ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8842, 2 April 1892, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

CRICKET.

Is the recent representative match between Auckland and Canterbury I am delighted to see that Auckland has again asserted its supremacy in the cricket field, though the game was a close one. Each of the teams made their biggest scores in the first innings, and in the second each suffered an astonishing collapse, but the 61 runs to the good, which the Auckland team had, stood them in good stead ; for although Canterbury only put together 91 runs, Auckland with a total I of 33 runs for six wickets, did not seem likely to reach that amount, especially as the last favo wickets fell for 9 runs. Mills, with 15, was the only man to reach double figures. All the local great guns participated as individuals in the general collapse, Arneil scoring only 6, Yates 0, and Gardiner and Wilson 1 each. The bowling of R. Neill was consistently good tlu-oughout the match, taking nine wickets for 75 in the first, and one for 38 in the second innings. Hewlett also did good work with the leather, especially in tho second innings, when he had the fiue record of four wickets for 11 runs, as against one for 21 in the first innings. Stemson did not come off until the second day when he pot three wickets for 25 runs. Arneil in five overs got two wickets for 9 runs. lam pleased to record that the game was not marred even by a suspicion of discourtesy on either side. Here is a lesson for W. G. Grace, who does not always appear to be able to overcome little annoyances in connection with the fortune of war by an exhibition of uniform courtesy. So far as money went the return match between Victoria and England was somewhat of a frost. Altogether only SOOlt people were present, and the takings were only £338. A smart bowling feat was performed recently in of the Echulia (N.S-W.) Timber Trophy matches. One side was dismissed for 5 runs, of which 3 were byes. The team brought out by Lord Sheffield has at length completed its Australian tour, and left again for England. Altogether eight eleven a-siile matches were played, with the following results —Beat South Australia by an innings and G2 runs ; beat Victoria by an innings and 107 runs ; beat New South Wales by four wickets and 3 runs (exactly by the same amouut as Auckland has just beaten Canterbury); beateu at Australia, at Melbourne, by 58 runs ; beaten by Australia, at Sydney, by 72 runs; beat New South Wales by seven wickets and 2 runs ; beat Victoria by nine wickets and 7 runs ; beat Australia, at Adelaide, by one innings and 230 runs. Lord Sheffield has intimated his intention of bringing a strong team to the colonies to plav three test matches only. It is expected the team will arrive in Australia next December.

There is every probability of an Australian eleven visiting England during the present season. It will be merely a scratch team, and will play minor matches in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The members of the team do not intend to seriously test the question of supremacy between England and Australia. The eleven will include Trumble, Ferris, Murdoch, Spofforth, Garrett, anil Woods. S.Gregory heads the list of New South Wales batsmen, who liave played in representative matches this season with an average of 331 for ten innings. Callaway has the best bowling average with 198 tor 21 wickets. It is estimated that Lord Sheffield's team will receive in gross about £13,000 as the result of the present tour; nearly £9000 is on hand already. Lord Sheffield, on account of his profuse liberality, will probably lose a little on the whole programme. A slight hitch occurred in the recent match between Lord Sheffield's team and the Tasmania!! representatives. It appears that the carttaker of the ground had the wicket rolled, and iu his eagerness to turn out a finished turf watered it also. When the Englishmen took the field this, of course, was noticed, and Grace refused to go on with the match, but in order not to disappoint the spectators, was willing to toss and start another game. He was acting quite within his rights, for the use of water on the wicket was a contravention of the rules. However, after a discussion, the champion waived the point, and the game went on. G. Giffen, the Australian champion, was 33 years of age on Sunday last. A wonderful catch was made by H. Graham in the return match between Victoria and England. Graham was fielding as a substitute for Walters, aud was fielding at square but very deep. Briggs hit Trott round for what looked like a hit out of the ground, and Graham rail back in the hope of lieldinjr it. He got right back to the fence, and still the ball was sailing above his head: but by leaning back over the railing he managed to secure a magnifioeut catch with his right hand held up to the full extent of the arm straight above his head. He leant back so far that