SPORTING NOTES.

Evening Star, Issue 6472, 13 December 1883, Page 4

SPORTING NOTES.

The Auckland Cricketers’ Association are likely to get from the Domain Board a lease of that portion of the domain at present devoted to cricket purposes. We commend to the consideration of the Reserves Committee of our City Council the following remarks by ex-Judge Fenton, chairman of the Auckland Domain Board:— “ It was necessary that the cricketers should have their position defined. There were now some 300 of them. The interprovincial match with the team from Christchurch would shortly come off, and some LSO to LIOO would have to be spent in making the ground fit for use. Some people seemed to think that while the cricketers spent large sums in improving the ground they had a right to enjoy the benefit of that improvement gratuitously. Although the question of the right of charging gate-money had cropped up, he was glad to say that only some fifteen persona had refused to pay the admission fee out of the population of Auckland. His own opinion was that in law they could have been compelled to pay. In Sydney they were far ahead of us in respect to this matter. There the cricketers had a certain tenure, and the result was, as he had been informed by a gentleman that day, they had spent 1.30,000 in beautifying and improving the ground.” At a recent meeting of the Invercargill Jockey Club Mr Bridge moved—“ That the disqualification on Pathfinder be taken off seconded by Mr Roe.—Mr Powell moved as an amendment—“ That the disqualification bo not taken off,” which was seconded by Mr F. Hewitt.—Mr Bridge thought that as the horse was now in the district, and had changed hands several times, being at present in different hands altogether, the motion should be carried. In reply to a question, Mr Bridge stated that the horse was his property.—On the motion and amendment being put to the meeting, the voting was equal: 6 for and 6 against jMr A. MTnerney refrained from voting, and the chairman declined to settle the question, so the matter remained as formerly.—Mr Bridge here left the room, remarking that the six gentlemen *who had voted for the amendment had voted against him, and intimated to the Club that they could take notice from him that he would not allow a single horse to cross the grounds.—After a deal of discussion, in which moat of those present took part, as to what was to be done in such a case, and as to the legality or otherwise of the Club’s tenancy of the racecourse, the chairman asked Mr Powell to withdraw his amendment, but that gentleman firmly refused to do so, remarking that the Club would be the laughing-stock of the whole Colony. At length, there being no other way of tiding over the difficulty, and Mr Bridge having re-entered the room and apologised for being so hasty, Mr Powell agreed to withdraw his amendment, and the motion was put to the meeting and carried. A private letter received by a Christchurch cricketer (writes the ‘Lyttelton Times’) states that the Otago Association declined to entertain the proposal for home and home matches with this province, simply because the matter was not brought before them officially, and because it bad been left too late this year. The Otago players are in favor of the idea, but they want more time, particularly as they have had little or no cricket this season on account of the wretched weather. They would like to have delegates appointed to formally arrange the matter, and the feeling in the South appears to be that the first match, should be played on Boxing Day, and the return towards the end of the season. The writer of the letter suggests that the two associations should send a combined eleven to the North Island —a proposal which has been mooted here more than once, and increases in favor so much that it will undoubtedly be carried out before long. A meeting of the Junior Cup Committee of the Otago Cricket Association was held last night, when the second draw took place. The result of the first round was that the Carisbrook Third defeated the Excelsior Third Thirteen by 33 runs ; the Southern beat the Peninsula by 36 ; the Grange beat the Albion Second by 56 ; the Waverley boat the Phoenix Second by SS; Sargood’a beat the Roslyn Second by an innings and 8 runs; Carisbrook Second beat the Orleans Fifteen; and the Phcenix Third forfeited their game to the Excelsior Second. We append last night’s draw, with the handicaps allowed by the Match Committee Southern v. Kxcelsior Second Fourteen Sargood’s v. Taieri Second Fifteen Grange v. Carisbrook Second Peninsula v, Kxcelsior Third Thirteen Waverley v, Carisbrook Third Fourteen.

The matches liave to be commenced on Saturday next; and concluded by Boxing Day. In view of the early interprovinciai fixture, and the necessity for getting through with this aeries without delay, the Committee have determined that play shall be continued till 7 p.m. each Saturday. The Otago Rifle Association matches began this morning at 4.30 o’clock. The money prizes exceed LIOO, and a number of valuable trophies will also be given. Adamant and Wildboy have been scratched for all engagements at the Auckland summer meeting. One of the first fruits of Martini-Henry’s splendid performances on the Victorian turf is the purchase of two Musket fillies from the New Zealand Stud Company for export to England. They were purchased by Mr Ashbury, late M.P. for Brighton, who is well known for his love of sport, and who was owner of the celebrated yacht Cambria, that won the International race, beating James Gordon Bennett’s Vesta. Mr Ashbury witnessed the running of Martini-Henry in the Derby and Cup recently, and being much enamored of the animal, came to Auckland to see his dam and sire. While being shown

over tho stock at Sylvia Park by Major Walmsley, Mr Ashbury greatly admired two fillies, one by Musket—Moonlight and the other by Musket—All Steel, and these he resolved upon purchasing as carriagehorses for himself. These animals will be sent to England by the Doric!. At Billie Bridge grounds tm October 20, George and Snook ran their mile iflefe in the presence of thousands of spectators. George proved the victor, covering the distance in 4min26|sec. Snook ran a waiting race till the last quarter-mile, and then made his effort. He got within a yard of his opponent, but had no chance with George, who spurted away from him, and won, full of running, by twelve yards. George’s win was immensely popular. On the same ground there was a remarkable 100 yards race between Messrs Cowio and Ritchie. Cowie was well in front nearly all through, Sid was ohly jit fit cafight on the tape by itchie, who finished magnificently. Several people thought Cowie had won, but the two judges and the referee gave it a dead heat. Time, 10|aec.