ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 856, 30 June 1910, Page 7

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

FOOTBALL. ' MARSHALL'S DISQUALIFICATION. LOCAL UNION UP IN ARMS. . ■ The fenagement Cnnmiittec nf the 'Wellington Rugby Football Union decided last night to protest and appeal -against a recent action of the New Zealand Rugby Union Management Committee, It will bo remembered "that J, Marshall, a Melrose player, was disqualified until the cud of tho first round of this season by the local committee for assaulting an opponent after a match at Lower "Hutt. The New Zealand controlling authority Reviewed the case and increased the senstence of disqualification to two years, The matter was brought up at last ■night's meeting by Mr. J. O'Sullivau, who Eaid ho felt that Marshall hud been, itrcated outrageously. He believed Marshall had had gjave provocation, and if the expression said to have been used .to him had been applied to himself (tho speaker) ho would' not have hesitated a moment' before striking tho. other party, bo matter if it was Jeffries or Johnson. Up to the present timo ho (tho speaker) lad had a good-deal of respect for tho governing body of Rugby in New Zealand, but he wns now afraid that its taembers had been listening to the "man •in tho street," like a deputation which waited upon that committee last week with merely hearsay evidence. A great deal had been said of tho danger that action .contrary to the New Zealand Union might lead, to a portion of tho players going over to . tho Northern League, bnt ho • thought tho action of the New Zealand Union had already dono •the very thing that was feared. It would appear that, because a certain player beJcnged to a certain club, that was suffi;cient against him, and there was no occasion to hear evidence. He moved: i That this union appeals against tho 'sentence on Marshall." Mr. W. Hardham seconded the motion. Be said the New Zealand Rugby Union sManagcmeat Committee had shown a iad spirit, and gone beyond the powers jgranted to it. The blow wns not half ■bo cowardly as appeared before the evidence was heard. "If any man. ever hits me," concluded Mr. Hardham, "so long as he gives me as much notice as Marshall gave Ryder, I shall bo quite satisfied." Mr. J. Sweeney said that the New Zealand Management Committee had stated that the Wellington Committee had held a "slipshod inquiry," That was not so. The offßnce was not denied, and the only question was the sentence. Tho committee took into account the facts that Marshall had had provocation, and that 'the police had dealt with the matter, and that a fine of £1 had been inflicted. If the New Zealand Union considoied that a proper inquiry had not been held, their plain duty was to refer tho matter ■back to that committee Mr. W. Perry said, he would like to joint out that a similar case was dealt with last year, in .connection with tho diqualification of a Marlborough player, and tho Appeal Committeo then held that the New Zealand Union had power undor .their rules to increase the sentence. Mr, J. Burns said he would like to see the evidence that was forwarded to tho 'Now Zealand Union. Perhaps it was not. sent quite so fully as it came beforo that committee. The evidence, as forwarded to the superior body having been read, Mr. Burns said it i seemed to have been stated fully —no vital point had been omitted. He thought tho New Zealaud Union had misunderstood tho position, or had taken tho word of the "man in the street." Itseemed to him that u change was needed in the management of the Now Zealand Union. Ihfs was not: the first time they had •fall ;n foul of a local union. If tho members of the New Zealand Management Committee showed a little more activity in regard to football, it would be more to their credit. Thev wero rarely se"n at local matches, Hut they shone with • tUesr.fraß passes when big matches wero "?', , K d,(l not P the confidence of footballers. They certainly