his cap fell off on to the seats in the public enclosure. No doubt it was a wonuerful oatch ; but we are strongly of opinion that it was " not out," as the ball was out of the ground when caught. Apart from that, the rule is that if a ball is hit to the fence (let along over) it is dead, and here it counts aa a boundary hit, even if the fielder after stopping the ball goes back to the fence with it. Under the circumstances it may be fairly argued that Briggs was not out. FOOTBALL At the last annual meeting of the English Rugby Union the following method of scoring was adopted A match shall be decided by a majority of points ; a try shall equal two points ; a penalty goal shall equal three points ; a goal from a try (the try not also to count) shall equal five points. Any other goal shall equal four points. If the number of points be equal, or no goal bo kicked or try obtained, the match shall be drawn." The law relating to dead ball was fixed as follows :—" A player when on side may take up the ball at any time except— (1) In a scrummage. (2) When the ball has been put down after it has been fairly held. (3) W hen it is on the ground after a player has been tackled " The Sydenham Club has decided to start a reserve fund, so as to enable members to contribute to their own expenses in connection with football tours. It is anticipated that the coming meeting of the Otago Rugby Football Union, amotion will be proposed in tho direction of recognising a premiership. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchureh have their senior cup contests, but opposition has been shown to their establishment at Otago, on the ground that the contests would tend to professionalism. The finances of the Masterton Club are in a thoroughly sound condition, the credit balance amounting to £211 odd. An endeavour is to he made to arrange a match at Duuedin this season with the Alhainbra, and at Christchurch with the Merivale.

The first meeting of the newly formed New Zealand Fug by Union is to be held in Wellington on April 16th. During the coming season a Canterbury team intends visiting Otago, but the latter province will not send a team north. Otago, however, intends to send a representative team to Auckland, Ilawke's Bay, Wellington. and Canterbury in ISO'). The Addiugton Club, Christchurch, have been disbanded, and a new club, the Pirates, have been formed out of the ashes of the defunct body. The Pirates have joined the Canterbury Rugby Union. As the season is shortly to open, I commend the following extract from the New Zealand Referee to all lovers of football :— "As regards football, we know that a deal of betting has "one on quietly over matches, and, worst of all, Rugby Union officials have not refrained from the pernicious habit. Only last season some Southern players were openly charged with trying to work a swindle, supposed to bo the outcome of betting. Certainly, the paper making the change had afterwards apologised. Last season, too, the Canterbury Rugby Union saw fit to deal with the matter of betting on urounds under their jurisdiction, and framed rules to deal with officials of their Union and players who offended in this direction. The charges brought against the Native team while in Queensland will, no doubt, also be still fresh in the minds of all footballers. We, therefore, think the opening of the football season in New Zealand an opportune time to warn those who control the game that they must take every precaution to prevent the evil from gaining hold in their midst." The recent annual meeting of the Christchurch Rugby Union was a very lively one. Great changes were made in the list of officers, and party feeling ran high. The intercolonial football match between Victoria and South Australia has been lixed to be played in Melbourne on Saturday, the '25th J line. ATHLETICS. Professor D. A. Sargent, director of physics and gymnastics at Harvard College, recently delivered a lecture before a Philadelphia althletic club on " Training and Over-train-ing." He laid down the following precautions as necessary to avoid injury : — 1. The young man who aspires to be an athlete should have himself examined and tested by a physician before beginning to practise in athletics, and get his written opinion as to the advisability of entering the athletic contests. 2. It is not best to engage in athletic exercises until one is at least eighteen years of age, and in most cases it would be better for him to postpone his athletic attempts even until he is twenty. The heart and lungs do not get their full development until after this age, and if there is any spot liable to be impaired before this age, the system will have time to accumulate some little reserve against such deficiency. 3. Auother source of cardiac disturbance m connection with exercises is the wearing of tight clothing. A great deal of the fatiguing

