THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 898, 23 May 1907, Page 12

THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

(BY

“SCRUTATOR.”)

It was a thoroughly enthusiastic football crowd of close on 5000 which assembled at Epsom on Saturday. From the word “ go” they evinced the keenest interest in the game. And it is to the credit of the crowd that a sportsmanlike feeling prevailed, with an absence of partisans, and where applause was merited, either on one or the other, it was given without a second thought.

Ponsonby was defeated, but not disgraced, in Saturday’s match. In fact, it might even be debated whether the better team won, for a more keenly or evenly-contested game has seldom been seen in Auckland.

Speculation as to the ultimate result of the Ponsonby-City match had been very keen all the week, and. a closely-contested match was anticipated. Those who looked forward to such were not disappointed. It was a hard, keen, fast struggle, and as an exhibition of football on scientific lines it was all that Rugger enthusiasts could desire.

Saturday was an ideal day for football, there being no sun and very little wind. Ponsonby began by playing against what breeze there was, but the advantage amounted to nothing in the second half, contrary shafts of wind blowing across the field during the latter end of the game.

City had a reputation to lose; Ponsonby had one to make. That was about the position of affairs in Saturday’s match. City, with a couple of exceptions, are tried players. Ponsonby, on the other hand, has only this year come into prominence, and, despite the easy victories secured against Parnell and the Shoremen, had to prove their mettle. When put to the test they came up to expectations in every way. The forwards worked splendidly, and the backs played with dash and brilliancy. Throughout the first half they had City very frequently in trouble, and it is pretty well a certainty that had there not been an over-anxious tendency to score at critical moments, the result would have been in Ponsonby’s favour —not City’s. That is to say, had City had the same openings as Ponsonby had towards the close of the second half, they, with their experience and knowledge of when to grasp opportunities, would have crossed the line.

The forwards in both teams were a nicely-matched lot. Perhaps Cunningham’s solid weight would have turned the average in favour of “ The Ponies,” but when in the pack the weight was evidently just about equalised. Now and again Ponsonby seemed a little loose in the pack, but on the whole City forwards gained no advantage there. In fact, the forward play of both teams was a treat to witness, and it is evident that each man is a thorough exponent of the game. From such an even lot it is hard to pick out any individual players, but in the open play, as fast, free workers, ever on the ball, “ Scotty” McDonald, Hall and Nicholson shone out conspicuously, while of the City forward division, Seeling and G. Tyler were the pick of a very even lot.

Throughout the first half of the game Ponsonby had decidedly the best of it, attacking with plenty of dash, and playing with a vim which aroused the crowd to a fever heat of excitement. More than once City’s line was in danger, and once Nicholson succeeded in crossing, but was brought back for some technical breach. It was a popular tip that City would wear Ponsonby down In the second half, but the argument was all astray. The wearers of the red and black livened up to the attack on resuming play, but Ponsonby was equal to the occasion, and by sheer hard work kept the game on an even footing. In condition and combination they were every bit as good as their opponents. It was in the last twelve minutes that City scored. From some loose play on Ponsonby’s line, Flynn failed to take the ball, and before Blakey had time to come up Tyler had followed on and scored.

Ponsonby’s back division showed splendid organisation. Murray has struck great form, and played a game which came in for unanimous commendation. His kicking was exceptionally good, especially in finding the line. Gillett did not seem to have much of an opening, the City men lining the captain of the opposing team every time. Bater played a very steady game, and got in a lot of solid work. Blakey, as fullback, was also responsible for some very creditable football.

A rattling contest was fought out at the Shore on Saturday between the wearers of the green and white and the Newton fifteen. The first half was scoreless. After the usual spell, however, the Shoremen gained advantage, and Newton livened up considerably. A ding-dong battle resulted in a win for the Shore by 6 points to nil.

Newton had, if anything, the best of it in the back division on Saturday, but the green and white forwards were very solid. W. Wynyard’s absence from the three-quarter line weakened the Shore combination considerably. Saturday’s match, however, should stand them in good stead against the contest with ParneF next Saturday. Considerable interest is being manifested in the fixture.

