| Reports on proposals and progress on the setting up of a Kingston & district Football League. |
|
THE
PROPOSED KINGSTON AND DISTRICT LEAGUE.
From
Surrey Comet dated 4 January 1896- See
report in original format.A Meeting of club representatives to be held. Matters generally in connection with the above point to the proposal being brought to a successful issue. Although all the clubs in the district have not yet signified their intention of joining, there can be no doubt judging from the opinions of the various secretaries and from letters from members of the different clubs, the league is badly wanted, and once started there will be few clubs that will not enter. Mr. Shaw, who has the affair in hand, is devoting a large amount of his time to it, but unfortunately having the second finger of his right hand badly crushed in the door of a railway carriage, he has not been able to write to all the secretaries as he intended doing, As soon as he gets someone to act with him as joint secretary of the affair, letters giving all particulars will be sent out. In the meantime, he wishes to thank the following gentlemen for their sympathy with the scheme, viz., a "Well-Wisher" (who states that if a league is formed Kingston would be in a position to form a team which will require some beating), "A member of Ham F.C.," "An Enthusiast," "A Chertsey Player," the honorary secretary Hampton Hill F.C., "A Sportsman," A. Walker, honorary secretary Ham F.C. (who thinks that it would help to promote much-needed friendship and also allow clubs in the neighbourhood to have at least a couple of good matches with each other), and "A lover of Sports." Letters of encouragement have also been received from, amongst others, Lieut. W. Simpson, honorary secretary London F.A., and vice-president Referees' Association; Messrs. A. Roston Bourke, honorary secretary, Referees' Association, A. and L.F.A; Herbert L. Bourke, honorary secretary, North Middlesex Football League and Alliance; "Leaguer" of Morning Leader; worthy "Tim" of the Morning Leader; and Mr. J. P. Asher, honorary secretary Surrey County F.A., who writes for a copy of the rules drafted at the forthcoming meeting to be sent to him, so that he may place the scheme before the S.F.A. It has been suggested that the following clubs be asked to enter the league, viz:- First or Senior Division: Kingston-On-Thames, Surbiton Hill, Kingston Rovers, Hampton Hill, Ferry Works, East Molesey and Hampton Court, Ham and Petersham, Surbiton Rangers, East Sheen, Teddiington, Richmond St. Luke'a and East Molesey Rangers. Second or Junior Division: Middle Mill, Kingston-On-Thames Reserves, Surbiton Hill Reserves, Kingston Rovers Reserves, Tiffins' School, Hampton Hill Reserves, Kingston Grammar School, Kingston Hill, Surbiton Hill Juniors, East Molesey and Hampton Court Reserves, Surbiton Rangers Reserves and Surbiton Melrose. In addition to the above any other club within a radius of five miles from Kingston Post Office will, if desirous, be admitted. The meeting of club representatives will be held at the Cricketers' Inn, a room being kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Hunt, who, as mentioned last week, has offered a ten guinea cup for the first division, and the date fixed is Monday, 13th January. Alderman Sherrard is to be asked to take the chair at 8 o'clock, and the following gentlemen will be present: Messrs. A. R. Bourke, Herbert L. Bourke, "Leaguer " and "Tim" (Morning Leader), Rowland Moores and W. G. Carn. All clubs will, it it hoped, have at least two representatives, but the more the merrier. In connection with the rumour that the Surrey County F.A. will refuse to sanction the league, we understand such is not necessary, as sanction must come direct from the Football Association, though it will be better if the approval of the S.F.C.A. is obtained. It is hoped that as many as possible will make a point of attending the meeting. THE PROPOSED KINGSTON & DISTRICT LEAGUE. A VERY UNANIMOUS MEETING. On Monday evening a very successful and unanimous meeting for the consideration of the above proposal was held at the Cricketers' Inn, Fairfield, Kingston. Mr. Roston Bourke, honorary secretary of the Referees' Association, occupied the chair, supported by Mr. W. G. Carn, S.C.A., and there were about seventy present. Among the clubs represented were Kingston-on-Thames, Kingston Rovers, Middle Mill, Tiffins' School, Malden, East