'Nothing Doing,'says N.Z.U.S.A.

There will be no University blues during wartime. N.Z.U.S.A. has decided to abide by its decision to this effect made last year.

At the N.Z.U.S.A. meeting a motion that the decision be reconsidered was put by V.U.C. and seconded pro forma by Canterbury. Both hockey associations had urged that blues be awarded, and Merry Boyd, Victoria's president, read letters from our hockey, football and basketball clubs supporting the suggestion. It was argued that as the standard of play was well up to average it was unfair to the players not to award blues. However, the delegates were definitely not impressed by these contentions. Otago thought it was hardly fair to give blues to some sports and not to others, while Massey declared that while conditions were the same policy should be the same. (Unfortunately for this argument, some blues have been awarded since the war began.—A.O'B.) They further declared that if clubs were going to talk about unfairness what about the unfairness to those who did not get blues because they were overseas? Referring to the standard of play Mr. Ryder said that it was a very risky thing to say that the standard was up to the average, as blues were definitely competitive and the inclusion of players now in the armed forces must have the effect of raising the standard. Moreover, he thought it a very selfish thing for sports clubs to want blues during wartime.

Thus blues were relegated to the outer darkness for the duration with a hearty Bronx cheer for a send-off.

N.Z.U. Men v Wellington

The team which represented N.Z. Universities was not the strongest which would have been fielded, as the selector was instructed to restrict his choice to those who would be eligible for "blues" should the N.Z. U.S.A. decide to award them. Nevertheless the team was a very strong one and was certainly much superior to the Wellington team which op-posed it, although the final score 6-4 would not lead one to think so. In the first half, while still fresh, the team played brilliant fast open hockey to lead by three goals to one at half-time. The physical strain the University players had undergone for the previous two days had its effect in the second spell, when they began to lose their early dash. Wellington, playing a tighter, more rugged game, scored three goals to two in this half, but it was not sufficient and towards the end N.Z.U. were once more on top.

N.Z.U.Women v Wellington

Eleven Wellington amazons soundly defeated N.Z.U. women by 5 goals to 1. They slammed the ball about the field with such powerful accuracy that the University women could do little to stop them. Under the circumstances the full-backs, Iris Orchard (C.), P. Barker (C. and the goal-keeper, S. Glendinning (O.) were given every opportunity to show their worth and they stood up to their task manfully, especially the Otago girl. The forwards showed little combination; though occasionally revealing flashes of individual brilliance. The forwards were too indecisive in the circle, while their attacking movements almost invariably broke down as a result of wild mishits which were supposed to be passes. N. Orchard scored the only goal for N.Z.U.

Hockey Council Meetings