NOTES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14909, 24 February 1914, Page 8

NOTES.

(special to "the press.") BLENHEIM, February 23 The speediest men at to-night's gathering met in tho 50yds Scratch Race. Canterbury's quartette—Jerred, Annand, Atkinson, and Cookson—had many admirers, while Auckland's representatives were considered to havo bright prospects of success. In the first heat Cookson and Atkinson filled the first and second positions after a close finish, in 28sec, while Champion gained tho verdict over Annand in the second* heat by a close margin, in similar time to that registered in • the first preliminary. Th-e final was keenly contested. Champion got the worst of the start, and Cookson, who led nearly all tho way, beat the burly A.ucklander by a touch; Annand third. Canterbury found solace in tho loss of the Wigram Shield by annexing the Flying Squadron Championship. The public have displayed & keen interest in the handicap relay Taces, but there was a, treat in store for them when tho "crack-.' tried conclusions in the Teams Championship. The Waitemata Club of Auckland haa always been particularly keen*-on annexing this event, and has been singularly successful. Canterbury, however, interrupted the run of success that has fallen to the Auckland Club, which this year had what ia known in cricket parlance as "a -weak trail," while Canterbury were -uniformly good. Champion gained an advantage of .about six yards over Annand,'-who swam a bad"course towards the end. Cookßon made a vigorous effort and was only three yards to the bad at the end.of'his journey. Jerred passed. KerrTaylor and gained two yarda for his team. Victory for Canterbury now seemed assured, and Atkinson settled all .doubts in his contest with Rees, by winning by about four yards. It was a popular victory. The 440 yds Championship was generally regarded 'as .being at the mercy of M. E. Champion, and although these predictions proved correct, **■ keen struggle for -second place was witnessed. Champion, Hill, and Sinton were .the only starters. The .Canterbury lad" went to the front early in the race, but at 100 yards Champion led his two opponents by a narrow margin. Th_.ro waa no d-iffcrenoo in the positions at ltO yards or 200 yards, but at 250 yards Champion and Sinton held a slight advantage, over Hill, who was further in the rear at 350 yards. Sinton led at 400 yards, but in the concluding stages Hill moved up quickly. Champion 'gained a chert lead over Sinton and won by about two yards. The Canterbury youthchallenged hotly at the last, but Sinton had enough in hand to gain second position by. about half a yaid. . All gained standard certificates. Poison (lOsec) was first in the second heat of the 150 yds Handicap,.Truscott (17->ec) being! second. Tho final was won with ease by Poison, Laing being second. In the Water Polo Championship, Cantsrbury beat Wellington in th© final by two goals to nil. Davidson and Jerred were the scorers. The Canterbury combination wore too strong for the Wellington players, and had no difficulty in winning. The "Yaldhurat Shield points are:— Auckland .. .. ..36 Canterbury .. .. ..29 Wellington .. .. .. 6 Hawke's Bay .. _ .. .. 4 Auckland retains the Shield. Tho. points in tho Duncan Shield for competition by Canterbury clubs are*.— East Christchurch .. .. 38 Sydenham. .. .. •. 9 Op_wa .. . .. •• .3 Richmond .. .. ..1