SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8928, 17 December 1887, Page 6

SPORTING.

' RACING FIXTURES. NEW ZEALAND. December 26, 27—Northern Jockey Club. December 26—Hawke't Bay Jockey Club. December 26, January 1, 2-Auckland Racing Club. December '26 and 27—Tlnroea Jockey Club. December 37—Drury Kaciog Club. December 29 -South Auckland Racing Club. January Canterbury Jocaey Club. January 2—Napl»r Park Racing Club, January —War* worth Race'. January 4—Waipu Jockey Ulnb. . January 17 and 18—Poverty Bay Turf Club. February 22, 28-Egraont Racing Club. March 16,17—Hawke's Bay Jookey Club. April B—Auckland itacing Club. June 9—Auckland Racing Club. Jane 21—Hawke'e Bay Jockey Club. AUSTRALIA. December Sl—Victoria Racing Club.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS December 26— Auckland Derby January 2 - Auckland Cup. Januarys Auckland Steeplechase. April S— Easter Handicap (Auckland.)

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Waqbr.—Billingsgate defeated hie sire, Izaak Walton, on two occasions at tJlenlle. Quirt.—Stonjhurat won the Auckland Plate in 1886. Nelson eras not nomii a tad. M.—Trident won two races »s a two-year old (A.J.C. Christmas Gift and A J O. S res' Produce Stakes). Ha was only beaten once as a three-year-old. Country its. —1. Leollnus, Cadogan, and Apremont were all imoo.ted from England by Mr. G. G. Stead, Traduce! was Imported to Canterbury by Messrs Harris and limes. He afterwards became the property of the Middle Park Stud Company. 3. Dainty Ariel died in 1876.

NOTES BY PHAETON. The Otahuhu Racing Club hold their summer meeting this afternoon, and with tine weather there should be | some capital sport. The programme is a lengthy one of eight races, the whole of whioh have filled well. The Railway Department will lay on two special trains for the occasion, and these are timed to leave the Auokland station at 12.20 and 1.20 p.m. The following are the acceptances and entries for the vaiions events

Hcsdles, two miles.—Peter Oabeck, 12st 71b; Silvio, lOatlOlb; Ma Petite Filie, 9st 111b ; Tawhlao, 9at 71b ; Black Joe, Sat 71b. Suburban Plate Handicap, one mile and a half.—Friendship, 9at; Antelope, Sat 101b ; Clogs, Sst 41b ; Tarnora, 7«t 12tb Leorina, 7«t tOlb ; Lioness, 7»t 101b ; Peter Osbeck. 7at 101b ; Tennyson, 6st 131b ; Lady Alice, 6st 121b ; Formo, Gat 121b; The Cat, 6st 101b 5 Eruption, 6st 101b ; Miss Alice, 6st 101b; Britannia, 6*t 51b; Shillelagh, Gat. Steeplechase, three miles—Falcon, list; Magnesia, lOst 12lb ; Torpedo, lOst; Whalebone, 9at 121b; Tawhiao, Oat 121b; Fipi, 9«t 41b; Argylo, 9at. Flying St a OS, six furlongs.—Antelope, 9st 61b; Tennyson, Sat Sib ; Clogs, Sat 41b; Leorina, S»t; Lioness, 7at 12lb ; Lady Alice, 7st 101b; Formo, 7st 101b ; Cateaby, 7at 61b; Brown Rose, 7st 21b; Tupaki, 7st; Artist, 7st; Boomerang, 7«t; Eruption, 6st 121b; Haricot, 6st 121b; Misß Alice, 6at 121b; Briseis, 6at 101b; Octopus, 6sfc. Pony Race. —Makiri, Sat 121b; little Nell. Sst 101b ; Mayflower, Sst Sib ; Elsie, Sit 7lb; Firefly, 7st 8lb; Sandfly, 7st 31b; Lady Flora, 7st 31b; Emblem, 6at 121b; Ruby, 6at i2lb. __ , Maiden Plate, once round.— Walter, Javelin, On Guard, Dollar, Shillelagh, Eruption, Black Joe. Selling Hack Race, once round.—Rookharton, Mermaid, Blaok Joe, Welcome Joe, Sir Bedevere. Skllino Hurdles, 1£ miles.—Wideawake, 20sov»; Fairplay, 30sova; Evening Star, 20sovs; Black Joe, nil-

Sir Walter or Eruption should win the Maiden Plate. If Peter Osbeck starts for the Hurdle Race I shall expect him to win; and in his absence Silvio will prove the most dangerous. For the Suburban Plate, Clogs and Leorina read about the best, but I understand that the latter is an unlikely starter. Of the others, Tennyson is, I think, the most worthy of support. Falcon and Magnesia will be a dangerous pair in the Steeplechase, and if the latter is in her best humour, she should win. The Selling Hurdles should, I think, go to Wideawake. The running in the Suburban Plate should furnish a little light as to what may be expected to turn up trumps in the Flying Stakes, bat at the time of writing I like the chance of Formo as well as anything.

