It is a fine spring day for the match, and there is little wind. Great interest is taken in the game, and a large attendance is ex pected. A month ago the local team would have been looked on as easy winners, Jjut after their disappointing play in the Nor thern tour their supporters' confidence is by no means so keen. Since then Wellington has beaten both Wairarapa and Wanganui, and picked up some of their lost form; but the composition of the present fifteen is not looked on with general favor, and it is scarcely likely that the men as a whole will be up to the high-water mark of the Queens land match. The game is looked upon as doubtful, and, with the continued improve ment shown by Otago, a keen struggle is certain to take place.
[By Oi'R Special Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, September 12.
The weather is simply superb, and a re cord attendance is expected at the Athletic Park. JJoth teams are confident, but Wel lington have a slight call in the betting. Mr Garrard (Canterbury) will be the referee, and Mr Beadle will probably be line umpire for Otago. The teams are constituted as follow :■— Otago.—Full-back, W. H. Mackenzie; three quarters—Armit, Wood, Stephenson; five-eighths —Duncan (captain) and Mason ; half, Davis ; for wards— Farquharson, Given, Williams, M'Laren, Priest, Stewart, Harris, and Torrance. Wellington.—Full-back, Laws; three-quarters —Roberts, Gage, and Roache ; five-eighth, Ben nett; half, Crawfurd (captain); wings— M'Kenzie and J. Kelly; forwards—Fanning, Young, Pender, Rhodes, Pauling, Calnan, and M Oauually.
