ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1078, 17 March 1911, Page 7

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

■ W.if.A.'s ANNUAL KEPORT. ' . At the'annual general meeting. Df the "Wellington Football Association, to bo lield at the OLCA. on Friday, March . 24, the following twentieth annual report will bo submitted:— . The past season, from a football point of view, must be considered a very gratifying one, and tho committee considers .tnat there is good cause for congratulation on the splendid position shown therein. Last, season was commenced with an increased number of teams taking part in the various, competitions, and although .the interest, compared with past season.was not.quite so keen in the first divi- , sion competition,* yet it must be conceded, that very great interest, and an improved, stylobf play were shown, in tho various junior erades, more particularly in hoys' football. The first division competition on several occasions produced some very good games, the finish being a very close one. Good form was also shown by several of the teams in the second division. In the third division a tie resulted for first place between St. David's and Wadestown. thus showing the closeness of the competition.. In the play-off, St. David's proved victors. The three leading.teams,in the fourth division showed splendid form. A sixth division competition was started for the first time, last season for boys under 14 years of age, and the new- departure was Justine I by the excellent results attained. A feature of the season w;as the revival of the Wednesday competition, and the thanks of your committee are due to all those who participated in the success arrived at. For the first time a boys' scout com.petition was pla3'ed for a.banner presented by l!r. T. Shields.. The Institute Club was successful in winning this-after having to play two final games with Potone. The committee is pleased to state that the boys' football competitions are now'on a very firm, footing, and thanks arc due to the boys' sub-committee and boys' coaches for bringing the competitions to such a successful issue, and tho boys' sub-com-mittee is again instructed to make suggestions to .encourage boys' football, arid the advisability of seriously considering any proposals is earnestly recommended to the incoming committee so that tho welfare of these grades may be. still further promoted. The attendance of spec-tators-on the city grounds during the season was very satisfactory. Tt is very pleasing l o note that no accident of a serious nature marred the enjovmont of a successful season. Although 'Welling, ton's representatives were not successful in retaining the Brown Challenge Shiol I, several highly interesting games were played Tor it. Challenges were rccoivoi from Wanganui, Taranaki, Otago, and Auckland, with the following results-.--Against Wanganui, won by 7 goals to 1; against Otago, won by 3 goals to 1against Auckland, lost by 2 goals to nil.' The Auckland Football Association is tci be congratulated on the success of its representatives against the W'ellin»toi\ eleven. The thanks of the association'\;re due to the Otago .F.A. for consenting to half the net proceeds of the Brown Shield match being given to the fund raised for the purpose of providing a children's linsjiitnl. . Considerable interest was shov;n in boys' representative panics, and Ilia committee recommends that Ihcy become annual fixtures. During the season the number of nlavers registered with the YV.F.A. amounted to 12*>. In the recess the committee inspected several grounds which were under offer as pliving areasbut unfortunately la-k of funds Ins stopped negotiations for the present. The bal-ance-sheet, which shows a balance of assets over liabilities of J'237 IGs. Id., will slice that tho financial standing of the association is sound. The loss of revenue has bren brought about mainly bv there being less first division teams olaving than in the previous season, while the heavy fees incurred for marking the grounds, on the city reserves, for Wednesdav and Saturday matches, has considerahlv increased " the exuenses. It is considered

that some scheme should he adopted lor dealing with the latter mailer, and your committee rcr.minicml thnt ground fees he charged to all first and i-ccond diviMim teams playing on oily reserves. All members of the Referees' Association are thanked tor the very great he!], they a'I'orded the game by undertaking to nci as referees. I'hnnks arc due to Mr. H. X. Jl'Lcod, for the use of hi* grounds at Miramar, to Messrs. I'. J. Courtney sind J. .1. Roberts for helping to compile new rules, which, when brought before delegates, will show that, your committee is determined to ple.ee the association on a found footing; to Mr. 11. -\. Holmes, who acted as chairman: and also to the president and vice-presidents for their financial and other assistance; to the press for assistance rendered the game, to the City Council for the use of grounds; to "the selectors; to the lion, auditors; to outgoing officers, and to all who in any way assisted in the furtherance of Association football. In conclusion, it is to be hoped I"nat the coming season may be an even more successful one than the previous season. MARTS ANNUAL MEETING. At Godber's Rooms last night the Hearts Association Football Club held its first annual meeting, Mr. Reynolds presiding. The annual report stated that last season had been si good one as far as the Hearts Club \ve_s concerned, and hopes were entertained that the coming season would prove satisfactory. The balance-sheet showed, .a credit balance of JE3 Ills. lOd. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr. Geo. Wilson; vicepresidents, 11 elected; Management Committee, Messrs. W. Mount, S. W. Cope, S. Carson, H. llradburv, R. Ormrcd; delegates to W.F.A., Messrs. E. llolton and R. Ormrod; Selection Committee, Messrs. H. Bradbury, A. Bolton, S. W. Cope; lion, secretary, Mr. R. Ormrod; lion, treasurer, Mr. E. Bolton; captain, Mr. H. Bradbury; vice-captain, Mr. C. O'Shea; delegate to'the'Wednesday SubAssociation, . Mr. E. Bolton.. Three new members were elected. It was decided that the first practice match should take place at Miramar on Wednesday next. The Basin Reserve is to be applied for for training purposes on Mondays and Thursdays at 7.30 p.m. '-'