Very little of importance has transpired on the training tracks at Kllerslie during the week. Nelson has been a regular attendant, and what work has been set him he has accomplished well. That he will take a power of doing in the Cup seems certain, and I must say, after seeing Sextant in his work, that the old horse iB more to my liking for that event than the three-year-old. The st.i of Robinson Crusoe is a nice cut of a colt, perhaps a trifle on the leg, but be does not give one the idea of being a great stayer. Since his arrival, Mr. O'Brien has not been asked any severe questions, as the colt seems fully forward with his preparation. Lady Norah has been putting in some real good work daring the week, and from the manner in which she overrun Cinderella in a gallop on Wednesday, she would appear to have a big say in the settlement of the 4.K.C. Handicap, whatever she may afterwards do in the Cup. Victoria appears to have freshened up greatly during the week, and looks extremely well, and her stable mate Cannon also appears to be in the moat blooming health.

Daring the early part of the week it was rumoured that Mr. Stead had asked Mr. O'Brien to put a price on his two threeyear - olds Sextant (by Kobinson Crusoe —Sunshine) and Gipsy King (by Le Loop— Gitana), so that turfites were fully prepared for the announcement yesterday that the colts had changed bands. The price paid by Mr. Stead for the, pair was, I understand, £2400, which will leave Mr. O'Brien a good round sum on the right side of the ledger, for he purchased Gip&y King as a two-year-old out of a selling race for 330 guineas, while he secured Sextant as a yearling for 165 guineas., With three such "daisies" as Maxim, Sextant, ana Gipsy King to do battle on his behalf in the three-year-old contests Mr. Sfcoad certainly holds a very powerful hand, and if I hear aright he intends to make fnl luse of them, as I understand that they will lie shipped to Australia after the A.K.C. Meeting. They are all heavily engaged on the other side of the water, but it is a matter for regret that Maxim's name is missing from the list of nominations for the Champion Stakes. Very little business has been transacted over the Auckland Cup during the week, and, indeed, there does not appear muoh prospect of any improvement in this respect. In the early part of the week 100 to 50 was offered against Nejson for the Cap, but was not accepted, though had it been offered a day later it would have been eagerly snapped up. sto 4 may now be said to be his prioe, while 5 to 2 can be had about Sextant,. Victoria is quoted at 8 to 1, and 10 to 1 dan be had about either Lady Norah or Leorina. On the double (Cup and Steeplechase), 8 to 1 has been freely accepted about Nelson and Silvio.

Though it has been freely stated that Uranus will not come up to fulfil his engagement in the Auckland Steeplechase, I hear from another quarter that a box has been secured for him at on of the Green-lane stables. Uranus is, I notice, amongst the acceptors fo:' the Hurdle Race to be run at Napier on Boxing Day, but he can falls! that engagement, and still bo amongst the starters for the Auckland race, though it would certainly be cutting mutters rather fine.

The general opinion appears to be that Clogs and Greeumount have been very daintily handled by the Thames handi<cappers, and from what 1 can see the various handicaps appear to be pretty well at their meroy. Shotover also reads "double distilled goods for the Hurdle Race, and he and his stable mate Falcon read a very dangerous pair for the Steeplechase. Acceptances and general entries are due on Monday next. With Nelson, Maxim, and Sextant representing separate interests there seemed a good prospect of the weight-for-age racss at the Auckland Raoing Club's meeting bringing about some great battles, but now that the two threcyaar-olds will both carry the yellow jacket of Mr Stead, the contests will be robbed of much interest. Tetford being an absentee from the tracks for several mornings, it was generally concluded that the son of Musket had gone amiss, but he made his appearance again yesterday, and, so far M could be judged, is still sound. ' " * The privileges of the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting were sold yesterday by Messrs. Tonka andUarr (Mr. D. B. Tonks officiating), and the following' prices were realised: —Lean to bar back of grsnd«tM>d» ,£l3O. G. B. . Martin grandstand bar and dining-rooms, 10210s, G. B. Howard; No,

1 booth, £75, L. Adams; No. 2 booth, £50, J. Gillauders; No. 3 booth, £30; Whitehead; No. 4 booth, £44, G. B. Howard. Four-Good Templar booth*, £7 eaoh, Mrs.. Hunt; card#, £200, W. Adams; stabling, £8 10«, Gorman. The Musket-Mersey colt Carbine, for whom Mr. O'Brien paid a high figure at the the Sylvia Park sale last January, carried the "rose and blaok stripes " for the first time yesterday, at Canterbury, when he won the Two-year-old Plate. The Takapuaa Jookey Club intend to have two days' racing on the occasion of their Summer Meeting, January 28 and 30 being selected as the dates. The add«d money will, I understand, be close upon £700.

The steeplechaser, Guy Fawkes is begining to look something like himself again, and if he stands his preparation all right, will, I think, have,a look in for the Auokland Steeplechase,

The annual sale of Mrs. Walters' yearlings has been fixed to take place on Saturday, the 31st December, and that of the Sylvia Park yearlioga will be on January 4.

It is reported that Mr. F. F, Dakin has deemed it advisable to give the oostly New Zealander, Silver Prince, a spell, and with this object the son of Anteros—Sylvia will be sent up to Kilmany Park, the estate of his owner, the Hon. W. Pearson.