held office,' but how, was known only to themselves and a few others. Mr...Perry said he thought it' would bn useless to - appeal, because tho difference between tho two decisions arose out of the New Zealand Union's view of what constituted provocation, and to what extent provocation should be taken into account. They seemed to havo taken the view that provocation was no excuse, and they asked, not how the game was played, but how it should be played. Any of those present might have struck a man, but ought they to do so? The chairman (Mr. S. Brown) said that .ho was inclmed to agree with the NewZealand Committee. Ho had thought from the first that tho Wellington' Committee's sentence was too light. . The committee had no evidence on the question of provocation. Two weeks before, the committee suspended two plavers for three playing Saturdays for striking each other in the heat, of the moment. In Marshall's case, on the other hand, the blow was struck at the end of the match, when an interval had elapsed since the provocation. After a good deal more discussion, which, however, did not bring out anything of first-rate importance, Mr. A'. B. Wilson said i-hat the Wellington Union should make a very strong protest, but he was against any formal appeal, which, ho thought would be useless. The motion was carried, the chairman and Mr. Perry' dissenting. Mr. Wilson did not vote. The following resolution was carried bn the, motion of Mr. Perry:—"That this committee regrets that the New Zealand Rugby. Union saw fit to increase the sentenco passed by this committee ,on Marshall without first referring the matter back to this committee with their opinion that the sentence should be increased." WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION. Tie weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the Wellington Rugbv Union was held last night. Present-.— MessTS. S. Brown (chairman), A. B. Wilson, W. Perry, J. O'Sullivau, J. Burns, .W. Hardham, and J. Sweeney. The transfer of F. E. O. Couzeus from the Butchers' Wednesday team to the fifth-class team of the Athletic Club was approved. The Lower Hutt Borough Council wrote that a lamp would be placed in tho dressingroom at the Hutt Recreation Ground, as requested by the union. The council hoped that every care would bo taken to avoid risk of fire. The Marlborough Rugby Football Union wxoto regarding dates of matches. The matter was postponed. The Reforccs' Association reported :- (I) That Melrose junior team defaulted its' engagement last Saturday, without notifying the referee; (2) tlint No. 2 Miramar Park was partially underwater and unfit for play; (3) that at Anderson Park there were no goal lines or touch lines marked out last Saturday, and tha same thing applied to Duppa Street ground. Tho meeting decided to inflict a fine of ss. on the defaulting team; also to write to the council asking them to have the grounds marked out, the union io bear the expense. The chairman reported that the sulvconrmittee appointed to interview the Athletic Park Trustees had done so, and the trustees had expressed fh© opinion that tho union should take a more direct interest in tho affairs of tho park than they had done in tho past. Members remarked that the attitude of the trustees had not always appeared to he so satisfactory. The chairman was appointed to" confer with the trustees when occasion arose. .WEDNESDAY MATCHES POSTPONED. Yesterday's football fixtures under the auspices of the Wellington Rugby Union wero postponed owing to the softness of tho grounds. MARTON BEATS HUNTERVILLE. (By Tclcgrapn.—Special Correspondent.! Marton, Juno 29. The Junior Shield final between Marten and Huhlerville resulted in a win for Marton by 6 points to 3—a try and penalty-goal to an unconverted try. ; ' ; MANAWATU V: RANGITIKEI. • Marton, June 29. In' the match Manawatu versus Rangitikei, played st Bulls to-dny, the latter won by 12 points to 8, after a fiuit and .interesting game.

