manner in which he had managed the tour. He hoped to see the Norden Cup in the South Island very soon. The prospects for the future were very bright. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted:— Patron, his Excellency the GovernorGeneral; president, Mr H.' S. J. Goodman (re-elected); vice-presidents, the presidents of affiliated associations; honorary treasurer, Mr P. N. Quartermain. A.P.A. (N.Z.), A.T.A. (N.Z.): management committee, Messrs R. Oracle, S. Holland, C. Bellamy, H. Throp, A. F. Preston and I. Gunn. In the matter of the method of conducting shield competition for the coming season, Mr S. G. Holland (AVangahui) moved that tournaments for the shield should be held. Mr I>. Grade (Nelson) said that he was personally in favolir of the old challenge shield principle. Tournaments were not feasible when men - had -to travel for a week or ten days. The chairman thought that the old challenge method was the best. The motion was lost, and challenge matches will be played. The advisability of inviting an Australian 'team to tour New* Zealand was considered. . , N Mr AV. H. Down (Dannevirke) opposed the suggestion. It was very doubtful if the best team would be able to get away from Australia this year. If a poor team were sent it would be difficult to make the tour a success. Mr H- Throp (Buller) said that the possibility of a first-class team coming from Australia was a very remote one. On a show of hands the motion was ,n Mr Down moved that 44 this council recommends the incoming executive to bring an overseas team out to New Zealand next year.’’ This recommendation was cairiqu.