It very rarely happens that a selling race produoes suoh keen competition as the Hawkesbury Selling Plate did. The favourite, Teddy Yuille, and Paladin finished so olose together that the judge was unable to separate them, and a dead-heat was returned. In the run-off the pair remained locked together from the jump, and after a desperate finish Teddy Y mile won by a short head. The Sportsman states that Mr. Oxenham has since sold Teddy Ynille for £100.

Mr. F. F. Dakin is pressing forward his team of two-year olds, and on a reoent morning Aamodeus states that Maid of Honour's half-sister Preoedence and Martini-Henry's sister Forest Queen shaped very nioely in a half-mile spin. Beryl, the sister to Nordenfeldt, is also beginning to spurt, and Waterman is also learning to place his best foot foremost.

A whole lot of Fordham anecdotes have been let loose by the death of the great horseman. The beat Fordham story I know concerned him (says a writer) and old Dr. Shorthouse—a very hard hitter in his paper, the Sporting Times, and not always a fair one. He bad a down on Fordham, who, after a lot of very warm abuse in the Sporting Times, happened to come aorosa the old doctor on Lewes Downs, both mounted if you please. Says George to the doctor, " You've been at me again, have you ? It would serve you right if 1 gave you a good hiding. And so 1 would," says George, " only " —and here he landed the doctor a tremendous whack on the back with his hunting crop—" your age protects you. It's your age protects you—whackyour agewhack— age, I say—whack—protects you—whack—whaok—whack." So Fordham went on respecting the doctor's seniority, and punctuating with the hunting crop, till old Shorthouse was very sore on the skin. After that Shorthouse somehow formed a better opinion of the great horseman.

A correspondent to the Field, signing him* self "Sport," and writing from Colombo, Ceylon, on the 19 eh of September, reports the following unique case:—"A bay mare, Berlina, granddaughter of Stookwell, aged 3 years, was brought up here from Australia in March last. She won two races on the hills in April, and was trained for the chief events at our annual meeting in August. She was galloped, sweated more than any horse in training, and yet the ' fat* did not coma off. On 15th August, carrying 10at 91b, she won the Government Cup, one mile, in a common canter, beating a large field. On the 17th she started for the Turf Club Plate, two miles, got oif with a bad start, and went round all the way, finishing nowhere, in evident distress. The following morning she was found to be 'in pains,' and died undelivered on the Friday, three days after. The musoles inside the pelvis were so developed that it was impossible to get the hand'on to the foal, A fine colt of eight months was found in perfect position. There is no veterinary surgeon in Colombo, and the mare's state was suspected by no one but a doctor, who was also an owner. 1 fancy this is the first time it has ever been recorded that a mare cairrying an eight months' foal won a good race in good time." The death of George Fordham has reminded one of his admirers of a remarkable passage in the treatise on Horses and Horse Racing, by Samuel Chifney—a book by the way which is now rather rare. According to this prince of jockeys, as the horse comes to the last extremity, finishing his race, he is the better forced and kept straight with kindness and with fine touching* of his mouth. In this situation the horse's mouth should be eased of the weight of his rein ; if not it stops him more or less. If a horse be a "slug " he should be forced by his rider's manner up to the style of running, and particularly bo if he has to make play, or he will run the slower and jade the sooner for want of it. Chifney further says that the phrase at Newmarket in his day was that you should hold your horße together, so an to ease him in running. But, be adds, " when horses are in great distress they cannot face that visible manner of pulling ; they must be allowed to ease themselves an inch at a time, as their situation will allow, This should be done as though you had a silken rein as fine as hair, and was afraid of breaking it."

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. W. Clifford, the well known jookey, is on Ids way to Auckland. Acceptances and nominations for the Thames races are due to-night. Alec Sutherland has, I understand, been engaged to ride Victoria in the Auckland (Jap. .Nominations for the prinoipal events of the Waipu Jockey Club's Meeting are due today. It is stated that Mr. R. Mason left Christokuroh on Thursday for Auokland, with Maxim, A good many persons bold a high opinion of Allegro's chance in the Auokland Steeplechase.

The Curragh Cesarewitch, on, Ootober 18, was won by Little Widow, a daughter of Ingomar and Sprite. One of the finest built two-year-olds at Flemington is - Hortenae's brother, Paragon, now doing slow work. Nominations for the principal events of tho Warkworth Racing Club's Meeting are due on Saturday, 24th inst. The Sportsman understands that the Duchess of Montrose has refused £18,000 for fourteen yearlings. Slander (dam of Billingsgate and Foul Shot) missed last season to Nordenfeldt, and has this year been mated with Hippocampus. ' R. Derritt will, I understand, come op to Auckland by first steamer for the purpose of riding Sextant in bis Auckland engagements. . Victoria's brother, Memorandum, has been showing a bit of pace in his gallops during the present week, and appears to be the making of a smart colt. Queen Mary, dam of Sheet Anchor, has thrown a filly foal, —Zillah (dam'of Tasman) a filly, and Kdella (dam of Malua) oolt, all being got by St. Albans. Alec Sutherland, the well known jookey, has, I understand, fully made up his mind to try his fortune in America, and intends leaving here next autumn. Mr. W. Weston, the well-known bookmaker, has shaken the dust of New Zealand off his feet, and intends to take up his residence in Sydney in the cash betting line. Trenton and his half-brother Niagara have both been doing good work at Randwiok, but it is not expected that the latter will be seen out before the V.R.U, Autumn Meeting. Dreamers are already turning their attention to the next Duuedin Gup. " Mazeppa" reports the first effort, which points to Lochiel as the winner of the Southern Handicap. There was some talk of Friendship being purchased by the patrons of J. Ghaafe's stable, but the sale did not come off. The daughter of Reprieve has, I understand, been put to King Cole. ' A telegram from the South states that J. F. Le Sueur, the bookmaker, has filed his schedule. The extent of his liabilities have not transpired, bat I understand that they run into » few thousands. Mr. W. Lyons' Figtree was a good deal fancied for the Summer Handicap, run at Hawkesbury on December 3, but he could only get third. Had he won Mr. Lyons would have landed a fair stake. . The Egmont Racing Club have fixed the dates of their autumn meeting for February 22 and 23. The total amount to be given away in added money is the good sum of £655, the big event of the meeting being the > Kgmont Handicap of 175#0?f1,

