COURSING

Evening Star, Issue 22816, 26 November 1937, Page 4

COURSING

MOTES AMD COMMENTS TIN-HARE RARING

[BT PIiUMPTON.]

Tin hare racing is becoming very, popular in New Zealand, and many new. clubs are about to begin operations. This branch of the greyhound sport has taken a great hold in the North. Island, where it has been run most successfully during the past few years. Not only are there new clubs opening, but new owners are coming into the sport, and in many towns in the North, Island they ar§ finding it hard to secure greyhounds, especially greyhounds that are aristocratically bred. During the past three years breeder* in the South Island have found it hard to dispose of their young pups, but with the forward move now being made by the tin hare sport in the North and South Islands breeders who are mating their charges scientifically will find little trouble in disposing of their puppies. Last year p tin hare club formed in Nightcaps met with fair success, and this club is again operating this year. With some 80 greyhounds in the district, the club is looking forward to a most successful year. The Nightcaps Enclosure Coursing Club is one of the best dubs operating in New. Zealand, and backed by the same sportsmen, along with several new, owners, the Tin Hare Club is sure to prove a big success. The latest tin hare club to start operations in the South Island is located in Christchurch, where the promoters have a five years’ leas© of English Park, and will hold tin hare events regularly;as part of the carnival attractions which they intend to stage during the summer months. The tin hare track is a 440yds one, ; with all, the latest electrical equipment, and was erected at a cost of about £I,OOO. The equipment is similar to that used at Harold Park, Sydney, which is one of the greatest greyhound racing tracks in the world. Unfortunately for the promoters tin hare racing had to be abandoned at their opening fixture on November 10 owing to a mechanical fault developed in the tin hare. Judging from the success so far obtained by the promoters of the tin hare club in Dunedin it should not be long before operations are commenced, and with the number of greyhounds in the Otago district the tin hare should not be wanting for competitors. Faster Than Greyhounds, “ They’d knock spots elf greyhounds,” is the heading above » photo of two cheetah in the London. 'Daily Mirror.’ A cheetah is recognised as the fastest thing on four legs. It is more commonly known as the Indian hunting leopard. A pair of cheetah belonging to a well-known London sportsman, K. C. Gandar Dower, gave the electric hare something of a fright, and those who witnessed them in action saw something to talk about when they put in a little training at Harringay, one of London’s leading dog racing tracks. Though on the average much bigger than greyhounds, they have* the’same style of Action when in chase, and when racing at top speed,; like a greyhound, they keep very low to the ground. They have great pull on their front quarters and tremendous power in the hindquarters, They have a keen sense of smell and a very alert eye. Notes. Mr W. R. Fitzgerald, of Caversham, Dunedin, has a very forvif.rd-looking litter of puppies in his kennels at the present time. These pups are bred in the purple, being by Mr R. Condon’s Electric Blue (Electric Mac-Sea Pearl) from Paddy’s Lass (Why. Worry—Mickey’s Lass). The litter comprises five dogs and . one bitch puppy. They are just over six weeks old. Despite the dangers of contracting chills and similar disorders, if not properly cared for, there is no doubt that ' a gallop in the rain is keenly appreciated by dogs. Walking- may not be enjoyed so much, but let the dog stretch out, and in’ most cases he will have the time of his life. Perhaps the sense of well-being ■is accounted for by the fact that most dogs are locked up during the wot weather while “ off duty,” and like the change over to brisk action. There is no reason why preparation for coming events should be held up at any time through the inclement weather, although if the dog is thoroughly fit and is raced at “ tin hare ”■ only, it may suit the owner better to let him have a rest from work when the weather is really bad and no harmful results should be experienced- ‘ Australian Greyhound Gazette.’

Christchurch Inquirer, The pedigree of the Victorian Waters 100 Cup winner of 1937, Robert Micawher, is as .follows;—By Charlie Micawher—Olive Humbug, who was by Humbug—Flying Olive, by Firefly—Olive, by Jokerite—Olive Royal; Firefly being by Benediction—Bonny Hawk. Humbug was by Black Jester —Maria Ilka, by White Hope (imp.)—Lady Fluke. Black Jester by Blue Jester— Comealong’s Gift. The sire, Charlie Micawber, is by Andrew Micawber— Milly Hawk, by Brown Hawk—Labour Lady, by Pennant Booth—Sunny Suffragette; Brown Hawk being by Comedy King—New Year. Andrew Micawber was by Micawber—White Verse, by White Hope (imp.)—Miss Verse, Micawber being by The Dickens (imp.)—Bride’s Veil. The cup was for 71 dogs. The winner received £260 and a handsome cup; runner-up £llO and cup: third dog, £SO; two dogs at £ls each; four at £lO each; and nine at £5 each.. To win the cup Robert Micawber beat Grey Friar in the first round. The Toiler in the second round, Strathglya in the second ties, Ginger Meggs in the third ties, Roy Minda in the fourth ties. He had the bye in the semi-final, and in the final defeated Mr R. M. Bowcock’s Bobalong _ (Dandalong—Bradford Lass). In this course, which lasted only 19sec, he led up by half a length and won by 3. points. Robert Micawber is a black-and-white dog. He was bred by Master Mervin Weller, of Benalla, Victoria. He was whelped in July, 1935, and was purchased as a young sapling by Mr ft. Walsh for £2 10s. He is now owned by Mr C. Blyth. Pups by Charlie Micawber—Olive _ Humbug are now much in demand in Australia, Olive Humbug was purchased by Mr Weller, sen., for £2, having at that time a broken leg. Pups from her are doing exceptionally weu on the speed tracks.