FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1921, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURE. TO-DAY'S MATCH, Auckland v. Taranaki, at Pukekura. Park, at 2 p,m. CURTAIN RAISERS. 11.30 am. Primary schools championshij final. Eltham v. N.P. High School Prep. 12.30 p.m. Carbine Shield match. Tukapa v. Star juniors. MATCHES PLAYED. v. Wanganui—Won by 6 points to 3. v. South Auckland—Drawn, 15 points each. v. South Africa—Drawn, no score. v. Wanganui—Won by 9 points to 6. v. Canterbury—Lost, 14 points to 5. v. Wellington—Lost, 17 points to nil. v. Auckland—Lost, 19 points to 9. v. Otago—Lost, 11 points to 6. B REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. Taranaki B v. Walroa Sub-Unloh—•‘Won, 16 points to 6.

I MATCHES ARRANGED. September 24—v. Auekiand, at New Plymouth. THE SPRINGBOKS’ RECORD. , The following is the complete result of the Springboks’ tour, from their arrival in New South Wales until their departure from New Zealand:— IN AUSTRALIA. New South Wales Won 25 10 , New South Wales Won 16 11 New South Wales Won 28 9, Metropolis Won 14 8 LN NEW ZEALAND.

IVIIU •••••••«»«■ ■•«•«•••<•»••••• LU Matches played 23, won 19, drawn 2, lost 2.

INTERNATIONAL GAMES. SUMMARY OF ALL TOURS. The following Interesting summary of all representative matches, international and others, shows that, to date. New Zealand has played 131 matches, of which they have won 120, lost 8 and drawn 3. The record is as follows :■ —

Of the 14 international matches played in the Dominion, New Zealand has won 9, lost 3, and drawn 2. VISITS TO UNITED KINGDOM. The results of international matches with colonial teams visiting the United Kingdom are as follows: 1888-9 New Zealand Natives team—Defeated Ireland, lost to Wales and England. 1905 All Blacks—Defeated England, Ireland, and Scotland, lost to Wales. 1906 Springboks—Defeated Ireland, Wales, drew with England, lost to Scotland. 1908-9 Australian (Wallabies) —Defeated England, lost to Wales. 1912-13 Springboks—Defeated England. Ireand Wales. TARANAKI v. AUCKLAND

TO-DAY’S MATCH. The Auckland team indulged in use Fill practice yesterday morning, and their style greatly pleased • critics. The northerners are confident o£- their ability to again defeat Taranaki, whilst the local team is equally confident of reversing the decision gained at Auckland a fortnight ago. The teams will be:— AUCKLAND (blue and white): Austin. Three-quarters: Williams, V. Badeley, Hughes. Five-eighths: Ifwerson, Lamb. Half: Earle. Wing-forward: Muir. Forwards: Knight, Gallagher, McI Lean, Mclnnes, Nicholas, Tresize, McCullough. Emergencies: Smith and Helander. TARANAKI (amber and black): Full-back: Lusk. Three-quarters: Hickey, Coutts, Kingl ston. Five-eighths: Robertson, Oliver. Half: Berg. Wign-forward: Fogarty. Forwards: Birchail, Fryday, Kivell, Masters, West, Whittington, Campbell. I Emergencies: Hart and Hooker (backs), Allen and McCullough (forwards). The Taranaki team will assemble at , the Red House at. noon to-day. REFEREES FOR TO-DAY’S MATCHES. New Plymouth High School v. Eltham. 11.30, Mr? E. Gilmour. Star v. Tukapa (first junior), 1.20, Mr. A. G. Papps. _ Taranaki v. Auckland, 2 p.m., Mr. F. Julian. TEAM TO MEET AUCKLAND. FINAL MATCH TO-DAY. The Taranaki team to meet Auckland’ to-day appears to be a v6ry strong one, the inclusion of Kingston, West and 'Foearty strengtheniog it considerably.

