SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7331, 18 May 1885, Page 5

SPORTING.

DUNEDIJS AUTUMN MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

DffNEDiN, Saturday. The following acceptances were received tonight for the Birthday Meeting :-:

Provincial Handicap of 200aovg.—Sou'-we«ter. S«t 101b ; Lidy Emma, 8»t; Teiaroa, 7at 101b; Captain Webst-r, 7«t 31b : Tim Whiffler, 7at lib ; Adamant, (lit l'2lb.

Tradesmen's Handicap of lOOsov*.—Sou'-wester S9t 121b ; Taiaroa, 8«t 31b ; Talebearer, 7afc 12lb ; Captain Webster, 7st 71b ; Tim Whiffler, 7«t 41b : Don Jose, 6sc 121b; Matamka, ftit; Blue Jacket, 6st.

COURSING MATCH, A great deal of interest is now being felt in the coursing match for the President's Gold Cup, which is to take place on the 25th inat., at the Plumpton Park Company's grounds, on Mr. McLaughlin's estate, Papatoetoe. The entries are the largest" ever received for any match in New Zealand. The Plumpton Park is now completed, and is in every respect a credit to the company. The ground is well chosen, being of an undulating character, yet sufficiently level to afford a full and complete view of each course from start to finish. There is good cover, and the fencing is efficiently done. The drives are now all completed, so that there will be no de< lay in looking, for hares, and better still the covers are amply stocked. There was one. portion of the cover beaten roughly on Friday, and no fewer than 150 fine strong hares were mustered in a few minutes, and it is estimated that with the number let loose in the park, and their natural increase, there must be now from 300 to 400 hares inthe grounds. It will be seen ftom our advertising columns that the Railway Department have laid on special trains, which will leave Auckland at ten minutes past ten on the mornings of the 25th nnd 26th, calling at intermediate stations, and stopping at the railway crossing just opposite the Plumpton Park, and returning to Auckland at twenty minutes past five. The south train, which leaves Auckland at a quarter past four p.m., will stop at the crossing to pick np passengers for Mercer and intermediate ~ stations. Saturday return tickets will bo issued available for day of issue only. Referring to the forthcoming coursing match, " Misterton," writing in the Referee, a Christchurch sporting paper, saya:—"l must congratulate the Auckland Coursing Club upon the magnifioant entry they have obtained for the opening stake on their new Plumpton. With the single exception of last year's Waterloo Cap fifty-five is far and away the largest entry ever received for a stake in New Zealand, and speaks volumes for the pluck and enterprise of our Northern cousins. As announced a, fortnight ago, Mr. M. Lhatteris has been appointed judge, and I think the Auckland Club will be satisfied with this gentleman's decision. Several of our leading coursers have expressed surprise that no programme of the mooting was sent here, and therefore no opportunity was given to nominate their dogs. I knoW of one or two owners who would hav<> liked to have been represented at the meeting, but had no idea that the entries closed so early. I trust that the meeting may be a highly successful one, and that coursing may gain a firm bold in the Northern city, bo that in a few years we may see an Auckland Waterloo Cup estab* Uahed, as I am firmly convinced that,,for many years, it will be impoisible for owners to take their doge from one island to another on account of climatic influences, and it it therefore highly desirable that each centre should have its own big stakes."

WALKING MATCH AT CHRISTCHURCH. [Br IJELEOBAFH.—PBESS ASSOCIATION, | Uhristchubch, Sunday. , A walking match for £50 and the champion* ship of the colony took place at Tuam>street Hall yesterday, and was won by A. Hancock by about 230 yards. John Rayner, the Aus. tralian pod, was second ; and F. Morstead" Christchurch, third. The latter only accomplished 42£ miles. G. Mulliesen, Chrietohurch aho competed, but retired, after doiog fourteen miles. Ihe time was 8 hours 10 minutes 4 ■econds. The race finished at half.pa.sfc ten p.m.