FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 224, 21 March 1914, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

. THE COMING SEASON. The annual meeting of the Taranaki Rugby Union, which has been called for next Friday night, gives warning that w the course of a very few weeks lust 7lunged barrackers will be raising thi'ir voices along the siefe line, urging tlnir favorites on to further efforts in pursuit of tfhe leather. Clubs are rapidly getting their affairs into shape for the coming fray, and are already counting heads, whilst, secretaries are interviewing likely-looking new-comer in the hope of unearthing a representative. From the enthusiasm displayed thus early, the.-e does not appear to be any likelihood if the popularity of the winter pastime decreasing in Taranaki, and ildeed, with the Ranfurly Shield to defend, it promises to be a very busy season locally. It is early yet to prophesy as to tho strength of the clubs but, locally there are indications that they will be stronger than last year.

A new team has been formed at Moturoa and -.vill compote in the Saturday competition. It is probable that a junior competition will also be arranged for Saturday, as there arc numbers of voungor players in town available w'io haye their half-holiday on that day. Okato could also probably enter u junior fifteen.

The report to be submitted at the annual meeting of ■the Taranaki Rugby Union on Friday night states:—"For" the first time since the inception of the competition Taranaki footballers have the honor of holding the Kanfurlv Shioii This fact should have a beneficial effect ( on the game this season, the prospects for a successful year being bright and encouraging. A pleasing-feature of last season's football was tile presence of two school teams in the tliird grade competition, the New Plymouth High School eventually winning the Northern Championship. The encouragement of school football has received your committee's attention, and a keen -competition among the primary schools of the Northern end of the province resulted in Stratfo-.i School winning the Pitman Cup. Competitions in the Southern and Western parts of the Province have yet to tc organised.

Representative football..—Nino representative gamqs- were played, viz. against Wellington (2) Wanganui (2). Auckland (2). Manawatu, Wairarupa, and Australia. Of these matches those against Auckland at Auckland, Manawatu at Palmerston North, Wanganui at Wanganui, and Hawera, were won, the others heing lost. In addition to these, the "B" team played three matches, viz., against Auckland at New Plymouth, Wancramii "B" at Wansanui. aiid Wairoa Sub-Union at Pa tea. The matches against Auckland and Wanganui were lost, the other being won. \ Financial.—The balance-sheet discloses a loss of about £OO during the season. The trip to Auckland, although it gave Taranaki the coveted Banfurlv Shield, did not turn out so well financially as anticipated, the profit on the trio being £-10. The inauguration of "R" team matches cost the Union about £77. this

fact accounting for the larger part o! the loss sustained. Should our representatives manage to retain the. shield, the gates at the various home matches should be larger than usual, and our finances at (he end of the year consequently in a much belter position. Club championships.—The Provincial championships were won as follows: First grade. Waimate; second grade, Waimnte; third grade, Okaiawa. Fonorni'v members. —Suggestions have been made at Various, times that the Union should open an lionorarv members' list, admitting old players and sunporters of llugbv as honorary members of the Union at .CI Is each' annually, honorary members' tickets, admitting them tol all inter-provincial matches. The suggestion is placed before the delegates for consideration.

Alt Bayly Scholarsb'm.—The 1013 scholarship was won bv Master G. Lawn, of the Stratford District High School. The thanks of the Union are due to Mr. Moyes of the New Plymouth High School, for his kindness in entertaining the boys at the school. More interest is now being taken by the Southern schools in the competition, four schools under the jurisdiction of the Wunganui TCducation Board competing for the 1013 scholarship. International football.—Your committee have pleasure in rccordinsr that five Taranaki players, viz., J. Stohr. R. Roberts, O. Loveriiige, M. Cain and H. Rewar, earned their International caps, these players representing New Zealand against. the California!! teams, while C. Brown' and P.. Taylor had the honor of also earning New Zealand cans by playing in tiie test matches against Australia. In conclusion, your committee wisli io thank the Press for its generous snppo-t of the game, the Referees' Associati in for its assistance, and players for the worthy manner in which'thev have upheld the <rood mime of Tarnnaki football. In addition to the ordinary business Hie following notices of motion will be submitted:—Clifton Club will mow: ''That Rule. 2 under heading "Finaii??'' be altered to read: "The accounts of the Union shall be audited by one or mor: auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting. Such auditor or auditors not, to hold any other office under tl e Union." Stratford Club to move: "That the words 'lion. Treasurer' be insert.'! after the words 'lion. Secretary' in linefour of Bv-law ;3."

Tlie Mnturoa Chili will also lip pvopo ; e<l lor nll'iliatinn.