FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 129, 22 May 1908, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

SEMUU GUADE IVKAPA ill* v. CLIFIMX (J). Probably th' iii'• -[ game of football phyol in i he northern di\iMon iiii- exentuated yesterday aM'-r* noon on \Ve-i<iu Park, when Tukapa and C!it'li*u met f<<r the lir-l time th ; >

M-i-oii. Kadi team put practically itfull complement in the liehl. and a big game -uch as eventuated was quite anticipated by the large clowd of npectators. iJiliinir the lii-t -pell, t liftun had much tho letter ot ttie play, keeping the «anu» c!o-e, and opening it up only when withiu striking distance of Tukapa *s line. Tlie-e tactics enabled them to hoU a firm lead of '•> points till tie' end of the -poll. Puoyed, probably, by their fUcces-. the Clifton >kipper made a fatal mistake ill the second half'. of I making the game more open. In ibis, he played right into Mynotl's hind:, and the old general, u-ing all the arti-lh-e begot of experience. m ule some «.[»loiiditl openings, drawing the attack.

and giving hi-- three-quarter line, on two uppoitunhies which hn wing-, with tlu-ir giv.u turn of foot, wen- aMe to pu-ii home. Added to thi' that the Tukapa forward- vastly improved their play in the -nond >peli, and quite held their own in 100-'' ru-hc«.

linbhing the fre-her ot the two pack*. It , was evident that thev were ill better , condition to la-t a panMiing game. . Clifton .set the ball in motion with ( the -um in their eyes, and an exchanpv . of long kicks followed. On the game: settling down, the Tukapa forwards charged Lash, the tiifton fullback, whose kick rebounded, but Scholeliehl saved in time. A series of scrums loliovved near the Clifton line, till Egglestone cleared. From a mark by Honeyfield, Hardgreaves kicked out close to the visitors' line. The Blue forward* kept up a vigorous attack, but the defence of the visitor>* backs was impenetrable. Rothery eventually brought relief by some smart line pHiy, but Mynott gathered in smartly from the toes of the advancing vanguard, llis pass to Hardgreave.-, however, was smartly intercepted by Kgglestone, who ran and kicked well pa>t Stohr, the latter having to raeo baek for it, hndinur the line in hi rt own 2.3. Ihe Clifton forwards now asserted themselves, and much hard hut futile play resulted. Tukapa found relief in a penalty under their goal, but failing to find the line, the ball was returned by Scholefiehl close to the line. Pukore was prominent in the succeeding play, ami with. Loveridge, wedged his way through the opposing pack, but Mynott or Frewin generally reached the side-line in time. At this stage. Clifton had the upper hand, Tukapa's in getting the ball in several onthe scnTiin being nullified bv the tsniart smothering of Frewin by Rothery and Pulford, who were getting all over Jones and Courtney at the side of the scrums. Sid. iieorge snapped the ball from the ruek and sent it out to his brother, but slow passing only *aw play transferred from one side to the other. Tie essayed again, and the ltall being handled much more smartly. Tate getting a good transfer from 1). Ceorge. made a da*i which was terminated at the corner flag. From the throw-in Ward. Jones, and Seamark broke away, J). OeorgeV essay to stop the ru-h failing, and play returned to half-way. Scrum and lin:? play followed, generally in the Red's favor. Mynott and Frewin being quite unable to make any headway against the sudden descent of the Clifton forward-. who were following the ball with unfailing persistence and >utve--. Yard by yard, every indi disputed, play waforced to within five yards of ihe Tukapa goal line, win-re one of lb' visiting forward- made a dt.-h. grounding llie ball on the line. From the wwiing live-yard -crum. S. (Jeorge secured and •-hot out to Dan. the latter transferring to Tate, who da-lied over but lo>t the ball. Kgglestone. backing up. however., made no mistake and dr< w lir.-t blood. , The kick at goal fell >hort. Clifton .. .. .. .. , Tukapa u A lot of hard play in mid-tield followed the kick-out. Tukapa's attempts to play a back game being smothered lime and again, or nipped early by deadly tackling. Mynott. eventually got a quick |ms, out to ilardgraws. who kickid out past half-way. An exchange of elided in neutral ground. From the throw-in. Frewin >ent a long pa*to Hooker, who sent Hie ball out well in-ide Clifton*- The Blue forwardlivened up with a good ru-sh. but were pena!i-ed. 71-iok«-r again returning to d.-nirerou- ground. < I<►-<- play followed till D.tn tJeorge elianged the venue with a big kick to half-way. The enduing -cruiii work was particularly warm, and the referee had cceasion to warn some of the "hooting'' brigade. Seholeliehl broke away and centred to Eggle--tone. but Hardgrave.- secured and kicked well down Ihe tield. Kgghvtone returiied. and 1). (Jeorge getting oll'-ide. brought relief to Tukapa, Jjei.-Ii" returning Hardgreavcs kick to half-way My--1 nott secured from hi- forwards, and put in a judicious Kick, but slow following lost the advantage, and D. (Jeorge broke through with the ball at his toe, Pulford taking up the running. Ilardgreaves, with a .-peculator, found the line at his own 2.~>. Keeping the play close, the Reds gradually forced the home team kick, till .Tone- and Seamark broke away in a loose rn-li, which I D. (ieorge stopped. Fast following up enabled the latter to take the rolling ball past Hooker and llmieyfield. the ball going out at- midiield." From a solid Clifton ru-h. Honeyfiehl got a timely mark. Hardgreaves clearing past . halfway. Loveridge with Pukere,"headed a rush along the line, Kgglestone during and kicking' out'well inside' the home team's territorv. l'rewiu i secured and kicked high, ami Ward, following- fast, smothered Tate's return. Mynott -cviired and set his I, ;U -ks going. • but lfooker was well marked. Continuing the pic-snre. play was worked close to the Clifton line, where whatever chance there was wa* 10-t bv foul plav in a -crum. and Sehob-IHd 'kicked out to -afetr. .Mynott seeured from the throw-in. and Hooker g >t going, centreing when blocked, but Hardgraves failed to get up in time to accept. A *mart kick to HonevJicld found the latter fumbling, but Mynott got round in tiimto avert di-a-ter. and returner! to halfway, ivlcrr* play hovered for some minute-, ami until the halftime whistl? -oundetl.