, George Fordham, of whose death we heard recently by cabled was buried oh October 8 at Plough. The casket which enclosed the remains bore the following inscription "George Fordham, died Oct. 12, 1887, in his 51st year. 'Tis the pace that kills." Death o* the Diver.-—" Augur" reports the death of the Diver, which took plaoe on November 26, at the De Cameron Stud. Ths Diver was by Maribyrnong out of Gwendoline, and was the sire of several good horses, inoluding Grace Darling, the winner of the Caulfield Cup. The following were the winning mounts for the season of the principal English jockeys when the last mail left London :— Wood, 128; G. Barrett, 93; Watts, 92; Loates, 74; F. Barrett, 64; Cannon, 51; Robinson, 51; Fagon, 44; Rickaby, 40; Martin, 40; Webb, 31. They are suspending some of the oraok jockeys at home sharply enough now. George Barrett had to suffer at Newmarket at the seoond October meeting, being oora« polled to stand down till the Houghton meeting. This was for crossing when his mount was not two lengths ahead of his opponent. There are some very clever piokpooketa about Melbourne (writes a correspondent), and of course they do not forget to patronise the races. On the oonoluding day at Ben* digo one metallioian had, a roll of notes amounting to £150 snatched out of hia hand, and another penciller had £40 and a cheque for £150 purloined in the same manner. One of the bookmakers was an ex-sergeant of police.

A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING-ACCEPT-ANCES AND NOMINATIONS. The following acceptances in connection with the Auokland Racing Club's Summer Meeting were received yesterday Great Northern Dkrbv, of 750sovs. at lb Mr. G. G. Stead's bo Maxim, by Musket —Realisation ... .... 8 10 Mr. Chaafe ns b f Bangle, by Musket —Locket ... -... 8 7 Mr. G. G. Stead's b or br o Sextant, by Robinson Crusoe—Sunshine ... 8 10 Mr. William Somerviile's br f Batista, by Musket —Ouida ... 8 7 Mr. J. Robertson's oh f Miss Alioo, by LeotinußPetroleuse 8 7 Mr. A. Sutherland's oh g Paddy, by Anteros—Atalanta ... ... .. 810 Great Foal Stakes, of 300iovs. st lb Mr. Jared Allwell's bo Forest King, by Feve—Memento 8 10 Mr. William Walters' br f Muskarina, by Musket—Hipporlna ... ... 8 7 if. xxr k* „ n,,;........

Mr. W. Somerville's far o Cuirasseur, by Musket—Frailty ... 8 10 Mr. W. tiomerviUe'o bp £ Hilda, by Muaket—Ouida _ ... ... 8 7

Mr. Ja. Kean us bo Braemar, by Musket— Erycioa , 8 10 Mr. J. Chaafe nsbo Tartar, by Musket—Steppe ... m ... —8 10 A.B.C. Handicap.—One mile and a quarter. St. lb. at. lb. Tetford .... 8 12 Fusee ... 7 1 Lady Norah... 8 6 Tennyson ... 611 Wapiti .. 7 12 Miss Alioe ... 6 0 Antelope .-7 8 Memorandum 6 0 Batista ... 7 1 Leorina 6 0 The following nominations were also re* ceived — Maiden Plate of 80aovs.—Pikau, Haricot, Fusee, Miss Alioe, Sir Walter, On Guard, W. E. Gladstone, Memorandum. Handicap Hurdles of lOOsovs — ovsr, Oorai, Isaac, Silvio, Sirloin, Magnesia, Peter Osbeok, Uranus, Shillelagh. Selling Back of 50aovs (first day).— Bangalore, The Cat, Capella, Briseis. Railway Platk of SOiovs.— Formo,

Paddy, Man Friday, Cinderellla, Nelson, Muskarina, Lady Alice, Sextant, Bangle. New Year's Hurdl*. Rack of lOOaova. — Don, Sbotover, Ma Petite Fill*, Isaac, Silvio, Sirloin, Peter Osbeok, Uranus, Shillelagh, Cora).

Selling Race of 50«ovb (second day).— Wairarapa, GOaovs; Tnipaki, nil; Mermaid, nil; Briaeia, 50sovs; Friendship, 150« ova ; Green Mount, 60sovn; Wapiti, lOOiova; Cat, nil ; Capella, 50« ova ; Kewi,- 50bovs : Weasel, 50iova ; On Guard, lOOiovs ; Ootopas, nil.

