ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8162, 25 January 1890, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

FIXTUBES. AQ;BiITIC. February Fearn v. Stephenson (Championship of New'Zealamf). JUBILBE CELEBRATIONS. January 29,1890.—Aneklaad Jubilee Regatta, January 30, 1890.—Swimming Carnival and Maori Sport*. January 31, 1830.—Rowing Association, and Waor Canoe Places. February I,lß9o.—AttUetio Sports for Squadron. YACHTING. DtnttiKG the past week there has been quite a buzz «f aefcivky in all athletic circles, and all the various yachtsmen, oarsmen, pedestrians, and bikes are eagerly preparing for the great doings which are fixed to take plaoe next week, aad on all hands the various contests for the liberal prizes offered by the Jubilee committee are expected to be very keen. The first-class yacht race on Regatta Day is not likely to be such a good race as it should be considering the number of large craft that are owned in and around the harbour, and the absence of the Rita, Muritai. and Arawa from the race is deplored by all who take interest in the doings of the " mosquito fleet." The fact that the event has been privately arranged as a handicap will, however, cause it to be more of an even contest, and the relative merits of Dr. Hainess new yawl Ngaira and the wellknown Matangi will be observed with eagerness. The second class event will bring out a small field also, but as the four craft—the Tawera, Sprav, Mapa, and Aw&tea—are all clipp«rs, and nave not met in the same class previously, the race is looked forward to as a first-class cantest. The Mapu and Awatea are considerably smaller than their two opponents, but I fancy that with her time allowance the former will not be far out at the finish. For the third class event there is a good field of six, and the fact that there are three new craft to compete lends additional interest to the event. Mr. Jones's Matea is of the shallow centreboard type, while Messrs. MacCormioks' new craft Maia, which was Hunched yesterday evening, and a description of which appears elsewhere, is of what is popularly known as the " deep-sinker" style. The third new one, Mr. Kilfoyle's Tangaroa, is a sort of combination of the two styles— both deep and with lead on her keel, and also possessing a centreplate. The other competitors— Transit, and Manola —are well known to be fast boats, tne last named particularly holding an excellent reputation for past successes. I have received the following reply from a well-known " Yachtsman " to a query from " Ignotus," asking what were the advantages supposed to be possessed by a centreboard craft over a deep-keeled one in a four-ton race: —"The advantages whick a centoe board boat has over a keel boat are as follow,: That that the former, by lifting her plate, can pass over shallows that the deep keel boat must keep clear of. Frequently a race may be won by a vessel that can go into a shallow bay out of the tide. A centre board boat may thus be able to sail on a very much shorter course. Again, the friction of the keel cannnt be got rid of, but must be dragged along all the time; bat the centre board boai, when before the wiud, can pull up the plate and so obtain an advantage. There are other advantages; but the above are sufficient to show why in competitions with keel boats a centre board yacht should be compelled to keep her plate down all the time. It is a popular mistake that centre boards make a boat stiffer. The very reverse is the fact. If tlie board be drawn up, the boat can carry more sail. The plate enables the yacht to sail closer to the wind, but at the expense of her stability.'" As this question of lead keels v. centreboards is one of wide interest, I would like to draw tlie attention of both my correspondents to the following facts and queries : —Where arc the shallows which could be used in such a manner as desoribed by " Yachtsman " in the courses laid out for the Auckland Regatta ? I have heard it said that by keeping inside the Spit buoy off Devon port a shallow boat could gain a considerable advantage; this is, however, only available when the wind is easterly and the tide at flood, and so far as my recollection serves me, this device has hardly ever been practised in a race, the required conditions beinfj rarely favourable. The assertion that a shorter course can be thus sailed is surely a mistake, as the same turning points, etc., have to be rounded by all competitors. As a the friction of the keel cannot be got rid of, but must be dragged along all the time." Admitted that this is so in a run, when hauled on a wind the keelboat derives a much greater proportionate advantage on account of her extra stability, a fact that will be conceded by any experienced yachtsman. For instance, the Mapu was a centreboard boat, and her owner, whom I .take to be the best authority here on such matters, converted her into a deep-keeled craft 011 account of the benefit to be derived; also the new boat Maia, just constructed to Mr. Waymouth's design, was built as a centreboard boat, and at the last minute changed into a ''deep-heeler," certainly because of the expected superiority she would possess over her opponents in the coming regatta which were all known to be centreplate craft. For argument's sake I will admit that a centreboard boat in running with her plate up has a certain advantage, but on the other hand when she is compelled to keep it down she is considerably at a disadvantage, being much harder to steer owing to the plate causing her to yaw about. YV hen hauled on a wind the deep-leaded keel gives a great advantage over the centreboard, the extent of which only those who thoroughly understand the matter are able to