The -eeOlld spell spelled with a change of tactics. !,nih sides making play more open. Ilar.lgrave-' kirlc out I'.imd the line in Clifton's 2."». Sccuriii" <i"' 1 hrow-iu. Minott s,., H J,,,,,, I"-- «»nt t» who o^iv^l. misu,-,fully a pot at. "Oiil. ciiflnn fo!vin_i. i.ive-aud-t.iki' play followed. came tlir.muii f.i-t with the Itall .it hi- toe. ;illd beat Stnhr. but ll.irdgi.nc- dir. .! ,iud kicked mil at n:idli<!'!. 11l- Ink:pa park got jgoing from ,i line-..ut, JlyuoU securing and initiating a -udd.n pii--iiig ru-li. but ll.irdgr.tve-' attempt to mke with one hand spoiled tin.- effort. lie -ecinvd. however, and kicked to i). tiiorge. who i:' ,!, n;"d pl.iv to the centre. The ball ■.v.i- -eni out i., j;„oker from Flew in. '•»' i'"-hei'y v. ;v en t„ ( , of him. frewin. 'Villi a char.ieteri-tie wriggl". g,,t 'hr.-iiga ■' -cruni ;ili.l J ground. Slmk-8-ld-, kicking ,va- mainly m-inini.'iital in our. more -hifiiie: ;c'v to T'i!,-,.|-..i tenitory. but |;„. r,h,o

i"-rv..<rd-. pulling tli. iu-. lv-- t "gel her. •f-Mi'ed wilil .1 till'- eli'oli. I'lllloni H- !» iiiili-wl 1 'tf-ide. and ;i i.nllier ;,,I\:int.fe gained. Keeping Up ihc pre--mv. I'le lleds Were forced jii-jde lh-ir -J.j *' hfi'e Ward, g, (ting the ball from a' throu in. ,|,„ t it back to .Mvnott. Si mUil -led -iraighi for the aoal. hialiu" a

r-.iii.!,. ~f an.) trui>fcrrins -|.|rn'•'•li.v t" i'■< r-'sj-r;!\ who «,, r r ||. M >kt-r ;>n «>l>|iortiiimy. whirl, hi' dcvi-i I v JiVJl!'-! „f. (|{ i|i,f tar from tin t-irnrr. I);ir.I-im\<■- kn-lc.i .■ Jin-- I .inii-l-l -r.-iii an1....nl :;i>- n uiiim;.- aiii-r tlw I;i'l; "lit. T'lknn.i < iii'litii . . p , ;» v l»i T ij'c.f <<n I>y this ivvrr-". (iil'lint U. r : :!(■ ]!;t-V .> l-r:l: l"|'. liiU W'i'l'C MM''.