Warner who mad§ his first appearance with the Shoremen on Saturday justified his inclusion in the senior team.

Marshall played a rattling forward game against Newton t and notched both tries which secured a victory for North Shore.

Wolfgram has struck very fair form this season, and was the mainstay of the Newton backs on Saturday. Harold Rowe, who captained the maroon and whites, also played a very solid and sure game.

Pat. Sutherland, who so ably filled the position of fullback, both in senior district and Auckland representative teams several seasons ago, played centre-threequarter for Grafton on Saturday, getting through a large amount of useful work and showing to great advantage over his fellowbacks.

Blake was always prominent among the Graftonites, and put in some hard graft for his side. Poananga showed up fairly well, and was responsible for a good deal of defensive work. MacCormick was easily the best of the forwards, always being in the thick of it and acting as a tower of strength to his team. Clark, as wing forward, was outclassed by his opponent, but was responsible for some serviceable work at times

Hogan, who made his first appearance as a senior with Parnell on Saturday, filled the position of wing threequarter creditably, making no serious mistakes. Possessed of a good round of pace and effective kicking power he is quite capable of holding his own with other senior players. Both the tries scored by him were the result of smart pieces of work.

Twiname, at centre, was hardly up to the form displayed by him on the two previous Saturdays. He shone out prominently in the passing runs, handling the ball cleverly, but his defence was not up to the usual standard.

Mowbray showed improvement on the Parnell threequarter line, taking an active part in the passing runs and proving sound in defence. Todd had a fair amount of work to do at five-eighths. On several occasions he was responsible for some clever play, but at times he missed a number of good chances. Fox played a useful game at half, while Armstrong took advantage of every opportunity given him on the wing, and worked hard in making openings for his backs. He was of great assistance to his side, and secured two tries.

Walsh played a hard game in the maroon forward division against Grafton, and worked consistently

right through. Kinder and Glasgow also showed out prominently, losing very few chances. PERSONALIA. Amongst the big crowd at Epsom on Saturday were a couple of English tourists who had witnessed the “ All Black” match against Wales. They were delighted with Saturday’s game, and took a keen interest in the work of Smith, Tyler, Seeling, Nicholson, Cunningham and Mackrell, as players whom they had seen at Home. * * * * With the Magee and Tyler brothers out of the team, where would the City fifteen be ? * * * * George Smith played with his usual brilliancy on Saturday, but must have found the situation rather novel when called upon to frequently play a saving game in face of the clever work of Murray and the other Ponsonby backs. City has so long been “ cock of the walk,” and used to running over the opposition, that it is a unique experience for the City backs to be called upon to assume the defensive. Smith’s game on Saturday was all the more meritorious in view of the fact that he had been unwell all the week, and during the game against Ponsonby was visibly suffering-

Mr. Bellson, one of the English Molineaux team which visited Australia and New Zealand some years ago, is at present touring the colony, and was an interested spectator of the City-Ponsonby match on Saturday. * * ♦ *

Mr. D. Gallaher leaves to-day for Wellington to confer with Messrs. Kelly and Humphries in the selection of the team to represent the North in the forthcoming match against the South Island. He returns on Sunday and then leaves the following Sunday for Christchurch, to be present at the big match on Monday week, after which Mr. Gallaher, in conjunction with Messrs. Harris, Kelly, and Evans, selects the representative team for the Australian tour.

Bob Magee got a nasty kick in the face during the first half of the CityPonsonby match, and during the second part of the game was temporarily disabled. * * * *

I am indebted to Mr. C. V. Langsford for a copy of the Auckland Rugby Union’s Annual, for the 1907 season. It is “chock” full of interesting information compiled by the hon. secretary, and should be of the greatest use to all Rugger enthusiasts. The Annual is a perfect football encyclopaedia and at the nominal sum of 6d. should be gladly availed of by everyone.

George Murray, who played such a brilliant threequarter game for Ponsonby on Saturday, was so much knocked about that he will be unable to take up his ordinary duties for a week or two, and acting under medical advice will be absent from the football field for the next few matches.