No doubt many will be surprised at the action of the selector in placing the New Zealand full-back at wing three-quarter, but it is said that, had the weather been fine, Kingston would have occupied a similar position in the New Zealand team last Saturday, and Siddells would have been full back. Those who have seen Kingston in action recognise that he is very speedy, and there is no question! that Mr. Malone would not have placed Kingston out on the wing without some justification. In any ease an alteration can easily be made. Lusk’s play at fullback quite justifies his inclusion, though of course he cannot be compared with. "Kingston’s finished display. Coutts is placed at centre three-quar-ter, where he should strengthen the attack. The Inglewood man is unquestionably good on the attack, but he dislikes going down to rushes, and sometimes fails to go straight for his man, an essential qualification in a fiveeighths. If he were as solid tn defence as he is good on attack he would be a great player. Hickey’s qualifications are well-known.

Hart played quite well last Saturday, and this young player’s turn will come*. Oliver and Robertson should fill the bill well again on the inside. The latter win be tb»? better for last week’s game. The inclusion of West and Fogarty has led to the dropping of Allen and McAllum. Allen played one of the best forward games on the ground last Saturday, and his ‘loss will undoubtedly be felt. With West, he would have been very useful on the line-out.

The team will need to go from the start, and take no chances, as the Auckland pack is very solid, whilst their backs are nippy and clever. With the inclusion of Ifwerson they should be stronger than at Auckland, but it is probable here they will be met by a stronger defence, whilst our players- will feel more at home on the local ground ground than they did in Auckland, where the playing field was almost as hard as concrete.

CARBINE SHIELD. Star Juniors will be represented as •follows:—Fetch, E. Hoffman, Sturmy, E. Hurley, T. Hurley, Betts, Amor, Sims, F. Hurley, Buttimore, Owens, Broughton, Francis, Mills, Hill. Emergencies: Backs, L. Hoffman, N. Gray; forwards, Parker, Ellis.

THE OTAGO MATCH. FEATURES OF THE PLAY. Though defeated by Otago on Saturday. the match proved a very even one, which the nature of the scores show. Otago won by a margin of five points, but this was made up by a penalty goal md converted try, each side crossing its opponent’s line twice with successful results. Without in any way wishing io detract from the merits of Otago’s win. which, was due to the fine play of their forwards, the local team certainly had hard luck, and it appeared as though they had scored on one. occasion, whilst Hooker’s attempt to convert resulted in the ball striking the bar and post. Thin match differed from the majority of matches played by the Taranaki reps, this season, inasmuch that on this occasion it was the forwards who let Tara- ’ naki down, whereas the backs made a really creditable showing. In. the past the position has been reversed. Certainly the Taranaki forwards got their share of the ball from the scrum, but in the loose and on the line-out’they were beaten by their opponents, who brought off some great rijshes. tn which the Taranaki centre, half and five-eighths went down gamely, and so prevented the score mounting up. Taranaki forwards, on the other hand, were responsible for some good rushes at times, but they were spasmodic, and seldom more than two or three took part in them, there being a general disinclination to follow up. Towards the close, the pack tired palpably, while some of the players showed they had not been playing for a few weeks. This was particularly noticeable in the case of Kivell, that usually fine player not showing up prominently at all. Of the forwards none were more prominent than Allen, Fryday and Masters. The first-named was in every rush, and did good work on the line-out. whilst he followed up smartly, on one occasion chasing the ball into the ditch and just missing a try. Whittington was ailso conspicuous, the veteran putting the finishing touches on a great .career by scoring his first try in representative football, as the outcome of smart following up. Birchail showed improved form. Campbell showed up well in the early stages, playing with great dash, but towards the end appeared to tire. MeAlhim, on the wing, played with considerable dash. It appeared on one occasion as though he had touched the bull down, but the referee was not close enough, and the ball finally ended in the ditch with Allen.

Berg, at half, played a solid game, going down gamely to the rushes, which were solid enough to test anyone. He also at times got his backs moving smartly. He showed considerable improvement since the Canterbury match, and, providing he goes on with the game, Taranaki may find in him the right man for this important position.