V'l:| -if' - * 111 v ' ril <' - ! <>l (h'h'llfC. Mvat! 1 !• i-'V ill'- di-fcfl-iv••• 'work !M!il:irlv ili-a-lly. Kvniiiia'lly. J ' l , •■vcr. Sid w» T L'df ,1 ;i opciiin;! ;illll v.- )!i-'nniirii: : il in -!ii11111lt plav «<> .: i • i v Tuk.ip.i'- iinr. w !ii*i! <•»» Mvimli icd l'» I ;■ -h. wiio marked. f.r.v-'-i i-i-je'- ait"iii]>f .of wn* MiJ :ii- !»il] w* -i; 1 enl at halfway. Ward '•i.! v.civ j»r«»;niin'if in a Willi!;-.! Tuk.i;-' whirh l.;t-ii MOppr.

1»y marking opportunely. The relief was temporary, however. the local forwards returning willi considerable dash. their 100-e play being now «|iutr> as good as thai, of their opponents in the iirst fipell. A break-away by Kgglestone nearly beat iloneythdd. but ~\ n got his kick in. Twice Pulford had a chance to clear Iroin the £ide of the scrum, but he overrun the ball. Day alter-' nated from >ide to side in the Keds' territory. until the strenuous monotony was broken by a Hash of pacing between Fivwin. Mynott. and llarduravcs, I the latter being -mothered. Pulford ! sending }»hiy to midlield. in -onic succeeding fa>t play Hooker shone out, making t-onie very judicious line kicks, and demonstrating versatility with either foot. From some loose forward work in Clifton territory Mynott secured the ball from the ruck, an'l in a Hash, making an opening, he shot the leather out to llardgraves, who ran well mid transferred to Stohr, the latter doing a fine thirty yards splint- for the • line, and beating La*h at the corner, llardgraves' kick failed. -I Tukapa .. .. .. S • I Clitton •!

Condition wa* evidently telling its tale, for though the visitors were playing with great determination, the local men seemed to hold their own with *oinclhiiig to -pare. A series of loo>;e ru-lies ended in Tukapa's favor, and S. (.eorge, in endeavoring to clear his line fv«t the ball rebounding off one of thattacking pack, -lones following Ihe bail across ami snicking a score. Ik- kirk though good, again failed. | Tukapa !J r Clifton

The resumption of play wilnested a lot of kicking amongst the backn, play settling down in midlield. The Blue forwards set up a dribbling attack, but Scholetleld and D. (Jeorge were too «ure. Passing between I). George, Kgglestone, and Scholetield saw lloncytield bustled, but Hoooker came to the rescue and found the line well down ' the tield. Mynott had an pot at goal, the visiting forwards, headed bv Cain., replying with a strong rush, and play settled clown for a time in Tukapa territory. Clifton attacked repeatedly, but not dangerously, llonev- I field clearing in good style. Ihe pace diminished but slightly, but nothing of , moment occurred till the sounding ol time, with play in neutral ground. Myuott. although making a few minor mistaken, played a great game, his head plav having much to do with the victory, tie was very ably seconded bv his wings. Stohr and Hooker, the latter particularly showing improving form wceklv. Hardgrave* was always in the thick of it. Frewin had an uphill light, and played «»lidlv m de.ence. Of a vastlv improved pack of forwards, Ward. Seamark, and Loveridge, perhaps shone more in the open, but all phneu verv well. The wings, in the scrum play, were not so good as Rothery and Pulford. Of the visitors' backs, hgglePtonc and Tait were prominent m atlick but all round Dan (ieorgr and Scholefield were very safe. In a sp endid set of forwards, Pukere, f/neiidge. and Cain perhaps caught the eye most frequently. Mr. Hopkins deacons weic prompt and unquestioned.

