ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1693, 8 March 1913, Page 13

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

RUGBY; MEETINGS. THE ORIENTAL' CLUB'S "ANNUAL." , AND OTHER CLUBS. s The Oriental, Footbiill ,Club held their annual meeting in Godber's rooms; last evening, Mr. W. If. Ninimo presiding. The following,was tho annual report:— Your committee'has to congratulate tho third fifteen on winning tho third-class championship, coming through tho season without a loss. This team plaj-ed tho third-class representatives, defeating them by a substantial margin. A match was also played against., the Lyttelton team (winners of tlio thiycl-class championship in Christchurch), and our team succeeded in beating them by 6 to 3. The seniors gained third place after-a hard battle agaiiist casualties. The junior team did: well, arid finished level with another team for second place honours; the championship being won by Petone, who are. to be congratulated on coming through the season without a point being scored against them. The third, team came out on top, probably duo to the consistent way in which they trained. The fourth fifteen,. did'not do so. well, this.being probably due to the lack of ooaching. ..(the fifth did not do well at all; and' Herb the need of a coach was severely 1 felt. . The - Wednesday team finished runners-up in' their competition. The records of tlie reilm are as follow •' . Pts. Pts.

In representative games, - the club was represented by Messrs. Boberts; Kinvig, M teod, Gillespie/Skinner, Ha!e,_ and Paton'iii; senior fiotballj by M'Girr hi junior; .and Messrs. ..M'Uwraith, Hunt, Rankin,, and Sjiultz in Wednesday representative teams. ,;Tho club was. also represented .by K. Shaw, in .the' third-class representatives;; by Hickson and, Thompson' in the fourth-class representatives, and by Atkinson'' in the .fifth-class representatives. The Aniiual dance was held during tlie year; and.proved.a.success, thanks to the ladies who worked so hard. , A smoke coripei-t wound, iip the year at which .the Long Cup was presented to the club, and medals, donated by. Mr. Do line and the club,. iveri) prcSeiited to C. Gair and J. Bradley respectively. ThS thanks of the club aro duo to Messrs. H. Price, D. M'Lfod, A. Wylie, G. M'Kay, L. B. Jordan, W. Simm, D. S. Patrick, R, G. Kinvig, J. Lewis, and A. Cameron for donations; to Messrs. V. Stiirrock, E. Wylie, F. G. Warburton, and W. Woonifor debentures donated to the club; to.Mr.'J., Brown for material for improvement of gymnasium; to Messrs. A. Camerta and E. Perry, who acted as teaches; and to Mr. W. Hornigfor the use of rooms. The committee wishes to extend its/sympathy to Mr. E. Perry, who met with, a serious, accident early last season, arid also to Mr.,T. Collerton, who is at present seriously ill. .. : . The election of officers resulted as follows President} Mr* W. H. Nimmo; vicepresidents, Messrs.. C. P. Busli, 0. Gillespie, A. .Wylie, E. Wylie, Wylie, G. A. Hill, J. Brown, R. b. Kinvig, .G.,S. Hill,: lE. Price, .W. .Simm, W: Woori; Or. M'Kay, W. H. Long; E. Dawsin, and J. Lewis; clnb captain, \i. P. Roberts; secretary,, Mr. F.'Prideau; treasurer,. Mr. F. Hornig; selection .committee, Messrs. Perry, Paton, arid Rpbertsji ir,abasement .committee, Messrs. Brown, Perry, ICinvjg, M'llroith, arid Ritchie; auditors, Messrs. Wilks and Allen. . ' .