Molesey Rangers, Richmond St. Luke's, Long Ditton Juniors, Hampton Hill, Surbiton Rangers, Surbiton Melrose, Ham, Hawthorne Athletic (Twickenham), and Molesey, while Sunbury, although not represented, through Mr. Rowland Moores, the Hampton Hill secretary, expressed their sympathy with the movement. The Chairman in opening the meeting, mentioned that in the North Middlesex League and Alliance, with which he was connected, there were 45 clubs, and when they saw the keenness of the interest in the game and the sportsmanlike spirit evinced, they would be quick to acknowledge the advantages of such institutions. Mr. Allan Shaw said it was apparent to everyone that the football in their neighbourhood was not up to the standard they would like to see, and he thought that if a league were formed they would improve the play and get better discipline, and now was the proper time to consider it. With regard to the rumour that the Surrey County Association would not sanction the league they need not be afraid of that, as the sanction of the English Football Association must be obtained. Mr. Stonehouse, on behalf of the Middle Mill Club, approved of the league. Mr. Carn expressed himself as heartily in favour of the league being formed, as he considered that the football in their district was not played with that zeal he should like to see. As a member of the Surrey County F.A. he could say that they do not throw cold water on such schemes, but only on what they considered pot-hunting competitions. If they chose to go to the English Football Association, the Surrey Association would get over that, but anyhow he considered a league for this district would be a great advantage. A representative of the Hampton Hill Club said his fellow-members all welcomed the scheme with great pleasure, as they had thoroughly made up their minds that it would be a good thing, more particularly in the way of preventing men leaving one club for another. He hoped that the league would be thoroughly carried through. Others present having expressed the willingness of their clubs to join the league, a resolution that the Kingston and District League be formed, was on the proposition of one Hampton Hill representative and seconded by another, carried unanimously. It was then decided that a provisional council, consisting of one representative from each club, should be formed to draft rules to be submitted to a future meeting, this Council to meet next Monday. Any club within the radius can send a representative to this meeting. As suggestions for this Council it was recommended by the meeting that the radius covered should be five miles from the Kingston Coronation Stone, and that the league should consist of a senior and junior division, eight clubs in each. Messrs. Alan Shaw and A. Buckwell consented to act as joint secretaries pro tem. The Chairman then read the rules of the North Middlesex League, and answered a number of questions by Mr. Rowland Moores (Hampton Hill) and others. He also mentioned that Mr. Hunt had offered a cup for competition, and had placed a room at their disposal for holding meetings. On the proposition of Mr. Moores, seconded by Mr. Carn, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman for presiding. Mr. Bourke in acknowledging the compliment, said it was a labour of love for him to assist in that movement, and mentioned that he had travelled some 6,000 miles in carrying out his duties as referee, and this season had officiated in 68 matches. He should take a lively interest in this league, and should feel it an honour to be allowed to referee for them. A most unanimous meeting then terminated. From Surrey Comet dated 18 January 1896- See report in original format. KINGSTON AND DISTICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE MEETING OF PROVISIONAL COUNCIL On Monday evening another step forward was taken in the formation of the above league, which promises to be one of the most successful leagues yet formed. On the motion of Mr. Shaw, seconded by Mr. Schmidt (St. Luke's) the chair was taken by Mr. Coulson (Hampton Hill). The following clubs were represented:- Ferry Works, Kingston-on-Thames, Kingston Rovers, Hampton Hill, St. Luke's, Middle Mill, East Molesey and Hampton Court, Twickenham Old Boys, Hawthorne Athletic, Ham, Malden, Surbiton Rangers, Molesey Rangers, and Tiffins' School. Correspondence having been read, the