ELTIIAM (27) v. ST All (0). Tile Star seniors journeyed to T;Hli!un yesterday with a team containing several emergencies. A couple of thuds had to be rcqui^iti'Onod lo make up UK* tiftcen. Tin: team travelled by the afternoon train, and arrived upon the ground at such an hour as lo force the Fatter part of the game into the tain light uf tile evening. ]'.\th;im played Villi its full team, except that 1). Moir replaced J. Moir at full. I lie

»ame was an uninteresting one. and devoid oi interest, except i'-r ilw iuc-t thai three players were warned by the referee for unduly rough tactics, ami; two others quietly rebuked for "language'' and too frequent appealing. The ground was in capital order, and ihe afternoon perfect for football. There was not, however, any passing such as should have been possible on stuli a lieJd. Play was stopped on -everaj occasions because of the encroachment of the crowd on the licld of pl-iy. Mr. Proctor was referee.

.Star set the ball moving at about a quarter to four o'clock, Stroud kicking oil'. The return was a good one. and the ball rent out in the visitors' 2"). A game en-ued, in which tile home team held the advanU t ;>\ narrowly missing a try. Kltham kept up the attack, directed by J'ulier, and a penalty gave this player a goal from a dillicult print. Kllham :? Star 0

The visitors again swept down into the opponents' quarters. Smith, Burke and Burgess showing conspicuously. Their backs, however, were doing very faulty passing, and chances were tnrown away. Stars forced twice in succession, and Stroud's long kicks relieved the ten-don temporarily. play ny jluckland enabled Stars to invade t'he Kltham quarters, but Burke and McCracken got the ball at the toe and soon had the Blacks again on the defensive. McCracken, however, kicked too hard, and Star sought relief by forcing down. The kick-out was returned out of touch, and the Elthani backs got the ball from the throw-in. Potier. after a dodgy run, passed to Buckland. Stars made scarcely any attempt to tackle until Mayne and Martin grassed liiiu together, but lie landed the hall on the right side of the line. Potier placed a neat goal. Eltliam ... . • 8 Star .. .. U

Star vigorously attacked, but the kali found its way into the hands ff{ the Eltham backs again, a score being missed by Dive's failure to take a pa>s v-iien lie had a clear run. Smith speculated, and the ball wont out. .McLean cauglit the ball lYOni tlio throw-in, and got a good jim in before passing lo Smith, who also got over a deal of ground before sending 011 lo -Mayne, who missed, and allowed Potior to got possession. lie sot up a smart rush, and eventually Jloir got the ball from liim and transferred to Dive and the latter to Uuckland, who notched an easy ■score, the Star tackling being feeble in tlie extreme, The kick at goal failed. Elthani .. .. ..11 Star ~ 0

Resuming, Kennedy and McCoy wore responsible Ixtt some line work in the Star lack, but tliev eoukl not keep ilie ball from Lewi's and I'otier. Their v.'ork. however, was spoiled time alter time li.v the wing three-quarters playinj; too wide. On two occasions liueliland would have scored, only that lie had left ■himself Wo little room, and did not run straight. IS tars had all tliev could uo to keep their line clear, tile .Magpies -warming down at great pace. Dive -Hatched the ball from the hands of the Star half-back and passed to Burke, who was graced almost on the line. play by Burgess ga\c Stroud a (ha nee to relieve Hie pressure, but his kick was not a great success., and the Blaek-and-Mhites came again. I'otier Seized ail opening and, dodging through, passed to L. Jloir, who scored. Dive kicked a poster. Llthaui .. ..U Star .. .. .. ..0

Cpou resumption of the game, play for the lir-t time showed an inclination to hang near tie: h'snie team's goal, tile Star- livening tunll«'i -j up considerably. .Met oy, Kennedy, Stroud, and lloskiu made a vigorous rush, but .Maylie, McLean and Smith essayed a couple ol pa-=ing funs. lint they met a stolid defence, and had to retire bit by bit until they were again defending. IJiir-

flic of tile home forwards, strode uul f"i* Uie line, luit Kinitli him, ilw hall to Lewis, ilnir and Uuck!:ind. and the hitler was thrown out, at liic corner. Another clevcv piece of wuik hy J'otirr him w'l) up, ;i ud lie j<a--r<t to Sinilh, who scored. KUham 17 s ti«r U