As a souvenir of the recent victory of the S’Africans over the Welshmen, Mr. D. Gallaher received an interesting little postcard by the last English mail. It is got up in the form of a mourning card, with a deep black border, and the obsequies reads as follows: “In loving memory of poor old Wales, who succumbed at the hands of the South Africans at Swansea, December Ist, ’O6. With courage bold the Welshmen came, And played right well to win the game, Alas! their spirits fell complete, When ' Springbok’s’ team they failed to beat.” * * ♦ *

It will be some time before W. Wynyard again dons the green and white for North Shore. The Shore skipper received a nasty buffeting in the opening game of the season with Grafton, and in the subsequent game with Ponsonby was rendered absolutely hors de combat. It will be some weeks before Wynyard will be again seen in the threequarter line, but he expects to play later in the season.

Mr. J. D. Avery has been appointed secretary of the New Zealand Rugby Union. Mr. Avery is well-known as secretary of the Wellington Union. Mr. C. V. Langsford, whose photo, is reproduced in this issue, has long been identified with Rugby in Auckland. This is his second term of office as secretary of the .Auckland Rugby Union. Previously he held the position of treasurer for five years and prior to that officiated on the management committee for three years. The genial C. V. L.’s last appearance in actual football was with the Ponsonby fifteen, when they won the senior championship in ’97. NEWS AND NOTES. Grafton were twenty minutes late in taking the field on Saturday. * * % « The North v. South Island match takes place at Christchurch on June 3. * * * * The Unions of New Zealand, Queensland and New South Wales are shortly to confer on a fresh agreement for intercolonial matches, the present arrangement expiring this season.

The New Zealand team’s visit is being looked forward to with the greatest interest in Sydney. New South Wales sends a combination to tour Queensland before the New Zealanders go across, and they will be timed to arrive back in Sydney from their Northern tour just prior to the visiting team’s arrival. The N.Z. team to visit Australia will be selected after the North v. South Island match on Monday week. ♦ » ♦ « It is estimated that there are over 1000 footballers playing Rugby in Dunedin this season.

During Saturday’s game between Ponsonby and City, Mr. A. Campbell, as referee, had to penalise each side more than once for rushing a man before he had actually received the ball. It has too frequently been , the practice to tackle a man before he has taken the ball. Mr. Campbell cautioned both teams on Saturday, and then penalised each on any recurrence of the breach of rules.

At Gisborne last week a keenlycontested match between the pakeha and Maori fifteens resulted in a win for the former by 15 points to 13.

A peculiar point arose for decision at Dunedin on Saturday. Just before the close of the game between University and Dunedin, the latter team sent the ball over University’s. touchline. The University fullback, instead of touching down, made a run for it. The bell rang for time, and

the referee blew his whistle, believing the ball had been forced. The University man continued to run for it and scored. The matter will be brought before the Rugby Union. * * * *

Next Saturday’s meeting between the Shore and Parnell should be a very even contest, and will probably draw a large crowd. City, against Grafton, and Ponsonby against Newton, will be simple walk-overs, and not’likely to be of much account from a spectator’s point of view. * * * *

It is a pity that there is such a disparity between the merits of the Auckland senior teams. Parnell shows an improvement on last season, but the Shore has made a disappointing display so far. Newton has need for a good deal of bolstering up, wh.il© Grafton is altogether out of the question; they have not even sufficient Rugger enthusiasm to be on time for a Cup fixture. It is very bad form for a senior team to keep their opponents, the referee, and the crowd waiting at their pleasure for 20 minutes.

At a meeting of the committee of the Auck.and Rugby Union last Thursday evening, the following resolution was passed:—“That the Auckland Rugby Union views with alarm and indignation the suggestion of a tour of a professional Rugby football team to England, and trusts the local football authorities will use every endeavour to discountenance such tour as being inimical to the best interests of football in this colony."

Different captains adopt different methods. Ponsonby plays with three men on the threequarter line, two five-eighths, and one wing forward; Parnell plays with three halves; •City’s combination comprises three threequarters, one five-eighth, and two wing forwards.

A. team of 22 players goes to Australia in July. Speculation is very keen as to whether the merits of several new players in the Auckland seniors will not entitle them to selection.

