INTEREST IN “SOCCER.”

Taranaki Daily News, 29 June 1922, Page 4

INTEREST IN “SOCCER.”

BIG CROWD AT YESTERDAY’S MATCH. AUSTRALIANS DEFEAT TARANAKI. A remarkable feature of the “soccer” match between the Australians and Taranaki, at New Plymouth, yesterday, was the large attendance, which numbered about one hundred short of four thousand. Taranaki is essentially the home of Rugby, and as Association football has only come to this district in the last year or two, it was a tribute to the interest which the tour of the Ausralians has aroused that the “gate” was such a large one. The takings amounted to £250 (from whicn the tax has to be deducted), and 1581 men, 1068 women and 1058 scholars paid for admission. It was an interesting exhibition that was played on the Pukekura Park sports ground, and the Australians won by six goals to one. Last night, a dinner in honor of the visitors was held at the Imperial Hotel. There was a large attendance, including the Australian and Taranaki teams. Dr. E. A. Welker (viqe-president of the New Zealand Football Association) was in the chair. After the loyal toast, proposed by the chairman, the following teast list was honored: “The Copunonwealth Football Association,” proposed by Mr. Adams and responded to by Mr W. Morgan, manager of the Australian team, who, in the course of his remarks, stated the lour was a financial success; “The New Zealand Football Association,” proposed by Mr. Storey and responded to by Mr. J. Ferkins, who stated there were 110 “soccer” teams in Wellington and 20 schools playing the game. “The Visiting Team” was proposed by Mr. W. Johnston, and Mr. Gibb (captain of the team) replied. Mr. G. Brown proposed the health of the Taranaki team, and Mr. T. Howarth replied. Mr. Dawson proposed “Kindred Sports,” and Mr. A. L. Humphries and Mr. G. E. Jago responded. Mr. Humphries stated they would always welcome sports of every description as long as they were amateurs, and it only wanted more of the Association game for it to be appreciated. He said if we had a school of “soccer” players to educate; the Rugby forwards in the art of using their feet, it would be a great asset to the Rugby game. “New Zealand Referees’ Association” was proposed by Mr. W. Dane and responded to by Mr. Dawson. Mr. Arthur Howlett amused the company with a comic song, and a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.