Mid3ummbr Stakes, of 150sov».—Cushla, Cuirasseur, Hilda, Lovebird colt, Man Friday, Muskarina, Pearl Shell, Braemar, Forest King, Rataplan. Newmarket Handicap, of lOOjovs.— Flintlock, Haricot, Batista, Lioness, Catesby, Formo, Fusee, Paddy, Greenmount, Antelope, Lady Alice, Capella, Sextant, Brown Rose, Bangle, Tennyson, Cinderella.

Selling Hurdle Race, of SOaova.Wide* awake, Fair Play, Black Joe.

Criterion Handicap of 80sov«.— look, Tennyson, Batista, Lioness, Catesby, Fusee, Formo, Paddy, Cinderella, Greenmount, Wapiti, Tamora, Capella, Lady Alice, Miss Alice, Sir Walter, W. E. Gladstone, Memorandum, Bangle.

Grand Stand Handicap of lOOsovq.— Balista,. Formo, Friendship, Clogs, Antelope, Tamora, Capella, Miss Alice, Leorina, Sir Walter, Lady Norah, Tetford, Victoria, Cannon.

Nurseuy Handicap of lOOiova.—Cushla, Cuirasseur, Hilda, Lovebird colt, Man Friday, Raglan, Muikerina, Pearl Shell, Braemar, Tartar, Forest King.

Auckland Plate of 20010vs.—Nelson, Sextant, Maxim, Victoria, Bangle.

Selling Race of lOOaova (third day).— Artist (nil), Tupaki (oil), Clogs (nil), Pikau (£100), Harioot (nil), Catesby (£SO), Paddy (£150), Cinderella (£150), Green Mount (nil), Wapiti (£100), Capella (nil), Boomerang (nil), Brown Rose (nil), Rewi (nil).

Novel Stakes of Bangalore, Marmaid, The Cat, On Guard, Weazel, Briaeis.

Victoria Handicap of lOOaova.—Flintlock, Tennyson, Balista, Lioneaa, Fusee, Paddy, Friendship, Cinderella, (Jreen Mount, Antelope, Tamora, Oapella, Leorina, Mian Alice, Sextant, Lady Norah, Tetford, Bangle Cannon, W. E; Gladstone.

NAPIER NOTES. Hastings, December-9. The weights for the Hawke's Bay Jookey Club's Meeting have been published, and one and all agree in condemning them as being the worst production in the shape of handicaps they have ever seen. There is no sense or reason in them. Out of the seventeen horses in the Hastings Handicap (2 miles) there are only five that have a hundred to one show; and, if Waltiri is as well as she was in Auckland last year, she must romp home with only Bst 91b on her. Pearl is also very well in the Christmas Handicap; and, as she is looking and going better than anything else, she should about win. The Napier Park Racing Club have de* aided to hold their Autumn Meeting on the 23rd and 24th of March. As the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club hold their meeting on the 16th and 17 th of March, and give £1970 away as added money, and the Park Club are sure to have a good programme, it should induce horseowners from other provinces to nominate largely. The Park Club also decided to hold their Winter Meeting on the , 24th May,—[Own Correspondent,]

THE CHRI3TCHURCH RACES. fBY**ICLKGRAFH.-iESS ASSOCIATION.] Christohproh, Friday. i; The Tattersall'a Race meeting to-day was poorly attended. The following are the results

Hurdle Raoe of 75sovs. One and three-

;. : quarter miles, Mr. H, Vallance's Mac, lOst 2lb 1 Mr. P. Butler's Secretary, 10st 7lb ... 2 Mr. H. Lunn's Tree Sec, list 71b ... 3 Mammooft, 10st 41b, also started. Time, 3min 28aeo, Dividend,- £2 6s and £2 8s 6d. Polo Pont Raoe of 25sovs. Four furlongs. Mr. A. M. Cox's Pashaw, 12st 101b .... 1 Mr. A. W. Bennett's Rosebud, 12st 101b 2 Mr. C. H. Lascelles' Fra Oiavolo, list 71b , M „ 3

Time, 48seo. Dividends, £1 18s and £1 19s 6d.

Tattersall's Club Cop of 200sovs. One

mile and a quarter. Mr. G. G. Stead's Russley, Bit 51b ... 1 Mr. W. C. Webb's Ruby, 7st 111b 2 Mr. G. G. Stead's Bereßford, 7st 91b ... 3 Marlborough, Marmion, Patrician, and Lion also started. Won comfortably by a length. Time, 3 min Usee. Dividends, £1 13s 6d and £1 12s.

Corinthian Handicap, of 50 sovs. One

Mr. G. G. Stead's Chantilly, 13ab 51b ... 1 Mr. G. B. atarkey'b Premier, 12st 101b... 2 Mr. J. A. Butler's Teddy, 12at 101b ... 3 Parihaka and Presto also started. Time, lmia slsec, Dividends,* £3 Is 6d, and £2 12« 6i.