From a bit of l"o>e and uncertain phiy the hall came I'otier's way, and lie streaked u\ci' ; afterwards landing a fc'Uill. Kkhaiu Star 0

Then followed a nf forward iii>ln'>. the KHliam men easily securing ail advantage which enaMed ijur»t'ss to l-iillock over. roller yoaled ; and brought the linai M'ore? to: — KUham .. -17 >iar .. .. ... 0

Potior was undoubtedly the pick of tlic Kltliam kick*, both on the attack and in defunct;. Lewis played a clever | game on the wliule, but his sellishness often crippled Ike other backs, liuekland is a splendid tliree-ijuarter, and .-howeil considerable puce. Dive had another day off. Of the forwards, l!urgcSs. Smith, ileLeod, Charters, and McL'rackcn were the best, l'or the home team .McLean, Jiayiie and Smith were tile best backs,, but neither of the two latter ''played tlic game." Of the forwards, Kennedy, Ikt'ov, and Stroud appeared to the most advantage.

STRATFORD (14) v. INGLEWOOD (0).

These teams met at Inglewood yesterday under most favorable weather conditions. Stratiord's team was weakened by the absence o£ Don Cameron, Tlioinpson, and Burgess. The passing of their backs was very erratic, many hancc* being missed through this defect. The Inglewood team allowed a I very marked improvement, especially in the forward division l , which played with good combination until well into lhe second spell. Their work in tho loose was good, 'but Stratford held the advantage in scrum work. Stratford set the ball rolling, playing against a strong sun. From a line-out Jnglewood worked into .Stratford's territory, but were penalised for oll'eide play. A series of line-kicking followed. JSnllott marked, and T'icblion made a good but unsuccessful shot at goal, the bail going wide. A serie ri of forward rushes ensiled between the 25's, neither side having any noticeable advantage. Tucker headed a dribbling rush, and the leather was carried 011 to the home line, where Stratford were penalised for oll'side play, Inglcwood putting into touch. From the line-out, play was centred, and Inglewood were penalised for handballing. Tocker essayed a shot at goal, but the hall fell short. A .serum near the home line gave Bullott the ball, and he whipped it out to Tucker, who passed to Brown, the latter in turn to 11. Cameron, who was grassed near the comer Hag. Inglewood forwards then livened up and carrjed the oval to halfway, Tocker returning into touch. Stratford worked into the home territory, and were awarded a free kick for obstruction. Tocker made another unsuccessful shot at goal. Scrum work 011 the halfway followed, and Stratford again worked on to the home line, where several chances were missed by will passing among tho Stratford backs. J'lay was held for some time 011 the home line, Inglewood eventually forcing. From the kick out Stratford again pressed on the home line, and were awarded a free kick for obstruction. Tocker's kick again fell short, and lialttime was called. The opening of the second spell was dull, and was mostly confined to scrum work at halfway. From a line-out near the home line Jlarchant got possession, and, making a determined rush, passed tile fullback ami scored the first try in a handy posi tion. Tichboit failed to increase the score.

Stratford ... ... .. !) luglewood 11 (_)n resuming, play, principally amongsi the forwards, ensued in higlewoud's i>, where from a scrum lluliott got possession. and the visiting backs canied the ball to the home line. From a free kit liullott marked, and Ticli'mm made another good but unsuccessful aliempt at goal. Shortly afterwards ingiowoo.l were again penalised, and Tocker s kic'v was this time successful.

Stratford Inglcwood .• •• • • On resuming Stratford again eonhncd the play to the home 23, where several chances were missed by bad passing among the hacks Stringer got possrsvion from a line-out, and, rushing the lullhiu'k. scored near the corner liny. Tocker failed to add the major point-. Stratford lnglewood l'lay still continued in Ihe home 2.~>. and lioon got possesion and dashed for the line. bul. was James. hov»c\vr, Miapped up the ov;il and svonu near the goal, locker added the major points Stratford 1' lnglewood .. •• .. The rest of the game was_ dull and devoid of incident, the lnglewood lor wards losing the combination l' ,r y maintained 1 lirnughout Ihe gnm\ For the winners, Tocker and J'rown were eoiispiciioiis in tlie while Voting, Karkmvs, and Marehant wennoticeable ill the forward division. For lu-lewood, l)e Laumiy and t Irav<' plaved solid games in the rear division, while the forwards all worked haiu. Mr. Oriliithr, controlled the uame.

