HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 467, 27 March 1909, Page 7

HOCKEY.

WELLINGTON CLUB. The eleventh annual meeting of the Wellington Hockey Club was held last night, Mr. J. H. Merrie presiding over a good attendance of members. In submitting the eleventh annual report, the committeo stated:—"The membership-roll of members still keeps up to old standards. The financial position compares very favourably with past years, and tho balance of £S 2s. Gd. at the bank, with £2 12s. Gd. in hand, is. a splendid lift from the previous year's position. The only event during the season worthy of praise was tho grand effort mado by our thirds to gain the cup. They played 15 matches, won .12, lost 3, scored 83 goals, and only had IS .netted against, them. We trust they ..will\sh6jyy'their old formiigaih •this season,' arid come-'out with flying colours. • It is to be regretted that both the senior and junior grades finished low in tho list, but with the material we have this season, coupled with an enthusiasm 'for training and keenness for club spirit, there is every reason to expect first-class results. It is to.be deeply regretted that we have lost one of our life members through the death of Mr. H. Bridge, and wo wish to-convey our heartfelt : sympathies to his parents and family." ■..'', The following officers wero elected:—Frosi-' dent, Mr. J. H. B. Coatcs; '■■ vice-presidents, Messrs. It. G. Eeid, E. D. Bell, A. M. Do Costa, and A. S. Biss; captain, Mr. J. Schuloy'; deputy-captain, Mr. D. 11. Beere; committee, Messrs. Walton, Morrah, Smith, and Price; delegates to association, Messrs. W. H. Walton and K. Price; secretary, Mr. W. Morrah; treasurer, Mr. Itoy Brewer; auditor, Mr. It. I). Menzies. '". . ~. > '

THE ALLOTMENT ; 6f GROUNDS. The Wellington Hockey Association has encountered a good deal of difficulty in past years in the effort to secure an adequate number of playing grounds, and this year the committee left no stone unturned to gair. this end, with the result that they have now at their disposal two grounds on Kelburno Park, threo or four on the Duppa Street Beservc, in Addition to the five grounds at Day's Bay and six at Miramar, for which an annual rental is paid. Discussing, the matter with a reporter, Mr. W. E. Pearson, secretary of the association, traversed the battles of the past a little. Their chief rival, ho remarked, had been tho Eugby Union, which was the wealthiest sports body, bnt that was no reason, he urged, why it should monopolise the grounds. This superiority on the part, of the union was not evidenced by the number of 'players concerned, because there wero over 1000 hockey players, and more than that number playing Association football. . Fortunately,, however, the Hockey Association had fared better this season, and tho allotment of grounds was very satisfactory. The question arises as to what grade of matches will be played on the grounds within reach of the city. That depends on the suitability of tho new areas, as compared with tho Day's Bay grounds, which are tho best in New Zealand. With the addition of five new clubs, bringing the total to fourteen, all tho senior matches may not be played at Day's Bay, as it is not yet certain if the new ground there will bo ready. It will bo Teady if tho weather is suitable, but up to lately it has not been good for the growth' of new sown grass. Mr. Pearson did not consider that tho coming of more senior teams as aspirants for the championship would lengthen tho season, as when the result was known beyond doubt, and the runners-up wero duly placed, the asso-" ciation could declare the season closed when it was considered desirable.

Last year there was a proposal to invite an English representative team ro pay New Zealand, a visit, but up till tho present nothing has come to hand from the New Zealand Association on the matter. KARORI CLUB. The tenth annual general meeting of tho Karori Hockey Club was held at Webb's Booms last night, when a largo number of members were present. The report stated that the season was a success from a playing point of view, all the games being fought out with a good.spirit. The senior team finished second ior the season. The juniors were not able to keep their team full, but thoso who turned up each Saturday showed good keen play. Tho Wednesday players were congratulated on their performance, finishing third in the contest which is very creditable considering that nearly all tho players were new to the "ame the following members wero elected during the season-to phiy in representative matches:—C Campbell, A. J. Cathie, G. Davies, and H Willis.

A. letter from the Karori Borough Council offering a ground for the season, was received and it was decided to accept tho offer. ■ tt ra l decided to hold a smoke concert on tho for A ° 'IS ° penil ' B P ractict; . which was fixed „'^ h " balance-sheet showed that' a balance of ™rV£tii c Zy! a hand ' W,lich ™ The following officers wero elected :-Presivnt' iM .n n H ; Di <*"sun; vice-presidents Means. T Campbell. L. Hill,'and J. Spiers'auditor, Jr. C. I. Dasent; captain, Mr G W Davies; vice-captain. Mr. T. Spiers; Mana"c meat Committee, Jles.sr.«. W. E. Dasent, P„tJUitL \f a ,S d M- Spiors; Match Committee, Messrs. G. W. Davies, n. Willis W P Dasent; secretary Mr A Q. Cathio; treasurer! Air. b. Atkin; delegates to association, Messrs Putnam and Fulton. The club will bo represented in the scnor competition this season. A vote of thanks to the chair and retiring officers of the club terminated the meeting