The backs at times exhibited combined play, but the tackling of the visitors, and the dash of their pack, did not give them many opportunities. Oliver and Robertson, at five-eighths, combined well, and Taranaki was better served there than has been the ease this season. Oliver tackled well, ran straight, and made some nice openings, whilst Robertson acquitted himself creditably, though the Hawera man, who captained the team, failed at times to mark the ball cleanly, a department in which he is usually very safe.

Hooker, at centre three-quarter, did a Jot of work, but failed sometimes to get rid of the ball at the right time. Hickey, at wing three-quarter, scored a lovely try, showing what he, could have done had more opportunities come his way. He was also solid in defence. Hart, on the other wing, quite justified his inclusion. He was not given many chances to show his scoring abilities, but his tackling’ was deadly, and lie stopped Ward time and again. He made one or two mistakes, notably when he failed to gather up the ball from the ground, and a score resulted.

Lusk played solidly at full back, fielding and lining well. Otago had a great pack of forwards, who lasted till the end. playing right through with great dash. None played better than Sonntag, Knox (the veteran ! ex-N.Z. rep.), Patterson, Davidson and Highley. Wilson made some great ! openings on the wing. McNaughton, at half, proved very nippy, getting the hall out smartly and making some good openings. At five-eighths, Hawke was good on the attack, -and Thomas in defence. The line was speedy, JPerry, at centre, showing versatility. Both the wings were well marked. Watson, At full back, appeared to be rather Bervoitt.

THE BIG MATCH.

FOOTBALL UNDER DIFFICULTIES. '. a HONORS EASY. The drizzling rain which prevailed ia AVellington on Friday night and Saturday morning did not seriously disturb supporters of the All Blacks, for they felt that a soft ground and greasy ball were all in favor of their own side. But the drizzle developed into heavy rain just as the teams took the field. The water poured down from the clay sides of the ground—where thousands had secured “possies” in the morning, and stood in the drizzle for hours—converting the playing field into a series of miniature lakes in a, very short time. To give an idea: Opposite the Press stand, about the middle of the ground, were hundreds of chairs. By half time the chairs were in a pond five or six inches deep. Some of the occupants raised and rested their feet on neighboring chairs, but the majority were obliged to keep their feet in thg water, which rose quickly. Umbrellas were raised. Immediately officials forced their owners to lower them.

On the clay bank opposite the requests for dropping the umbrellas came from those behind whose view was thus obstructed. But they were not polite. They came in the form of handfuls of clay, and before long there were presented some pitiable sights. The ladies fared very badly. They had not come prepared for the worst—and the worst happened. On the clay bank their long heeled shoes and boots were very serviceable, enabling them to maintain a grip on the slippery clay, whilst the men were performing gymnastic exer- ; cises of a very diverting nature. But the ladies fared badly when they tried to extricate their shoes, some of which are still embedded in the clay, and they had to trudge across the ground and reach the trams with one shoe, wet to the skin, cold as ice, and generally miserable. Truly, it was a great day!

NOT ORTHODOX

A game played under such conditions can well be imagined. An ordinary rep. match would have been put off. It was not orthodox football; a test only in forward bullock ing, and in this respect the honors were easy. The visitors had the better of the first spell, and the New Zealanders of the second. The New Zealanders, in their black jerseys, looked much lighter than their opponents when they appeared on the ground. The African forwards, were of fine physique, giving the All Blacks’ vanguard an average of 121 b. But the extra weight was of no advantage on such a day. It certainly enabled them to push the All Blacks over the first few scrums, but in the close and open forward play the New Zealanders held a noticeable advantage, especially in the second half. The visitors shone on the line-out. getting the ball frequently. Three minutes after play opened (New Zealand played against the wind in the first half) the All Black forwards, like the well-trained pack they were, dashed for the Africans’ line, and for a. moment the spectators held their breath—they thought nothing eoplci withstand them, but the kicking was too hard and the Green backs extricated. Then came the -visitors’ turn. They adopted tactics suited io the conditions. Their forwards, led by the great A an Rooyen and Mellish. swept down the field, hammering away at the line until a score seemed inevitable. New Zealand found relief in forcing. The African backs, notably Gerhard Morkel (the full back) contented themselves with finding the line. The All Blacks were “up against it.” Fortunately for them the visitors were over-eager, and free kicks were given against them, and New' Zealand were thus able to escape from difficult situations. The Springboks were getting the ball both from the scrums and on the lineout. Roberts and his five-eighths were subjected to a gruelling that few men had experienced. But they stood up to it in splendid fashion. If they had failed, only temporarily, the Springboks must- have got. through, not once, but severe I times. It was an anxious time, for the New Zealanders, and when the whistle sounded half time the spectators heaved a sigh of relief. The wind was an advantage to the visitors, but it’was plain that if they could maintain their form and play the same hard game the football ashes must leave New Zealand.

