HOCKEY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 20, 13 May 1908, Page 12

HOCKEY.

The hockey season in Auckland was opened on Saturday last, when the grounds at Remuera presented a charming spectacle. The weather kept fine till late in the afternoon, and there was a, good turn-out of spectators, in addition to over 200 players, all wearing their club’s colours. In the course of the day, afternoon tea was served. The play included senior and junior tournaments, ladies’ tournament, and a number of races and other sports. The finals in two events had to be postponed till next Saturday. The whole day’s proceedings were most enjoyable, and the enthusiasm displayed is a good augury of a successful season.

Flockey is exceeding flourishing in Wellington, the last annual report discloses the fact that the number of teams competing last season was twenty-four—-five senior, ten junior, and nine third class—the contest for senior honours being unusually keen and close. The Ferry Company is making two new grounds at Day’s Bay, and the committee has been able to secure a ground for the season at the Athletic Park, owing to the Rugby Union going to Miramar for its games. This is held to be a memorable event, at it presents the first opportunity afforded of playing regularly in the city, and will have a good effect upon the game, which cannot easily be over-esti-mated. The financial position has improved somewhat since the last annual meeting. The bank overdraft has been reduced from £25 6/- to £l2/9/9, and it is hoped that this deficit may be wiped out by the end of the season. The expenditure totalled £ll9 8/9, of which £5O was for rents of grounds and £47 5/' for upkeep.

As against the contention that prohibition of the liquor traffic has resulted in the rates at Ashburton being reduced by 3d. in the £l, it is asserted that the real reason for reduction. of rates in that borough is the ini creased rental from the reserves belonging to the borough which were recently held by Messrs. Campbell and Co., along with the Otekaike Estate, which has just been acquired by the Government. These reserves have just been relet at a very much increased rental, and if no-license had not l»een carried the reduction in rates would have been still greater.