Disposal Stakes, of 50 sovs. Four furlongs. Mr. Primmer's Emma, Byra ... 1 Mr. W. Russell's Presto, 6yr« ... ... 2 Mr. W. Russell's Arcade, syra 3 Arcade was disqualified for being under weight. Six others started. Time, lmin 52£seo. *"

Anniversary Handicap, 100 sovs. Six

furlongs. Mr. G. G. Stead's Rua&io>, 9at 51b ... 1 Mr. P. Butler's Marlborough, 7at 51b .„ 2 Mr. W. C. Webb's Ruby, Set 21b .„. 3 Molly tiawn, Rose and Black, College Boy, Credulity, and Sprintjston also started. Timr, lmin Dividends, £1 17# and £2 10s. Hopkfol Stakes of 75aovs. Five furlongs. Mr. D. O'Brien's Carbine, Bsfc 101b ... 1 Middle Park Company's Ravensoraig, Sat 51b... ... 2 Mr. G. G. Stead's Rainbow, Bsb 51b ... 3 Adulation and Parvula also started. Time, lmin ssec.

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

FIXTURES. AQUATICS. January 29—Auckland Annual Regatta February 11—Kemp v. Clittord, Championship at tM World March—World's Sonllln* Carnival at Sydne ' April—Qanlan v. Clifford. £200 a-*lde.

CR/CKKT. Deo 17.—Auckland A v. Auckland B Gordon t, United Hollands v. Farnell Auckland 11. ▼. Alpha Gor lon 11. t. National

Hollands 11. v. Waitamata Onehunga v. United It.

AQUATICS. During the past week the prevalent topio of conversation among boating men has been the regatta held last week under the direction of the Rowing Association, and the good, bad, or Indifferent form displayed by the several competitors, The big form shown by the Ponaonby Club, and its success in

carrying off four out of the Biz races for which its representatives competed, though causing some surprise to those who have been taking only a superficial interest in rowing matters this season, could not by any means be unexpected by those who have watched the doings of the various clubs. The victories won by the " maroon and golds" are all well deserved, for as soon as they deoided to enter for the regatta, a systematic and regular course of training and practice was instituted by -the whole of the orewa, and the oarsmen have considerable thanks to render to Mr. J. Curriefor his careful coaching, and Mr. J. MoDermott for the strict manner in which he kept them up to the mark in re- | gard to training. Of the other clubs, St. George's is to be congratulated on the improved form showu by its crews, and the good gig racea which they rowed, although they had not been in possession of their new string test much more than a week. North Shore, although suppoied to be the "dark horses " who were to carry off a good many events, failed to justify any such rumour, and, althbugh placing themselves in a couple of races, carried off only one, the Senior Whaleboata, for which their old opponents, the Waitemata, gave them a good struggle. The Waitemata and the West End crews on the. whole showed a considerable lack of training..: This was apparent in. the manner in which the former's maiden crew got done in' the first race. On paper this** crew looked to have an easy viotory, judging from their physique and previous experience in rowing, yot they oould not get nearer than fourth. Their confreres in the junior race told a different tale, and won all the way. Of the West End the senior crew was greatly fancied for the Champion Race, and should have had a big say in it. Their condition was, however, not sufficient for the distance, in addition to whioh the big burst made by them at the start cracked them up before they had got three parts of the way. I have heard some complaints about the difficulty of steering the West End gig with a northerly wind, but even allowing for that, no half trained orew can hope to win a race over a two-mile course, starting at the rate of over 40 strokes to the minute. However, the regatta throughout was by far the moat sue cessful that the Association have yet carried out, and the inclusion of the Champion Gig Race in the programme did much to awaken public interest and cause a large attendance, and it now lies with the various olubs, by going in for steady training and making every effort to send a good orew in proper fettle for each race, to make these rowing regattas a permanent and popular annual institution, In regard to the races last Saturday, the anticipations of the various results whioh I made in this column turned out singularly successful, as of eight races ' dealt with, no leas than seven winners were chosen, while in the Maiden Gigs, in which I tipped Ponsonby, that crew had the bad luck to braak two oars while in a good position and going strongly.

Matches have been arranged • between Hanlan and Clffford for £200 a-side, over the Championship course on the paramatta, to take place two months' after the latter's racq with Peter Kemp, on February 11. Hanlan has also challenged Kemp for the Championship and £500, and a match will, probably eventuate about the same time as mentioned above. The challenge thrown out by Triokett to row on the Fitzroy has been accepted by Hanlan, bob no specific date for the contest is yet fixed. At * well-attended general meeting of the Auckland Rowing Club, held at the Imperial

Hotel, lass night, the following gentlemen were'plected. as officers for the ensuing season Captain, Thoa. Henderson ; secretary,' R. W. St. Clair ; treasurer, "W. G. Phillip son; ' committee, J. Baker, C. C. r Daore, R. Hogg, A. Lang, and R. O. Younghusband. It was also decided to remit the entrance fee for the present season,which will thus enable all intending members to join the club for ,the comparatively small subscription of £1. The report of the provisional committee was unusually favourable, showing » membership of over 60,—and, as the sheds are now approaching completion, all oarsmen should avail themselves of the opportunity now presented. Both boats and shed will be ready for use before the expiration of the current month. The Auckland Yacht Club will rendezvous off the Queen-street Wharf at half-past two p.m. to-day, for the purpose of going through a series of evolutions in company. It is expected there will be a large master of yaohts belonging to the olub, and with a nice breeze the evolutions, if well exeonted, should prove an interesting sight. The sailing signals will be given from the Commodore's yacht Matangi, and also from the vice-commodore's yacht Ariel. The following signals will be used :—l, in line, ensign at peak ; 2, abreast, two divisions, two flags at peak; 3, in line four abreast, two flags at masthead; 4, go about, flag at peak and flag at masthead ; 5, all abreast, flag at masthead ; 6. dismissal, dropping ensign from peak. Yaohts then pass to windward of Commodore, and salute while passing. The St. George's Rowing Club hold their trial five contests at Judge's Bay this afternoon, and five crews will compete.