' It was proposed to enter a Telay teem for tlie relay race, in .connection, v.'ith (Kb ..Citizens' Easter Carnival. Tho matter ivas left in tho hands of a committee to.deal with. .. ■ The annual Wefifc match, inth . tile Poneke Club, is to be played oti March 29. , WELLINGTON Cl-ra';' v ' The .Football. Club, held their annual mectiiig at tlie Oddfellows' ■Hd.ll .last •'evehi-ng/'-Mhy T: &> -Jtoioaldsbn 'presiding.;/rhe, following; is the fortythird. 'auilual teport v ?' The finances of the club are in a slightly better condition than lastyoar, though not-quite as flourisliing' as could be desired. This is due to- the predominance of young players, bnt,as.,mdnjr of tlies'e 'have now-, attained ;the 20,, years, thejr will bo liable for the larger'subscription of twelve shillings and. sixpence in future,.,and thoVcredit balance next.year should, therefore', be jargei: than at; present. lii s the I clihmpioniiliip-.inatches;; tho senior team,'though not quite sis successful as expected, performed, very creditably; putting np. some .sterling fights against the stronger teA'ms, and as it contained many young players, shpdld do well this season. Matches played, 12; won, 3; drawn, 2; lost, 7. _ championship points, 8. The second, fiftebri,. Considering that it was much lighter than the Majority of its opponents, and was composed largely of new members, gave a very' good account of itself. Matches played, 12; won, i; lost, 8. Qhainpionship points, 8. Tho third fifteen appeared to eHj&y their gatiies thoroughly. Matches played, 11; won, 5; drawn, 1; lost, 5. Championship points, 11. The fourth fifteen, although it displayed as touch enthusiasm as the third fifteen, did not Meet with the same, ni'eas'ufe of success. R. Lambert, as the best playor in the senior fifteen, holds the Pownall Cup for another year. It is with much regret tliat. the committee has to record the deijth of , Mr. P.. Pownall, one of the Vice-presi-dents, and tho itonOr of the valuable "Pownall Cup" referred to .in the previous paragraph. . Mr.' PownUll Was a member of the club for many years, and always took a very keen interest,in its welfare, and wo shall all miss him greatly. The congratulations,of .the. club.are extended to T. M. Grace, E. Lambert, R. Mackenzie, and G.,Miller, nn having represented their province: to J. Smith and G. Hampson on being selected .in tlio third-class representatives: and to J. Mulcahey, I). Miller, and C. Cannington, who wero included in the, fourth-class, representative team. Tlio thanks of the club are duo to Mr. 0. G. Kember for coaching the senior Warn, and to Messrs. •D. D., 'Weir, .H. Carey, and P. Turner for coaching the Junior teams. Also to tho president (Sir,. Ronaldson) for a donation to towards the expenses.of the. smoke concert, and to Messrs.: Galbraith, Gibbs, Mackenzie, J. E. Smith, and Dr. Jl'li'ean for donation's.

.In moving the adoption of tlie import, tho chairman said it was gratifying, to him and to all old players that the club had had such a pleasant, and. successful season last year. Ho felt sure that the ooming . season . would be equally enjoy r able. He.ialso expressed the .'opinion that clean football of ~a. high standard was played in Wellington last year.

,Slr. Ivem bur,. coach of the senior team, seconded tho adoption of the report, and endorsed tho chairman's r'eliinrks. lie urged upon members to .continue to play clean football, and. assist the..controlling body in retaining the 'present high standard, of play. Thirty new members were elected.

The election of officers for the ensuing season .resulted as follow: —President, Mr. T. S. Eowililson fre-elect'ed); vice'-presi-djnts, Messrs. A. T. Bate, G. C. Fnclie, J. P. Firtij. N. Gntbraith, A. 0. Gibbes, Dr. A. -.W/Izard, 0. G. Kc'mber, A. I\. S. Mackenzie, V. R. Meredith, Dr It. J. M.'Lean, .Messrs. J. Murray, ,T Kman Smith, and P, Maeassey; club captain, Mr. D. D. Weir; secretary. Mr. ,T A. Munro; treasurer, Mr. John Thomson,' ■Management Committee, Messrs. 11. Carey, N. S. C. Irons, R. .Lambert, A. MncNab, P. Turner, L. Bridge, and G. H. Weir; auditor, Mr. G. Shiuul. During the 'evening;. Mr. F. Malpoy, who hns played for the club for many years and was ' recently married, Was presented by the on behalf of tho members, with a silver eakedish, in commemoration of the occaf'on. It was decided to hold, the first practice match on Saturday next, and after a lengthy discussion on systematic training the meeting terminated. TIT.K ATHLET'IC CLUB. Tho, Athletic Football Club hold their annual meeting on Tuesday evening norf. Following is an abstract of the annual report to be presented .to, members Tlio honours attained last year 'were tho Senior, Wednesday, and Sixth Class championships, and,also tho Senior Scven-n-Bide Tournament was won by the club's ;enior<tcaiii. The Senior Championship was again keenly contested, and in winning it for tlie second • year in succession the senior team registered some very lino performances. Tlio brilliant Dlay of tha for-

