INTER-COĹEGE MATCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2235, 6 July 1908, Page 1

INTER-COĹEGE MATCH.

THE CHEAT MATCH. VISITING FOOTBALLERS WELCOMED BY CITIZENS. THEY PLAY A GREAT GAME AND WIN BY 20 POINTS TO NIL. The Britishers' who came to uhow New Zealanders !:• .v they cun play the Game of Bug'.,, made no mistake in their mission when they; tacklod Poverty Bay representatives, for they won by the handsome margin ot 20 points to nil. A,. . They landed on SaturdayYiidniing ,nt, S o’clock, by tile Tuateiv, and were at once taken in hand, by local representatives, who gavo them a true sample of Gisborne hospitality, and in the truest sense of the word, made thorn fool “at home.” Messrs. L. Maude, IT. Maude, L. B. Sherriff, D. Cowan, D. Dustin, H. Puflett, and G. K. Pasley, members of the Rugby Union went by launch to the Talune as she lay mu in the Bay, and made all possible arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the Britishers, who wero taken ashore and promptly set down to appetising breakfasts lit 'ln hotels whore accommodation had bien secured for them. THE PUBLIC HECEPTION.

Hoasonnblo time was given the visitors to pull themselves together after their sea trip, before being called upon at 10.30 to undergo the ordeal of a public reception. Strictly speaking, this experience should have long since ceased to have any terrors for the hardy footballers, for throughout their New Zealand tour, they have invariably been received in a similar manner and the novelty must have worn off. - Gisborneites may take credit for giving a greeting that cortainly lacked nothing in heartiness and enthusiasm. The official recognition of the event was given in the'presence of the Mayor uud many leading citizens, whilst a crowd of 500 or 000 gathered round tho Band Rotunda leit no doubt as to the importance of the occasion. The Maoris wore in strong force and took a prominent part in showing to the visitors how welcome they were to Poverty Bay. Amongst civic representatives- who were on the Rotunda, with the British team were:—Mis Worship the Mayor, Councillors Pettie, Bright, Williams, Mann, F. J. Lysnar, Messrs. J. Townley, W. L. ltees, J. W. Webb, A. F. Kennedy, R. D. B. Robinson, together with the Rugby Union officials already mentioned. The Mayor, in a brief speech, expressed the pleasure of tho citizens m welcoming tho team to Poverty Bay. Although his sympathies were naturally with the local team, he would be satisfied so long as a good contest, played in a 'sportsmanlike spirit took place. Incidentally, His Worship pointed out that there were other ties than sport between New Zealand and the Old Country, mentioning that. Poverty Bay sent a large quantity-.-of-first-class mutton Home to help to feed the people ol England . Mr A.F. Kennedy, on behalf of the Rugby Union, also made a few remarks in which he extolled the influences for good which were developed by the game of Rugby. Mr. Kennedy pointed out that the isolation ol Poverty Bay militated against the production of top-notch teams, but there were good individual players in the Bay, and lie, while not looking for victory, hoped to tee the local “boys” put up a- good contest. Messrs J. Townlty and W, L. Rees also' spoke, and then Mr. W> Pere, M.L.C., joined in the welcome. He specialised on the relationship of the Maoris to sport, and at the conclusion of a characteristic speech gave the signal to a band of Maoris who were present, and they burst into a haka,much to the delight of the Britishers. ■ Mr. A. F. Harding, Captain of the visiting team, then responded on behalf of his fellows, and in a manly speech, couched in excellent terms, he thanked all present tor their cordial welcome, and hoped a good game would result.. Incidentally > lie mentioned that the English footballers had learned a lot in the Rugby game from the All Blacks who visited the Old 1 Country and put up such a splendid record. He also picked up the Mayor’s remarks on the mutton question, and declared that wales could produce even better mutton than Poverty Bay. Mr. .G. Harnett. manager of the team, followed with bnei remarks, after which, lusty cheats on either side were given, and the formal ceremony was concluded by oil item by the City Band, which had. enlivened the proceedings by inspiriting selections'. THE CROWD IN TOWN. POVERTY BAY RISES TO THE OCCASION. “Sunny Napier,” sunny Nelson,” and all the other places which have of late been claiming a monopoly of Nature’s great gift would surely have had to take a back seat in comparisons made on Saturday for Poverty Bay had risen to the occasion in regard to that most material essential —the weather. - The threatening clouds of Friday night had pass-id over iu the night, possibly to g’ve Aucklanders a treat, and the dawn broke bright and clear, with jusi oiiougli chilliness ill tho atmosphere to be"invigorating. The promise of a fine day was fulfilled, lor soon the sun rose from the back of tho Wa> mata hills, and shining through a cloudless sky, diffused a welcome warmth over all. Indeed, so it-i‘J wsa. the weather that’it was d:l! ; < ’.lt to believe that the time f 1 1 a vi •>' is .mid-winter. Basking m tie g; n a! sunshine, the crouds which lined tinstreets were perforce in tr.o l est <>i humor. Many bad come scores ql miles to see the great match, and it was a matter for rejoicing that the game would he witnessed under such exhilarating conditions. Not. tor many days have the streets looked so busy, and by that peculiar physeieal phenomena which few of us understand the electrical currents of mutual thought all ran on the onesubject—Football. It was indeed, FOOTBALL DAY in Gisborne. Men of business who in the ordinary way would never dream

