Sports Argus from Birmingham, West Midlands, England • 3

AIR RIFLE ASSOCIATION. A few Notes contributed L'OUNCILLOR KEEGAN. Trough the courtesy of the of tie Argos" I am enabled to address a address few words to the members of the association at the commencement of the ersvou. I denim flat of all, to give the greatest poe.ibie praise to the members for thole 'booting In all competitions last more especially In that of the longrange shooting. One bright feature has teem the open-air competition which has lately been held at Werwicksfhire County Cricket Ground.

For the first time in Gm history of air. gem shooting the osalpetitors bad to face the disadvantages of wind and sunshine, but the results have proved that their previous lack of experience eboourti under theme conditions they are capable of a highly creditable performance. It proem to the execative and to our friends that it is possible not only to encourage the UM of the ordinary service rifle. but I think it demonstrates beyond any doubt that each use of the air-gua most eventually be a great national benefit. It w.ll be our object in the future to encourage ac much as possible opea-air longrange competitions.

BRIGHT PROSPIECTS. The prospects of the opening esimon are mach brighter than they were at the period tut year. In the first place we have had year's experience. We have discovered that our original afilliation charge of ss. per club was insufficient to cover the incidental of the association.

The executive ball therefore resolved to slightly raise the cuntrittution this proceeding which rrij save the emaciation the indignity of bring compelled at the end of the ete.6012 to admit that they are in financial difficult Moreover, our promisee with rcipixd to the bedala have caused the execrative the keenest duiappointment. inasmuch as their financial straits prevented them from obtaining in accordance with their desires. Bat this year we trust we shall have sufficient laude in hand to meet thu whole of our liabilities promptly, and as consequence sets much disappointment to the competitors in the Evening Despatch Shield end other competitions. I am happy to announce she that we shall be Able to fifer other valuable prim during the coming yip. AFTIUATION QUESTION.

The question of with the National Rile has caused us a great deal of thought. Our stumbling block was, of course, the question of money. But now the Aasociation, in their desire to kelp have reduced their request for entrance money by one-ball. We hope, therefore, that at the next meeting of the council we shall be able to put proposals before them which will meet with their approval and which will enable us to take advantage of the valuable protection afforded by the National Rile Assomatioa. With regard to the competition for the Despatch" Shield.

it will be observed that the year instead of all lone coming after the League season we have adopt ed the practically of the English Ameociation Cup competition. So that from October 1 until the cad of the seams the competition for the Shield will go on from month to month. Moreover, while last year no club could enter this competition unless they belonged to the League, this year we have detmaiined that all whether they besingle or affiliated into the League. will be eligible to join in the contest. By this means we hope to have what we all desire, and that is that the best club shall have the beet chance of being in the final for the trophy.

feet year we finished up with about 750 Hobe on the register. ALlreedy this semen promise is given that this number will be far exoesaW. In fact, at the precut time a clerical staff of four is required to keep pace in acknowledging affiliation forma and general So that it is not too much to expect that by the end of the semen we shall have from 1,200 to 1,500 clubs affiliated to the association. nw, it the counell coneent to become affiliated to the National Rifle Association on the terms now offered by them, we hope that all clubs will endeavour hr some moans, by co-operation if necesrT to send at least one good team to Bisley to compete for the special air -sun The council think that this would i croatly to the usefulness of the association, and it would assist your officers to further spread tclte good work that the association is now doing, Members will observe that this year we have a certificate. of which all members of the association must have a copy.

Re hove found by experience that there required some check on the individuals who were competing for League and Association prizes. Therefore, no member will to allowed to shoot in future eaten he can produce this card of membership. Together with the card there is a full copy of the lilted of the association. all League rules. and also the suggested club rules; and 1 would stroly advise that all Leagues and club.

stmE. as far as possible, cturform their rules to those which we have, after great pains, drawn up. These rules are being copyrighted. so lmat applications to use them must be made Saone etil In conclusion. I would earn estly wry In all members of the association to loyally assist ua in the work that we have in head.

