Report on Kingston & District League's decision to cancel matches from Surrey Comet dated 19th September 1914.

FOOTBALL. KINGSTON & DISTRICT LEAGUE. No Official Matches to be Played During 1914-15. A special meeting of the Kingston and District (Saturday) League was held at the Cricketers, Kingston-on-Thames, on Tuesday, to consider the report of the Emergency Committee, which stated that they had considered the advisability or otherwise of continuing the Kingston League and Teck Charity Cup this season. It was a source of considerable satisfaction for the committee to learn that at a time when they were needed for the service of the King, practically whole teams had joined the Colours, whilst the ranks of others had become severely depleted. The committee felt that competition football should be suspended for the present season, but trusted that all local clubs would retain membership of their County Association. Mr. J. A. Peel presided, supported by Messrs. J. T. Hallett (vice-chairman), J. E. Mason (hon. treasurer), E. Wyatt (hon. secretary). E. J. Ward (hon. referee secretary), and a number of delegates. The Chairman, in moving the reception of the report, explained at some length the various points which had led to the committee's decision, and laid particular stress on the splendid response made by the League's players to the Call to Arms. Yet they were not unmindful of the fact that there were players who could not join the ranks, but in his opinion duty came first, and no junior competition football should be played. Mr. Wyatt seconded, endorsing the Chairman's remarks, and added that although as a league they would not be able to do so, yet the clubs might from time to time play friendly matches for one or other of the various funds connected with the War. Mr. A.E. Hulland (Kingston All Saints) heartily supported the report, and Mr. H. S. Moyce (Ditton St. Mary's) said his club felt it better not to continue, but if the League's decision was to the contrary they would do their beat to be loyal to it. Mr. T. C. Willis (Hamplon Hill) intimated that whilst not opposing the recommendation, he would point out that senior football, horse racing, etc., were continuing and one was prompted to ask, why not junior football? The Chairman said they had only to own duty to perform, and were not concerned with others, although he quite appreciated Mr. Willis' argument. Mr. J. E Mason expressed the view that in all the circumstances they should not continue at present, and other opinions having been given, the report was unanimously received and adopted. It was decided to invite the president and vice-presidents to allow their usual subscriptions to be sent from the league as a donation to the Prince of Wales' Fund. See report in original format.