ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9401, 6 January 1894, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

FIXTURES. January 10 and 11—Interprovincial Cricket MatchAuckland v. Wellington (at Wellington) ;• January 13 and 17—New Zealand- Swimming Championship Meeting January 18, 19 and 20—Cricket Match, Auckland v. New South Wales (at Auckland) January 19-Auckland Swimming Club's Night Car* nival. . January 25, 20, and 27—Cricket Match, Wellington v. New South Wales (at Wellington) January Auckland Regatta. January 30, 31, and February 1-Cricket Match, Canterbury ▼. New South Wales (at Christchurch) February 3 and 4—Cricket Match, Otago ▼. New South Wales (at Dunedin) February 8, 9 aud 10—Cricket Match, South Island *. New South Wale? (at Chriutchurch) February 12. 13, and 14 — Cricket Match, North Island v. New South Wales (at Wellington) February—Cricket Match, OUro ▼. Canterbury (at Dunedin) February 17—New Zealand Amateur Championships (at Dunedin) - CRICKET. The Auckland cricket team now touring the South made an excellent commencement by defeating the representatives of Otago. The game must have .been an unusually interesting and exciting one throughout, the match being only won by 14 runs. Mills, who has been batting with consistent brilliancy during the whole season, kept up his reputation. It is true that in the first innings he was dismissed after making a single;'out he more than made up for this by making the splendid total of 84 (doc out) in his second attempt. Jacobs and Fowke also did excellent work with the bat; whilst Weill handled the ball with as deadly effect for Auckland as did Dowries for Otago. Lawson and Stemson also did some good bowling. Although Auckland certainly won the day, it is not altogether satisfactory when, in the second innings, no less than 133 out of a total of 148 is made by three batsmen. This is now the sixth occasion upon which Auckland and Otago have met upon the cricket field, and Auckland has won no less than fire of these matches. The first and only defeat of the Auckland representatives took place last season, when the Otaito cricketers came up and gained a victory over our men upon the Domain Ground. The Auckland Cricket Association Cup matches will be resumed to-day. An English writer states that the "news of the retirement of Mr. H. T. Hewett from the captaincy of the Somerset team will be received with genuine regret far beyond the limits of the county, to whose advancement he has personally contributed so largely. The strain ot first-class cricket is now* so severe that the difficulty of finding amateurs able and willing to undertake the responsibilities of captaining a county eleven is likely to increase rather than decrease. The withdrawal of a cricketer whose personal influence has done ' so much not only to bring Somersetshire to, but; to maintain it in, the front rank, must; be deplored by all who are concerned about tha welfare of county cricket generally.' I Grea'J as will be the loss of his services as a player, I venture to think that he will be reu more missed in his capacity as captain, a post for which he was specially fitted, not only by his : keenness and judgment but also by reason of the confidence he inspired The increase of his professional work at the Bar is a full and substantial reason for his withdrawal to some extent from county cricket. Still every one will hope that the withdrawal will only be partial." Clem. Hill, the breaker of the Australian record for an individual score (writes the Adelaide correspondent of » Sydney paper), is a son of Mr. John Hill, one or the Railway Commissioners. He isonlysixteen yearsof age, but comes from a regular cricketing family, and I should not be surprised if within a very few years he is included in an Australian Eleven. The Colleges have never turned out a colt to approach him in any way siuce the year Joe Darling was at Prince Alfred College and made his big soore of 252. Darling was, if anything, a bigger boy as far as his frame is concerned, and his performance still remains fresh in the memories of the Adelaide public. Darling is now one of the best batsmen in the colony. Clem. Hill is the fourth of Mr. John Hill's boys who have played cricket on the Oval. Mr. Hill was the first batsman to record a century on the Adelaide Oval. _ He has a fifth son who is also a promising cricketer, and was selected as first emergency for Prince Alfreds, while in a ladies'match at Knightsbridge, last week, Miss Hill put together a score of half-a-century. When Clem. Hill resumed his innings on Friday, with 217 to his credit, it was never expected that the brilliant young batsman would lower the record for the Australian colonies, but he