of admitting any knowledge of such matters wero gravely discussing the pros and cons of tho njiproaching contest, and were clearly chagrined.when informod by the knowing ones' that tho local boys had wliat is colloquially termed “Buckley’s chance” of winning. If a friend met another in tho street tho accosting words were — “Are you going to the match?” and the man behind tho counter, tho baker and the butcher calling on their morning rounds, made the same query to all their customers. It was just as well that the tradespeople acceded to tho request of the Mayor and closed their promises for the afternoon, for they would certainly have transacted little business whilst the match was in progress. ON THE FIELD. AN IMMENSE THRONG. Shortly after midday the expectant crowds commenced to wend their way to tho sports ground in order to secure points of vantage to witness the great contest, In this important as-' poet of the event, considerable ingenuity was displayed. Obviously it would be folly to pay 2s to pass through tho gates, and because of deficient stature bo compelled to gaze at tho back of the collar of some taller individual. Therefore many came through the turnstiles carrying candle boxes, stools, etc., whilst one enterprising person carried a step-ladder. It was calculated by an onlooker that this wily gentleman could have perched himself on the top of his ladder, sold the occupation rights of tho lower steps, and m this way paid, not only for his ladder, but also for his admission ticket. The estimated attendance was between 3200 and 3300, and the takings realized the satisfactory figure of £312. The net proceeds after all expenses have been paid will be handed over' to the New Zealand Rugby Union. % THE CURTAIN-1 MANGATU DEFEATS REPRESENT A’ It was an excellent i suited in a match bein' . _ _ „ precede the big event, for it provided something to while away an hour for those who had come ir.|good time to secure a satisfactory ftand for the chief event. As a maljter of fact it was a first-rate con test,J that was well worth viewing on its own merits. To the surprise of many tho “hoys from the bush,” as they were proudly designated by their supporters, proved too strong for the local opposition, and well deserved their win. “Now, where’s your fast backs?” derisively and ungrammatically! yelled the Mangatu barracker, fas tho lusty forwards from backbloeks crowded down to tliefr opponents’ line. Truth to tell the local backs wore never given a cjiance to take a hand in the game f|r the visiting forwards were on the ball incessantly, and showed such vim ifnd dash throughout were always in trouble. It was a treat to see these husky men from the country make sucty a showing, and the game put the qfowd in excellent spirits for what wds to follow. THE BICTVENT. i LpCAL REPS* OUTPLAYED,, BRITAIN GIVES A SUPERB EXHIBITION. POVERTY BAY TACKLES MAGNIFICENTLY AND FIGHTS TO - THE LAST. No one with .any-knowledge of the game ever expected ’ Poverty Bay to beat, the representative British team, but on the other hand few were prepared for the great fight put' up by. the local representatives. The score represents pretty accurately the dif--ference between the teams, for whilst the visitors were immeasurably superior as a combination the local players individually played so well that they '.would have been unlucky to have had a larger score recorded against them. After the kick-off the first feature of the game to attract attention was the clean work of the visitors in the scrums. They ,had a distinctive formation of their own, and used it so well that the ball was no sooner thrown in the pack than their front-rankers had possession, and in a twinkling it was shot out to the backs. Then'ensued the prettiest passing ever seen in the Bay, and it was this .aspect of the play which made tho game one of the most attractive that could be witnessed on any-field. In one chain the visiting backs swept down the field, each in turn passing, when threatened by an opponent, to his mate. Tho passes were sent low, swiftly and accurately, with the players running at top speed. Thus the hall was passed from scrum to centre and then in a trice right across the field. The local men were obviously bewildered by the rapidity of these concerted movements, and t\y 0 tries were scored in quick succession. jIAISER. I THURSDAY [’IVES. j;lea which rearranged to