They must not forget that this is a work of their own creation, that for them it amp commeared. for them it is being (srrisd en.and as soon as they think that the work of the officials of the association is ended it will be for them to say. But till that tines arrives I personally appeal that emery loyal support should be given to us to see tthhaatt the rules and regulations mode by the mombars themselves are faithfully adhered to and carried out. "TRADE" IMPORTANT BODY TO BE FORMED. tieensed is thelLidlsods are taking kmm interest in air-gun shooting, sod for the purposed forming the Lioeneed tauten Ammoistion a meeting will be bold at Mr.

Tom Parker's. C'ziewit Hotel, Cotamebae-street, Birmingham, at p.m. en Friday amt, to elect a ocumnittee. A otroular will be eent oat early next week to each liemosholder in Birmingham, but in owe 4 is hoped that all interested will take Ws natio) swan imitation to attend. We cannot at premat give full details of the movement, but we MI state that a considerable sum has already teas subscribed to meat the prehisisairy asperses, and that those interested are certain that the organisation wall prove a huge sacome.

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO SECRETARIES OF AIR-GUN IN ORDER TO INSURE INSERTION IN THE SPORTS ARGUS." ALL MATTER RELATING TO AIR-GUN SHOOTING MUST BE FORWARDED TO US AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE MOMENT EACH WEEK- THE SOONER WE RECEIVE COMMUNICATIONS THE MORE CHANCE THESE WILL HAVE CF BEING INSERTED. DILATORY SECRETARIES MUST NOT COMPLAIN IF THEIR REPORTS DO NOT APPEAP THE "SPORTS ARGUS," WHICH IS THE ORGAN OF THE NATIONAL AIR-RIFLE ASSOCIATION. SHEPHERD'S REST V. ADAM AND The friendly leak piano en the forrner's target on end notated seetbet rictnrl for inn ebepberda by 4 3ourte. Ito room one in RINI.

ADAM AMD Rest Ail 22 T. Back A. Barrett 28 J. Imes le 11 Green 14 J. Leniel4 141t.L., 13 C.

Buser 6. 20 11. DrsAkm fteit7 vi. r.t. rege 0 17 6 J.

Demo IS W. Smith 17 A Leslie 22 F. A. DAM 18 J. Duna In the Oneida denzalthe ElbstaTeam bast the Han and Houods Lam by 353.

Han and A shot betweenand LIZOD Tavern, 0111110111111 Inalkiall by 331 gr. FACTS 1 FACTS FACTS AND NO SURPRISE, to hear that nine-tenths of all Leagues and Competitions connection with the National Air Rifle Association have been won with the famous "ACME" PELLETS. PATENTEES AND MANUFACTURERS: COX SON, 137 Guildford Street, LOZELLS, BIRMINGHAM. (We supply the trade only). Aerat Pellets, Is.

Id. pee 1,000. Wonder Match Pellets, ls. 44. per 1000.

X.L. Pellets, Is. Id. Jewel Match Pellets, ls. 4d.

X.L. and WONDER PELLETS for Rifled Barrels only. Stocked by all Gun Dealers throughout England. THE SPORTS ARGUS. SATURDAY.

SEPTEMBER 3. CAPTAINS OF LOCAL LEAGUE CLUBS. WILLIAM The captain of a football club ought to be not ro much because of maiority in service or because he is the most brilliant player in the team. but because be is the most tactful and trustworthy member. it take his duties on the Sell.

lam nom to say that the position of captain bas imessarated la recent years the majority of ear pardesaioaal and nowadays kis dirties begin and end with the toeing for choice of ends. This performance, after all, is a very minor matter, sad if I bad my way it would be abolished altogether. The visitors should have choice of goals. The captain's dutieson the field are manifold, and he most have a reel grip of the game; keen in noticing a weak spot in his opponents' side, and alert in ordering his men to take advantage of same. He should never show temper because a man has made mistake.

More is done by encouragement than by reprimand as a rule. Although the directors give the captain the names and positions of players to with, if, in his judgment, the men are not working so well together as expected, he ought to have full power to try during the game. If he notices a referee cautioning one of hie side for some offence he ought to make himself acquainted with the facts and kindly remonstrate the player; at the ease time taking care that insubordination will not be tolerated. The captain on the field of play is the pivot of his side, and is order to do his duty must have large powers. The captain's duties to his fellow-players off the field have also to be considered.