experience of new soldiers can be traced to the physical exertion while wearing a closefitting uniform. The action of the heart is also much relieved by perspiration. 4. The habits which some athletes have of eating and drinking just before a contest, to give them strength in the practice of a tug-of-war, or to give them weight, as you may say, cannot be defended on good physiological grounds. No food can be absorbed into the system inside of 30 minutes ; most food requires three or four hours. The only purpose eating can serve is to allay nervous excitement in certain individuals. 5. 1 question the advisability of biking a cold bath when very warm from exercise. The shower bath or plunge is, in my opinion, not safe for the average athlete, to say nothing of the average man. 6. It is a matter of common observation that persons not accustomed to exercise cannot take the simplest run or row without getting greatly out of breath. There is a difference in the heart's action of sometimes as many as 30 beats a minute for the same amount of physical work in the same person | when not accustomed to exercise and when in 1 good training. It is not athletics alone that are likely to injure our young men, but athletics pfu.i dissipation in some cases, plws over-application in others. It is not over-study alone nor exercise alone that causes so much feebleness of health, but too much study, pliM too much society, and too much amusements. So it is also in business life. It is not the hard work of the day alone that is increasing the amount of heart and nervous diseases ; it is the hard day, plus the wearing night— ing the candle at both endswhich proves so speedily exhaustive. W. Aitken won the High Jump at the luvercargill Athletic Society's gathering on Thursday last, with the capital jump of sft BMn. J. McDonald won the 440 yards and tfie Half-mile iu 54sec. and 2miu. 7sec. respectively.. W. T. Macpherson, the well-known Sydney amateur runner, has been elected captain of the Randwick Football Club for the ensuing season. The world's high jump record has gone up an eighth of an inch. On the sth February last, at Wolverhampton, Joseph Darby succeeded in jumping lift. ">Ain., boating Rowdon's previous record of Gift. s§in. The sports meeting to be held under the joint management of the Canterbury Amateur A.A.C. and Christchurch Football Club will take place at Lancaster Park to-day. The wet weather has interfered with training operations, but the meeting promises to be a successful one. Entries for the various events closed with a total of 215, but post entries and others will increase this.

Joseph Darby, the English professional jumper, recently accomplished some wonderfill jumps at Wolverhampton. He commenced business by clearing 36 feet in three spring jumps, clearing a chair in the last jump. The champion then essayed the task of beating G. W. Rowdeu's record by clearing 6 feet inches in two stand spring jumps. The bar was first put at 5 feet 9 inches. This Darby cleared. It was then raised to 6 feet. '1 his, too. Darby jumped with the greatest of ease. The bar was then raised to 6 feet 5 inches, and at the second attempt Darby, amidst intense excitement, succeeded in clearing it. Three ringing cheers were then given to Darby for accomplishing a feat that no other athlete has ever acoinplished. Darby's next performance was that of clearing a full-sized billiard table, minus cushions. Unfortunately a billiard table was not obtainable, so a dummy table had to be erected. Darby was severely handicapped, owing to want of room. It was impossible for him to take more than two stand spring jumps prior to springing over the table. Thrice lie failed, but at the fourth attempt made a wonderful leap, and only failed By about IS inches, alighting on the canvas. He then took a short rest, and subsequently, by a supreme effort, succeeded in clearing the table. CYCLING. There will be a road race for Auckland bicyclists on Saturday next in the afternoon. I hope to see it well patronised, and that an interesting race will result. Between May 23 and October 10,1891, Ede, the English rider, is said to have ridden 50 miles on no fewer than sixteen occasions, his best time being 2hr 17min lsec, and his longest 3hr lOmin. Only three times did he exceed three hours, and in all he covered 800 miles in 43hr 44miu 5-jsec, or an average of 2hr 44min osec per run of 50 miles. Four times in the season he pedalled 100 miles at an average pace of (ihr 42inijf 21sec, and over 400 miles in 25hr 42inin 21 sec. The gear of pneumatic racing safeties as used on the English racing path generally is said to be from 63in to 60in. On the road Win is the popular gear. Crauks are GMu to tijfin, and seldom 7iu throw. Path recordbreaking machines weigh from 231b to 301b. The Ramblers B.C. (Hobart) held their annual meeting on the 9th March, when the principal event was the Five Miles Championship, which was won by the Tastnanian crack, A. F. Golding, with J. W. Keeling second, and C. Barlow