CRICKET. One of the biggest scores made this season was made last week by the United in their first contest with Auckland A." This match was commenced on Saturday last, United winning the toss, eleoted to bat. At the call of time they had lost 6 wickets for 194Yates 82, ktemson 41 (not out), and Lynch 27 being mainly instrumental in bringing about this result, The first-named has to thank the kindness of the fieldsmen for his large score, while Stemson, who made some fine hits in his total, was rather fortunate in having to bat while the bowlers were handicapped in having to bowl with a wet ball. In was agreed to continue the matoh on Tuesday afternoon, but the weather turning out very wet, the game was postponed till Thursday afternoon. vVheu it was continued a decided improvement was shown in the field, and consequently the remaining 4 wickets were obtained for an addition of 14 runs only, the innings closing for 208. The A.C.C. commenced by sending in Morrison and Neill, but the first-named soon auocumbed to a yorker from the fast bowler, and Neill was shortly afterwards caught oat at long-leg by C. MacCormick, who was fielding as substitute. The catch was a magnificent one. Messrs. Richards and Atkinson played out time. O'Brien came off the best of the A.C.C. bowlers, as the analysis showed, and 1 am pleased to note the improvement in this energetic cricketer's bowling. The match will probably be concluded after the holidays are over. The following are the scores :—

UNITKD.—First Innings. R. J. Yates, b O'Brien .. ... „ .. 82 A. I>. oriuick, b Basle „ ... ..4 D. l.ynoh, b O'Brien .. ... .. .. 27 J. Testro, b lieale .. _ _ ... 5 •V. stemsou, b Beale .. .. .. -.42 W. Harvie, b O'Brien .. ~ ... ..10 0. Haivie, c Richards, b Beale .. .. ... 1 f. Clay i on, stpd Devres, b O'Brien .. -.6 W. Hawkins, c sub., b O'Brien ... .. _ 8 J. Mnmford, not oat, .. .. „ .. & 0. Gioosoa, b O'Brien ... — „. ..0 Extras .. — — .. ..18 Total - .» .. .. *208 AUCKLAND.— Innings. • A. Morrison, b htemaou .. .. ~5 It. Neili, c sub ,bA. D. MacCormlck .. „ 4 Ker. L Richards, not out .. _ ..8 A. Atkinson, not out ... .. .. .. 1 Kxtras -. ... . .. «. 1 Total for 8 wickets.. ... .. .. 19 Bowling Analysis, Name. Overs. Mdns. Bans. Wkts. A. Morrison .. 26 13 20 0 A. M. Scale ... 88 7 82 4 A. Howard _ 5 0 19 0 0. K. Reid ..9 4 13 0 A. O'Brien .. 21.2 3 50 6 1 must again draw the attention of secretaries of oinbs to the rule that unless the names of their elevens be forwarded to the Herald Office not later than Wednesday evening in each week they will not be published. The disarrangement of the pro-* gramme, and finishing matches during the week has doubtless led to some little confusion, but the teams can easily be chosen in time. The following will represent Holland in their matches, on Saturdays, 17 th and 24 th instant:—Holland First v. Parnell: Beard, Berry, Brighton, Holle, Hobson, King, E. Mills, 6. Mills, Thomas, Walker, Whiteside. Holland Second v. Waitemata: J. B. Mell, E. Mell, C. Sefton, 6. Sexton, J. Mills, A. Rowe, W. Rowe, Morgan, Burfoot, Breeze, Murphy. Holland Third v, Onehunga United: Beard, Austin, Payne, Watson, Cantell, Wheatley, Waring, Henn, Holt, Wakerly,

Auckland—"A" Team: J. Araeii, A. Atkinson, A. M. Beale, K. Blair, A. E. Dawes, A. Morrison, R. Neill, A. O'Brien, 0. F. Reid, Rev. I. Richards, and A. C. Stewart. "B '* Team :E. 0. Beale, W. Clendinnen, F. Earl, C. Gardner, J. Gill, M. 11. Laird, J. Lindsay, 1). Martin, H. A. Morey, J. J. Roach, and W. Wynyard.

Auckland 2nd 11 v. Alpha.-'A. Bell, H. Courtayne, E. Hudson, C. lfwerson, A. McDonald, J. McDonald, W. McGregor, W. Mcintosh, H. Perring, G. Plummer, %nd A, Seocombe. Emergencies: F. Browne, W. Bruce, and J. Scott. Alpha : McDermott, Collins, Angus, Roberts, Grinrod, Done, Kilpatrick, .Newton, Stevenson, Taylor. Emergencies: Morrow, and McGregor.

