THE "SOCCER" GAME

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 236, 24 June 1918, Page 7

THE "SOCCER" GAME

MEEHNG OF NEW ZEALAND EXECUTIVE WELLINGTON ASSOCIATION IN DIFFICULTIES The first meeting for this season of the Executive Committeo of tho Now Zealand Football Association wag held on i'ridav evening. Mr. I\ J. Courtney presided. There were also in nttendftiico Messrs. C. J. Ward, IT. M'Keowen, H. J. Buck, T. M'Laren, l< , . O'Connell, and XL. L. Qodbor (acting-hou. secretary). An ! application from the Auckland iootball Association mado an appeal for tho remission, of a punishment indicted on two players under its jurisdiction for a term of three months, 1918 season, was granted. Tho committeo arrived at this •decision owing to further illuminative ■correspondence, and in view of tho fact that the sentouce imposed had almost expired. Tho time of the council has beon enRaged much of late in what is known as the "Lylton case." Lytton, who was secretary of the "Wild Eose Club, Auckland, was suspended by tho local association for gross misconduot last season in coercing players and clubs to win and lose matches at his sweet will, in order to enable his olub to win the chaninioneliiii. For this ho was prevented fiom playing in any further matches, and. vanned off all grounds under tho jtirisu:ctioh of the association, this to bo applicable to all parts of Hie Dominion. iLytton has made several appeals for a l't-trial, and was alforded overy opportunity to produce evidence either orally or in writing, or by production of witnesses, which ho failed to do. The Atw Ki-aland Football Association decided laet

evening that tho previous decision is unnltcrable, and the incident is closed. Au appeal by tho Y.M.C.A. against a irtt'cision of tho Wellington Football -Association in allowing a player of the Knrori Club in a six-a-side tournamint

who was over age to compete,. whereby thj team was defeated, was disallowed, and tho decision of the local association .uphold. This club consented to a tcJilay match, and was again defeated, but tho committee considered that the functions of (he Appeal Committee wero decisively final.

A delegation, consisting of Messrs. A. E. M'clls (chairman) aud W. Auld (councillor), representing the Wellngfon football Association, was received, which kid before the N.Z.P.A., the serious position Of the finances of its 'association. Mr. Wells, ns spokesman, said they desired to como to the parent body to"acquaint them of the plight in which the association found itself. The receipts from all isouroes had been obtained, and as the expenditure, mostly ground rent, had to continue until the end of tho season, he (Mr. Wells) estimated that it would take UHLI) to cover the season's liabilities. Tho fueslion of the condition of the Associa- . ion Park and the need/ of funds to carry out necessary improvements was Rlso stressed by Mr. Wells. Hβ stated that there were many supporters of the game, and his association would like Jnore active .support from old players, especially in coaolung and looking after school teams. Several school teams could not. bo accepted for competition, although the scholars and teachers were ■willing, owing to the fact that they did pot have sufficient responsible persons to look after the players. It was proposed |to call a big meeting to review the whole position. Mr. Wells pointed out what had been done in mpodiicing tho game in the primary and secondary schools. 'It was hoped tl at the controlling authorities of the three local colleges (Wellington, St. Patrick's, and Scots) would afford the hoy? who jivere willing to play the "soccer" code &n (opportunity (o do so.

Mr. W. Auld supplemented the remarks iof his chairman, and mentioned some ieEiarkable instances of what the association, as he said.'wna "up agaiust." Ho quoted some interesting figures showing the position of the game as far as entries are concerned. There were 67 teams, 32 city schools, and three Bubnrban teams playing on Saturdays; 32 grounds iivere required, and 32 referees. On Fridays .the schools competitions are played, r.nd seven grounds and seven referees aro Inquired.

The. chairman, Mr. P. J. Courtney gave the deputation a courteous and syrnpafhetic hearing, and promised that the council would do all that lay in its power to assist the association in its struggle. He referred 1 to tho Park, as did other members, and of tho necessity of keeping this ground intaot, .so that when our soldier boys como home they would not lind that the Park had been filohed from them during their absence owing to the Temainiug "soccer" supporters not finding sufficient funds to carry on.