third. Time, lGtniu 31Asec. Golding also won the One Mile Tasmanian Wheel Race from scratch, W. J. Pearsti (.'l2oyds) being second, and the time was 2min 56isec. Pearse (170 yds) won the Mile and a-Half Handicap, Keeling (scratch) the Half Mile, and Barlow the Obstacle Race. SWIMMING. The girls' amateur swimming championship of Auckland was won by Miss Amy Webbe at Professior i'annell's swimming gala, on Thursday last. The professor deserves great credit for the way in which he has popularised the art of swimming amongst the female portion of the community. The 100 yds swimming championship of New South Wales, decided at the Sydney Enterprise Swimming Club's meeting", held at Sydney on March 11th, was won by J. Trelevan, of Newcastle. W. J. Gormly, last year's champion, did not enter the water to defend the title. Trelevan's time lm. 14 l-.3th s. The Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club's recent meeting resulted inasubstantial profit; and, after expending £43 in improving the baths and £30 in prizes, the club has a credit balance in hand. J. Hellings recently won the 200 yds swimming champion of New South Wales at the Wavcrly Swimming Baths. J. CottrelU who practically won the Cup on the most firsts at the recent sports of the Christchurch Swimming Club, is a wonderfully improved swimmer. He has got a good style, and as his muscles develop more he should be quite good enough for championship company. W. B.issett, who tied with Cottrell, has also improved very fast. Although young, he gets through the water in perfect style, not appearing to exert himself much, and his form is something after Bailey's. AQUATICS. The Handioap Yacht Race, which is to be held in the harbour this afternoon, has brought a good field of 13 entries, and no doubt there will be a spirited competition. In all probability we shall see the Constance first past the winning post, closely followed by the Moana, but the handicaps will no doubt leave the result open. The 2.J raters race, between the Bui Bui (.J. O. Fairfax) and Bronzewing (S. Hordera) under the auspices of the P. A. Y.C., came off at Sydney on Saturday afternoon, March 19, for a club prize of £8 Bs. The contest was a very close throughout, and caused considerable excitement. The finish at the flagboat was zewing, oh. 12m. 2osec.; Bui Bui, oh. 12m. 505., the Bronzewing thus winning by 2T>h. Last week's weather was all that could be desired for yachting and nearly all the yachts were to be seen out on Saturday last. The Matangi and Maratea proceeded down the Waiheke channel as far as the Sand.spit Island, whilst the Rita visited the Wane. The other boats visited Waiheke and Motutapu The May and Alice are at present away on holiday cruises, and have been particularly fortunate with respect to the weather. The Malua has changed hands this week having been purchased by Mr. 11. Brown and others. A correspondent thus writes to a Southern contemporary We read of intercolonial cricket, football, rowing, athletic, bicycling, and other sports; why cannot we have intercolonial yachting. Yachting is just beginning to go ahead in New Zealand, and if we sent our champion (Mascotto) over to Sydney to compete in the ocean event there, I am sure she would give a good account of herself. The thing wants a trial, and if we go to Australia, why they will return the visit, and it will be the means of making yachting go ahead far more than it has done in the past." Very true ! But I don't think that tire Mascotte has yet demonstrated her claims to be the fastest boat in New Zealand. It must bo remembered that she has never met the Arawa or any of our local cracks. During the progress ot the competition for the Royal Humane Society's medal for rescuing by the Wanganui College boys last week, one of the boys got out of his depth, and was in great danger of drowning, when C. Hankins, another boy, plunged in and rescued him. As yet the Australian professionals still hold off, and no matches have been made. This causes the undesirable quietness in such sport to continue, and when a change will really take place is hard to say. It may, however, come at any time, as several men appear anxious to sake up suitable matches. Bubear is on the river, but has no immediate prospects of a race, Dutch has gone out of rowing for the present, and is working at his trade as a blacksmith. STANBURY AND SULLIVAN. The following is an Australian comparison of Stanbury and Sullivan, based upon their training form, who are to row for the championship of the world on May 2:— Of