ivnrds uras ono of the outstanding features of the competition. Tho junior team showed a considerable improvement in its play as compared with previous years, and tied with Oriental as runners-up to the Petono team. The Petono team is to bo congratulated oh its magnificent performance of going right through tho season without hnviug a point scored against it. In tho third grado the club was not strongly represented. Tho team suffered throughout tho season' from a shortago of players, and a lack of enthusiasm was noticed amongst. soma of its members. Better results are hoped for from this team during 1 tho ensuing season. Tho fourth and Jifth class teani9 both met with a fair share of success, and finished well up in their respective grades. Thoro are many promising young players in these teams who should do the club good service in the future. Tho club entered a team in the sixth class competition for the first time. Tho result was a tio between 'tho Athletic and Petone teams, but our boys won in the "play-off." The display given by both teams in this filial match was of the highest, standard, and promises well for tho future of the Rugby game. In Wednesday football the club again had a team competing, and was successful in winning tho championship—suffering only one defeat. Wednesday football is riot, in as flourishing a condition ,as it might be, and if it is to survive, players must infuse a great deal more enthusiasm, into their efforts.

A now era in the club's history was marked by tho opening of the new gymnasium .in July last. The gymnasium must prove a great boon to the "club, and it is hoped that members will take every Advantage of tho opportunities for training The best thanks of the club aro again extended to all those who.by donation or otherwise assisted in tho accomplishment of the scheme. The club 19 indebted to Mr. W. J. Heenari for the_ iriitorcst he took in tho training of the senior team., and the fine condition of the players in the final matches was duo very much to his efforts.

Through the departure to Christchurch of Mr. F. C. Atkinson, the clnb loses a most enthusiastic, worker, and ono by whose, efforts, especially in connection with the new gymnasium, tlio' club has greatly benefited. During season the death occurred of Mr. K. P. Food, one who did tine work in the interests of the clnb. in former, years. His memory is especially cherished by the older niembeTß of tho club, who remember his many good qualities.

In addition to the Athletic Football Sports Club, which still continues to make winch. progress, members are now ca/fered for during tlie summer months by a .cricket club, which hiis two. teams comwefins. under the Wellington . Junior Cricket Association Both thetp branches of.thp. clnb are helpful in keeping- memin. tbuoli with one another during the "ofE' season. . WAIWETU FOOTBALL CLUB. ■ The anniial meeting of the Waiwotn Football Club was held in tlio Oddfellows' '- °' lVcr Hutt, on Thursday night. .Mr. W. W. Welch occupied tho chair. t Messrs. D. Weir and W. Hardham, V.C., were present on behalf of tha Wellington Rugby Union. Both speakers said the •union would stand by tho Waiwetu Club and help it wherever .possible. The Borough Council had turned tho club down by leasing tlie recreation, ground at Lower Hutt to the Northern Union. Tho Borough Council had in . the past said what rent they wanted for their reserve, and tlje' Rugby Union had willingly paid the sum asked for.. It. was the duty of the members of the Waiiv'etu Club to bestir themselves and bring home to the councillors and the residents of tlio borough that they, are out f.or clean sport, free from personal gain. It was only for a time,, perhaps one season, when the ground would revert liack for the use of the Waiwetu Club. It was urgently impressed upon the members of the club to hold together, and if they could secure a groiind within easy access of tlio railway station, the Rtigby Union would finance the club in' making the ground suitable for football.

The election of officers for the ensuing year were as follow:—Patron, Mr. E. P. Bunnv; president, Mr.' J. Inglis; vicepresidents, Messrs. R. Quiiin, V. Riddiford,' G. Donne, W. Harris, ,T. C. Bell, R. Dwyer, A. Hadfield, J. Dawson, H. E. Kempthorne, S. Clendon, V. -Clendon; club, captain,, Mr. ,J. Inglis; secretary, Mr. R. Aldersley; treasurer, Mr. E. Aldersley;... Mr. J. Swain; Management Committee, Messrs. T. Qninn, W. Doig, R. Chapman, W. Tressider, W. Faussett, H. G. Geinmell; delegate to Rugby Union, Mr. T. Quinn. The financial position showed a satisfactory position.' The membership is over sixty, and eight new members were elected at the meeting. : The chairman pointed out that upwards of 4100 was deposited, in the name of the Hutt Football Club, and could not be .withdrawn while.the club retained its jireWnt n'aine. The money was raised for the building bf a gymnasium,''and if secured would, go a long way towards building a suitable gymnasium. On the motion of Mr. W. Tressider, it was resolved to change tho name of the club frbm Waiwetu to Hutt.