City’s combination cannot be said to show a weak spot this season. S. Magee is as morally safe as any man well can be in the responsible and unsatisfactory position of fullback. George Smith struck form right off this season, and is playing with a versatility and dash that, is the delight of all who see his play. V. Little, as wing threequarter, gets in some very good work, but Gladding, on the other wing, was a I’ttle loose in his play on Saturday, taking the ball badly on one or two occasions. Ladner is a heady little player, and fills Young’s place behind the scrum with some ability; he feeds the back division cleverly, and plays a good game in the open. R. Magee, W. Tyler and Mcllhone are all responsible for good work in their respective positions.

The attendance at Epsom last Saturday was a record for a Cup match. Two thousand paid for admission, besides which the ladies attended in very strong force. In accordance with the usual custom, no levy was made upon the fair sex, so that an actual record of the attendance was not forthcoming. In future, however, Mr. Langsford informs me it will be possible to obtain an exact record of the attendance at all matches, as the Union has purchased ten turnstiles from the Christchurch •exhibition, eight of which will be erected at the entrance to the grounds, and the remaining two in front of the grandstand.

The New South Wales Union has voted £5O towards the expenses of the Combined Schools’ team to New Zealand. The Union has also decided to spend £230 on schools’ football in the country.

Roto, who some two seasons ago represented the Thames R.U., is this •year playing under the Paeroa R.U.

Mr. H. R. Bush, secretary to the Goldfields R.U., drops me a note to say the inter-un ; on rep. matches commence on Saturday next, when PaeToa meets Waihi at Waihi, and Karangahake visits Waikino. Mr. P. Brennan has chosen the following team to represent Paeroa against Waihi: —Fullback, Rolton; threequarters, Rickit, Percy and Keating; fiveeighth, Daldy; half, Griffiths; wings, Silcock and Royal; forwards, Ryan, Thorburn, Whitmore, Roto, Rukutaia, Pennell, and Rolton. Emergencies: Hutton and Shaw.

CITY V. PONSONBY. BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN TWO CRACK TEAMS. NARROW WIN FOR CITY. Saturday’s match drew a crowd of between 4000 and 5000 people, and a very keen struggle was watched with the keenest interest. Ponsonby lost the toss, and kicked off against what little breeze there was. The “ Ponies” concentrated play right away in City’s twenty-five, and a warm forward struggle commenced. Ladner got his foot under the ball in a long kick, which had the effect of centring the game. Scrums and line-outs followed, but the forwards were particularly ’willing in their work, and the game was too fast to ever become monotonous, concentrated as it was amongst the forward division. Cox, by a well-judged kick, sent the play once again into City’s territory, and for a while the game was very willing. Gillett marked at a rather difficult angle but Francis determined to make an effort to send the ball over the cross-bar. A well-judged attempt missed the mark by very little. Nothing daunted, Ponsonby returned to the attack. For a while operations hovered round the half-way line, but from a lovely throw-in by Gillett, Mackay got the ball and booted it well down the line. The black and blue forwards were not out for missing any opportunities on Saturday, and they were worrying City in their own twenty-five with the greatest pertinacity. The situation was looking rather serious when Smith relieved by a long kick, which found the line. Free kicks were rather plentiful, Mr. Campbell penalising every time a man collared before his opponent had actually received the ball. Rather loose play followed, but Williams, with the assistance of other red and black forwards, carried play into Ponsonby’s base. Blakey, by a piece of very good work, saved the situation. The City backs had an opening, and Smith, after a fine run, passed to Little. Little in turn was successfully tackled. Murray seized the opportunity and passed to Dunning, who got in a great run and kick. Ponsonby looked like scoring all over, and attacked strongly, but was penalised at a critical moment. Play did not leave City’s twenty-five, however, and from a mark Francis again attempted to kick a goal. The leather fell short of the distance. A few minutes later City again forced. Citv then got in with a brilliant rush, in which the threequarter division figured prominently. Ponsonby tackled gamely, however, and the rather extraordinary contretemps arose of all the City backs measuring their length on the ground, with the result that when Little was collared he had no one to pass to and the ball found its way into the enemy’s hands. Dunning and Cox then got in with a clever rush, and once more City was placed on the defensive. Nicholson managed to scramble over the line, but as the result of a forward throw had to go back for a five yards’ scrum. During the subsequent ten minutes City was kept on the defensive. Ponsonby forwards attacked hotly, and every inch of the game was most keenlv contested. Twice the blue and blacks were within an ace of scoring, but City’s defence was just as dogged as Ponsonby’s attack. Magee received on the line and touched down, with the result that the referee declared a line scrum. Excitement ran to fever heat amongst the crowd, while each side fought to gain an advantage. The bell for half-time rang, however without either side having scored. When the game was re-commenced. City adopted aggressive tactics, and the forwards attacked vigorously. A handy sort of kick by S. Magee sent the play into Ponsonby’s territory. The Ponies were equal to the occasion, and gave as good as they got, with the result that City was forced back on to neutral ground. Murray pent the ball up field with a solid kick, which Smith marked. Bater returned, after a nice run, and the game was evenly contested for some time. During some very quick “ on the ball” play, McDonald and Hall worked splendidly. Ladner and Magee managed to get the ball between them well into Ponsonby’s base, and the Ponies were kept on the defensive. From a scrum within a few yards of Ponsonby’s line City was allowed the opportunity they had been waiting for. The ball was sent towards Flynn, who should have taken it. Blakey had not time to come to the rescue, and W. Tyler, by following up quickly, had an open run to the line, which he crossed without

