Hockey an exhibition of brilliancy

Never before in the history of hockey in New Zealand has such public interest been aroused in the game as has centred during the past month in the visit of the Indian Army hockey team. The visitors had very quickly won for themselves a reputation for excellent sportsmanship and for brilliant play, and as one after another of the teams that opposed them was defeated — sometimes with ridiculous ease — the interest grew. Very complete and careful arrangements were made for their appearance here, with the result that when they took the field at Carisbrook on Saturday against the flower of Otago’s hockey players, a crowd of something like 12,000 gathered to witness the contest. The brilliant red socks and jerseys in which the visitors played gave a picturesque touch of colour to the field. For about half a minute after the game started Otago attacked, and had the better of the play, but after that the all-round superiority of the visitors was never for a moment in doubt. They gave an exhibition of brilliancy in stick work such as has never before been seen in Dunedin. The Otago backs made a better showing on the whole than did the forwards, and every man of them worked hard, and on occasions showed up creditably in defence. Davies, in goal, effected many very fine saves. 

Most of the shots which were scored were practically impossible for him to stop. Indian Army 11, Otago nil.

Please turn over

It is advisable when a motor car (new or used) is standing for even a few days, to give the engine a turn with the starting handle. One turn will do. This changes the compression on the various valve springs. If an engine is left too long with one of the valves open the continued compression on the springs is likely to shorten the same a trifle, and this depreciates the power of the engine.

Brains need breaks

Every brain worker should have several hours daily for relaxation and devote one day in the week to complete rest. His hobbies ought to differ widely from his daily tasks, and he should make a rule of taking each day a ride on horseback, a round of golf, or even a game of bowls. Mild, regular exercise refreshes a tired mind, renews exhausted nerves, and helps to ward off the impending risks of an increasing blood pressure.

Is harbour silt related to bay?

To the editor: Sir, During 1877 I stayed several weeks with friends at Blueskin. My friends had a boat drawn up and moored on the shore of Blueskin Bay, behind the Presbyterian Church. 

When the tide served, which was any time between half-flood and high water, we used to cross the railway (there were no trains running then, because the long tunnel was not finished) launch the boat and row to the island, and spend two or three hours reading the Times and burning the weeds. 

When time was up the boat was launched and we returned with an appetite for a good meal. Lately Waitati residents have told me that such excursions to the island can not be taken now, the water not being deep enough for a boat. Mr Sinclair often said to me that the water in the bay was not so deep then as it was when they first came to the district some 10 years before. Seeing that Blueskin Bay is only some 15 miles north of the Heads is it not probable that a similar shoaling is occurring in the Otago Harbour? — I am, etc, Hugh Poole, Brockville — ODT, 21.6.1926