THE ALL BLACKS ASSERT niEMSF.LV'ES. The players reappeared on the ground all decked in new jerseys and pants. AV hen they left the Hold a few minutes before it was hard to distinguish green from biack on account of the mud. Even the referee, who appeared in his while ducks, did not escape, he presenting a picturesque sight. For the first ten minutes the Africans camo at it harder than ever. The backs played well up with the forwards, evidently determined to batter down the opposition by sheer weigh!. Handling the ball with any precision was impossible, and their backs soon recognised the fact. AVhen the ball was shot back Gerhard Morkel i would coolly pick it up, take his time | (the ground, was too heavy for rast. following up on the part of the New Zealanders), and boot it down the line. But even the Springboks, champions as they undoubtedly are, could not keep up‘such a terrific pressure. The New Zealanders reasserted themselves, helped bv some free kicks and forces, and splendid kicking the part of Kingston. whose dispK. , though overshadowed bv Vo-keF- was splendid, highly delighting the crowd, who realised ’that he was perfectly safe, and could bo depended upon to field the leaden ball when it came his way. They gradually worked back to neutral tfirntorv and then invaded the Africans to. Here they punched away: so did the backs, who “speculated,” rarely attempting to pick up the ball. The Africans were right on the defensive now and were kept on it rest of the game. I he All Blacks kicked too hard at times. J his wa» fata], for the Africans invariably found relief either by forcing or kicking well down the line. Michau, the halt, was very resourceful, screw-kicking and “soccering" when the ball came to himBut for full-back Morkel the All Blacks must have scored several times. they were turning the tables on their adversaries with a vengeance, and showing better condition. On the line-out West, who was always on the ball, got pos- | session, and was diving over when the oval slipped from his arms. r l his al- , most certain score was in the News telegraphic report on Monday wronglv . credited to Bellis, who in the early stages of the first spell just missed in a race with, a Springbok in touchng dCWB, I

Again, Ifwerson cross-kicked to the wings. Siddells chased Van Heerden for the ball. The latter touched it and Siddells grounded. In the first test Mr. McKenzie, the referee, awarded Bellis a try in similar circumstances. However, the decision in this case was” a right one, for it gave the visitors the benefit of the doubt. A somewhat similar occur-

rence took place in the first spell, only it was to the Springboks’ advantage. So honors were even. It was a fitting ending to a great trial of strength between two great teams, and, as one of

the AVellington scribes put it, "the bet ter team drew.”

ON A DRY GROUND? The Africans adapted themselves more quickly to the wet and sloppy conditions than the All Blacks. Speculation naturally is rife as to what would have happened on a dry ground, the weight of opinion in AVellington being that the New Zealanders would have fared ill, mainly because of the Africans’ ability in getting the ball on the line-outs and in the scrums. It is, however, hard to say what would have happened under fine conditions. The writer’s opinion, for what it is worth, is that our men would have kept up their end well, for the reason that on a dry ground the lighter and fitter New Zealand forwards would have been on the African backs before they could get their scoring combination in operation. Further, Gerhard Morkel would not have had the time he had to take and kick. In the second spell he was bustled by the New Zealanders twice, and on both occasions he fumbled the ball.