any opposition. Amidst tremendous excitement S. Magee added the extra points. City’s score acted as a stimulant with Ponsonby, and the blue and blacks attacked with redoubled energy. Again and again they forced into their opponent’s territory, but as often were they repelled. Several little mishaps had occurred during the second half, necessitating the prolonging of time by 15 minutes, with the result that the final stages of the game were fought in semi-darkness. Time and again Ponsonby tried to retrieve their position by making the points even, but City’s defence was impenetrable, and though the struggle was keen enough to arouse the spectators to a state of intense enthusiasm and excitement, the Ponsonby team’s efforts were without avail, and the bell went with the score: City, 5; Ponsonby, nil. NORTH SHORE V. NEWTON. AN EVEN STRUGGLE. NARROW VICTORY FOR THE SHORE MEN. It is remarkable how Aucklanders patronise all branches of sport. The match at Epsom drew a crowd of close .on 5000, while Takapuna races were very well attended. Yet a very respectable crowd remained to wend its way to the Shore and witness the cup contest with the Newton seniors. In the first half the play dragged a little, but in the subsequent ha.f matters became distinctly lively. While in the first part of the game, Newton had assumed the aggressive, tactics were changed somewhat in the second half. From a determined forward rush, Marshall scored for the green and whites. A good attempt to convert was made by Marshall, but went a little wide of the mark. Newton retaliated with some rather fine play, and Wolfgram got in a brilliant run, but was prevented from scoring by Miller. Newton missed a chance to score when given a free kick in front of the Shore goal. After fine play on the part of R. Wynyard and Jackson, Marshall again got the ball, and seizing an opening in the Newton combination, darted through, and scored a second time. No further points were added. Play on neutral ground followed, and the bell sounded without further developments. North Shore winning by 6 points to nil. PARNELL V. GRAFTON. AN EASY VICTORY. The match between Parnell and Grafton resulted in a fairly easy victory for the former by 18 points to 3. It was expected the game would be a close one, but on taking- the field it was seen that the Grafton team was partly composed of juniors, and a win for the wearers of the maroon was looked upon as a certainty. Hogan, George, and Rhodes, three junior players, were included in the Parnell fifteen. With the exception of a few occasions when playing against the wind in the first spell, the Parnellites were not called upon for any great amount of defensive work, and no great difficulty was experienced in keeping their opponents from crossing the line. Bad passing on the part of the Grafton backs was responsible for more than one good opportunity being lost, and by their faulty handling of the ball they were unable to gain much ground, as the Parnell forwards were down on them time after time. They lacked combination, and their play was nothing short of disappointing. Although the maroon backs indulged in several smart passing runs and at times showed occasional flashes of brilliance, their play, taken right through, was patchy, fumbling being greatly in evidence. Had they played up to form it is needless to say the score would have been doubled in their favour. The Grafton forwards made a ~ood stand against their strong opponents, and better combination would undoubtedly have had the effect of making the game more even. On the line-out they held their own remarkably well, while in the pack they were successful in beating the maroons for the leather on several occasions. There was nothing much to cavil at in the Parnell forwards, who played a steady game throughout, except that one or two of them did not appear to show any over-eagerness in following up, this perhaps being due to the knowledge that they were pitted against a far weaker team. On the other hand, I have no doubt that had they been opposed by a more powerful combination, the play of this youthful forward division would not have been lacking in dash and vigour. The most disappointing feature of the match was the unsuccessful goal-kicking of Parnell. Without mentioning penalties, out of six attempts to convert tries every one resulted in failure to pilot the ball over the cross-bar. However, it must be admitted, the first three were tried in the face of a heavy wind, but the other three attempts must be accredited to bad place-kicking. The three points secured by Grafton were obtained by the kicking of a penalty goal. AUCK L A ND UNION FO OT BA L L FIXTURES. FIRST AND SECOND FIFTEENS. May 25: Grafton v. City, North Shore v. Parnell, Newton v. Ponsonby. June 1: Grafton- v. Ponsonby, North Shore v. City, Newton v. Parnell.