He must show them a good example in his made of living, in his regularity at training. and ought also to have a say in what hr thinks necessary training for the various players. Farther, he ought to be trusted by each player, and should be the natural medium of communication between players and directors. Then his duties to hie directors are also important. He ought to he able to lay before them each man's particular grievance, if be has any, make suggestions for improvements, and ought to be allowed a voice in the selection of the team.

A captain ought to know more about the capebilities of a player and his suitability for I position than any trainer or director. If my ideal captain can be found, and I think be can, if directors will give him the power, then I say he ought to be remunerated accordingly. Wm.uxMWEscos. HOWARD ASTON VILLA. The qualities that Mr.

McGregor enumerates es being desirable in a football captain are to be found, in Howard' Spencer, who has been elected to fill that position with the Villa team this season. Wise will the be if they endow him with the pollen that the "Father of the League thinks should be a captain's portion. Howard Spencer is wise with the wisdom of intuition. He plays football more electively and with more sass than almost any man living. He saves himself labour through knowing what an opponent can do and will do in any given circumstance.

As a full-baok he has few equals, and certainly not a superior. Though he has international cape against the three countries. it cannot be said that he has been recognised as fully as hie merits deserve. Spencer was born in 1875 and is therefore twenty-nine years of age. Re looks after hinigglf, and should play for years top come bar recidente It is to be hoped so at any rate, for a MOTO gentlemanly player never donned a jersey, and for that matter, a better fellow could not be found on or off the field.

Standing Mt. 10iiti. and weighing 12st. ho could make himself felt in the rough and tumble if he would condescend EMILY ARMS v. JUNCTION.

An intellalog sake task at SAI Pak, Arno on Wednesday, and. considonnd the numbs 91 witla good sissats. JIINCMOIL L. Longford 19 Asset' 15 J. Bossed 9 II ow is SI Diffiln ISport C.

Ws masa 1f Darks 19 IL tl Joon 12 Turner. Is A. Pogo SI P. Welkin 19 W. (tomcats Shaw gport 17 Works IS l7 Truman 19 14 Drod, 15 Longford 19 1 C.

lAnglold 12 A friendly much took at the Arida. Benaseetreet, es Needu, Miguel between Anchor and imah, barrdisst. Noun: Aasior 202. lama 234. Tim morn atthe Lamp oo Wednesday reavited: Lamp 343 Amber 3011.

to slaw brute force. He refrains. and gets his effects by neater and suer means. He tackles with charming coolness, and feeds the forwards with an accuracy that is the envy of many good half-backs. He went to the Villa.

when a lad. from Birchfieki Trinity, a school team, and he has played for the claret and blue for ten years regularly. One year he was out of football owing to a damaged leg, and it is perhaps that tact which has militated against his more frequent appearance in international When Howard Swum is not on the field be is "on the road." a comnisrciaL the Villa directors him with great powers over the players they will Dot regret it; his influence can be for good only. The photo is by Mr. A.

Wilkes, Leggeatuet. West Bromwich. WALTER WIGIAORE. SPASM. KEATW Waiter Wignrore, who has been chosen to Lad Small Heath- a duty which be fulfilled daring the absence of Matoberta last habit, but, a course, when the ball is about a player's desire is to kirk it, irrespective of consequences.

When it is recognised that is temperamentally mildensinnered and slow to anger, it will be seen that the injury he does is not intentional. He is, indeed, a capitad man to tom the coin, for he has played in most positions, and though shining partieularly halfback, he has experienced the joys of front line attacks and the arduous debts of tall back, Born at Bristol about twenty-eight years ago, be learned his football with Kiveton Park. whence be went to Sheffield United. and afterwards to Oainaborongh Trinity. He came to Coventry-mod five years ago, and has done excellent work for "Birmingham City" that is to be.

Reliever tittle. although trying to take every ounce out of hiinaelf by his enthusiastio play. Our portrait is taken from a negative by Mr. H. Brown.