COLLEGE HATCH. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, Juno 29. Thn annual football match between the Roys' High School and Christ's College was won by the former by 16 point* to 6.

MAORIS AT QOULBURN. LOCAL TEAM OUTCLASSED. • By.ToJegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Reo. Juno 29, 9.45 p.m.) Sydney, Jmie 29. In tho match at Goulburn the Maoris dofoated tho southern districts by 40 to 3. Heavy rain during tho play'niado tho ground slippery. The visitors completely outclassed the .local niou, and in tho first spell, assisted by ,i strong wind/the Maoris rattled up 20 to nil. Tho game was willing. Some, local pien put in good individual piny, but their combination wns faulty. THE AMERICAN TEAM. WIN THEIR FIRST MATCH. (Rec. June 30, 0.50 a.m.) Sydney, June .29. Tho American footballers have won their first match since the tour began, beating the Hunter River district team by 10 points to 9.

ASSOCIATION. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. The Management Committee of tho Wellington Football Association met lost evening, Mr. H. N. Holmes presiding. There was a record attendance of members. Beforo the minutes were confirmed, Mr. Roberts moved that tho resolution passed by the committee at its previous meeting—"that the Wellington Football Association declines to accept Mr. Wood as, refereo in the Wollington-Wanganui representative match—be expunged from tho minutes." There was no seconder, and the motion therefore lapsed. Mr. Roberts inquired how it came about that the information concerning Mr. Wood's appointment wns before thn committee before it was officially considered by tho New Zealand Council. It was\explained, in answor to the query, that the .announcement was merely a verbal one, and came from tho association's delegate on the New Zealand Referees' Association. Mr. Roberts remarked that the whole proceeding was most unbusinesslike. The chairman read a letter which had been received from a spectator against whom it had been alleged that he had beau guilty of unseemly conduct at n recent match at Kelbunie Park. Tho letter expressed regret. The letter wns received, and a vote of thanks accorded the chairman for his interest in that particular matter. A letter was received from the City Council, convoying permission for a col■■lection to be taken up on the ground at Newtown Park on the occasion of the Brown Shield match on Saturday next, but stipulating that such collection must not be taken up at or near the fates. Protests were received from tho Brooklyn aid Marist Brothers Clubs in conhectioa with the postponement of tho boys' grade fixtures on Saturday next on account of the representative match. It was suggested by Brooklyn that all the fixtures be played. The matter was referred to the Boys' Sub-committee. Mr. Press, i-oi'oree. in the SwiftsDiamonds (second division) match, reported having ordered off a Swifts player for striking Jenkinsou, of the Diamonds team. He had bfen unable to get the name of the player. The captain of the team professed ignorance of the name, while other members of the Swifts team were : unable to supply tho information. - It was resolved that the Swifts Club be written, to, asking for the name of the player,. and the matter be referred to the Referees' Association. 'Th Y.M.C.A. Boys' Club and others complained that no referee had appeared at their match against the Swifts team on. Saturday last. Tho letter was referred to the Referees' Association. St. , John's Club wrote protesting against the postponement of their match with Wanderers on account of the representative match at Palmerston North on Friday. It was pointed out tho postponement meant the loss.of three playing Saturdays. The letter was received. After considerable discussion over the question of cutting out the curtainraiser for Saturday's representative match, it was decided to ' retain the fixture, play to commence at 1.15 p.m , and to conclude not later than. 2.40 p.m., in order that the senior event might commence sharp at 2.45 p.m. A vote of thanks w-as accorded Mr. Duncan, who took charge of' tho Wellington team which visited Palmerston recently. ' BELLIGERENT FOOTBALLERS. TWO SUSPENSIONS. Tho fracas which occurred at the Association football match, Ramblers "v. Thistle, at the Basin Reserve last Saturday was the subject of a lengthy investigation by tho Management Committee of tho Association at its meeting last evening. Mr. B. L. Salmon, tho referee, reported having ordered. two players —W. Hall (Thistle) and A. Johnson (Ramblers) —off the field for fighting. Both players and several witnesses attended tho meeting to give evidence before the committee. It was shown that tho incident occurred shortly before half-time, when Hall (full-back) blocked Johnson's attack on the Thistle goal, the latter player being about to centre the ball, which was hovering near tho goal-line, almost out of play. Hall appeared, to several of those who witnessed tho affair, to have been, the aggressor, though part of the evidence given stated that Johnson deliberately kicked Hall, and that his previous plav was open to criticism. Hall's evidence was that the ball was right out of play. The chairman said that tho affair was a most roprettablo one. The evidence, however, was very conflicting. Mr. Roberts said that it appeared to him, from the ovidenco, that Hall was the aggressor in the actual fight, and that Johnson kicked. Hall previously. Both players were, to blame. He did not wish to be hard on them, yet the offence called for some punishment. Ho moved that both be suspended for four playing Saturdays. Tho motion wns seconded. Mr. J. Paton dissented, and moved as an amendment that the disqualification be for tho remainder of the season. The amendment was seconded and carried, as against tho motion. Mr. M'iveown, in a further amendment, moved that Hall hi; suspended for four Snturdays, and Johnson lor the remainder of the season. This was eventually carried by seven votes to six.