With- six points clown in the first ton minutes of play the irrepressible small boy yelled encouragingly “There’s time yet, Poverty Pay,” but it was a lonely cry. However, these reverses appeared to have the effect'of waking up the local team to tho seriousness of tho position, for they commenced to display some brilliant work in defence. Playing with great dash they swooped down upon the visitors and gave them little chance to work their passing system to a successful issue. No sooner did a British three-quarter ■ get the ball than he was faced by rushing forwards who made him run back to got his kick in and many a promising piece of work was smothered by the fast following up of the local reps. The Poverty Bay backs, too, had to he reckoned with. Dr. Wi. Kepa as full-back, with a few exceptions, was “as safe as a church,” an<l time and again, saved liis side, and the other hacks collared with deadly accuracy. Gaining confidence as time went on, they evon essayed an attack and tho applause of the crowd was shown when, after halr-an-hour’s play,,,the hall was taken into the British twen-ty-five. On and still on the Bay reps, hustled and pushed until, amidst a scene'of wild excitement, they penned the Britishers closo to their line and the ball was taken over With 'both teams scrambling for it. “A try, a try,” yelled the local barrackers, only to be succeeded by a chorus of deep-throated, long-drawn-out “Oh’s” as tlio referee’s decision “a force” was made known.

“That’s right, duck him oil his connobler,” entreated a Gisborne enthusiast, and sure enough, the ambiguous term was apparently understood, for the local forwards threw the visitors with ample vigor and unceasing vigilanoe. so that half-time sounded with no further score. Meantime the visitors had been so impressed with the opposition that they changed their full-hack for the seoond spoil.

Early in this half Poverty Bay had a bad time, for some smart work by the Britishers had them demoralised, and within, ton minutes threo tries were scored. The gamo began to look too ono-sided to be attractive, but again tho local team rose to tho occasion, and succeeded in stemming the tide. Tho visiting backs continued to-display beautiful passing, but tho local collaring was likewise a treat to witness. Finally, towards tlie close of tho spell, tho spectators wore once more aroused to enthusiasm by a smart attack oil tho part of the local backs. Tivico in succession Malloy almost got over, but .was pushed out of touch at tho corner, and tho match ended with the visitors’ line still intact. It was ft truly a great game, for tho play of the visitors was an education in football, whilst the determination of tho local players was entirely gratifying to all their supporters. THE PLAY. FIRST SPELL. A few minutes after the advertised hour the teams took the field. .The local men appeared first and wore greeted with hearty cheering, and, gallon the visitors camo out, headed my their captain and looking particularly smart m their red and white jerseys, they also were cordially received. Harding won tho toss from Rowe --and set Poverty Bay the task or defending the eastern goal. Lowe kicked off and Laxon returned into tauch near the Poverty Bay twentyfive play. .'From a long throw in Wachorne obtained, but was collared almost immediately. Laxon 6ent oui a nico pass to Chapman, who fallen to take and spoiled a. good chance of scoring. From a serum,the. Reds were awarded a penalty. |Dyk'e returned well to AVi 'Repa and - the latter was thrown into touch by Williams near half-way. Up to this period play had been fairly even, but the visitors now gave a~ glimpse of the power of their backs, and Davey, Griffiths and Jackett had a nice run, tho latter being finely taken by Rowe. Another good run by Dyke- ended in his transferring to "Tuan” Jones, and the latter, after beating a. couple oi men, was well taken by Graham. From a tine out in mid-field the Reds made a forward -rush and Chnpman kicked high across the field. Alalloy obtained and kicked, and /the bal. went over the line, Britain forcing From the drop out, Down and Morgan headed a rush, which was nicely stopped by, AVi Repa. _ Britain were again- penalised and AVi Repa found the line near half-way, with a. goot, kick. AVnchorne broke away from a line out, but Chapman stopped bin. and kicked high into touch near the stand. Brown .stopped a rush of tht British forwards in fine style, and Chapman again obtained, and beint, taken by Rowe, gave to McEvedy. .The Reds were recalled by the whis tie, when a couple of the forward, had -a clear run in, and loose forward play followed for a time with play in the Reds twenty-five. McEvedy picked up smartly and passed to Davey, who beat the opposing backs and ran in. Harding made an excellent'attempt at goal from a difficult angle. • ; : a Britain ;....3. Poverty Bay-, nil. Dyke got the ball from the kickout and, beating the forwards who charged down on him', started an attacking movement the sphere even tually going out in the Reds’ twentyfive. '* Some bright individual play by Graham and Pine was now witnessed and “Tuan” Jones relieved by-pick itig up and kicking to half-way. Tin. local men were having a. good share of the game at this stage, but tin .swift, low passing of the visitors anc; •their concerted attacking movements were altogether too much for then;. Kaipara and AVacliorne were conspicuous in removing immediate danger to their side by a short run and tht latter kicked out near half-way. A beautiful,piece-of work by the British hacks followed, in which the ball travelled from AlcEvedy to “Tuan” Jones and Chapman, then back again to AlcEvedy. who again gave to Chapman. The latter player was rather badly missed by AVi Repa and scored near'the posts. Dyke made a poor attempt at goal. Britain .6. Poverty Bay 0.