did so comfortably, aud without the loss of his wicket. He caught and Eassed Darling's College record within, an our of play being resumed, and then he set out for Ginen's record for the colony. A few strokes carried his tally over the champion's 271 made against Victoria, and then within a comparatively short time he topped Giffen's 296 compiled against South Adelaide. This credited him with the record of the colony, but he launched out against Murdoch's intercolonial record of 321. This was soon left behind, and Bruce's 328 was also passed, Frank La vers' 352 being the only one left. He rattled his runs together at a great pace, but when he was 343 the boy became nervous and over anxious, and gave a chance right into Blackmore's hands. The blue failed to hold It, and then again at 345 he got on to the ball too soon, and offered Chambers a chance. The St. Peter's boy, however, missed it, and then, amidst: terrific applause, the young South Australian passed the Australian record. After placing four more runs to his credit he decided to retire, although he was called upon by a large section of the onlookers to continue the innins:3. He is a lefthander, and hits with terrific force. He is also a splendid wicket-keeper, and although only 16, plays in senior matches on the Oval for North Adelaide, for whom he . keeps wickets. The game was concluded on Saturday morning. Prince Alfred College had made 619, and St. Peter's, who were at the wickets, were all disposed of for 169, Parkinson making 73. Prince Allied thus won by 450 runs. There is every probability (says the Australian Star that Lord Sheffield will bring an English cricketing team to Australia next year, although the matter has not yet been definitely arranged. A representative of the Star saw Mr P. J. Sheridan to make enquiries respecting the team. Mr Sheridan states that the matter has not yet come officially before the New South Wales Cricketine Association or the Victorian Association. Some time in July last a gentleman prominently connected with the Victorian body wrot® a private letter to Mr Stoddart aud asked him if he thought he could see his way clear to bring out a team. In reply to this Mr Stoddart wrote saying that he saw no difficulty in the way of his doing so. He never wrote volunteering to bring out a team, and the whole of the communications were private letters, not to the official bodies at all. Shortly after the receipt of this reply by Mr. Stoildart a cablegram was received by the Melbourne Association from Lord Sheffield, expressing a desire to bring out a team next season, and a reply was sent that no obstacle would be put in his way by anybody. After this Mr. Stoddart was informed of the intention of Lord Sheffield, and, so far as Mr. Sheridan knows, the latter will have a free field before him. If Lord Sheffield does not bring a team out then there is little doubt that somebody else will, and in all probability it will be Mr. Stoddart. When matters are further advanced the sanction of the cricket council with the proposed trip will have to be obtained. It has become perfectly clear to us (says an English exchange) that if cricket is to prosper, the game must be played under jockey club rules. Such a performance as that between Oxford and Cambridge this week, if it had taken place in racing, woul.i have resulted in all the lot being "warned off," and the same with Attevvell at Canterbury last year. When a man deliberately knocks down his own stumps he is not playing cricket, nor is a man who with intent, bowls wide so as to give four byes to the other side. In racing we should call that sort of thing " roping." The novel sight.of a cricketer bowling and batting with hand in splints was seen at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, recently. F. Warren, ot the Stars, who had two of his fingers broken during the previous Saturday's play against the Phoenix, went to the wickets, and, batting with one hand, scored two runs, Although he was so disabled, he bowled and took six wickets for 22 runs. THE COMING SEASON IN ENGLAND. During the course of the next season England will probably receive visits from an American and a South African _ team. So far, perhaps, one of the chief difficulties iu arranging for the visit of the South African team has been the absence of any really reliable estimate of their cricket to make a fair handicap against, English teams. The opinions of English players who have resided in South Africa vary greatly as to the figure a representative team, used as they all are to matting wickets, would make on English turf, even after they had become to some extent accustomed to the new conditions. It would therefore be of interest to give the opinion of one of the chief' authorities on iSouth African cricketers, . one who knows > about what he is talking. "(Taking everything into consideration [he says], I am inclined, to consider that if South Africa's best eleven goes to England, it will acquit itself middling well. It will not be able to look at an All England eleven, and will probably be smashed into the ground - by two or three of the more powerful counties. But it could play any amateur county team on equal terms. It might do well against M.C.C. and Ground,