NEW ZEALAND BACKS. The New Zealand backs also were no slouches. Roberts is as full of tricks as a cageful of monkeys, and J. P. Michau, or even the diminutive de Kock (who played centre three-quarter instead of half) would not have been able to get it “across” Roberts. Behind him were Ifwerson and Fea, both very likely men, the latter particularly. Fea really was the heart of the New Zealand backs, and how he was passed over in awarding the medal for the best back play in favor of Steel is hard to nnderstaud. Neither Steel nor Siddells had much to do, but what they did inspired one with confidence. Both are fast men, and equal in every respect to the -Springboks’ wings, Zeller and A z an Heerden. Nicholls at centre was never prominent. Once in the second spell , he got the ball, and instead of attempting to cut through or pass he kicked, the ball going over the line and being forced. On a fine day, ’tis said, he would have proved his metal. At full Kingston gave a faultless display. He did not find the line always like Morkel, but he proved himself a great full Irack. On a dry ground the New Zealand backs would have held their own, so would the forwards, who were remarkably fast and energetic.

A GREAT SIDE

At the same time, it cannot be denied that the Africans were a great side. “The best team South Africa has ever put in the field,” said, the Press representative with the Soutli Africans to the writer. They looked it and showed it. It was a thousand pities a fairer test of tin? capabilities of the respective teams could not have been given. A line day was all that was needed to ensure it. The All Blacks were trained to a nicety. The Africans towards the finish showed they were somewhat jaded. And no wonder. They had played twenty-two hard games, in none of which could they take any chances. They were obliged to play “full out,” even against teams which were hitherto considered to be weak, such as Manawatu and Canterbury. “That ie 1 the trouble,” said a Springbok after the match. ‘We were told this and that team’ were second-class. When we came to play them we found them very hard propositions.” It is interesting to learn that the Springboks consider the Taranaki forwards the finest lot they met on the tour, not excepting the All Black forwards. They acknowledge the Taranaki men were, on their game in New Plymouth, superior to their own forwards, but Taranaki’s backs were out of the hunt with theirs. They have not forgotten the deadly tackling that, was such a conspicuous feature of the SpringbokTaranaki match. “We have never seen anything quite like it before or since,” one of them said.

GOOD HUMORED CROWD. The behaviour of the crowd was exemplary. They were in no way dispirited by the awful weather, but remarkably cheerful, applauding with distinct impartiality each piece of good

play by either side. They had so exhausted themselves by cheering I hat they had no cheer left for the finish. A remarkaltlw thing then happened. The crowd rushed to Morkel, the full-back, at*<l carried him off the field. It was a spontaneous action that greatly appealed t.o the Springboks. The referee was impartial and efficient, just as he was in New Plymouth. He had no light task in keeping up with the players in the pouring rain. On one occasion he got in the thick of it and was laid out. He resumed later on. but after the match he had to be taken t.o the hospital. He has since recovered. MEMORIES OF TARANAKI. By the way, the Springboks highly appreciate the cordiality and hospitality shown them while in Taranaki. “Sonichow'or other.” one of their chief men said, “we felt Taranaki had taken ns to their hearts in a way that no other part of Now Zealand Have,' I though we have met with kindness and ■hospitality everywhere. Well never forget it. For the people to meet, us at the station, brass band and all, escort u« amidst such cheering to our and accord us such a line reception was really wonderful. Then your subsequent treatment of us was equally wonderful - the. day at the hunt at Mr. llalcombe’s, ( renui, the sportsmanship of the crowd at the match, the trip up to the mountain, the Maori reception at Waitara, the private hospitality. Ob, yes, we’ve never had anything like it. It was the kindly spirit of it all that appealed to us most and impressed itself on our minds and hearts. Taranaki will remain a fond memory with us all our lives.”