HOCKEY.

THE MID-WEEK MATCHES. The Wellington Wednesday Hookey Association got off two matches yesterday afternoon. PETONE, l; PAKEHA, l. The match Petonc v. Pakeha was played at Pctone, on a ground that was half covered with water, and resulted in n draw, each side scoring four goals. In the first spell Pctone scored within two minutes of the "bully oil'," Howe and J. M'Ewan carrying the ball into the Pakeha circle, and the former shooting a lucky goal. Pakoha, from the "bully off." carried the bail over the twenty-live yards line, when Haase, Grain, and Mollinson, by a good passing rush, got into tho circle. A penalty "bully" was (hen given airninsf Petonn, from wliich naase scored a goal. Shortly after (he match began, Pelono had the misfortune to lose their captain fJ. M'Ewan), a cut eyebrow necessitating his retirement. As tho spell progressed, Pakeha had all tho best of mailers, Haase again being able lo score, and Nutter, shortly afler, notching another goal, .lust beforo half-time, however, M'Ewan scored for Petoue, the spell ending: Pakeha. 3 goals; Petone, 2 goals. In the.sec :

ond spell Petono had the best of the play for a time, both W. M'Ewan and Howe scoring a goal each. Just before the call of time, however, I'akchn (jot '" a groat rush, carrying the. ball from one end of the ground to the other, and then Graeie, by a really fine bit of play, squared tho scores. The game rims ended in a. draw. For Pnkeha Grade, Mollinson, Haase, Osborne, Nutter, and M'Eldowney were the best, while the M'Ewnn Bros.,' Toppling, Polling, and lteswick were most conspicuous for Petonu. Mr. Cusack was referee.

HUT MAI A, 5; JIUI M.U B, 0. Tim match Jlui Mai A v. Hui Mai B was played at Mirnmnr, and resulted in an easy win for the A team by 5 goals la nil. All tho goals were scored in tho first spell by lloy (■>), Owen (2), and Clabes (1). In tho second spell tho B team managed to hold their own. Mr. Taylor was referee.

LAWN TENNIS.

THE DAVIS CUP FRICTION. WILDING MAY NOT COMPETE. IBy Teloirapli—Press Association.! Christchurch, June 20. In a private letter, Anthony Wilding states that it is doubtful if his engagements will allow him to be bnck in the Dominion until after Christmas, lie adds that if tho Davjs Cup contest had been fixed for Christchurch he would have put. everything else on one side. WILDING WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP. Bj Teleermh—Press Association—Oooyrisbt London, Juno 28. At the lawn tennis championship meeting at Wimbledon,, in the All England Championship Singles, Anthony Wilding (New Zealand) beat Beals Wright 4—6, 4-6, G-3, 6-2, 6-3. AN EXCITING FINISH. (Hoc. June 20, 11.10 p.m.) Londpn, Juno 29. Wright, rushing to .tho net in the "early stages of tho game, outpaced Wilding, tho third set ending with two games ali. Wilding's driving to tho side-lines and volleying then proved irresistible. There were many exciting rallies, but Wilding's steadier play carried tho day.

The winner received an ovation at tho end of the game.

In the Doubles Championship fourth round, Doust and Poidevin boat rrebblo and Barnes, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

WRESTLINU.