Chapman obtained from the kick out, and following up his own kick, blocked Kaipara's return. Jackett marked near half-way and Harding had an excellent attempt at goal. A 'short run between Kaiparn, Rowe and Newton looked promising for the local men, hut Harding got possession and kicked high down Abe field. Scrum work in midfield was now the order of the day and Nicolas and Lowe came clean through the opposing pack with the ball at their toes. Harding was again the stumbling block and returned with a kick, which Brown marked. AVi Repa made a splendid attempt to drop a goal from half-way, the ball just going outside the posts.' A temporary stoppage was caused through Lowe getting injured in the scrum, but he resumed almost immediately. Further scrums in midfield resulted in the British forwards getting the ball on nearly every occasion, and a dangerous looking rush of their forwards, headed by Morgan, Harding and Archer, was brilliantly frustrated by AVachorne. Poverty Bay now attacked hotly-_fo? a time and play was in Britain’s twenty-five for a time. Morgan wat well taken by ICaipara when behind his own line, but from the resulting 5 yards scrum, AVilliams kicked hard down the field, Brown obtaining and kicking over the line, Britain again forcing. Tht l excitement of the crowd at this stage was great, as many were of tin opinion that a try had- been scored. From this until half-time the visitor had all the best of the game and then pretty passing runs and combination were, a treat to witness. Notwithstanding their attacks, they were unable to add to their score, the Reds defending in resolute fashion. Half-time was called with the scores: Britain 6. Poverty Bay 0. y SECOND SPELL. A change was made in the British team after the interval, Jackett replacing Dyke at full-back, and the latter taking his place as rover. The Reels started off well and gained a good deal of ground, but Graham failed to hold a pass from Brown, and Morgan headed a rush of the British forwards to the Reds’ twenty-five. Here scrum work ensued, and the hall went out to “Tuan” Jones. AieEvedy Chapman and Griffiths handled in turn, but tho latter was finely taken' by Rowe. A scrum followed ami Pine was penalised lor off-side (lav. Hauling took tlie kick and landed an excellent goal from outside the twentyfive. ■ Britain 9.. . Poverty Bay 0. Britain’s hacks were now indulging in tome lovely passing runs, Davey. Chapman and McEvedy being particularly prominent. Davey was getting the ball away very smartly while the other two were doing some splendid running. Keeping up the attack, Britain gradually forced their opponents back until play was well inside the Reds’-- twenty-five. AVi Repa and Graham were defending well, but Davey made a nice feinting run to near the lino, where lie passed to'l,axon, who gave to “Tuan” Jones, enabling the latter to score near the corner. iHarding had another splendid attempt at goal.