form an adequate opinion. Again, take for instance, two 5-ton yachts. One is a " deep sinker," drawing say, 4 feet b' inches of water, tlie other a centreplate craft with a draft of about 2 feet, but with her plate down 6 feet 0 inches or 7 feet. Should the centreboard be sealed down, the boat with the lead keel can go into water 2 feet shallower than where her opponent dares to venture ; and not only that, but if she runs aground her crew can by jumping overboard shove her off, whereas should the centreboard boat meet with a similar mishap, she is virtually anchored, as the water would be too deep for her crew to attempt to push her over or off the obstacle, and they are debarred from lifting the plate according to the rules of the Auckland Yacht Club. In regard to the remarks of *' Yachtsman" about the centreboard not making a boat stiller, I coincide with his opinion; and altogether from the reasons given above, I think it willjbefjlearly seen by all unprejudiced minds that the boat with the lead keel has the advantage on her side, and, at all events, should certainly not claim any handicap from a flat boat with all her ballast inside. Apropos of the decision at Wellington to debar the Jessie Logan from competing iu tlie big yacht race because she was under tonnage, I am pleased to notice that in a similar ease the Auckland Regatta Committee adopted a more sportsmanlike action. In the race for "3-tonners" and upwards they accepted entries from boats less than three tons, but. allow no time allowance for anything under the limit advertised. It will be gratifying to Aucklanders generally, and the late owner and crew of the Jessie Logan, to see that she won her event easily, while another erstwhile Auckland crack, the Dream, was equally successful in defeating her Southern-built opponents. ROWING. The race for the champion whaleboats is one that is exciting much attention, and doubtless a desperate struggle for victory will take place between tlie various crews, particularly if those old opponents, the Waitematas and Haurakis find themselves near together in the van. The West End crew is a strong one, and should acquit itself well. lunderstandtliattheWaitaraandManukau crews, who will try their mettle to-day in the Waitara Regatta, have agreed that the winner shall compete in tlie Auckland event, and a formidable antagonist she will doubtless prove. 3n passant I have heard it queried frequently, " What induced the City Club to eater a crew at the last minute ?" and must confess that I was certainly surprised. The ccutests for the maidou and junior events brolight out fine fields, and will each be well worth watching. I hear the Thames crews are likely to bo very handy at the finish. For the Association and Auckland regattas the various clubs have all entered strong crews, and in one or two cases two crews from oue club are competing in the same race. The Champion Gig Race will no doubt be a splendid contest, no less than six crews having entered. The Waitemata orew, I believe, are going very strong, notwithstanding colds, etc., which are supposed to be playing havoc in the crew. The Ponsonby crew is also going well, and I hope to see a good finish between these two clubs. The other clubs, with the exception of Poverty Bay, of which I know nothing, are, in my opinion, hardly class enough to compete against Ponsonby and Waitemata. I near that the West End Rowing Club have borrowed the St. George's new whaleboat to complete in the Champion Race. If report is true, it will make a difference in the race, as from what I hear the boat is a regular clipper. The new gig ordered by the Auckland Rowing Club arrived last Monday, and is now lying in the club sheds. She is a beautifully finished boat, and reflects great credit on her builder, Mr. G. Norton, of Wellington. The St. George's Rowing Club are most unfortunate, and I am sure . will have the | sympathy of other clubs. Iu the loss of their j stecroar, it practically spoils their chance in i the whaleboat races, as it is impossible to procure another one in time. <

, j The Junior Gig crew } la „i proved form daring the last A*» i have no doubt they will make rt^ l *. * warm for the other crews thln SS tX The Maiden Whaleboa* * I have meant well in theirfrlf? of %W afraid that Nos. 2 and KrJ T?*'M J good form as the rest of the o»I tu, ? i * I may be mistaken, and trust ; ho * X be rewarded, for they all have «£.?■» l gether in practice. e BtUc k We J It is a great pity that there a , O entries for the Senior Bona fid. not 1 land, West End, and StoJSJ&V * only entries. However, now til? th* * land Rowing Association are amiT * rules of the Association, we 8 h!?i ndln * entries, no doubt, next retrain Bee *k . The Scullers Handicap Ya^-ii k, interesting race, but I think the fiLl 5 be able to give most of them To,* • 1 two miles It it be a tine day A * Braooth, Farqnhar in big light lLr e ** make them all go pretty fast for £t* * The City Rowing Club have «~. ikely crews training, and thev m« ,! } hardens time, anf try JSg* i NEW YACHTS. Two additions to the laree varhr j in Auckland waters were launched r«' * and will compete in the Jubilee ft K ' 4 f. the 4-ton class. One is the Ta£ar«M ? * the order of Mr. T. Kilfoyll bv' U ? Logan, of the North Shore. She ' ' * under four tons, and is of a shapely" $ her style being a combination of th ™ keel and centre-board types She h of lead on her keel, and her dime,* h:tt • Length on load-water line, 24 ee t • l n ; 30 feet; extreme beam, 7 feet 7 inch* % will carry a heavy spread of «.* J mainsail (made by Boyd) measurin.• I*? 18 feet; foot, 25 feet; hoist, 15f.