DINNER FOR HOCKEY PLAYERS

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 June 1950, Page 4

DINNER FOR HOCKEY PLAYERS

Tributes to the players, the umpires and Ihe Wanganui Hockey Association were paid and praise of Cook’s Gardens as a hockey ground was given at a diiiner for the North and South Island hockey players at the Provincial Hotel on Saturday night. Among those present were the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers M.L.C., Mr. M.S.J. Goodman, president of the New Zealand Hockey Association, Mr. W. J. Spicer, president of the Wanganui Hockey Association and Messrs. K. Falconers (Wellington), W. H. Down (Christchurch) and W. Newsham (Auckland), New Zealand selectors. Mr. Spicer welcomed the players and congratulated both teams on their good game, which he said had been enjoyed by all. He added that Wanganui would be trying in years to come to get another North v South match. A welcome on beh; V of the citizens of Wanganui was extended by the Mayor, who congratulated the players and Ihe winners for their splendid game. Mr. Goodman said the game was as good as any North v South he had seen. Since the war the fixture had been placed four times and the South had won twice and two matches were drawn. In these four games, said Mr. Goodman, there was only two goals difference between both teams which showed the evenness of play in both islands Mention of the good work done by people for hockey in schools was made by Mr. Falconer who hoped this work would be continued He said North v South games were always a great occasion. The captain of the South Island team, Mr. W. Morris thanked the Wanganui association for their hospitably and arrangements and for the wonderful ground they had made available. He congratulated the umpires, Messrs. J. S. D. Tizard (Wanganui and Mr. K. Hamilton (Christchurch) for their grand display. Similar remark.; were expressed by Mr. J. Tynan, the North Island captain, who said the umpiring was first rate. Mr. Hamilton said Cook’s Gardens was a good ground, and was one on which hockey could be played. As far as North v Sevin games were concerned Cook’s Gardens was second to none.