council proceeded to draft the rules to govern the league, a task which kept them busy until 11 O'Clock. The rules will be submitted to the meeting of club representatives on Monday next, when, if approved, they will be sent to the Football Association for sanction. During the discussion on the rules Mr. Shaw mentioned that he was called before the council of the Surrey County Football Association with reference to the league, but nothing definite was decided on, although one member pointed out that as they had refused Godalming sanction they could hardly give sanction to this league. To this remark Mr. Shaw replied that they (the league) only asked the approval and not the sanction of the Association, as they could not give it. Mr. Herbert Bourke was to have been present at the meeting on Monday, but on that afternoon Mr. Shaw received a telegram from him, stating that he would be unable to attend owing to illness, from which everyone will wish him a speedy recovery. However, it is to be hoped that A. Roston Bourke and Mr. Herbert Bourke will be present next Monday. All clubs willing to join must affiliate with their county association for next season. The total amount necessary will be:- For affiliated clubs 10s 6d. Entrance to league; unaffiliated clubs, entrance fee to association 5s., subscription to association 10s., entrance to league 10s 6d. The following post-card has been sent to the various clubs:- "Kingston and District League. Dear Sir,- A meeting of the clubs willing to join the above league wil be held on Monday evening next, 27th January, at the Cricketer's Inn, Kingston. The chair will be taken at 8 O'Clock sharp by Mr. A. Roston Bourke, R.A.S.F.A., &c. You are requested to send only two representatives. Business: The passing of rules as drawn up by the Provisional Committee, election of officials, &c. Need we point out to your committee that the preliminary expenses will be a trifle heavy, and if your committee (or for that matter any member of your club) will contribute towards the then amount subscribed, will be acknowledged by yours faithfully, Allan V.N. Shaw, Albert Buckwell, Joint Honorary Provisional Secretaries. PS- all clubs willing to join must give a written promise to do so at this meeting." From Surrey Comet dated 25 January 1896- See report in original format. KINGSTON AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE. THE RULES ADOPTED. A Meeting of the representatives of the clubs willing to join the above league was held at the Cricketers' Inn, Kingston, on Monday evening, to consider the rules drawn up by the provisional committee, elect officers &c. Mr. Herbert L. Bourke, R.A.H.L.F.A., hon. sec. North Middlesex League, occupied the chair, supported by Mr. W. G. Carn, S.C.F.A., and Mr. Alan Shaw, hon. sec. Kelly's A.C., London, while the others present were Messrs. Fred. C. Lanham (Kingston-on-Thames), C. Schmidt, W.E. Skilling (St. Luke's), E. Coulson, Rowland Moores (Hampton Hill), C.E. Aston, E.J. Cullen (Middle Mill), M. Lowry, J.R. Gurney (Surbiton Melrose), W.H. Wiles, E. Stephen (Malden), A. Buckwell, A.H. Balls (Kingston Rovers), E. Craddock, F. Barnes (East Molesey Rangers), R. Wheeler (Surbiton Rangers), C. Bright and F. Walden (Long Ditton Juniors). The Minutes of the previous meetings having been read and confirmed, the draft copy of the rules was read, and each rule discussed. After a few alterations had been made, they were passed and ordered to be printed. The election of clubs was then proceeded with, and the following were elected provisionally: Kingston-on-Thames (1st and Reserves), Hampton Hill (1st and Reserves), Kingston Rovers, East Molesey Rangers, Richmond St. Lukes, Long Ditton Juniors, Melrose, Middle Mill, Ham, Malden, Hersham, Sunbury, Twickenham Old Boys, and Tiffin's school, in all 18 teams. Any club wishing to withdraw must do so before Monday, Feb. 3, or any club wishing to enter a second team can do so on the same date. It was decided that the council should classify the teams at their meeting on Monday. It was also arranged that the secretaries would meet on Tuesday and arrange the dates, &c., for next season. Clubs elected to the League must elect their representative to the council, so that he shall attend the first one on Monday. Election of officers then took place. For the office of Chairman Mr. Coulson (Hampton Hill) and Mr. W.G. Carn (Kingston-on-Thames) were