HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 164, 5 April 1919, Page 2

HOCKEY

THE COMING SEASON ypROSPECTS BRIGHT The 1313 hookey Benson, according to Incuiries made yesterday, promises to be quite up to pre-war standard as far as teams and competitions are concerned. Tlio great war drew from tlio ranks of the hockey enthusiasts ■many prominent players, and while several have already returned many more arc expected to bo back again shortly. That those who went away maintained their interest in the game is proved by the letters lvhiali bnvo been received from members of the different clubs who linvo requested that their names bo; included in the teams for the new season's competitions. A few of the old clubs whose nieirfbcrship was sorely depleted owing to the war, and wiio withdrew from the competitions, aro now o»ee again ready fov the field, and their re-entry will more than fill tlio gap caused through tlio disbandment of 'the Trenthani "A" and ; "B" and Fwiihersion learns. N.Z. "Hockey. Shield. Competition promises to Ire particularly keen in so far as Wellington is concerned, for the reason that this city holds till'N.Z, Hockev Shield, hast season itwas decided to 'ask the N.Z. Council to institute the hockey shield matches again, which wero discontinued owing to tiis wlir. ■Tho matches are to. be continued this season, and the contest, for the.shield will take place in Wellington. It is understood that ■the Canterbury association lias already put in an application to play for the' shield, and tlio Auckland association lias nlso approach?* *th» N.Z. Council with a similar request. Tho challenges are considered by. tlio N.Z. Council, which invariafily accepts the first-application received. It k not known which, association challenged :irst, but in any event the contest should provo very interesting. Grounds.. The local association has its own grounds, numbering eight, situated on the Karori Park. No, 1 ground is specially prepared tu nceommodate championship uiatche's, and it* is expected to bo the scene of many stirring contests.during the coming season. Preparations aro in hand for making these grounds ready ' for tho new season, which will commence. i' l a s'- ..,«,■.' Revival of Clubs.

The cessation of hostilities and the return of many old players trorn the front lias permitted the revival of. several of the clubs, which had to withdraw irom the competition. Such old clubs as the United, University, Waunai, and ltutt Vallev will be entering their teams again for tho forthcoming season, ten senior loams computed last s'oason, hut. '«his number -will be increased when we i*» ■ season opens. The loss of the military' ie-iiiis—Trcntham "A" nnd J! nnu &Mto«-will bo keenly felt, but their members will no doubt automatically rcoin their old clubs. At least three senior teams are expected from the, M nM I the Base Kccords Karon and lay Department, teams will also be m the neiv season's competitions, as well as No new teams the names of which are rat yet known. Tho Ladies' Teams. Throughout the war the ladies have maintained their interest in, the game, 2nd tho prospects for their matches. aro Considered to bo bright. Tho venous clubs are all up to strength, and are looking forward to the comm iicemet of play. The'ladies appear to be tta ti, J tie ball rolling firat , *«« linrabtera team has i^% a match with a Christcliurch team, which is to be played in the southern citv on Easter Monday.

Public Schools' Competition. The New Zealand Hockfy v Association •Ims decided to institute nn '"ter-asso nation competition, confined toi'lfje" attending public schools throughout the Don, on. and through the generosity o»■Mr. H." Hatch, the n-tan. 1 *; referee, who has presented ft, challenge, cup Tor the purpose, further interest i a ded to the competition. It is hoped that al associations will organise sriool competitions with a view to making the proposed 1910 tournament a succe* and o ensure keen oompehtion for the pn* session of the cup. The *»]& Jf \?"! ,n fl the winning of the cup provide that it • all first be allotted to the winners ot en inter-association ton«iameiit fa> b| held in Ghristchurch during the I.IIJ Zm and that it shall renm n the go property of the N.Z. Hockey Associate The associationAvimung-the cup sail hold it-subject to the right of cha lenge by an affiliated association, but shall not K called m»n to play more: chaltenge matches in tho'season than the J mont Committee considers advisable A chellonue matches arc to be played on tho JroSnd of the holder of the (UP, association is to hold the cup. WELLINGTON CLUB. .V general meeHnTtf the Wellington Hockev Club was held yesterday for Jha nuVposo o f »' nki "S 'vn;ai>scinents for tho would soon be back-in its former strong "Tim financial position of the club vas shown to be very sound, there being a credit balance of .£2O. , . A number of new members were elected; and it was decided, if at all possible, to'commence Practice matches on Saturd Ti/'followTiig officers were Oli captain, Jlr. W. G. Morpeth; Mana' ment Committee, D. C. ArmS H. JJateman, W. Haase, and C. M Bay; delegates to Wellington. Hockey Association,.flessrs W. G.Morpeth ami C Jl. Bnvj secretary, Ml. ii. -»• Schloodt.. "