"TOO BIG A CONTRACT." BAIN'S TRIBUTE TO SMITH. (By Tclcgraph.-Prc-ss Association.) Pahiatua, Juno 29. Tho wrestling match between Alec Bain, champion of Scotland and ' Now Zealand, and Gordon Smith, of Pahiatua, took place last night in the Olympic Theatre. Hain had undertaken to throw Smith four times within an hour or forfeit .£25. It was soon seen that Bain was not in anything like condition, and Smith was trained to the hour. Smith was also more agile, and showed splendid defensive powers. Not till after 42i minutes' wrestling did Bain succeed in bringing into operation "Gotch's too" hold, and Smith had to yield. This was the only throw. At the conclusion Bain admitted that ho had taken on too big a contract. Ho said Smith was tho best defensive wrestler he had ever met. There were four bouts of fifteen minntes each. Prior to the contest two exhibition bouts were, given, one. between .Too Gardiner, London, and R. Brett, Stratford. Tho former was much the cleverer wrestler, and gained two falls in quick succession. The other bout was between E. Lanauze, Wellington, and J. M'Donaid, Duncdin. Lanauzo undertook to throw M'Donald three times in a quarter of.an hour. ; This he had no difficulty in doing. ■ ""'• Smith and Gardiner .wrestle hero next Tuesday for a stake of ,£2O a-side. Tho following Tuesday Smith and Hain will probably meet again.

RUNNING;

TREMBATH-SANSON MATCH OFF. 1 (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Hastings, June 29. The dispute over distances lias proved fatal to Sanson and Trembath meeting, and negotiations havo fallen through. Sanson states that Trcmbath's letter to Callender named distances of 100 yds., 220 yds., and 410 yds., but did not mention that he reserved the right to change them after Sanson had posted his deposit.

NO MORE PROFESSIONAL RUNNING. Wanganui, Juno 29. The Wanganui Caledonian Society tonight considered the question of eliminating from all future programmes all professional running events. Tho unanimous opinion was in favour of this being done, and tho matter was left in tho hands of a committee. This, is tho outcome of the troublo experienced last year with the Athletic Union.

THORNDON BOWLING CLUB.

There was an attendance of about sixty at the annual meeting of the Thorndon Bowling Club which was held in the club's pavilion, Tinakori Road, last night. Mr. W. F. Barraud presided. The report and balance-sheet havo already been published. The president, after moving that they should be adopted, predicted a large increase in the membership in the approaching season as many had signified their intention of joining. The renovation of the old green had caused a great deal of criticisn.. An expert from tho south had said that the green would never bo satisfactory until the old turf had been removed and resowing had been carried out. The soil and tho sulvsoil had l«en examined by the Government chemist who had afterwards tendered advice to the directors. Tho president thought that the green would bo satisfactory now. A member: What about the cost? The president said that the renovating had been done practically without' cost to the dub. The turf, though unsuitable for tho green, had been all right for garden' purposes, and it had been sold at a price which bad covered the expense. (Applause.) A voico: What did tho Christchurch expert say it would cost? The president: ,£lso—which precluded the work being carried out at that time. (Laughter.) The report and the balance-sheet were adopted. The offices were filled as follows:— President, Mr. R. W. Kane; vice-presi-dent, Mr. J. T. King; directors, Messrs. 11. A. Ja.ckninn, W. T. 'Barraud, C. E. Chittoy, V. Dimmock, and E. W. Seatou; secretary, .Mr. 11. A. Jackman ; treasurer, Mr. C. H. Milfcml: delegate to the Northern Bowling Associalion, Mr. W. F. Barraud; representatives on the Wellington Bowling Centre, Messrs. Mason aijd W. Dimmock; and auditor, Mr. J. M. King. Tributes to the enthusiasm in his office of the retiring president (Mr. Barraud) were paid, and "For no's a Jolly Good Fellow," was sung. A vole of thanks to the caretaker was carried unanimously. Mr. .1. J. Gamble suggested that tho matter nf having a winter green should lie considered. The secretary announced the receipt from Mr. V. Dimmock of ,£1 for plants and ,£1 lownjcls a new gale. During the evening a subscription was taken up in the room, and sufficient money collected Io enable the club to commence Ihe work of creeling a new gate.