The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, October 1916

Hockey

Hockey

Men playing hockey

Hockey in the College and in Wellington generally is not in a happy position. The war is probably the cause, but more particularly the rule of the Wellington Hockey Association which is the outcome of war conditions. We are of the opinion that the rule is harsh and unfair. It has, at any rate, served to deal to the game in Wellington, a blow from which it will be difficult to recover. It has kept off the fields numbers of men who though rejected from military service would yet have done good work on the hockey ground, and numbers too who, while waiting to be called up, would have enjoyed a game, assisted younger players, and kept hockey in Wellington in a more vigorous and healthy state than it is found to-day. But the rule stands and how short sighted and suicidal it has been is seen to-day. We do not assert that the Association was mistaken in imposing restrictions but we are convinced that those which were imposed were unreasonable and unnecessary. All must surely recognise how grossly unfair it is to deprive a man, unfit for military service of the ability and the right to preserve his present fitness and possibly improve his stamina by indulging in a healthy sport, and how unjust is the action of a body which debars men who have answered the call from pursuing their favorite game before they leave for camp. The Association did attempt to provide for these but they have not played; young players have received no help and the game has gone to the wall. We trust that if present conditions obtain in the 1917 season, and we hope they may not, that this rule of the governing body will be rescinded.

But in the college the rule of the Association does not account for a great deal of the lack of interest in games. There are some who do not. appear to realise that they have a duty in this respect both to themselves and to their college. We do not maintain that it is the duty of all such to play hockey, but hockey is one of the recognised institutions of this college and is certainly deserving of more support than it has obtained during the 1916 season.

We experienced a great loss when our captain, J. Archibald, left college to go into camp. He was our tower of strength, as safe a back as has played in any team during this season and we could not replace him.

A record of matches played would be interesting but we do not propose to supply one. Suffice it to say that our team has not won distinction. It has seldom managed to muster eleven strong and has never been able to practise during the week. A record of its doings (or misdoings) would be out of place. The team, if it has done nothing else, has served to preserve a place for 'Varsity on the hockey grounds of Wellington so that the colours of the college are still known even if they are not feared as of old. We have tried to keep alive a club which was in the past one of the best and most favourably known in the district.

We wish to congratulate the V.U.C. Ladies' Hockey Team on their achievements. They are at the moment of writing, second on the list, with a game yet to play. We trust the trophies which at. present adorn the hall at college may remain there. The team has also the unique distinction of having five probable representative players in its ranks. Finally we wish to express our special thanks to Sir Robert Stout. Sir Robert has for very many years shown much interest in the University Hockey Club and this year was no exception. Our best thanks are due to him for the acceptance of the position of patron of the club and for his very substantial financial assistance. We wish to thank also all those gentlemen who accepted office on the committee of the club and who in any way assisted us to "carry on."