Britain 12. Poverty Bay • 0. *

AVi Repa kicked out to Griffiths, who found* tonph near the Reds’ goal line: a lovely kick. A great struggle took place on the line, but Davoy obtained from a.scrum and darted over. Harding again took the. kick, but the hall rolled slightly and spoiled his attempt.

Britain 15Poverty Bay Griffiths again found the jlijjM' an excellent kick from from tho throw in session and centred high. and Nicolas were iiistniitWj^pifin taking play to nearly half wlPPcut Laxon, picking up very smartly, gave to AlcEvedy, who put in a dodgy run and passed to Chapman. Tho latter sprinted right round tho opposing backs and scored a really brilliant try. Jackett was successful ill adding tho extra points. Britain 20. Poverty Bay 0. Tho local men wore playing a dcsperato gamo and, notwithstanding tho big score against thorn, did not appear to, lose heart. Brown was incapacitated for a few minutes, having received a kick on tho knee. Kaipara and Brown were, associated in "V'S'lß)tt'rair‘alTd"l*overty Bay aroused the enthusiasm of tho spectators by a determined attack and Malloy was nearly in on a coupleof occasions. Nicolas- also showed up well with some clover footwork, and tilings looked like a score for the Reds. Like a flash, however, defence was turned into attack and. tho swift British backs were swooping down on tho Red’s fine. AlcEvedy was well taken by McKenzie near tho twenty-five, but Dyke picked up and gave <to Chapman, who once inoro went round and Moored behind tho posts. Jackett made a. miserable shot at a goal from nn easy position. Britain 23. Poverty Bay 0.

AVith only a few minutes to go, Britain kept up tho nressure, and AtcEvedy and Onapuiaii put in. some splendid runs. The visitors last score was brought about- by a clever pieco of work. Dyke picked up about naif-way and after a tricky run passod to Griffiths, who, supported by. “Tuan” Jones, liinde for the line. Feinting to pass, Griffiths completely beat'tho men waiting to tackle him, and secured a good try. Dyke took tho kick blit failed. No further score too'k place, and the-whistle sounded for no-side shortly alter, leaving the result:— Britain .26'” Poverty Bay 0 Britain certainly had tho best of die game all through, but’Poverty Bay jiut up a splendid fight against a much better -combination, Davey, Chapman, McEvedy, and Jackett were conspicuous time after time, arid were about the best of the British backs. The forwards were a heavy, fast lot, and from their peculiar formation obtained , tho ball in the scrum nearly every time. Morgan.,’ Harding, Down, and Oldham shone out .veil, both in tho close and loose work. Tho Poverty Bay men, one and all, played an excellent gamo, and although -badly beaten, were by no means disgraced. AVi Repa was very safe at full-back, and his line kick-' mg, though short, was accurate. Of die other backs Graham, Brown and Kaipara were the most useful, the former defending magnificently. The forwards air toiled like Trojans, and it would perhaps be.hardly fair to single any ox them out above their comrades. Their tackling was good, and they followed up well, fighting to the last. Air L. F. Pegler controlled the gariie, and the line umpires were Messrs. AV. Howard .(Poverty Bay) and J. L. AVilliams (Britain). “the DINNER AT DUSTIN’S.

A complimentary dinner was tendered to the visitors in tho evening. Both teams were present, as also were the visiting officials and those of.the local Union. V

Hie Worship, the Mayor presided, and after dinner apologised lor the absence of Air. Haiding. captain of the Anglo-Welsh team, who had just liad a couple of stitches put in his head, consequent- oil an injury received on the field, earlier in the day. After the toast of tho King had been honored, Air. -Lysiiar proceeded to propose the health of the ApgloWelsh team. In doing so lie referred ■to the honor conferred on this district by having the visitors come here to play football. -• It was the finest football he had ever seen, and should je an education to the players hero/ Mr. Harnett, in briefly replying, said that lie and his team were glad to be present. One thing he hoped, however, was that the next- time they camo along this way, there would be a railway from , Napier, as they did not like the boat at all, or having to get up so early. In replying to the toast of the New Zealand Rugby Union, ably proposed by Air. H. K. Maude, Messrs; Galbraith and Lusk both expressed their astonishriient at the showing made by Poverty Bay against their douglity opponents. The former speaker said that he had particularly been impressed with the all-round capability of the local team. They possessed pace out of the ordinary, and were good tacklers. Altogether their performance compared very favorably with that of other teams which had been met in New Zealand. Dr. P. F. AlcEvedy, the New Zealander in the team, in proposing the toast of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union, said that the local representatives had all the essentials of a really great .tea-nil All the visitors had enjoyed playing that day, and it had been one of the cleanest and most sporting games played during the tour/ '

Air. Gordon Rowe, captain of the Poverty Bay team, responded, and said that lie was cpiite satisfied with, the fight they had made. It had been a good clean struggle, but the best team had won.