proposed, and on a vote both polled 8 each. The Chairman not wishing to give his casting vote, another vote was taken, when Mr. Carn was elected by 10 to 8. Mr. Coulson was then unanimously elected Vice-Chairman. Both gentlemen acknowledged the compliments paid to them. For the office of secretary, Mr. Coulson said he was sure that there was only one name to go before them- the name of one who had thrown his whole heart and soul into the work, and one who, if elected, would he was sure be found at the close of the season to have been the most efficient secretary they could have found. He had great pleasure in proposing the name of Mr. Alan Shaw. This was seconded, at the same time, by Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Lanham and Mr. Walker. Mr. Herbert Bourke, in asking Mr. Shaw to accept the office, hoped that all the representatives would give him every assistance and bear with him under all circumstances. For the office of treasurer Mr. W.G. Carn was elected unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close, and an existence of a league in Kingston is now an accomplished fact. Mr. Shaw wishes
to acknowledge on behalf of the League the following sums towards the
preliminary expenses:- Malden F.C., 2s 6d.; Hampton Hill F.C., 5s.; Richmond
St. Luke's 2s 6d,; Ham F.C. 2s.; Mr. George Healey (Twickenham Old Boys)
2s.; Mr. Shaw would like to have the addresses of the secretaries of the
Hawthorne Athletic and Teddington F.C.'s. He also desires to acknowledge
the valuable secretarial assistance rendered him by Mr. A. Buckwell. KINGSTON AND DISTRICT FOORTBALL LEAGUE THE DIVISIONS FORMED On Monday evening a meeting of delegates from the clubs in the above league was held at the headquarters, the Cricketers' Inn, Fairfield, Kingston, under the presidency of Mr. W.G. Carn (R.A., S.C.F.A.) There was a good attendance, the clubs represented being Kingston-on-Thames, Kingston Rovers, Hersham, Ham, Twickenham Old Boys, East Molesey Rangers, Hampton Hill, Surbiton Rangers, Richmond St. Luke's, Ditton United, Middle Mill, and Walton Junior. Applications from the Isleworth and Walton Junior clubs for permission to join the league were received, and both clubs were elected. The representative of the Ditton United club mentioned that their name had been altered from the Ditton Juniors, and the club newly constituted. A letter was read from Mr. V. Knapp, editor of the Surrey Comet, in which he offered, if it met with the approval of the committee, to give a set of medals for the winning team in the senior division. This offer was heartily accepted, and the secretary to write and thank Mr. Knapp for his kind offer. Draft copies of the rules were ordered to be sent on to the Football Association without delay. Mr. Herbert Bourke wrote saying he should be glad to bring a team from the North Middlesex League to play an eleven selected from the Kingston and District League at Kingston on the Saturday before Easter. This offer was also accepted, and it was decided to approach the Kingston Rugby club with a view to obtaining the use of their ground on that day. The business of dividing the divisions was then entered upon and occupied a long time. Eventually it was decided that the senior division should consist of the following nine clubs:- Kingston-on-Thames, Kingston Rovers, Hersham, Ham, East Molesey Rangers, Twickenham Old Boys, Hampton Hill, Surbiton Rangers and Sunbury. The junior division, it was resolved, should contain ten clubs, viz, Kingston-on-Thames Reserves, Richmond St. Luke's, Surbiton Melrose, Hampton Hill Reserves, Ditton United, Malden, Walton Junior, Middle Mill, Surbiton Rangers reserves and Isleworth. Mr. A. Buckwell was unanimously elected honorary registration secretary. With regard to the office of treasurer, Mr. Carn mentioned that he only held it pro tem, as according to their rules he could not hold that and chairmanship permanently, and he should like to find some one else to fill the office of treasurer. Several names were mentioned, but the question was eventually left over to the next meeting. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings. We understand that since the above meeting Mr. C. Spearing has been asked and consented to accept the office of treasurer. On
Tuesday evening the secretaries of the League met at the head quarters
for the purpose of arranging their fixture cards for next season. |