ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9164, 20 September 1888, Page 6

ATHLETICS.

Football Sports.—On Saturday week the first sports meeting held under the auspices of the Auckland Rugby Union is to be held at the Tramway's Company's ground, Ep3om, and judging by the interest manifested in the project by the local kickists, it promises to be a great success. The programme of events, which has been already published in the Herald, embraces races, etc., for which all sorts and conditions of players can compete with a fair chance of success, while the fees, etc., have been fixed at so reasonable a figure that abundant nominations must be secured. As some alterations have been made in this scale of charges, it is well to mention that the entrances are : A.R.U. Cup, 100, 200, and 440 yards, 2s 6d ; 200 yards Hurdles, Is; One Mile, Is; Half-mile, Is; Drop and Place Kicking, 2s each ; Tug of War, 2s 6d per team ; Bicycle Races, 2s 6d each. The prizes are to be trophies suitable to the events, and will be in all events, well worth winning.

Cricket.—The Auckland Cricket Club will open the season on Saturday next, if the weather is favourable, by a practice match. Sides are to be chosen by the captain and vice-captain, and all members are invited to take part in the match, which will be played out, continuing until the Cup fixtures are started. The United Club also propose to begin operations by a game under similar conditions, so that a Targe attendance of knights of the willow will probably make the Domain busy on Saturday.

Gymnastic Competition.—At Professor Carrollo's gymnasium last night, the competition for gymnastic proficiency was decided, and resulted in a splendid contest between W. Russell and A. Hooper in feats of strength and grace, on the parallel and horizontal bars, Roman rings, trapeze, vaulting horse, &c. It was eventually decided in favour of W. Russell, with a score of 50A points, A. Hooper pressing him hard with"47i. In the middle weight boxing, J. R. Dickson failed fco pufc in an appearance, and the medal accordingly went to G. Paltridge.

Rowing.—The City Rowing Club held their annual meeting yesterday evening, and a good number of members were present, Mr. E. H» Montgomery presiding. The secretary read the report, and the treasurer the balance-sheet, both being adopted The latter showed the Club to be in a sound financial condition, as although the expenses exceeded the receipts by £2 16s 3d, the unencumbered assets were, at a low valuation, assessed at £73 17s Id. The election of officers resulted as follows :— Commodore, Mr. H. W. Henderson ; vicecommodore, Captain J. Nearing ; captain, Mr. E. H. Montgomery ; vice-cuptain, Mr. J. Evers; secretary, Mr. W. J. Evers; treasurer, Mr. W. H. Diggens ; committee, Messrs. J. Scott, G. Rowles, W. Brophy, C. Pennalligen, J. Evitt; auditors, Messrs. T. Taylor and H. Goldwater.