THE PROFESSIONAL TEAM FOR ENGLAND. NEW ZEALAND’S REPUTATION IN DANGER. THE SITUATION SUMMED UP. AN “ALL BLACK’S” OPINION. Will New Zealand’s fair name be tarnished in the Old Country—the home of pure sport? Is the reputation of the “All Blacks” to be sullied by a team which will trade on that reputation for the sake of pelf? That is the topic of the hour in the football world, and the delicate problem the Rugby Union has to solve, if possible. Unfortunately, it seems ■; only too true that despite the general outburst of public indignation arrangements are quietly being brought to a head for the effecting of this purpose. No names are mentioned, no one speaks as though possessed of any definite knowledge. It is simply like the plague outbreak; we know that a subtle force is at work, and that we are powerless to prevent it. For what can be done to circumvent the proposal to send Home a professional team to Britain? The Rugby Union is powerless. It cannot quarantine the suspects and tell them they shall not escape detention until it is a certainty they are not affected by the scourge which is going to blemish our reputation in the Old Country. It is purely and simply a matter of sentiment. For the sake of the only sport left to us which is purely amateur, we want to keep it above suspicion. The prowess of the “All Blacks” will be handed down to posterity with pride. But a blemish will be cast upon that renown if "a professional team goes' Home. Where there is a monetary aim in view true sport takes a back seat. Supposing this combination, which is going to trade upon the reputation of the “All Blacks,” meets with the same success as the team which brought fame to New Zealand, what will be the result? Against professionals such a walk over would never draw the crowd, and so, with the idea of the gate money always in view we will have the same “tying up” that is only too prevalent in other branches of sport where the monetary influence is the all-important factor. In a case of this kind, what other force can be brought to bear upon the situation? The Rugby Union can only ostracise those who go on this professional tour. 'That banishment can hardly present a very terrible aspect to those who contemplate the trip, since in several cases their football existence cannot last much longer. Indeed, the case may even be argued with a good deal of weight in favour of those who will join this professional syndicate. Under the promise of a lump sum, as an ultimate reward, many of our prominent exponents of the game may naturally look upon it as a perfectly legitimate way of earning more than they are. ever likely to in the occupations they at present follow. Sentiment doesn’t enter into their calculations there. But having reduced the question to a business level it is necessary to look at it from a business point of view, and it is here that a strong argument exists. Is it worth the risk? That is the aspect the problem takes, and it is very questionable if, in selling their country’s honour, the price paid to the “Black” Syndicate is worth the sacrifice. Chatting with one of the “All Black” team on the subject a “Review" representative elicited some interesting information. It is not generally understood that the members of the team which won such fair renown for New Zealand made absolutely nothing out of the trip. They were allowed 3/ per day as “wine money,” and received nothing further. In fact, it is estimated that the tour cost most of them from £BO up to £2OO. Their expenses were always paid, of course, but plenty of opportunities arise above natural expenses for spending money, besides which those on the tour drew no equivalent to the salary they would have been earning in pursuit of their ordinary occupations. So that in every sense of the word the “All Black” was an amateur team, and conformed during the tour to the strictest rules of amateurism. “Can it be made worth while—this sending Home of a professional team?” was the query put to the “All Black” representative. “It is questionable. In the first place there are only two counties in England where professionalism has any footing—Lancashire and Yorkshire. Outside the environs of those

