FOOTBALL MATCH.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1128, 22 August 1882, Page 2

FOOTBALL MATCH.

Napier v. Gisborne. The Game. At 3 p.m. sharp the ball was kicked off by Gisborne, but was quickly returred by one of the Napier backs and being followed up well by the forwards was soon forced into the vicinity of the Gisborne goal from whence it seemed that the local men were never going to extricate it, however by dint of severe struggling oiir men managed . 0 resist all efforts at a touchdown, though twice they were forced back behind their line by the determined and smait play of the Napier boys. Time was called without any score being made on either side. In the second twenty-five minutes the Napier men sti’l held the advantage, their passing back and quick bolding of the bad being very superior to our local men, and after a few minutes fast p’ay John Begg managed to secure the ball, and resisting a’l the efforts of Gisborne to collar him ran round right behind the Gisborne goal and scored a touchdown for his side amidst a tumult of applause, this being the first “blood” drawn. The kick off for a gaol proved a failure. The ball was immediately returned to the field, and the Gisborne boys putting on a little more steam rushed it down to the Napier line where they were successful also in securing a toi chdown The The kick for goal, like the Napier one, was unsuccessful. The remaining two 25 minutes were played vvlJi the usual scrimmage, etc., but with no fui .her result as far as score was concerned, the match was theiefore declared “ drawn,’’ though it was admitted on all sides that i« was very much in favor of Napier all throu 511. The play of the Gisborne forwards all th ’ough the match was noticeably very good, the Messrs Pavitt (2) and White (2) especially distir g fishing themselves, but they were again very badly supported by the backs who seemed to get flurried and mull the ball when it came to them, leaving the Napier boys, w) o p’ay like cats, every opportunity of rus'?’ »g them an* 1 spoiling their kicking. Exn.ct’y the opposite marks the play of the Napier boys, when they pick up a ball they l ohl it and they know the exact time when to kick it; their rumrug too is far superior to any of our men. They are considerably smaller and lighter men in every way, but there can be no doubt in anybody’s mind who witnessed yesterday’s play that their smartness and activity and general knowledge of how to work together is far and away in advance of what our men show. There is anotherm ’ked feature of Gisborne’s pl y, it is that every man tries to play too much for himself and not enough for his side ; now until this sort of thing is dropped, they will never play the game as it ought to be played. For the Napier side the passing of St. Hill and Begg, the running of Stohr, and co 1 laving of Gibbons was particularly noticeable.

THE DINNER. Thia was held at the Gisboiae Hotel, and about 45 persons sat down to a most enjoyable report prepared and placed upon the table in artistic style. Both host an<l hostess must have exerted themselves to their utmost and nothing was left undone to please both the eye and the palate. Mr A. C. Arthur officiated as Chairman, and was supported on the right by Mr J. Begg, Captain of the visiting team, and on the left by Mr J. Berry, Captain of the Gisborne team. Dr. Leggatt and Mr Nolan acted as croupiers. During the evening Mr Towsey most efficiently presided at the piano. After the good things provided had been done that justice to for which hungry footballers are noted, The Chairman said he he had been called upon to act as President during the absence of Mr Winter, who was extremely sorry he couhl not be in attendance, and had requested the speaker to state so. He would propose “The Queen and Royal Family.” Miss McDonald kindly sang “True till death,” in a manner which elicited the approval of all present, and occasioned a rapturous encore which the young lady responded to by singing “ Thy face.” The Chairman next proposed a toast. Before doing so he spoke of the advantages to be gained by an interchange of games such as that played that day. He proposed the “Napier Football Club” coupled with the name of Captain Begg. Mr Frank Kennedy (Napier) sang “Over the garden wall.” Mr J. Begg, who was received with loud applause, said all the Napier boys had enjoyed themselves greatly. The game was even and, with one exception, no dispute had arisen. He complimented the Gisborne people upon the friendly and kind spirit displayed towards the visitors. He called on the Napier Team to give three cheers for the Gisborne Team. “They are jolly good fellows” and three cheers were given for the Gisborne Team. Mr Ralph Arthur sang “ That s good enough for me.” Mr J. Berry returned thanks for the hearty manner in which Mr Begg had proposed, and the team accepted, the call for cheers for the Gisborne people. He considered the latter had been beaten for the year, but hoped next time to turn the tables. Mr Simpson (Napier) sang “ Tis but a little faded flower.”

Mr C. Kennedy proposed “The Umpires,’’ and spoke of the disagreeable duties they had to perform. He felt certain they would not feel annoyed at the slight unpleasantness which had occurred during the match. Mr F. Dufaur sang “The mistress of the sea.” Mr M. H. Smith, one of the umpires, returned thanks for the manner in which the health of the Umpires had been received. Mr Nolan said he had been requested on the part of th i Rev. Mr Hill to return thanks and t j compliment both teams. There were always disputes in football matches, and having, as he said, stepped into a parson’s shoes, he would recommend , players in future when disputes arose t) i “swear not at all.” He spoke strongly in I favor of athletic sports, wnich he averred, I had made greatness. j Mr Thompson (Napier) sang “In days of old.” ' ,Dr Leggett proposed the “Rugby Union ; Football Rules.” As an old football player , he had noticed some very grave errors, especially with the Gisborne team, who played too selfishly. They should pass the ball better. Less scrimmages were desirable. He thoroughly enjoyed the game played that day however, and hoped that in future no disputes would arise. Mr Towsey then rendered “When other lips and other hearts,” and Mr C. D. Berry “ I’m in love with charming Flo.” The Chairman then proposed “ The Army and Navy,” and coupled it with the names of Dr Leggett and Captain Jones, of the Mahinapua. Captain Jones, in a really jolly salt-water speecn, thanked all for the kindness and courtesy extended to him (luring the evening. Dr Leggett, for the Army, said he felt great pleasure after fifteen years of service in being coupled with the toast. Mr St. Hill sang “No, Sir.” Mr Sherratt proposed “ The Ladies.” Mr J. Berry sang “ The farm yard.” Mr Carlisle returned thanks for the ladies. Mr Towsey sang “The Midshipmito.” Dr Leggett proposed “The Fourth Estate,” coupled with the names of Messrs McKay and Henderson, in eulogistic terms. Mr R. Arthur sang “ The patent brushing machine.”

At the evening sitting a message was received from the Governor giving his assent to the Railway Construction and Land Bill. The Resumption of Land for Mining Purposes Bill, Reserves in Mining Districts Bill, and Mining Amendment Bill were read a second time. The House then went into Committee on the New Zealand Loan Bill when discussion was resumed on Mr Shrimski’s clause. Major Atkinson appealed to Mr Shrimski to withdraw the clause as the House had already affirmed the principle and referred to the question to a select Committee. Mr Shrimski declined to withdraw it, and a long discussion ensued. Mr Seddon ultimately moved the omission of Shrimski’s clause, so as to provide that when any railway is to be made through private lands, if it is proved that such lands have benefitted thereby to the extent of 10 per cent, then the owner shall pay a tax of five per cent on such increased value. The original clause (Shrimski’s) was struck out on motion of 42 to 33. After the usual adjournment Mr Seddons new clause was put up and rejected on division of 43 to 26.

Mr Barron proposed a new clause of similar import, but was ruled out of order as being in substance the same.