SPORTING

Evening Star, Issue 14497, 24 February 1911, Page 8

SPORTING

TIMARU GERALDINE ROAD RACE. In tho cycle road race Timaru to Geraltjine and I>ick, a distance of about fifty miles, W. L. Oldman (Christchurcii) made the fastest time of 2h 17min 42sec. Fifteen started The roads were loose, consequent oi> the dry weather. ROWING. M'Grath has declined to take part in this year's .ontest for the Edmond shield at the Otago regatta on March 23. Efforts are being made to get Stevens (0.K.C.) to fill the vacancy. SOUTHLAND ATHLETIC ORGAN ISATIONS. A conference of representatives of the Southland Caledonian Society and the Athletic Union took place last night, in which affiliation was favorably discussed. At a special meeting of the Caledonian Society, to be held immediately, the society will be recommended to affiliate with the N.Z.A.U. on terms to be stated. SLAZENGER v. SYKES. The New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association's Committee meet on March 1 to consider the make of ball to. be adopted for next season. The Otago body favor the Slazenger championship ball. SWIMMING. Miss Eannv Durack won the 200 yds ladies' Australasian swimming championship at Brisbane yesterday in 3min 6ssec—a world's record for tho distance for .women. EMPIRE FESTIVAL SPORTS. A cablegram has been received in Sydney from Lord Desborough stating that the Festival of Empire sports will extend from June 24 to July 1. '1 hey will include running events over various distances from 100 yards to a mile, hurdling (120 yards and 440 yards), swimming (100 yards and a mile), tennis (angles), wrestling (middle-weight), and boxing (heavy weight). , . , ~ ' Schneider, who will represent Australia in the Festival of Empire team, broke several Australasian records at Sydney yesterday He covered a quarter of a mile with a flying start in 26 3-ssee, an imputed half mile in 55 4-ssec, and an unpaced mile in 2min 1 3-ssec. Schneider had to give up cycling three years ago, and in the meantime had won tho amateur wrestling championship. The Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand A.A. discus'sed the Council's request for the Centre's assistance in sending an athlete, and possibly a swimmer. Home to compete at tho Festival of Empire sports. Members were dubious as to the Centre being able to give financial assistance, owing to the championship meeting being held in Christchureh this year It was decided that tho Centre was m accord with the proposal to send an athlete Home, but owing to the expenses of die championship meeting it was unable to contribute directly towards the expenses, but would do all it could to assist the lno.-emein. RAVENSBOURNE REGATTA. To-morrow, given tine weather, a large number of people are sure to pay a visit to Ravensbourne, when the residents of that prosperous suburb intend holding their annual regatta. As tho mayor has stated on many occasions, the object of holding this regatta is for the purpose of advertising the district, and the prizemoney is subscribed chiefly by local people. 'The carrying out of this function entails a deal of work on the Committee, but when all work together difficulties can be overcome. As regards the items on the programme, one onlv needs to mention that in the Maiden Fours there are ten crews competing, while in the swimming races are to be found the champions of Otago. Some five ladies will compete in the Dingev Race, which should prove an attraction "in itself. Four yacht races are on the programme, all the best yachts m the harbor Competing; while m the First Dlas* Yacht Race the champion (Waimana), who has this year taken the championship of Otago to Ravensbourne, will again en- ■ deavor to lead the way. Mr Blackie and Secretary Kellett will be in charge of the boatshed", assisted bv a strong committee, who will look after the comfort of the visitors. The Dunedin Pipe Band will supply music on the lawn outside the boatshed, while several boats will be engaged in giving patrons a trip on the harbor, and as several motor boat races figure on the programme, at the conclusion of these races the boats will be at the disposal of the Committee The Railway Department has erected a temporary fence, and will supply six men to guard the railway, so there need be no ear of a.i accident arising. The Ellen Ba lance will be the flagship for the day, while Commodore Moller will superintend all arrange- [ ments. j