«fV- **> The Tangaroa will probably have hV" cruise this afternoon. The Maia h * Mr. J. Waymouth, junr., and diig!J» Mr. J. Waymouth, senr., to the f * Messrs. W. and. D. MacCormick V launched last evening. She is 0 J&X* same size as the Tangaroa, her measure* being: Length on load-water line oVX* overall, 30 feet; extreme beam 7 foJ» inches. She has a lead keel of 3(Wl" possesses a schooner bow and a nice' V. counter stern. The canvas spread will extra large, and the sails were made bv n nolds. Tlie mainsail measures- R&& feet; head, IS feet 6 inches; foot, "if inches. The Maia will be out this if' noon. ** : ATHLETICS. Though there is not much being said about the athletic races in the Domain ' Saturday next, the three events for thel '' amateurs are certain to be splendid conii ' For the Quarter-Mile event P.. B Ln? Hutchinson, M. H. Laird, and A. C Coffi ' and Smith, are training hard, and even i there were no other starters than this ai tette, the struggle for victory must bear tierce one. c Regarding the wheel races, the handle* of which were given in yesterday's Herh' I hear that the intending very well satisfied with Mr. Cooper's seal.*' starts, and that nearly all the enteral*; accept this evening. Judging bv the fc* struegles in previous events, the "bii« should furnish some of the most pw! items in the day's proceedings. SWIMMING. The carnival at the Calliope Dock is »* ing considerable interest amongst swings men, and the visit of Professor PanS the city has given quite an impetus to* branch of athletics. Many of our best a are vigorously training, and a deal of Veo lation is being indulged in as to the lit, winners. For the championship of New & land, quarter-mile, Bailey is greatly farrii his time at the baths being particularly «? and being well-known as a flyer, his fry swear by him. Duthie is undergoing hri work every morning, under James McIV mott's hands, and if staying is the requisj quality, Duthie will be all there. Leoilva and Nicholson have both a great say in tic event, having improved very much lately The Calliope Handicap of 150 yards is 11 open event, so far as " spotting" the winne is concerned, but I am inclined to tunc McMillan, A. Goklwater, or Dacre. ft Citizens' Handicap, for which theie are on 40 starters, will prove an interesting rw but the number of men will prove a gr e ; obstacle to the scratch men's chance of «■ ting through. Madigan is looked upon j very dangerous, while Smith. Taylor, ad Missen are all considered to be well ia i this event. The prize for the Champion Long Dm 3 thought by many to be the property of & Gittos already, but as he has one or two hi rivals to contend against, things iruj a turn out so favourable for him. McMs is exceptionally good in this line, is "another Richmond is in the field "in person of the Premier of Tonga's pros secretary, who, having already acfei laurels in his island home, has determineda acquire more. He will, however, I fan, find some foemen well worthy of his steeL The Jubilee Handicap of 300 yards is bit event, bringing out over thirty" competitors, and the distance with the high rate of spes required will have the effect of weeding 00 many before the finish. Masefield, Madigan, or Bailey are looked upon as the most likely ones for this race, and if reports are tens Dennison should also give a good account d himself. An additional attraction will also be pro vided in the shape of a walking on the water contest, the boots used by Hanlan 011 the Lake having been procured by Air. Gee, d Northcote, who has consented to give sa exhibition of his ability in this line. A DVICE TO FARMERS. BUY THE BUCKEYE HARVESTER. Farmers who remember the really eplro did work of the light-folding elevate Buckeye at the field trials last season will very well know that for lightness of drangbi and really first-class work this macbiM cannot be beaten. It has won a legion d trials, and at the last Australian trial las season carried off the first prize, beating Hornsby, M'Cormiek, Massey, BraDdfoni, Seeritig, and all competitors. Having opened a New Zealand branch in Dunedin, this machine will be supplied direct totij farmer, carriage paid to his railway station, for £50. BUCKEYE LOWDOWN. This machine has been greatly improved and its capacity eased in 6very vty< Present machine cuts five and a-half f*t> has longer binder arm, adjustable wind screen, and the Appleby knotter. Without increasing its draught, several of the part! have been materially strengthened, and &! built for the coming season no binder can tackle a heavier or more difficult crop, «* in fact, handle any kind of grain on any kind of country more creditably. T* machine which consistently realised a higher price than any other binder in the marks last season, and which sold out first, wj the Lowdown Buckeye, losing the sale« quite 100 machines by short supply. TM Lowdown was never beaten, taking tM Carterton first, Masterton first, WairaraPJ and East Coast gold medal, Gore g°W medal, and easily beat all competitors!): the Ngapara field trial (Hornsby, Wood, Deering, and others), selling 17 machines upon the ground. Farmers, inspect t« yourselves. BUCKEYE MOWER. This mower is far and away the best, « it is the oldest in the world ; having taKffl the world's prize in 1557, and held it «y« since. It beat all comers at the Adelaim official trial last year; secured first awa» and special mention at the Melbourne Exhibition last year, beat the Wassey aw carried off the Egmont A. and P. a* 1 ™ &c., &c. BUCKEYE REAPER. Same mower as above, with a secooO finger bar, 5-feeb cut, and four knivwr dropper rake, and extra seat, coustitui the finest back delivery reaper obtmao anywhere.-T. & S. MOftßlN & CO, Limited, Auckland. . 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