sK('oXl) CKADK. KLTHAM (II v. STAR (0). Played at the racecourse} yesterday afternoon, lhi,< match proved rather an easy victory for the visitors. A good ; game was expected, but with the eXcepi lion of a few flashes the play of the | home team was disappointing, their tackling being extremely weak, while their lack of combination and general failure to take advantages of likely openings were a marked feature. The visiting team was heavier, and gave a very fair display of the game. Star kicked oil' with a strong sun ;in their faces and against a -slight i breeze. Kven. but fast, play followed. ! The visiting forwards then became ng- ; a delicate situation being savjed by McLaren securing and booting the ! oval to the line. The pressure of the visiting pack continued, and Stars forced. From a loose rush in mid-lield Johnstone, for Kltham, snapped up the 1 oval and, beating three or four men, •shot over, drawing first blood. The kick was successfully taken by lilentworth. Kltham Star 0. This reverse acted as a stimulant to the Stars, and a lino effort took the iicltl to Kltham's 20. The aggressors were over-anxious however, and nullified a good chance of crossing. Kltham forcing. Line play in favor of the home team followed. McLaren marked, and an. attempt was made at goal, but the distance was too great. Give-and-take plav ensued, then Eltham entered Star's territory, and a passing rush was spoiled by oiftside play, the free-kick to Star easing the pressure. The oval was in neutral territory at half-time.

With the advantage o£ the slight wind and the sun at their backs, the home team opened the second spell with a good rush. The play went light down to Htham's goal-line, and had a bit inure vim. cou|iled with head work, been put into the rush a store should have been notched. Klthain vanguard cleared to niid-lield. Tippins, for Star, took a pretty mark that should have nsulted iu a score for Star, but the attempt at goal was poor. The hot pace continued. Kltham making the play. A fine rn~h amoiigi-t the visitors' backs followed, the leather briny passed freely from i)i«' 11 to man. -Johnstone secured aiM juiced iu Markups, who dod<rvd owr ik'LU' thy post-. The kick, though an one, was a failure. ElUmin 8, Star 0. The home pack then workel down the field, but lack of judgment was again their undoing, Eltliam clearing to half-way. The defence work of till; Stars here improved. McLaren notably getting well down to tiie rushes. The next bit of likely play was from iui<l-HcM. Star working down in good -Me. but tlley were penalised for obtiriK'tlmi. ll'diiming to the attack Slar worked right to the corner Hag, but the Solid defonce of the visitors remained unbroken, ami play eased up to half-wav. .Just before time was called Klthain took the play along bv a loose rush, some quick passing ending in Williams falling over the line near the corner. So goal, liltham 11, Star 0. .Mr. Spui'dli: referced.

TltlKD UIJADE, KLTHA.M (1, - ) v. STAR (U). Till- V.lHiMin thirds had a liollow victory ov« r the Stni'n. pilin;; tip 47 to U. Tries were scored bv W. (ilentworth CO. sou (11, VlcKueoney, Marx, Hanover (2). and C. Clcntworlh, and Williams nml W. (Ilcutworth each kicked }«aK TI'KAPA (0) v. Cl/tFTOX (0)'.

This maleli. played as a curtain-raiser f... 11 if senior match at Western Park y..«li-ril:iv. provided lots of diversion and enmedv,' and an accident. Beside ffie sfrimpt-limlied Clifton players, most of the local boys looked dwarfed and feeble. but in seramilling rushes afler the iiall they managed to keep their line clear. ■lnsl before the end nf t'he first -■pell, a ilclicat e-looking lad. Pert Pcttv, playing for Tukapa. sustained a broken collarbone, aid bcinj; promptly rendered liv Mr. Kirrar. manager ot the Old Peoples' 1 lonic near-by. There -was no -core in the jiaiuc. Iliillol and -listion Mere the only Tnkapa hacks showing any ahilily. The forwards wele a very good lot. Tony careful not, to get hurl. Tate ami Waka were the most conspicuous amongst the visitors, the lall■ ■!'. at full-hack. --howing s'Ome merit, .Mr. War had control (if the game.