213, Malmesbury-road, Small Heath. STEELHOUSE GIIN CO. m.o. el Apien ChM should oaU and Impact sax SPECIALLY MANUFACTURED GCSE Sam in tearing. SIGHTING GUARANTEED CORRECT.

ivory Sidney gim to Sloss dashiste of becoming pcoibmat Mosta. FILLETS, TAkGETS. DAME ISS STIELHOUNI-LANIL little jealousy smog the old views. who for a time geoid seemly pew the ball to him. BM Hadley to a philosopher.

and is blessed moreover with personal charm that is irresistible when one kaolin him thoroughly. He was modest, and remained with bead of normal site after promotion. In little time his astrachan were converted to comradeship. He firmly established his position among the resider first team players, and to-day is regarded one of the bed let halfbacks living. la the year tfial he got his first esp.

playing against Ireland at Wolverhampton. the mad of last season, when Dan Norse felt he most give way for Arthsr Randle in the first team, Hadley was appointed captain, and filled the position so capably that the directors had no at ties in the honour. It is to be hoped that under his leadership the Albion top the Second Division of the League, and thus return to first-class company. No one will be more pleased than this gentlemanly and great fgptballer if they succeed, and other First League players will join in congratulating him if so it be, for he is liked everywhere. Hadley was bora at West Bromwich twenty-four years ago.

His height is sft. and be weighs about 11S stones. The photo of Hadley as by Mr. Brown. taboocomet, West Bromwich.

goalkeeper. and they hoed to dimmer that they had made the capture et a lifetuna. For a will, be and Barrie alternately kept goal for the Wolves Reserve. and then an occident to Tennant 'posed the goal of the first team to Baddeley. His successful career itself testifies to the wisdom of the oonamittee's choice.

When Beata left, Baddeley was made captain of the team last wawa he rained three International taps (a unique achiereasentl, and also medal for the England v. Scotland inter-League nutria. Baddeley stands Sit. scales 12st. is 27 years of age, and one of the most modest as wire ever leaned against a goalpoet.

The scarf of his moms Tact, coolneok an iron norm, marvellous agility. and a heye like an 'awk," as the comedians say. Tan is a bachelor. cad when he exhibits his commercial side the coal trade work fascinates the county through and it would be hard to find powwowing inure of the attributes that go to produce a valuable Deo-rant than Tom liolford, who haajust been appointed okipper of Stoke. An enthusiast to the finger tips.

he finds enjoyment ex. pending his last ounce of energy, and the midges centre half is a terror for his Pita." The feet that his opinions often savour of blind partiesnehip does not depreciate from the field. With him it fs Stoke rest nowhere. How the Potters came to possess him is rather amusing. In the close season of 1898 two escretaries of North Staffordshire junior clubs were wriggling after meeting as to who was going to possess one Tommy Raiford.

of Granville night school. during the football season to come. A Stress official overheard the argument. and finding from inquiries that the bone of contention was worth snarling over, he settled the dispute by purloining it himself. The club has never had mamas to regret the step.

and it speaks volume( for the player that in the first month of his first smarm he was called upon to play centre half-back in a Learie match at Bramalllane. To quote a Sheffield oonteenparary he "played an astoundingly good game." Unfortunately for Holford he had as a rival for the premier position such a star artist as All. Wood, sow of the Villa, and it was not until that player departed from the Potteries three seasons ago that his opportunity came. liver since, his play has been eonsistently good, and the question of dropping him has never been raised during the whole of that period. The difficulty in tact has been to know on occasions whether be was sound to play.

for Holford woo always too eager to assist his side to admit net being able to stand a hard gases. In the season 1903-3 he was chosen to i i tr ou rie International game against at Wolverhampton. and fully justified his selection. sealing 10M. he is as Woo cord, and few players are We to gort better of him in the forceful part se the VMS.

lie is now twenty -six years of ofe. ant being a player who has never abused hie is lifelong lambdas sad may be expected to plozleg a good number of years to day he follows his trade as a matikimmisi4 one of the moot arduous branches at tbr potting industry, and sever We to Mil his training CRNEST MULLINEUX. PORT the dashing aad phshed full back of Port Vas and aim the captain, is only 23 years of age. but be ban been playing football ogee he 4ras Ivies little boy. and he was trained in a good school.

From Hanley College be Burslsm Park when that club was vadat the care of the Rev. R. B. Smithies''. sew rioar of Stratton.

near Stafford. At that time Mr. South well was at Muslim. sad be took a keen interest in football. Pros the Park Club ouch good men have toms ea Stokes, the Small Heath back; John Bow man and J.

