FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 801, 4 August 1877, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Sir,— Considering the number of accident s which have already happened to players at the barbarous game of football, I think it is high .time., to put the game down. This will be done mure effectually by introducing other less dangerous amusements, than by cryiog it down by the Press, or otherwise. Ie is hardly necessary to enumerate the casualties which have happened m this district, except, indeed, that I had heard yesterday, that Mr Oulpan is likely to be lamed for life, from the injury he received at a football matoh a little while ago. I beg to suggest, through your columns, that the games of Polo and In Orosse be instituted m the various settlements. The former game, I believe, is very generally played m Victoria, but, m this Colony, I do not think it has been tried, and, therefore, I should like to see the Waikato have the honor of starting it. It will be excellent amusement and exercise for our cavalry volunteers. In the cavalry regiments at home, it is muoh lv voaue, and encouraged bj the authorities, ai assisting m making the men' more efficient at sword exercise and horsemanBbip. With regard to rules, I think those of on and off side (as observed at foot- ' ball) shonld be from 15 to 20 feet wide, and the strike off at quarter distance. In all other respects, the game is exactly the same as hockey, only, being played on horsebaok, it is much more exciting. Fop the game of La Croase, perhaps the secretary of the Alexandra Club will kindly furnish the publio, through your columns, with a .description of the game and the rules, and also the cost of necessary appliances. With regard to Polo, about a dozen gentlemen have promised to meet at the Government paddock, opposite the National Hotel, on Saturday next, the sth proximo, and the accompanying advertisement (which pleaafe iuaer t in you three issues of next week) will probably draw sufficient horsemen together to give the game a fair trial. # If the Secretary or -Captain of the Alexandra La, Cronae Club will kindly comply with the suggestion I have made, we will try and g«t up a like club m this settlement, and, after a little practice, may be able to arrange a match. By inserting this letter, you will, I thiuk, help to further the wishes of the general public, m endeavouring to put football out of fashion among men.— Lam., &c, Equks. -Cambridge, July 28,1877---[A lad m Auckland, we see, has brok< his oollar-bone, oniy on Thursday last, ai football.— Ed W X.]