As a means' of assisting the selector to make hia final choice I cannot conceive that the game was of any material value. The absence of the two front rankers (Irvine and Brady) from the 'A' pack affected the combination very materially, and on the other side many of the players were too much oat of condition to show their true form, and those who were really fit, had too big a load to carry. Moreover, the conditions under which the opposing back divisions were playing were so dissimilar, that a correct estimate of the comparative nature of the work done by, for instance, Asher and Riley, or Hay and McPike, would be extremely dif ficult to arrive at. Doubtless, however, the match was played chiefly with a view of ascertaining the form of the country contingent, and in the caae of the better known of these, Mr Arneil would probably see sufficient (combined with his previous knowledge of their ability) to warrant him in arriving at a conclusion.
Mr Angus Campbell, the well known Auckland referee, will officiate in the forthcoming Wellington - Taranaki match.
It is worthy of note that the pro portion of country players in this year's selection is smaller than was the case last year.
McPike, at centre-three quarter, did not shine with any particnlar lustre, but in justice it must be conceded that his chances were but few. His one con spicuous fault was erratic passing.
Mr W. G. Garrard, of Ghristchurch, has been appointed to referee in the Auck land-Wellington match, and Mr Symes, of Taranaki, will act in the Otago-Auckland fixture.