Shafflebottion, of Quemin's Park Rangers: Harry Crorton and Mc.Allman. of Port Vale. Mallineuz. who is a teacher in one ef the Hanley council schools, as a footballer of the highest type. He has dash and gnat daring.

but is never rough. and is withal most modest of his cleverness as blebs: and tackler. He is on the light side. his sft. itin.

weighing only lOst 101 b. U. was mewed by Mr. Sam the weeretaz7 of Port Vale. in 1200.

and desPite temptations is ge to richer clubs. has remained true to his heath firer cam C. .1. MANIC. BURTON OWED.

Chris Mann, who has for the second Urns been elected captain of Burton Unit d. is one of the mitre ha' Jell who ever played In Burton. He is of Otdsboreagh. sear Middlesbrough. and played.

fret Ow a village team. Mount Piemant. Hs west nett to Ouisborough. seised bates county honours. Frees Gaisborestgb be migrated to Middlesbrough.

sad did so Veil that in 180: Aston Villa took his ea. Maas was looked upon as one of the caftans of the year. and until he left for Burton la the Demme 11101-2 be did the Villa good carries. although not gaining a regular be the first team. He went to Burton an the cream atop of the fusion of the old Swifts and Wanderers in 1901.

and was elected captain of the new club. by his gentlemaake behaviour both on and off the lead be ham gained the respect of the football pablie the brewery town. L'S TRANSEFR FM The English Cup-holders. Ifearafttee City. aro the shadow of a Immesh of football law.

Whether they be nay or pot guilty is a question yet to be decided. sued os the aissuiptioa of banish law. that until emit proved innocence should he believed is. Judgment sues be swiresidoL Ties allegation, which is to be oonsedered by a otennessioa of the Football isisidee bon, armee out of the transfer of Norgrovq a full back, from Glossop to the promear Manchester orgiusse two. was at the said of last mesa.

Owing is irsawoted in the transaction. the Football Silesia- Lion have inquired into the matter. It was found test. to the Glossop ledger, the City paid £lOO for Nomrovee services bet the City books showed that the Nue was 2175. In view of the feet that £lO is the maximum amount which a dab OM pay to a player as a be.

ea a the discrepaiscy 0f 1175 is si Mr. J. 11. Sutcliffe, the Gierion awes tory, desks that they aerie paid .11171 foe while Mr. Wadden, iiiresbar of City club.

asserts that that sr ties is reedy money. Witten Albion, the new Manchester League Club. have secured G. who has played with Bristol Rovers and West Bromwich Albion. .1.

Cralitrai old Astra Villa Ph has definite retired from footlialLM found that a bag spell of issotivitg, the result of Mama be was sot able to do himselfjustios for Plymootb sea be has decided to mauve from salvo glue timpation is the game. A. Goldin, who did good surrieo tar Oman Heath as full book. has signed kr Crewe Alozaadra. He applied for penalties to tads with Small and his musk was granted, so that ho will still be MIS taking tierce, at Coventry-road.

He works at the Small Arms factory at Small lisath. A conference in being arranged to be held at Edinburgh to tionsedar the question of forming a Lomb- or Cep competitive for the following Edinburgh Heart of brough. riTowiematle United. and 8 The object is to form a will linable the club. to AU in their ramati dates, and the isitiative ban bees takes bb the Hibernian club.

HARRY HADLEY, WEST BROMWICH. The captain of West Bromwich Albion is a striking illustration of the truth of the theory that good footballers, like poets, are born, not made. At any rate Harry Hadley had very little experience of junior football. After one season with Halesowen as a half-back he was taken on by the Albion. That was seven years ago.

A year with the reserves, and then at the end of the second seaman he took the place of Jack Banks in the first team. This created soma AIR-GUN SPRINGS. KOMAND SPRING COYPANY. meta Wollill LOVIDAY Min. Se E.IL GoverairaL TOM OADDELET.

