FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 197, 5 September 1903, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

A New Zealand Times' reporter states that in the course of an interview with the referee in the AucklandTaranaki imtch, Mr Weir took exception to (he telegraphed report that the match was marked by rough play. " It whs the hardest game I ever controlled," said Mr Weir, " but at the game time I saw nothing to take exception to." In the first place the telegraphed report did not say "tfce game was marked by rough play," but stated that "at times eome of tl e visitors' play was rough." That L4r Weir did not see anything to take ex caption to, however, did rot prevent the spectators frcm seeing and loudly expressing their disapprove!. No one regrets more than Mr Weir himself tbat his shortness of stature somewhat militates against his seeing everything tbat is going on, but everyone will admit it was for the best that no member of the Auckland team was | ordered off the field, as in such case full credit of the victory would no have been put to Taranski's acoount. The marager of the Thames team I has wired Mr F. T. Bellringer asking | for the lodging and bearding terms for 21 men from Monday till Friday next, This shows the Thames team intend to keep their engagement here next Thursday. The management of the Taranaki team should get the home team together without delay, as the Thames team is a strong one. Had it been possible for Taranaki to play Auckland for tbe Ranfurly Shield there is no doubt the contest would have come oS, but tbe conditions provide for the challenge being given before the end of August, so that this year an attempt to briDg the shield to Taranaki cannot be made.