It is proposed that a matoh be shortly played in Sydney between a representative Australian eleven and a team chosen from the members of Shaw, and Shrewsbury's, and Vernon's English teams. Such a match would be a big contest, and with good weather the result would be very difficult to determine, as the opponents would be very evenly matched.

MISCELLANEOUS. Thoi'e in a proposal afoot for the amalgamation of the Amateur Athletic Club and the Wftiit; ciata Bicycle (Hub into one conoern, rindnr the name of the Athletio and 'Cycling Cicib, Theaa two have for the past three yea being working in unison, and holding their sports in conjunction, with beneficial results to both, so there is not the alighteos raaion why they should not prosper equally as well under on« organisation. The matter has been most favourably considered by the executive* and members of each club, and will most likely be given effect to at a meeting to be called for the purpose shortly. In reply to " Pedestrian," Thames, I can inform t ins that when Jew O'Brien, the Australian long distance runner, did the mile in 4tnin &3£iee it was in a handicap ratio, for whit/h foe started from ooratoh, giving Jack O'Connor, the wall and runner, 20 yards nud a number of local men varioas longer starts. O'Connor made the pace and ran through his men, and held a strong lead on-beginning the last lap, when O'Brien went up at a terrific pace and caught him at the entrance t;o the straight, and after a great struggle won by a yard in the time'mentioned, the la.st half-mile being got over in the great time of lmin 57see.

The final deposit foe the 100 yards race for the championship of Auckland, between S. Goodliffe and J. Pickering, is to be paid in to Mr. Gallagher, at the Imperial Hotel,- this evening. The race will be run on the 24th inst.

CYCLING. Fred* Wood, the champion bicyclist of the world, has now completed arrangements with the Pioneer Bioyole Club, of Cbristohnroh, to visit here to compete against the best amataurs of New Zealand on Boxing Day and December 27 at Lancaster Park. Ha will ride in three events, viz,, One, Five, and Ten Miles Soratoh Teat Races. The total money offered for the prizes in these three races amonnts to £100, Fred. Wood will meet as his opponents, besides the colonial champions, Messrs W. Brown, » noted amateur of and probably Fenlon and Herbert May amateurs, 4 also of England, so that the public will have an opportunity of witnessing a cycling competition not likely to occur again for some time. Wood and Brown are expected to arrive in Chriatchurch in about a week's time. Messrs Penlon and Mayes have already reached Christohuroh. . ,

The following reoord of Wood's performances will be of interest to local wheelmen, as it is quite on the cards that he will visit Auokland and take part in some races here before the summer is outHe oommenoed racing in 1879 as an amateur, and won many important events during "that season. In 1880 he joined the professional ranks, and in a six day's woe, of twelve hours a da;, he

covered the remarkable distance of 901 miles, the first day's ran being 183 miles without a dismount. In 1881 he won the Great Wolver-, hampton Handicap of fifty guineas, betides many of the other important races of that season. In 882 he ran a dead heat with Robert James for the Twenty five Miles Championship of the World, and on its being run over again there was another dead heat. The third time James won by a foot, the time for the distance being the best on record. In 1883, however, Wood turned the tables on his opponent by winning the One, Three, and Twenty Miles Championships. The latter he won three times, for which he holds a magnificent silver belt. He completed the twenty miles in the fast time of 59min 18i«ec, the last mile being done in 2min 31sec. He also won the Twenty* five and Fifty Miles championships. The fifty miles he completed in the %hen record time of 2hr 48min lOsec, In 1884 he won the One, Three, Twenty, Thirty, and B'iity Miles Championships. In 1885, he had the misfortune to fall and break his arm ?:hile training, but managed to win the Three, Ten, and Thirty Miles Championships. He then went to America, and won most of the principal events there, winning a mile handicap from soratoh in the record time of 2mio 35 2-sth seo, for which he was presented wito a fifty guinea gold chronograph by the Springfield Bioyole Club. In 1886 he won the One, Three, Ten, Twenty, Twenty five, Thirty, and Fifty Miles Championships at Leioester, England, and again journeyed to America. His first race there waß a Mile Handicap, which he won from scratch, in September last. This mile he completed in 2mm 33sec, the fastest time ever made in a mile race, and he was presented with a gold msdal by the Hartford Bicycle Club., fie also won a Three-mile Handicap' from scratch in the marvellous time of Bmin lOsec, besides numerous other events. With Robert James, the ex-cham-pion, he sailed from San Francisco for a tour through the Australian Colonies, and commenced racing at Sydney at the Highland Society's sports cn New Year's Day. In a five-mile raoe there he lowered the quartermile record for a grass track from 39seo to 33 and four-fifth sec. On Feb. 5 and 12 he met the pick of Australia's amateur riders, including Dwyer, Bennett, and C. R. Woods, For this event a fifty-guinea Cap was put up, or, if won by a professional, fifty guineas cash. Wood won, and chose the cup. At the great Amateur and Professional meeting in Melbourne, shortly after, he lowered the world's record for one mile (grass), completing the distance in 2min 45 2 sths seo, and also winning the Championship of Australia. He then visited Adelaide and competed with K. James the ex-Champion ; S. Clark, the Scottish Champion ; and G, Wyburd, Champion of New South Wales. _____ Jason,