WOLVERHAMPTON. There is no more popular football idol in the Black Country than Tom the goalkeeper sad skipper of the Wanderers. The famous international has served seven full meeme with the dub, eiz with the First League and Cap team liseideley is a native of 13urelem. and he began his leatherchaaing career years ago with the now defunct Swifts of that Pottery town. Afterwards he became identified with Buadem Port Vale.

whom he served for three years without attracting the partiesdarAtteation of any of the expecte who roam about armed with watching briefs. Leaving Port Vale, Nadal: ley. with Beats (former centre forward of the Wolves and now osptain of the Bristol Rovers) migrated to Wolverhampton. Baddeley came without an eagagenanwt, but making application to the Wanderer. Committee they took him on ao reams BUY AND SELL THROUGH Mg MCDOUN OF ma 'SPORTS ARGUS" EXCHANGE AND MART.

gas racks COCAP RATES. Though only Mt. sad DON'T FORGET TO READ THE GAZETTE AND EXPRESS. EVERY WEDNESDAY. IT WILL CONTAIN AN ARTICLE ON FOOTIALZ lIT W.

lIIKIRMOIII. rATIOCII Or TIC LAGUILM ESTABLISHE 50 YEARS. Lane's "Musketeer" Air Rifle, 0 1 1. 4 .4 6.1 is 75 Ha ka .4 a 4 1 IA LI a 1 1 5 in hi a 1 le .4 INI 1 i 5 2: xi A il 0 o. rri 1-1 tv 0 51 ta mi." rll ri NI 1 14 le 4t r.

to 2, 4 vi To be bad of any Gunmaker or Dealer throughout the world. Wholesale only. GOLD MEDAL DIPLOMA WON BY E. ANSON, stsuancm- ros ins OWN Wo' OVER 2,000 PRIZES NOW BEEN WON ANSON'S AIR RIFLES. ANSON'S A' PELLET PS THE NEST.

Is. per EON. 14. NATIONAL AIR-RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S RECORD SCORE of 272 was made with ANSON'S GUNS. W.

Waldron 23, Clark 22, C. Wind'or 18. F. Ilorton Capt.) 23, J. Bibb 23, T.

Phillips 21-61 I(7 G. Rini 22, G. Hopkins 23, C. Newman (Gold Medallists 26, F. Windsor 23, E.

Washbrook 23, W. J.s 23-11111 Grand Total Record Score 2T2 Two Teams in Semi-Final for "Despatch" Shield used ANSON'S E. ANSON 14, STEELHOUSE LANE. or 101 011 0 11 0 1' 400. iad Small lieath--is nut, WISICA ue tautness ISW Illatila IlUigh.

sting the abeenee of last THOMAS HOLFORD, STOKE. moon in aloe essentially a good Search the county through and Mow, and owe who knows the 1) would be hard to find a pla sine and the ability of -1 4 vs possessing mure of i pponenta. But Ids play attributes that go i marred by a char- 't eteristic which as gained for produce a valua than Ti Belford, iii Lim the repu- 5 it hasjust be akin of 4 ao e. tieb icing I appoint skii.per Langer' 7. 2 1 An Wig 0 .....1, ik $Ol it I 4 4a 10 VP' "Itilli, 1 14 .1 9 he I .4 ilitirpos4 1.114 I -tuna's tis I i A- i frg 7 i 4 1., 1 Hitto la 1 I i -1 N.

7 at tor4 4 4 4 i ix: N. ii le it4tiffooNN lglifr Nlbu I 1 I A a 1 12 0,0, a Vitat finger ti deriding 7- 40 iltill .71 he finds ft. lliim, i'? Ind weigh. il I A ..,,11., lc. C' a 13 13st pending his li 4411 tt ounce of eller has a tremendous -e i and the mid each with his foot, i 1 ind whoa he elevates i i .:4215 7 i half is it to its utmort height 4 Trc.l‘ 7 01 4 4 terror for his MM '1 he is apt to cause damage fact that his opinions of 0- 7 4 iseertainvaluessvouloys dr oesof neotlbd.linddeprPartirweth among the heads of opponenta.

He would be what he wishes to be- 4 -1-- 1 --'--k: the 6 an inoffensive player-if he dropped the Stoke tint, the met nowhere. habit, but, of oouree. when the ball "A .0 4 PRICE 355. FI 4 1 i. 714 4 7, ,1 ll't 6' PATENT i 4 a ROTARY a 1 4 6 N-o ISIZE fr.

IV 4.