HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1091, 1 April 1911, Page 12

HOCKEY.

(By "BuLLT-Orir.") Last Saturday hockey was inaugurated with vim, when tlio old rivals,' United and Karori, made a start with practice. The move was decidedly in the right direction, because the Wellington Association has no doubt always before it. the question: Can it retain the shield, so gloriously defended throughout last season, when, all comers wore defeated by a comfortable margin of goals? Already old players and critics are making their choice for the season, and tho writer has noticed that Wellington is tipped to win right through. But many are the disquieting circumstances to be taken into account. Old and valuable players are tailing from the ranks each year, and, even with them present, thcro nave been weak spots in our representative, teams, chiefly in the half Hue, and centre-forward position. Enough said, perhaps, at this stage of the season. The annual report and balance-sheet of the Welliujbn Asso:iitij)i oifcrs congratulations on the success of tho past season—our most successful season to-day. The details need not be repeated. Tlio club and provincial victories wero well chronicled last year, and the report emblazons them out once more. Kecogiiition is also made of the services of Mr. it. V. Walton, as sole selector. Apropos of the report, it may be mentioned that the hon. secretary of the association (Jlr. A. A. Bennett) worked very hard indeed last year, and it is to bo hoped that He will continue in that olhce. Complaint was made throughout last season that local hockey would receive » set-back, unless tlio \\ ellingtou Association were allowed to redtico the number of Challenge Shield matches this season, the reason being that players, other than thoso appearing in representative games, had but little chance of getting in a full season's play. This protest appears well founded. Tnc club hxturcs were altered considerably in order that time could bo given to representative players to practise as a team, and the shield matches themselves also ate up a good many Saturdays. Then there were several wet days, anil so, altogether, the lump that was cut out of tho season was by no means a small one. A'o doubt assistance will bo forthcoming from the New Zealand Hockey Association in respect to this matter. The local Wednesday Association should be affiliated very shortly now, and (his will afford tho selector or selectors a better opportunity of strengthening our representative team. This year there will, of course, bo an exodus from.tho ranks of hockey players as usual, and therefore a suggestion on behalf of the Referees' Association is warranted. More referees—especially competent men—are required. Will some of tho old exponents of tho stick gamo now take nn the whistle? A prominent member of tho Management Committee suggesls that about fifteen referees should ballot for appointments for the first round of fixtures. This would remove the disagreement which existed amongst referees last season, and aliolish the imputation that certain referees always controlled the most important matches. Tho ballot system would no doubt result occasionally in a senior match being controlled by a junior referee; but it would also result in all referees receiving fair treatment. Victoria College promise lo be as strong as ever, and United (with Dwyer's assistance as goalkeeper) should bo more successful. The last-named club will have the assistance of Andrews (cx-Wanganui representative) as right wing. Smythe, (he well-known left wing, who accompanies the team (o Blenheim shortly, may •ds.i play again this season. Quite a fcelir.g of pleasure has come to the United .Seniors as a whole bv the inclusion of their old comrade, Dwyer. A left fullback is wanted. M'Kidowncv, Wednesday "rep.," was out last Saturdav plaving for United, and Keg. Thomnson, left half, is also following the game again. So also is Dickson. H. Thomnson, Wellington Club's centre forward," and brother lo "Reg.," has offered his services to United, Brothertcn and Jones wero also playing last Saturday.

Tho question of centre forward seems to be one of importance to United. Ashbolt will not ■)» playing. A centre half, and perhaps a second half, may also bo wanted, the writer understands. Org™ feels inclined to assist tho referees, and if ho throws in his lot with them a thoroughly capablo referee he should make. llxlcy played a good gnme on Saturday for I'nited. Their forward line is not quilo settled j-ot, and some nicking and choosing remains to be done. Any correspondence regarding the game of hockey and requests for interpretation of tlio- rules governing same should bo addressed to "Bully-off." care of Dominion. They will be dealt with as opportunity offers.