The Springboks also were greatly impressed witli the beauty of New Plymouth and Taranaki, and say that Pukekura ground, set amidst such* fine scenic features, stands alone among the grounds they have seen in or out of this country. They were interested to learn that the sports ground is to be considerably improved in the near future. THE ALL BLACKS’ TRAINER. “Dorrie” Leslie, the man who doesn’t believe in new fashioned methods training footballer• apd who trained the;

I All Blacks for the final test, was for j many years caretaker of Wellington | Town Hall and lived in that building with his wife and family. He was, and ; probably still is, one of the most cheer- | ful cusses a man could drop across, full i of yarns of- old days and with a wonderful memory for athletic records. One of “Dorrie’s” favorite stories apart

from sporting yarns was that he was going his rounds outside the Town Hall at midnight to see that all doors were safe when he saw a man who would have been, soberer had beer never been

invented. Be was standing with his watch in his hand, under a lamp and

gazing at the empty clock tower which is so remarkable a feature of the Wellington Hall. “Yer blanky clock is half a minute slow,” he hissed, and fell out of “Dorrie’s” way into the darkness. Another of the old runner’s stories is to the effect that he was roused from his midnight slumbers in the dim recesses of the Town Hall one night by a tremendous thumping at the great doors. The only conceivable reason he could think of for anyone knocking tat a Town Hall door at midnight was that perhaps someone had discovered fire. lie broke nine seconds in getting to the door, and opened it. A man staggered in: “Mine’s a pint of beer,” said a thick voice. Mr. Leslie doesn’t tell anyone what HE said.

GAME IN TABLOID FORM. The trend of play, as told by the dock.. was as follows: — 2.58 p.m.—Fletcher kicked. 3.1 p.m.—New Zealand forward rush to South Africa's line. ■ 3.4 p.m.—Springboks pass half-way for first time. 3.10 pjm.—Springboks in All Blacks’ twentyfive. ww 3.12 p.m.—New Zealand force. 3.15 p.m.—Free-kick to New Zealand. 3.19 p.m.—Free-kick to Springboks. 3.21 p.m.—-New Zealand force. 3.24 p.m.—Free-kick to New Zealand (own • half). 3.26 p.m.—Siddells places New Zealand on attack. 3.29 p.m.—'Springboks force. 3.32 p.m.—Free-kick to South Africa, marked by Roberts. 3.34 p.m.—Free kick to New Zealand. West sends ball into opposition half. 3.36 p.m.—An All Black kick returned. 3.37 p.m.—New Zealand foree. 3.40 p.m.—Springboks attack strongly. 3.44 p.on.—Half-time. 3.56 p.m.—Kick-off, Fea returning to touch. 4.0 p.m.—Springboks on New Zealand’s line. 4.3 p.m.—Play in mid-field. 4.5 p.m.—New Zealand force. 4.8 p.m.—Vigorous pressure by All Blacks. 4.10 p.m.—Free-kick to New Zealand, Al. Nicholls making poor attempt to goal. 4.12 p.m.—All Black forwards attacking

strongly. 4.15 p.m.—New Zealand oil South Africa’s line. 4.18 p.im.—Referee slightly hurt. 4.20 p.m.—South Africa in opposing half. 4.23 p.m.—Mellish receives slight injury. 4.2ij p.m.— Roberts marked and found line near comer flag. 4.29 p.m.—New Zealand forwards attacking. 4.30 p.m.—South Africa force. 4.33 p.m.—South Africa foree. 4.35 p.m.—South Africa passed half-way,

. but repulsed. 4.37 p.m.—Free-kick to Springboks. 4.38 p.m.—Free-kick to New Zealand. 4.40 p.m.—All Blacks hammering at Spring-

bdks' line. 4.41 p.m.—West loses ball from line out as

he was falling over line. 4.42 p.m.—South Africa force. 4.45 p.m.—Loose play over half-way. 4.47 p.m.—New Zealand attack denied, and time sounded.