the rowing a few words may serve. Stanbury, looking very well and well boated, sat up high and with straight back. His body work was graceful and in excellent form. His sliding was all that could be wished, and his rowing quite up to anything he has previously shown. The old habit of raising his blade when feathering for the catch was the only blemish. He always makes a downward chop at the water, instead of raising his hands in true professional style and getting hold of the water with coolness and decision. Still, the champion is in first-rate form when rowing 20 or '28 per minute. The pace is just to his liking, and he can do good solid work at that rate of striking. His rowing made a very favourable impression on me, and, I believe, on all other visitors too. After a minute's rest Stanbury turned and dashed away at 40 up stream against the tide. The rowing was hardly so good a3 the champion will need to show before the race is over. The back work was solid, and full of vigour; but the sculling was not first-class. As to the New Zealander, who has set himself so gigantic a task, I was by no means impressed nor was anyone else, and it seemed to ma his friends were disappointed. Crouched down in his boat, with a" dreadful round back, he looked a head shorter than Stanbury. He let his alide go far too soon, and lacked driving power with his legs. His hands were too far apart at the catch, and the shoulders were never beyond the round of his body. His recovery was easy, but not quite what it should be. Evidently the pace was too slow, and he has not mastered the art of rowing 24 to 20 strokes per minute. Once or twice he rowed up to 30 per minute, and then showed to better advantage. Taken altogether his row was slovenly, and far below the form shown when matched with Dutch. I am sure he can do much better than he did, and he must, otherwise there will be no backers for Sullivan. Unless lie can hold his slide longer, drive harder with his legs, and take the weight of the catch on his shoulders, he will never be champion. One thing struck me, lie rowed a slower stroke than Stanbury, yet held his position." Stanbury recently stated that he weighed a little over lMst, and would easily come down to what he expected and desired to race at, viz., 12st 41b or Gib. He accounted for his comfortable reduction by saying that he had put in a week'* mowing at home, and the steady labour in hot weather had done more for him with half the pains than three weeks'training on the river could have done. He stated that as yet he could not get the speed up, being somewhat stiff in his boat; but he expected that the pace would come back to him as he got limber and accustomed to his work. Lynx.

LAWN TENUIS. The following inter-club matches will be played this afternoon between the Eden and Epsom Club and the Parnell Club. On ttie Eden and Epsom giound : —Messrs. Morrison and Carr (El v. Messrs. Tonks and Paton (P); Messrs. Upfill and Blyth (E) v. Messrs. Harrison and Tempest 'P) ; Misies Spiers and Patou (E) v. Misses Goodall aud Kempthorne (P). On the Parnell ground : —Misses E. Bull and C. Hardie (E) v. Mesdames Blair and Thomas (P); Miss M. Paton and Mr. Hooper (E) v. Miss E. Laishley and Mr. Goodhue (P); Miss Bull and Mr. Sykes (E) v. Miss Rookes and Mr. Tucker (P). The matches that were to have been played between the Devonport and Auckland Clubs have fallen through. AUCKLAND BICYCLE CLUB. A meeting of those interested in bicycling was held last night at the British Hotel, to consider the question of reviving the old Auckland Bicycle Club, with the object of promoting touring trips and other forms of social pleasure amongst those who are followers of this class o;t sport. There was a large attendance. It was unanimously decided to re-establish the club, and the following officers were elected :—Patron, Mr. J. C. Firth; president, Major Goring vice-presi-dents, Messrs. Service and Bartlett, and Dr. Cox; captain, Mr. E. Reynolds ; vice-cap-tain, Mr. \V. M. Servicc; bugler, Mr. L. E. Hoffmann ; committee. Messrs. Smith, Buchanan, Waters, H. Dacre, Firth, and Tibbutt, and the late captain of the Auckland Cyclists, Mr. H. Nicholson, as honorary secretary. About 30 persons promised to become members. The road race on the 9th instant will be held under the auspices of this Club. As all the officers and members are enthusiastic wheelmen, it may be expected that the revived Club will flourish, and generally promote the interests of cycling. PONSONBY DISTRICT FOOTBALL CLUB. The annual general meeting of the Ponsonby District Football Club was held in All Saints' schoolroom last night. Mr. G. H. Dixon occupied the chair. There was a very large attendance of members. After the usual preliminary business was disposed of, the secretary read the annual report, as follows :— " In presenting this their first report the committee deem it their duty, before discussing the features of last season's football, to place on record some facts iu connection with the foundation aud establishment ot this, the Ponsonby District Club. From observations made by football enthusiasts and prominent supporters of the Rugby Union, football appeared to be making retrograde movements within the last few years, and an evil had sprung up which threatened to lower the standard strength of football in Auckland. The evil referred