Other toastg honored were the Now Zealand Referees’ Association, proposed by Air J. S. AVauchop, and responded to by Alossrs L. F. Peglor and AV. Howard. “The Press,” proposed by Air. G. K. Pasley, and responded to by representatives present. ...,

At the conclusion of the toast list, an adjournment was made to the Theatre, where the performance of “A Beggar on Horseback,” by the Meyneli and Gunn Company, was witnesOUTING. .4'

Unfortunately the fates decreed that Saturday had nrovided sufficient joy for those concerned in the visit of the British, team; and the outing : n the country - which had been arranged for Sunday, was practically ruined by the inclemency ot the weather. Rain commenced to fall in torrents on Saturday night, , and was still coming down heavily yesterday morning. When the time for starring on the drive came round, it was still drizzling, but nothing daunted, both-the teams and officials, with only one or two exceptions, mounted the four brakes, which were in readiness, and started off. The destination was Ormond, and the route clioaen was via To Arai and the Bushmere road. Oil arrival at AVhakato (To Arai), the visitors were shown over the Native church there, and were greatly interested in the beautiful carvings for which the church is noted. Ormond was reached just at lunch time, and Host Neenan had prepared a most sumptuous repast, which was ravenously attacked by tho hungry travellers. Shortly after luncheon a start was made on the return journey via AVaihirere and tho Ormond Road. As had been arranged, a call was made nt Air Henry White's residence, where very extensive anil elaborate arrangements had been made to entertain the teams at afternoon tea. A little over half-an-liour was spent at M.: White's, and the journey to town was resumed, the party arriving at about 5.20. Despite . tho unfavorable weather, ono and all were unanimous in the expression- that an enjoyable day had been spent. ‘ C Owing to the non-arrival of the Union Steam Ship Company’s Alonowai from Auckland the visitors were unable to return south; last evening, and will get away on the jeturji journey early this morning.

MR HARDING INTERVIEWED. Mr A. F. Harding,, the captain of the .Auglo-AA’olsli team said ho was dowith tho reception and oiljfcuuniiiniont of his team in Gisborne. B/view of misrepresentation in the ho preferred to. say nothing, pvlion questioned-by the.;,pressman re-. Warding the results of previous matches, which it had boon suggested the Britishers woro rather unlucky to IOSO. - '■” >; . ,

Referring tt> the iriiitches still remaining tp lie .lilayed, Air Harding said ho recognized that tlioy had three ‘very hard fights to face, viz. the Auckland, Taranaki and Third Tost fixtures. Howovor, he was hope fill of success, and naively addotl: “You know 1 that is half tho battlo.”

Tho subject of Mr Harding’s alleged criticism at Napier of the touring arrangements, was next touched up on, and the Anglo-AVelsli captain was most emphatic in his denial. “1 never, at any time, or in any way, did any such thing,” ho said, “and the whole matter originated in a very simplo way. A reporter came to me, and in the course of conversation, re-

marked : ‘There: is a lot of travelling to bo done All* Harding?’ arid I simply replied, ‘Y.os, a good deal.’ ” The matter, according to Alr Harding, ended tlioro, but ho would like it more generally known that lie never made tho .statements attributed to him, mul further explained that lie would bt exceedingly sorry to do so ns tho New Zealand Rugby Union bad been tin kindest and most considerate of hosts.

