ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2721, 16 March 1916, Page 7

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

WELLINGTON COMMITTEE'S ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report of the Wellington Football Association, to be presented at the annual meeting to be held at the Y.M.C.A. _on March 22. 'congratulates the association upon the results abtainod last season under, the special circumstances which arose owing to the war. After reviewing last season's matches, the committee adds; "We decide to place on record the help rendered tho game by the Boys' and Schools' Sub-Committees, and also to boys' coaches, whose services were greatly appreciated in helping to bring the lower division matches to a successful conclusion. Tho City reserves grounds were again availablo for use, and thanks arc duo to tho various caretakers for their oourtosy on many occasions. Owing to being top-dressed,, tho Association football ground was not available, but it is confidently antici pated that it will be in uso during tho forthcoming season. During the season a sports gala was hold on tho Basin Reserve, but rain marred its success on two successive Saturdays. Even under these adverse circumstances, it_ is pleasing to note that tho Association was able to hand over an amount of £30 to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. No representative match of any kind was played throughout the season. Owing to- tho great European crisis, tho committee has to seriously suggest to tho incoming Management' Committee tho advisability or otherwise of playing any, first, second, or third division competition matohos "durinr* tho forthcoming season. Tlie committee take pride in placing on record the fact that so many players and enthusiasts have joined tho various Expeditionary Forces and it is noted with pleasure tha,t many are waiting their turn to be called up. hut at the ,same time it is Mt that thero are other* who should oiler their services. The following members of tho game have given their lives for the causo of the Empire, viz.: Messrs. W. Single* | ton, who won the D.C.M.; J. O. Snotsttood, V*. Falder, R. Richards, D. BathI away, R. Wnlls, J. Ti. Walters, H. I've- [ Smith, and E. A. Hendle. In addition to those who have lost their lives, it is with sincere regret that your committee havo to note tho loss sustained to football' by the death of Mr. D, Tiurke, as the result of an operation. It is greatly to be rearetted that many members of tho Referees' Association were unable to attend for the purpose of officiating in inatohes they wore appointed to, and an earnest appeal is made to secretaries of clubs and others to prevail , uprtn enthusiasts to join the Referees' Association."