HOCKEY’S PROBLEMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 623, 27 March 1929, Page 6

HOCKEY’S PROBLEMS

QUESTION o¥_ GROUNDS VISIT BY AUSTRALIANS The question of grounds for the forthcoming season and the possibility of a visit from an Australian team were the principal items of business at the 26tli annual meeting of the Auckland Hockey Association last evening. There was a good attendance of delegates. It is probable that the season will open on the last Saturday in April. In moving the adoption of the report, a summary of which has already been published, the president. Mr. L. C. Kent, extended congratulations to last year’s winners of championships. Somerville seniors had played particularly good hockey. Both the report and balance sheet were adopted after very little discussion. Reporting upon the grounds position Mr. A. Playle said that there was no doubt that at least three grounds would be available at, the old home, Remuera, with a possibility of two additional grounds. “The old committee for the past six months has been in close touch with the problem, and we have left no stone unturned toward its solution,” Mr. Playle stated. “We have been negotiating with the Onehunga Borough Council, which seems to be doing more than any other body toward assisting sport organisations, and there is a prospect that we shall get accommodation out there. We are also in touch with the City CoLincil, but are yet unable to say what will be the outcome.” Very little good could be gained by discussing the position that evening, because everything was subjudice. Mr. J. Giles understood there was a possibility of a ground being available at Takapuna. Regarding the possibility of a visit from an Australian team, the secretary of the New Zealand Hockey Association wrote that there was not much immediate likelihood of a tour, as some centres were not favourably disposed. “I think it would be very unwise to consider a tour,” said Mr. Hewitt. “The Australians are not a great draw, and we may have difficulty in getting a paying gate.” Mr. Kent remarked that there was much to be said on both sides. It would be unwise to do away with representative fixtures. If Australia could be induced to send over a good team, the major associations might reconsider their attitude. In turning down a tour New Zealand might be taking a retrograde step. Football codes had assisted in the past, and might do so again. It was resolved to advise the New Zealand Association that Auckland was prepared to support a tour provided a team fairly representative of Australian hockey was sent. To mark his recent marriage and to recognise his services for the game, Mr. Harold Watts was presented by Mr. Kent, on behalf of the association, with a handsome flower urn. Election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr. Eliot R. Davis; vice-patron, Mr. L. Howard Norton; president, Mr. L. C. Kent: vice-presidents, Messrs. IT. B. Speight, H. B. Burnett and Allen S. Player; lion, secretary, Mr. E. J. Hewitt; lion, treasurer, Mr. A. Playlg; hon. assistant secretary, Mr. G. Peace; bon. auditor, Mr. A. C. Johns; delegate to the New Zealand Hockey Association, Mr. P. N. Quartermain; executive committee, Messrs. R. Avery, A. M. Burton, F. A. Catt, W. B. Gillespie, G. Surman, H. E. Watts, J. N. Wilson, L. Winks.