FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 757, 4 March 1910, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE WELLINGTON CLTJB. A satisfactory state of affairs is dis-, closed by the annual report and balancesheet of tho Wellington football Club to bo presented at the annual meeting tonight. Although the club's expenses wero heavier than usual owing to increased gymnasium rent,- the season closed with

a" substantial bank balance. Tho roll of membership now stands at 174, including OS active members. .' ho committee reports that while the senior team in tho championship matches did not reach the high standard promised in tho early part of the season, the second fifteen had a very successful season, and was a credit to tho club. Much of their success was due to tho coach, Mr. D. AVeir,

who kept the team keen, and consequently in excellent training. The third fifteen' performed creditably, and with a little better fortune would have been near tho top of their grade. The fourth fifteen contains some very "enthusiastic and promising young players, and if the services of a coach can bo obtained it should have a successful season during the coining winter. Tho competition in connection with the Levin shield was re-

vived last season, Mr. G. C. Fache providing, trophies. The results wore as follow:—Bridge, 16 points; M'Lean, 15 points; Sellars and Konayne, 9 points each. G. F. M'Kellar, as the best player in. the first fifteen, holds the Pownall cup for.a year, and wins Mr. G. H. Murray's medal. The club, while congratulating them ou their new appointments, regrets from the club's standpoint that the president, Mr. J: EmanSmith, and tho club oaptain, Mr. J. Murray, have left Wellington. The former has been appointed Resident Commissioner in tho Cook Islands, and the latter Deputy Commissioner of Stamps in Dnnedin. The committee regrets having to report the death of Mr. W. P. James, stipendiary magistrate, Masterton, who was a life member of tho club. The thanks of the club are.due to Mr. J. Eman Smith, president; to Messrs. J. P. Firth and J. Murray, vice ; p'residents, for donations; to Mr. 6. H. Murray for trophy; to Mr. D; Weir for the time ho devoted in coaching the junior fifteen; and to Mr. G. C. Fachei for providing trophies for the Levin shield- competi tion. • .'

An appeal is made to tho numerous retired club, members to offer their services as coaches during the comiug season. During the past season numerous matches were lost on account of there not being anyone with experience on the 'grounds to advise the different captains. Judging by the results obtained in other clubs, there is not tho slightest doubt that if a coach could be obtained for each team tho club would soon regain its former high position.