ASSOCIATION. W.F.A. ANNUAL REPORT. . The twenty-second annual report of the ■Wellington Football Association, to bo Wellington Football Association,to be presented at theannual meeting' next Friday, states , that the past season was a very satisfactory one, and it was gratifying to note that the increased number of teams taking part in, various competitions was exceedingly satisfactory. Interest in competition matches, more especially in lower grades, was fully sustained, and keen rivalry was exhibited before tho ultimate winners were found. Excellent football .was playetL.by .Tohnsonville,-who annexed both tho Third pivision Championship and the Henderson Memorial Cup. This team was an exceedingly.strong one, andj it is not too • much to say 1 that several of its members would have'no difficulty in gaining places in A First Division team.' _ It is with regret .tho committee state they were unable to award tho Fourth Division competition to any team,. This 'was due to wet weather. and other unforeseen circumstances. The Schools Competition wns even more. successful .tha'n. that of tho previous season, entries having exceeded all exfiocttUions. The committee is extremely pleased with tho success attending this competition, and trust more schools will avail themselves of the opportunity of participalihg in these matches. It. is •'with regret that tho committee state that they we.ro unable to include the Porirna School, whowere most anxious to play, and although various schemes were considered tho school had to be -refused admission. Thanlts are due to all enthusiasts who attended on Saturday mornings to act as .referees and who. gave their support in Various other ways; also to,school teachers who snow<kl a keen interest in the play of tho various teams. . No Wednesday competition was played, although many efforts were made to get matches under way. Very little interest was taken by Wednesday delegates ill the matter, and although members of the . committee attended meetings on various occasions, little response was received from delegates. It. is suggested that another effort should be made lo start a competition during the coming season. First Division 'clubs lire appealed to place FTccoiid Division and lower grade teams in I he field, as in this way not. only the clubs but also the game will bo strengthened. The city reserve grounds, with the exception of the Basin l?oscrve, were again available for use; but it is regretted that the association is under a heavy loss. On account of wet weather not allowing play on several occasions ground fees were not available to help pay for their use. The comunitteo regret that for (he first time for many years several serious accidents occurred on file football field, and it is recommended to the incoming committee that tliev should consider the advisability of considering an insurance scheme for players such as was in vogue!some seasons ago. Providing the co-operation of players is assured, there should be no difficulty in n'gjin getting the scheme under way. The committee 110(0 with regret tho transfer from Wellington of tho l'ev. Bro. ,'lustih. During tho years lie has been resident Jn . this city' he has rendered valuable assistance to the game, more especially as a coach to the boys and as a member of the Boys' Sub-com-mittee. The thanlts of the, committee nro due to the iUnnawatu and .'Uickland T'Vitball Associations for sending such tine teams to play in Wellington. The latter match was the best-contested boys' game ever seen in tho city, No bays' team

