Men'S Hockey Club

Increased membership benefited the Men's Hockey Club in two ways. Out of greater numerical strength better quality was available, and it was possible to enter an additional team in the Senior B division, bringing the number of teams in the club to six. Although some of the players may not have been worthy of promotion to the Senior B grade, it gave an opportunity to prove their mettle to a number who would otherwise have remained in the junior ranks.

From the beginning the committee determined to pursue a progressive policy in social functions, with the idea of making the "club spirit" a live and actual fact. This was to a large extent successful, not only so far as the present members are concerned, but also with the "Old Brigade." When the Senior A team had a bye a match was arranged against an eleven composed of former players. It was a keen and enjoyable match, the College being fortunate to win by 5 goals to 4. In the evening a smoke concert was held, and was such a success for an initial attempt that it has been decided to make the match against ex-University players and the smoke concert annual fixtures.

The tournament was held later this year so that a higher standard of hockey would be played, and also to enable the New Zealand University team to play the Prince of Mana-vadar's Indian team. Victoria beat Massey 8-3,

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drew with Auckland and Canterbury 2-2 and 3-3 respectively, and lost to Otago A 3-7 and Otago B 2-3. It was a great tourney, although played on heavy grounds, and the lavish hospitality will long be remembered by all representatives. New Zealand University Blues were well deserved by F. L. Newcombe, W. F. Johnston, and S. Braith-waite, who all gave very good displays against the Indians, in which the New Zealand University team was beaten by the narrow margin of 2 goals to 1

A new system of training was introduced during the year and was an undoubted improvement. Stickwork, physical training and basketball were the main activities, and various subcommittees were formed to control the different branches of training. Thanks must be given to Mr. Walker (senior) for making backboards, and to Nelson Martin for casting the iron rings.

The Senior A team has held a position in the middle of their grade, having won 3 and drawn 2 of the first 11 games. At the beginning of the season eight of last year's team were available, and competition for the remaining places was very keen. Newcombe was again captain. A versatile and heady player, he is a tower of strength as centre half. This year, for the second time, he was selected to captain the Wellington side. With Newcombe's name must be bracketed those of J. Shaw (vice-captain) and Eggleton as the best players in the team.

That the Senior B (l) team is bottom of the grade is due to the fact that too many changes have been made during the season and that the members have not turned out regularly for training. The selectors have not had a chance to see the team in action, and thus remedy the faults in the combination. The outstanding players were Long, McMurray, McIntosh, and Kirkham. The other team in this grade was composed of last year s juniors and did quite well. The players are enthusiastic and combine well.

In common with the Third and Fourth grade teams, the Juniors were severely handicapped at the beginning of the season through lack of a goalkeeper. Until the last game the combination was weak and the forwards lacked a goal-scorer. The Third grade team has shown consistent improvement, and the Fourths are promising. With the exception of Hard, the captain, the latter team were all new members, and the thanks of the Club are due to Hard, who could have played in a higher grade but stayed down to assist in moulding this team.

Undoubtedly the main trouble with University Hockey is that players retire too early. It is hoped to retain all the present members so that the Club may go from strength to strength. With this in view an "Old Timers" team will be formed in 1939 to cater for those players who wish to play for the game's sake and resultant exercise, not worrying about results.