Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 169, 26 September 1903, Page 23

Association Football.

The Now Zealand Football Association took advantage of the pie&ence of representatives of the various centres, assembled m Wellington recently m connection with, the Brown Shield, to hold a conference. The business entailed a two-nights' session, and was of an interesting character. Each centre was entitled to three delegates, including those who already represent the respective centres on the Council of th New ZeaJand Association . Mr. A. E. Gibbes (chairman) and F. J. Courtenay (secretary) had the business well in hand, and lent great assistance in placing the business before the delegates. The only centre which showed a disposition to enter into debate was Wellington. In nearly all instances the proposals came from Wellington. The other centres weie prominent when a show of hands was called for. The question of uiterprovincial matches, and the disposal of the Brown Shield, afforded scope for unlimited discussion , yet, when the representatives were called upon to air their views on the much-vexed question of the shield, and submit schemes for mterprovmcial matches they were as mute as mice. The only scheme worthy of consideration was that submitted by Mr. Fraser (Wellington). The scheme is the old system of tournaments, which w r as adopted at the 1900 conference, in Auckland. Its main object is to provide a game in each centre each year. It worked satisfactorily in 1901, but in 1902 Otago upset all arrangements by refusing to travel. Many obstacles, chiefly of the ways-and-means variety, were brought forward against the scheme. A visit of Otago to AuoKiand, and vice versa, entails an expenditure of something like £110, and, as the gates do not nearly recoup the outlay, the purse bogey pio^ed an insuperable obstacle. Yet, despite this, those who hold optimistic views about the future of the game argued that a loss must be sustained for a start, and eventually, by sheer hard work on the part of the local Associations, their finances would be considerably strengthened from 3 7 eai to year as the scheme progressed. There was one important point which delegates overlooked when considering the expenditure of local Associations in connection with the despatch of representative teams. It will be found that the various Associations have suffered very little, as, in n:ne cases out of ten, the players themselves have borne their own expenses. This argues well for Mr. Frasers scheme, but, as the matter has been hung up for tw elve months, the various centres will have sufficient time to digest its pros and cons, and come forward at the next conference full of vigour to takle the difficulty of the Shield. As a New South Wales team touis the colony next season, the New Zealand Association has decided not to arrange any intel provincial hxtuies, as it considers the tour of the Walers through the colony will have a beneficial effect. The arrangements for their sojourn in New Zealand, if carried out as proposed, will only cost about £250. Wellington, Auckland, and Otago are to guarantee £7-5 each, and Canterbury £25. The above estimated expenditure only includes travelling expenses. Members of clubs in the respective centres will billet the players The suggestion comes from New South Wales and there should be no difficulty in this respect. It is intended also to play matches m the various districts in w hioh the game has lecently been established, provided the necessary guaiantees are forthcoming ,and the local playeis are willing to billet the visitors. The New Zealand Association is to control all finance. All tne fates aie to be pooled. After deducting expenses, the guarantors for the respective centres are to receive first call on the gate. It is also proposed to call for "Dlayers' os debentuies," to cover incidental expenses. Thepe aire to have the second charge upon the gate. Should there still be a surplus, the profits will be distributed to the various centres, the New Zealand Association taking ten per cent. In concluding the business of the conference, compliments were general, but Mr. A. E. Gibbs and Mr. F. J. Courtenay were singled out for special mention. Both officers deserve the encomiums passed upon them, as they have devoted much time both to local and colonial football Otago made no secret about their disinclination to travel to such a distant

centre as Auckland. They apparently believe that "charity begins at home," inasmuch as they devote all surpluscash towards purchasing a ground, which they can call their own. In view of the intercolonial visit next year, the following uniform has been suggested for the New Zealand team Blue kniokers, white shut with blaok fern leaf on breast, and a cap with a silver (N.Z.) fern leaf on the peak. As president of the Wellington Football Association, Mr. A. E. Gibbs will take custod-" of the Brown Shield, on behalf of Wellington and its team. Perhaps the time is now opportune to comment on the good work done by Mr. A. E. Gibbs since his connection started with football in Wellington. In his position in, public life he is called upon to perform many duties, and the spare time he has at his disposal cannot amount to much. Yet, despite this, he has always presided over the meetings of the Association, refereed on Saturday afternoons, and is always a w dling servant of the game. In short, he is an enthusiastic sportsman. Wellington owes him much and I trust he will long be president of the Wellington Football Association. A team from the Swifts Club met a recently-formed eleven at Palmerston North, on Wednesday, 16th instant. The game was the first of the "soccei" code played in that district, and, from all accounts, Association football is hkely to become popular in that district. Two ex-Swift flayer (Messrs. G. Cope and L. Skelley) were responsible for establishing the game there. J. Hunwick, late of the Queen's Park Club, is also taking an active interest in the game. We are glad to be able to state that Mr Len White, who was denied the privilege of playing in the representative team, on account of an attack of scailet fever, is now well on the road to recovery His many friends will be glad to see him about and weh. Harry Mayer, well known in football circles, has returned to Wellington, after an absence of twelve months in England, whither he went to perfect himself in his trade. He is looking the picture of health, and is busy telling local enthusiasts how the 'soccei" game is played at Home.