from Otago rißitcd 'Wellington. It is hoped that the Otago Football' Association will bo ablo to seo its way clear to send a team during tho coming season. As several suggestions have been mado that a sports meeting should bo held, it is recommenced that arrangiejncnts lie mado at which tho cooperation of clubs bo asked, so that the proposal bo given •cffect to before the start of competition matches. Tho ground purchased at South ICilbirnio for football and other sports is now being rapidly put in order, and should soon bo ready for playing puriposes. It is, however, regretted that tho venture has not been taken advantage of by as many players and enthusiasts as expected, and it is earnestly desired that tlioso who have not yet taken up shares should lofo no opportunity of doing so immediately. An appeal is again made to secretaries of clubs to do their utmost to prevail npon ex-players and others to join the Referees' Association, as jnore referees are urgently required. DIAMOND'S REPORT. The Diamond Association Football Club's annual report states that the amount received from all sources duriiig tho year amounted to £8 17s. 10d., and the expenditure to M Bs., leaving a credit balance of 9s. lOd. The statement of assets and liabilities shows a balance of assets over liabilities of Xl 5 17s. 4d. The club has suffered a very severe loss by tho transfer from Wellington of Mr. J. W. Black, late secretary and member of the first division team. Mr. Black has been a member of the Diamonds since 1901, and its secretary for the last five years. During that tiino lib has displayed untiring energy and whole-hearted interest in the club's, welfare. His loss to tho club is regretted. It is unfortunate that, owing to weather postponements, and other causes, the First Division team were unable to complete its full number of matches. At the end of tho first- round of the championship competition, this team was in a leading position, but the season was closed with the Diamond team placed third in the championship table, having only played 10 out of a maximum of 13 matches. Satisfactory results could hardly be expected when, as in the case of the first eleven, an interval of fivo weeks took place between matches, some teams not l)eing met. in either round. It is hoped that tho coming season's fixtures will be arranged to ensure the sustained interest of players and supporters in tTnj competitions. SWIFTS CLUB MEETING. Tho twentieth annual meeting of the Swifts Association Football Club was held at the new Amateur Sports Federation rooms in Ballance Street last evening. Mr. B. L. Saliuoii presided. Tho annual report (which was adopted) stated that the club had iiot maintained the proud position that it has held in previous seasons. The first eleven did not do as well as anticipated, having fallen from first to seventh position. In the Charity Cup tlio senior eleven did not meet with much success, being defeated in tho second round. Jheir goal average for the season shows:' Goals for, 23; against, 27; this was not a very satisfactory record. Tho members of the committee are to be congratulated on again entering a seiiond eleven, which did very well, coming fourth in the competition with a good average of 37 for, against 25. It was. a matter for regret that tlio third division did not do as well as formerly, but with young players coming on, it was hoped that this season they would be more successful. The lower grade teams' all made a very creditable showing, and the club's future should be well assured with such a number of good young players ooming on. The cup presented by the club to tho Marlborough Boys' League wijs keenly.'competed for, and was won by the Marist Brothers' team. The committee notes with pleasure the progress made in the formation of the W.F.A.'s new ground at Kilbirnie. Tho club's thanks afo due to tho following for presenting medals:—Messrs. H. Mayer (■4), F. Sanders, W. Matheson,'J. l'ye-Smith, B. L. Salmon, Geo. Wilson, and F.. Mattingly. During the season Mr. P. R. Pye-Smith was elected a vice-president in recognition of past services. Tho election of officers resulted as follows President, Mr. C. P. Skerrctt; vice-presidents, Messrs.C. E. Fordham, J. F. Mills, H. G. Mayer, A. W. Vcnnell, F. J. Courtney, R. Pye-Smith, B. L. Sal-mon,'-J/F.'Atkins, L. White, P. R. PyeSmith, Geo. Heale,, I'. J: Kinniberg, J. Smith, Dr. D. N. Isaacs; club captain, Mr. L. White; lion, treasurer, Mr. Geo. Wilson, jun.; lion, secretary, Mr. J. Abel; hon. assistant secretary, Mr. R. 0. Hutcheson; lion, auditor. Mr. 11. D. Vickcry; delegates to W.F.A., Messrs. L. White, B. L. Salmon, J. H. Pye-Smith; Management Committee, Messrs. C. Swinburne, F. Sanders, .T. H. Pye-Smith, G. Guise, F. Mattingly; Senior Selection Committee, Messrs. J. H. Pye-Smith, F. 'Sanders, C. Vessey. Thirteen now members were elected. It was decidcd that practice commence on March 29. Mr. F. G.' Mayer announced that ho would donate two medals for performances on tho field.

BOXING. MIDDLE-WEIGHT CHAMPION. Br Telegraph—Pross AESOciation— Copyrieht Paris, March 0. Klaus defeated Papke for the middleweight championship of the world. The referee stopped the fight in the fifteenth round, Papke being guilty of irregularities. Klaus was tho better throughout. HARRY MANSFIELD. London, March C. The boxer Harry Mansfield sails in the Orsova for Australia,, iindor contract to "Snowy" Baker, of the Sydney Stadium. , RIFLE SHOOTING. THE PETONE RIFLE CLUB. The Petono-Rifle Club will commence the first match of tho final series to-day with a niatch at 300 and 500 yards, 10 shots at each. In March'ls tlio annual club match against the IvaTori Defence Rifle Club will be fired—A team on tlio '.Waiwetu range and B team at Trenihain. Teams for match will bo picked after to-day's shoot. SWIMMING. Mr. H. W. Cooper, judge of championship. events to be held on tho Lyall Bay beaclL in connection with the Swimming Gala during Easter week, has decided that llio chii'n'pion surf club shall l>o the one scoring thb most points ill: Land drill (5 men), reel rescue race (7 men), and alarm reel race (7 men). WATER POLO. At the Te Aro baths last evening, the Old Boys' Club defeated the AVpllington Club in a wafer polo match. Old Boys have now won the polo championship.

Played. Won. Lost. D'n. for. ag'st. Sehior , .... lit 11 3 - 150 55 junior' " ... 9 '7 ' 2 — dd; '15 Third ... 11 13 0 1 191 '90 Fourth 11 3 .7 ■ 1 , 21 125 Fifth ... 12 : 0 12 - 0 211.