to was the diminished number year by year of senior players from which to pick provincial representatives. To upset this state of affairs, and place football on a sounder basis, the Union took the bold step of introducing, after the end of the ordinary matches, what has been known as the district scheme, coinel lint; footballers to play under a residence qualification, and this necessitated the formation of our club. You will all remember the opposition the movement created from among the old club, and the criticism, it evoked on every hand; but whether the scheme as initiated last season and determined 011 for this will eventually be a success or not, Ponsonby footballers and supporters deserve the thanks of the Union for the hearty way in which they joined in giving the district scheme a fair trial. The short season of district matches was, of course, only a trial, but considering all the circumstances, we must pronounce it a success, and the committee wish strongly to endorse the action of the Union in determining to carry on in the same lines for the coming season. Of the adventures of our club on the field we must next speak. We were represented by three teams, but want of time in organising the juniors, resulted in a number of matches falling through, or being won by default. The First Fifteen played six matches, won 4lost 2; points scored, for 27, against 21. The Second Fifteen played seven matches, won 2, lost 4, drew 1; points scored, for 3, against 2S. The Third Fifteen played eight matches, won 2, lost 5, drew 1; points scored, for 4. against 9. _ There are several matters which the outgoing committee wish to bring to the notice of the members. First, the thanks of the club are due to the president, vice-presidents and others for the liberal support given at the start of the season ; also, to the veteran footballers. Messrs. Wells, O'Connor, and McLean, who were, we think, the first to sink all party feeling and come forward at considerable personal inconvenience to help us, Mr. Wells, our captain, especially working hard to get the first fifteen as proficient as possible for the various matches. The advisability of having a gymnasium for regular training has also been suggested, and no doubt the incoming committee will give this every passible attention. The senior fifteen will of course year by year be replenished from the juniors, but something must be done to prevent the seniors calling up men from the juniors without proper notice, so weakening the second team as to cause them to scratch their engagements. The committee have much pleasure in handing over a small credit balance of £1 12s sd, and wish the club every success during the coming season." The report was adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year President, Mr. A. E. T. Devore • vice-presidents, Rev. W. Calder, Captain Farqunar, Messrs. G. S. Wright, T. T. Masefield, A. S. Russell, M. McLean, John Gittos, W. Jones, W. J. Courtney, W. Anderson, G. Ridings, J. Hand, Thomas Meehan, G. Cruickshank, .1. A. Tole, D. B. McDonald, J. H. Upton, Thomas Crawford, E. T. Dufaur, J. A. Cooper, T. H. Giles, and Dr. Moir; secretary, Mr. A. W. Mundy; treasurer, Mr. W. M. Chapman; captain, first fifteen, Air. A. Braund; deputy-cap-tain, Mr. R. Masefield ; committee, Messrs. W. Jones, C.Stichbury, and H. Airey ; delegates, Messrs. W. Jones, J. Arueil, W. M. Chapman. Mr. F. Edwards then stated that at a recent, meeting of the old Ponsonby Club, it was decided to present their banner to the Ponsonby District Club. On the banner was a fine record of victories achieved, and he hoped that its new possessors would do at least as well, and that they would never disgrace it. (Applause.) The banner was presented on one coudition, namely, that if ever the old scheme were reverted to, the banner should go back to the original club. A motion conveying the thanks of the meeting for the gift was carried unanimously. Votes of thanks to the out-going officers and to the chairman terminated the proceedings. WRESTLING MATCH. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunkdin, Friday. The wrestling match, Powley v. Fisher, of the West Coast, for the lightweight championship of the colony, resulted in a draw after four hours'keen play. It is admitte

' J , to be the fa%sfc and firtsfc display seen here for many yets. Fishr won the Cornish, and Pow.ey i e Cumbdiand, each having a fall. Ihe tteh-as-cafch can, final bout. lasted two n^i- withept score. —& CPCKET MATCH. I ' Napier, Friday. The match the Canterbury Wan. derers and xiav^' a Bay commenced to-day. Hawkes Bay_w|t first to the wickets and put together Bi A>re contributing 39, White 17. Labatts Wing was destructive, 7 wickets falling | 35. Christchurch mad? 89—Mathias 25, |dley 13 —these being th« highest scorers. <&- e took 5 wickets for 11 runs. In the sec® innings Hawke's Bar scored 89 for 7 wic&g. of which White (no: out) contributed 47 »d Taiaroa 20.