NEWS AND NOTES,

Football enthusiasts bo able to wind up the 1921 season to-day by witnessing three matches, viz., the ischooLs championship at 11.30 a.m., a - Carbine shield match at 12.30 p.m. and the rep. fixture between Taranaki and Auckland at 2 p.m. Wellington, who withstood Auckland’s challenge for the Ranfurly Shield on Wednesday in a big scoring match, will bo called upon to again defend the Shield to-day by Otago. The Southerners are quite confident of extending the shield holders, and as their forwards will be strengthened by the inclusion of the N.Z. reps., Turnbull and Richard-; (forwards), and Fea (five-eighths), ns well as Stewart., said to bo a very I wing three-quarter, the men of the Empire City will need to be all out to re.-1 tain the shield.

The Inglewood Club deserve to be-con-gratulated on the success achieved, this year in winning the senior II grade championship, and it is to be hoped that this is only the. fore-runner of greater things. The Inglewood Club "in .the old days played a prominent part in Taranaki football, though the chib neveactually won the Taranaki Championship. For years pa«t, however, it has fallen on bad days, hut thanks to the enthusiasm of a few of the good snorts of the district it has kept its dig flying, and though defeated, always kepi its engagements. Latterly the silver lining has been coming into sight, and with the number of young players that the district now possesses it should become the Inglewood Club of old. The annual smoke concert of the club on Wednesday proved a very enjoyable function, th<» presence of Mr. Jas. McLeod (president of the New Zealand Union), who had just returned from farewelling the South Africans, adding to the interest. Mr. McLeod has had a busy time of late and has render cd inN valuable service to football in New Zealand at a great sacrifice of time. However, it must be some satisfaction to him to realise that he has the support of all who have the true interests at., heart of the grand old gam# in New Zealand.

Among those from whom apologies were received at Inglewood was. Xlr. R. Masters. M.P. for f: Bob” is an ex-Taranaki rep who talres a keen interest in football .-dill, and he would have been present but that the opening of the session necessitated his presence in Wellington.

It is interesting to note the number oi cx-Taranaki rep>> t-hat have, been and are members of Parliament. Among the number may be mentioned Messrs. C. E. Major and G. V. Pearce, ex-mem-bers for Pa tea, O. J. Haw ken, W. S. Glenn and R. Masters, the present members for Egmont, Wanganui and Stratford respectively. Footballers will be pleased to learn that Mr. Geo. Nicholson, the ex-All Black, and present Auckland and New Zealand selector, is making a good recovery from the accident that he met with in Wellington last Saturday. It was at first feared that he had sustained internal injuries, but this fortunately proved not to be the ease. The genial George was able to go north on Wednesday.

GAME. It is hoped that all New Plymouth players will attend for a practice match on the sbGWffroundA at 2 p.a.

Points 1 Wanganui . Won 11 6 Taranaki ......... Draw 0 V jWalrarapa , Won 18 n jWellington . Won 8 3 Westland .. . Won S3 •> Canterbury . Lost 4 6 South Canterbury ............ . Won 34 3 Southland ........... Won 12 0 Otago . Won 11 3 New Zealand ..... ............ . LMt 13 Manawatu Won 3 0 Auckland Won 24 8 Bay of Plenty ... ............ Won 17 9 New Zealand .... *...... Won 9 5 Waikato Won € 0 Hawke's Bay . ■... .. . . .. . Won 14 8 Maori Team ............ Won 9 8 Nelson - Ma rlbor ough Won 26 3 New Zealand . . .. ....... Draw 0 0 —— Total 327 112

p W. L. D. Australia 67 61 4 2 New Zealand 13 9 3 1 United Kingdom and France 33 32 1 0 California and British Colttmbia ... 18 18 0 0 131 120 8 3 Of these matches. there were 61 internatlonal fixtures. New Won 50; lost 8; and drew 3. In the contests wit th* various countries. the results have been as follow;— P. W. L. D. New South Waits .. 4 1 Queensland 11 14 0 0 Britain i 0 0 England 1 0 0 Ireland ............. l 1 0 0 Scotland $ 1 0 0 Wales .............. 0 1 0 i 0 0 3 0 1 Australia 14 11 2 1 South Africa ....... 3 Total 62 56 8 4