Touching on Saturday’s game, tho British skipper was again reticent, especially regarding his own team, although ho admitted that they did. not by any means play up to form, and had given much brighter displays in other parts of the Dominion. As regards the local men Air Hard ing said that they had in Gisborne all the material for a good team, and

their tackling was really good oil several occasions. All that they now requiro was experience and a little outside knowledge to improve their genoral stylo of play. MR GALBRAITH’S REMARKS. Air Noil Galbraith, Treasurer of tho. New Zealand Rugby Union,, who is accompanying the . British team through New Zealand, was also interviewed by a “Times” reporter. He, too, was loud in '.raise of the performance of tho local representatives in the match on Saturday. “While the British team,’-’ he said, “were not by any means at their best, yet the play of tho Poverty Bay men was far better than I had been led to expect.” He considered that Hie lo,cal backs, however, made a mistake in not taking tlicir men quicker, instead of waiting for them to pass. On the question of the financial as peot of the visit to Poverty Bay, Mr Galbraith expressed himself as being highly gratified at the result, as the amount of the takings was more than twice as great as he had been anticipating. “Ihe sum of £8000,” lie told the reporter, “is required to co ver the cost of tlie tour, and so far the takings have hardly coiue up to tlie average required.” The seventeen matches , complete the tour and this represents close on £SOO per ■match. “However,” 'concluded Air Galbraith, “we are looking to the Auckland matches to level things up, and are confident of having record attendances up there.” Air Galbraith was highly pleased with the arrangements for the local match, which he considered niost complete and which reflected great credit on the local Rugby Union. WHAT THE REFEREE SAID„ - Air Lr F. Pegler, of Hastings, who refereed the gamo, said that lie was greatly surprised at the good showing put up by the Poverty Bay men, whoso defence ho especially admired. Ho, however, ve-ry much regretted t-liat several of his rulings during the game had not met with the approval of the British team, but he was extremely pleased, on the other hand, to be 'able to say that when he' explained that his decisions were given as his interpretation of tlie rules, his explanation was immediately accepted without a murmur. MANGATU V. THURSDAY REPS„ These teams lined, out shortly after 1.30 p.m. The country players were the same as already published, but there were three changes in the local fifteen, substitutes having to be cal-' led ‘ into' requisition. Alangatri won the spin of the coin, and attacked the western goal with a strong sun in the eyes of tho local men. The country men began to press almost immediately,’ but the Blues’ forwards gradually drove them hack and play centred in Alangatu territory. Burke was conspicuous in a couple of smart runs, , but the rest of the backs were not playing up to the usual standard. Alangatu were awarded several penalties, and gained a good deal of ground in this way. From one of these kicks Honey had an unsuccessful shot at goal. A few moments later, Tate missed a high return and the ball rebounding, Thompson, who was standing in front, of Tate, picked it up and was promptly penalised. Honey took the kick, in a good position, and landed a nice goal. Alangatu continued have the best of the play, hut no further scoring took place before half-time was called. Alangatu 3, Thursday Iteps. nil.

After, the ’interval-Mangatu continued to hold,the upper hand, although the Gisborne forwards broke away now and then. Tho Blues were hemmed on their own line for some time, and were compelled to force on several occasions t 0 avert a score. Right on the lino under the posts the local men were again, penalised for off-side and Honey had \no difficulty in registering a goal. Tho game from this out was much more open, and the Blues asserted themselves. They kept their opponents well in their own territory for a considerable time, and only'faulty handling 1 b.v the Blues’ backs prevented them from scoring. -Just on time Alangatu’ were compelled to force, and the whistle sounded with the Thursday Reps, on their poponents’ line, the final score being Mangatu 6 Thursday Reps. ... 0 ‘On the day’s nlay Mangatu cer-' tainly deserved their victory. Fisher and King amongst their back division, and Spence and Cruicks-hank in. the forwards showed good form. Of the . Thursday Reps. Burke Cramp, and Tate in the backs, and Delaney, Seymour, and Charters in the forwards were about the pick. Mr. AV. Hay was referee, and Mes&rs B. Taylor and ,0. R. Olsen line umpires. _.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES. o AUCKLAND V. THAMES. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 4. The Aucklaiid-Thaines inter-Union representative match, played here today, resulted in a win for Auckland by 13 points to 0. About 3000 specta-_ tors were present. Thames had the best of the first spell, soring 6 points, Dufty kicking* a fine goal from a mark, and Clark scoring a try. Auckland, in- the second spell, had matters their own way, and tries were scored by Carlow and Herring. Kieriian converted both, and kicked a penalty goal. TARANAKI V. WANGANUI. [Fbess Association.] HAWERA, July 5. The Taranaki-AVanganui match was played yesterday in ideal weather. There was a good attendance of spectators. and the game was most interesting throughout, though it.did not provide a brilliant exhibition- of football. The : teams were 'fairly evenly matched, Taranaki winning owing to the cleverness of their hacks. AVanganui played with great dash. Their, Forwards narked finely, and combined better than tho homo vanguard. The home backs showed evidence of quality, but were given few chances owing to the forwards not getting possession of the hall in the scrum. The scores at half-time were Taranaki 4 points, AVanganui nil, n goal dropkicked by Cameron. ’ On -remanir7 the game continued to be well ~ i v 4