'J'he pain caused liv a burn or scald will he instantly relieved if Dr. Sheldon's Magnetic Liniment w applied. A most useful household rf.-jiodv to ahvavs have on hand. Price, Is Gil iad 3,9. Obtainable everywhere,

TIIE ASSOCIATION GAME. New Plymouth journeyed to Stratford ami were beaten by throe goals to nil. 't he score was made by Eagle, Cameron, and Syme. The game was very fusl, and the Stratford club is a wonderfully improved combination. Mr Willis reforced. AUCKLAND v. WELIJ.MiTON. Pet Tress Association. Auckland, Thursday. The Auckland Rugby Union approves the proposal to hold an interprovincial football match, Auckland v. Wellington, on August 15th, the Mayor having stated ihal- lie will endeavor to arrang3 with ilie Admiral of the American Heel lo delay his departure till the evening of that dav.

UfCDV XOTKS. The following is the result of the game;? played in the western division on Saturday hist: Seniors—Opunake !). Itaholu nil; Pihama li, Okuto 3. Juniors—Okato 5, rihania nil; Opuiake 11, liahotu 0. Tne Kltham Club yesterday notched 85 points ;i gainst Star, the latter failing to register one single liguro. The New Zealand Union recently wrote asking the Wanganui Union to forward the names o: any players'considered good enough to represent New Zealand against the Anglo-Welsh team. A telegram was despatched nominating (Juseott, (Jordon Thompson, and Jones (forwards), ami Abbott (three-quarter). A .Maori football match was played at Kahotu on Wednesday between teams representing liahotu and Parihaka (writes our correspondent). The Rahotu boys were successful in winning by IS points' to «'l after an interesting contest. ihikutai obtained four tries, whilst (ltiniingham and Oonroy secured one each. None were converted. Tohe Tongahu was the only scorer for Parihaka. Mr. J. Martin made an impartial referee. Kahotu entertained their opponents at tea at the conclusion of the

It is rumored that the Northern Union's Kughy ga'ine'wili be witnessed in Wellington- at an emly date. It is staled that the New Zealand professional team will play a series of matehe,h in New Zealand against an Australian professional team. Arrangements for the lour are said to be well advanced.

POSITION OF THE TEAMS. f Following s tlie position of the various teams iu tlie dill'ereiit competitions: NOKTIIEllN DIVISION. SiNIOES. u a 03 42 60 £1 tj d ui w ° & § » I -S 4J P. .3 P. S £ 3 p i§ (5 5 Tukapn 4 4 0 0 56 22 8 Eltkiuu ■13 10 60 45 6 Stratford .. 1 2 1 1 37 16 5 Clifton 4 2 2 0 48 21 4 Star 4 0 3 1 U 62 1 Inglewood 4 0 4 0 3 72 0 Second GBADE. Star 4 3 i 0 20 14 6 Eltham* .. 3 2 1 0 46 0 4 Tukapa . 3 2 1 0 10 0 4 Stratford* 3 12 0 0 11) 2 Clifton .3 0 3 0 6 49 0 Iiiibd Gbade jiltliaui . . 3 3 0 0 65 8 6 Star .. 4 2 11 13 53 5 Tukapa . , 3 0 12 6 14 2 Clifton) . .3012 4 6 2 Stratford . . 8 0 2 1 14 )<J 1 SOl'TllElUN DIVISION. Skniohs. Ilawcra . 3 3 0 0 31 5 0 I'atea .. 4 2 11 18 13 5 . Waimato ..3 1 0 2 21 6 4 , Itaponga .,3 0 2 1 4 24 1 , Ukaiawa ..3 0 3 0 8 32 0 The Okaiawa-Patea fixture, declared , forfeited by the Union, is included. . ; WESTERN DIVISION. ■Seniobs. , J Wins Drawn Losses 0 Okato 1 2 0 ® Pihama 1 2 0 • Opnnake 1 0 2 , Rahotu 0 0 3 iJuKIOBB. Opunake 3 0 0 r , Okoto 2 0 1 l Pihatna 1 0 2 L llakotu 0 o 3