counties the professional team from this colony would not be recognised. With such champions of amateur Rugby as Mr. Roland Hill, president of the English Union, in the van, lovers of the true game would not hesitate in boycotting all matches on the proposed tour. Mr. Hill is a gentleman who has devoted his life to the advancement of amateur Rugby, and he has been responsible for the inculcation of many of those principles that have made <Jie game what it is in the Old Country.” “But won’t the professional teams be able to visit neutral grounds, such as Swansea, in Wales, for instance, and draw crowds that will pay?” “No, I am confident that they would never be tolerated. Amateurism is the heart of true sport, and Wales, of all places, is faithful to the traditions of the game. If the team does go Home, they will have to concentrate their efforts to Lancashire and Yorkshire, and I am very much in doubt whether the syndicate can make it worth their while. Anyway, I hope none of our fellows will go, for it means football ostracism for the rest of their lives.” As a result of the All Black tour, it is interesting to note the New Zealand Rugby Union secured £12,000. South Africa received £2400 as its share of the gate at the match against England. THE RUGBY UNION’S ACTION. The New Zealand Rugby Union has taken up a very firm position with regard to the proposed professional Rugby tour of the Old Country. All players picked for the North v. South Island match, and the subsequent visit to Australia, will be required to make the following affidavit: — I, , of , do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows: —(1) That I have never asked, received, or relied on a promise, direct or implied, to receive any money consideration whatever, actual or prospective, for playing football or rendering any service to a football organisation; (2) and particularly that I have not asked, received, or relied on any promise, direct or implied, to receive any money consideration whatever, actual or prospective, or to receive any benefit from, nor have I promised or asked to be permitted to take part in any manner whatsoever in a scheme having for its object the sending of a team of Rugby footballers from New Zealand to play football against the teams of the Northern Counties’ Rugby Union of England. I make this solemn declaration, conscientiously believing the same to be true, under and by virtue of the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1882. It is understood that two sportsmen in the North Island have personally guaranteed £5OO towards the expenses of the tour. Twenty-eight players will undertake the journey, which shall occupy three months. South Africa or British Columbia are mentioned as likely to receive visits from the team THE FOOTBALL WORLD. AND THE “REVIEW.” During the present season it is the intention of the editor of the “Review” to make these columns thoroughly representative of all that pertains to the football world. Correspondents from outside centres will contribute to these columns, including a weekly budget of happenings in Wellingtonian circles. Highly interesting illustrations will appear from week to week of Cup and other important matches, special prominence being given to rep. matches throughout the colony. Special articles and interviews on subjects of moment in the football world will be a feature of these columns. Reports of interest will be accepted from secretaries of clubs, and a column will always be open to expressions of opinion from enthusiasts. COUNTRY MATCHES. A match played at the Thames between Suburbs and City was won by the former by 5 points to nil. At Paeroa a match was played between East and West, and resulted in a win for the latter team by 3 points (penalty goal) to nil. At Rotorua, City defeated Waikite by 8 points to 6, and Kahukura secured a win over Whakarewarewa by 11 points to nil. A match between Waitete and Waihi was played at Waihi, and proved to be an evenly-contested game, the Waihi team being returned winners by 3 points to nil. At Hamilton, No. 1 defeated Suburbs East by 3 points to nil. FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP.

P. W. L. D. For. Ag. Team. City 3 Matches. 3 0 0 Points. 50 3 Ponsonby ... 3 2 1 0 41 8 North Shore 3 2 1 0 19 24 Parnell 3 1 2 0 21 48 Newton 3 1 2 0 3 23 Grafton .... 3 0 3 0 3 31