tested, a prott.v .passing movement bv tho Ivan garni! hacks resulting jn Abbott scoring. Southcombu failed at goal. In the last quarter of an hour tlie homo forwards obtained possession oftouer in tho Scrum, mid tho hacks wore seen to hotter advantage. Tries were scored bv Hun tor and Aiynott, tho hitter resulting from a particularly, brilliant passing bout, lho attempts at goal bv --Hard greaves failed. Tho filial result was: Taranaki 10. Wanganui 3. ‘ Mr, Williams (Napier) refereed. INTER-COLLEGE MATCH. WELLINGTON V. AUCKLAND. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND,' July 4. St. Patrick’s College (Wellington) heat St. .John’s College to-day by 29 'points to nil (uino tries, one converted). COMPETITION MATCHES. OUTSIDE GAMES. I . -' [Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, July 4. In the senior football matches played to-day, Mcrivalo beat Old Boys by 11 to nil. Albion boat Sydenham by 3to nil. Linwood beat Christchurch bv 6 to nil. DUNEDIN, July 4. Tho senior football matches were continued to-day in splendid weather. Dunedin 3 points boat Southern nil. Alhambra So points beat Pirates 5. lvaikorai 24 poin. heat University nil. Zingari-Rici ,und 3 points heat Port Chalmers nil. Taieri Rovors 5 points boat Union nil. WELLINGTON, July 5. Yesterday there was glorious weather for outdoor sports. The senior Rugby games resulted as follows: Athletic beat Potone by IS) to 9. Poneko beat Southern, by 37 to 3. Oriental beat Old Boys by 12 to nil. St. James’ boat Victoria College by 29 to nil. Melrose beat Wellington by 24 to 5. , ■ ’ '-Australian;: game. • C ANTE ltß URY V. WELLINGTON. ; [Press'Association.] WELLINGTON, July 0. Little public interest was taken in tlie annual interprovirioial-match, under Australian rules, between Canterbury and Wellington. Canterbury won by 69 points to .52.. THE MAORI TEAM. DEFEATED BT QUEENSLAND. United Press Association. Copyright (Received July ‘5, 4.30 p.m.)' ' BRISBANE, July 5. There war a big attendance at tlie game, which was hotly contested from start to finish. ■ At half-time the scores were: Queensland 3 (a try by Hrirclcastle), Maoris 2 (a penalty goal kicked by Asher): 111 the second spell Haira secured a try for the Maoris, and Hardcastlc ackled a second try for Queensland, the match ending:— Queensland 6 Maoris 5.

UNIVERSITY TOURING TEAM; DEFEATED IN SYDNEY. United Press Association. Copyright (Received July 5, 9.25 a.m.) -SYDNEY, July 4. Sydney University beat the New Zealand team by 30 to 9. The game was played on the University Oval, ,in fine weather. The attendance was about 20,000. Sydney University had a very strong team, and the visitors put up : a good light, but not having settled into their stride were outmatched. r In the early stages, playing against a stiff breeze, they he’d, their own fairly well, drawing first blood, a clever trv by Goodbeliere, which was unconverted. Svdney got .to work and in quick succession Matthews, Wnddv. and Cuddy secured tries, the first spell ending, Sydney 9, New Zealand 3. The second spell opened with the New Zealanders attacking strongly. From a fine' run by Lomas, Nuku secured a try, which was unconverted. . Sydney again took charge and ran; the cccro up to 22 before the New Zealanders liad another look in, Goodbeliel'e.V securing his second try.M-.~nhe. shot at goal failed. From this out. Sydney had all the best of the game. Tries wore secured by Hughes (3). Matthews, and Hammond (one each), whereof three were converted.