THE ANTIQUITY OF FOOTBALL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3804, 24 September 1883, Page 4

THE ANTIQUITY OF FOOTBALL.

At the recent presentation of the handsome cup given by the GlasgoAV (Scotland) Charity Committee to the Aviuning team at the annual football competition, Lord Provost Uro is reported to have said in the course of his remarks: —I am informed that this cup was originated seven years ago, the object being to have it contested for at the end of each season by the foremost; clubs in the district. In that Avay tho cup has been played for the close of the last seven seasons, and has been the means of gathering for tho charities of our city the large sum of £4200. It is not often that a recreation is turned to so useful and beneficent a purpose. It certainly Avas a happy thought the originating of it, and I am sure no one could ever have expected such results. I need hardly say that I approvo of these out-door sports, and Avould liko to sec them much more practised than they are. The ancient game is as popular now as it ever was. I cannot Avith any certainty speak of its origin. I only Iciioav that it has been in use for more than 000 years. In 1319 it Avas prohibited by a public edict of Edward 111., because it Avas then interfering with the practice of archery, Avhich his Majesty thought a more useful amusement. King James I. debarred it also, but did so on the ground that it was a rough and Anolent exercise. lam not sure that it is desirable to debar all rough and violent exercises. I rather think that our pro-eminence as a nation has been helped by the sturdy character that such pastimes give to us ; and certainly, if not carried too far, they aro favourable to health. I have great pleasure, sir, in presenting this cup to tho Queen's Park Club, Avho have iioav been

!:: • whi;i-.-V> oi." it f>r '.he fU'i.h timy. Ou .-I ;•,- t \-..> i>'.wi-->::-i o.v:i---h> , i-. has il hoe:! out hy t!i-:-Rangers a:.d o-.rv by the A'ale "I' Leven Club of Alexandria.. It mv v. therefore be a very high t.nlimonv t) fh" pevt'e -fion the Qii<vii's P.irk Chib h.r.v aflah.-d ih if thf'V h'i\v !n-;-:i :■-) SU-, i .-r.lhl ha v.- wi-hr-rl lh::t. ith.td fa.ih'!i to .v..:in- di -\ inguish;' I p'.':-. ; o'.i to present this cap (o-.Liy, buc I must, also .-ly that in llu absence of such there is no inappropriatoness in tho chairman of so many charitable and philanthropic institutions as the Lord Provost, in an honorary capacity, holds, doing this duty. I have therefore to say that it is with the greatest pleasure I now, for the second time, hand over to your captain this Charity Cup, which is now in your keeping for tho fifth time, and hope you may long- bo able to compete for it. (Loud applause.)