1 Surrey Club and Ground, Oxford University, Cambridge 'University, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Essex, Leicestershire, Gloucester* shire, Scotland, and Ireland, This class of' cricket is quite good enough to commence with, and when the eleven has played together for a week or, two, its strength will be fifty per cent.* greater than at the start. ' If after the first month or two South Africa acquitted itself fairly well, the advisability of * tackling big game . might be considered. We shall see*" '• V"-- ;; •- vV- *•„ The Gentlemen of Philadelphia have also decided to visit England next summer. The last team— from their own persons! —confirmed themselves in public favour here by their generous attitude to the cricketers' fund. But, apart from this, the development of their all-round cricket since then entitles them to a hearty reception. The decisive victory of the Eleven of Philadelphia over: the Australian team in their first match, cannot fail to have left a vary strong impression on the minds of English cricketers, ! , ATHLETICS. It is to be hoped that the Amateur Athletic Club will see their way to send all the eight members selected to go into training, to represent Auckland at the Championship Meeting to be held in Dunedin next month. Many are of opinion that if this is done, Auckland will have a fair chance of winning the banner. The extra cost will not be much, and will not affect the club, as they have a substantial balance to their credit. The Southern clubs are all sending more than six men, and it is only right that we should meet them on equal terms. lidding by the times recorded at the recent athletic gatherings in the South, contrasted with our own, the men picked to represent us must all give a good account of themselves. The annual sports of the Auckland Caledonian Society were held in the Domain Cricket Ground on Monday, and passed off very successfully. Over 3000 people were present. The programme was a very lengthy one, but the excellent management got each off to time. The open handicap (200 yards) was won by Graham (Byds) in the good time of 20 l-sth s. Brierley, the scratch man, was not placed. ' . The Grand Caledonian Handicap, three distances (100, 220, and 440 yards), was well contested. The 100 yds was won by James Donovan, who had 7yds. The race was run in 9 4-sth s. The 220 yds was carried off by O. Riley, who had 17yds, the time being 21 2-sth s. " The 440 yds brought out a field of twelve, and after a most interesting race O. Riley, who had 29yds, won. The number of points scored by Riley was eight, Donovan being second with five. The athletic sports at Hamilton on Boxing Day were well attended, fully 1200 people being present. The racing was very Interesting, all the events being keenly contested. The Hamilton Cup, run in three stages, was won by A. McKmnon with 18 points, M. Sexton being second with 16, and J. H. Cawling third with 6. McKinnon's time in the 100 yds, off the 4yds mark, was 10 l-sth s. The Amateur Cup, run in three stages—loo, '220, and 440 yards, went to C. Lovell of Taupiri with 14 points, M. Quick being second with 12 points. Both Quick and Lovell ran in fine style, and were in good form. The following are a list of the records of New South Wales as recognised by the l N.S.W.A.A.A. being revised up to date :— 100 yds, W. T. Macpherson, February 9. j 1891, Association Ground (grass), 10s.; 120 yds,' T. Richards, September 19,1883, Association Ground (grass), 12 3-10 th s.: Isoyds ? VV. T. Macpherson, October 4, 1889, Agricultural Ground (grass), 14 4-sth a.; 200 yds, W. T. Macpherson, September 23,1891, Association Ground (grass), 19 9-10 th s.: 220 yds, W. T. Macpherson, September 23,1891, Association Ground (grass), 22 2-sth. s.; 300 yds, W. C. Rush, May, 1889, Association Ground (grass), 33^8.; 440yis, W. T. Macpherson, January 14, 1888, Newcastle (cinder), 50 2 sth s.; 880 yds, J. F. Dairymple. September 23. 1891, Association Ground (grass), lm. l-sth a.; 1000 yds, J. P. Dalrymple, September 29.1893, Association Ground (grass), 2m. 19 4 sth s.; 2-mile, K. F. McCrae, October 21, 1893, Lillie Bridge (cinder), 3m. 23 4-sth s.; 1 mile, J. F. Dalrymple, August 23, 1891, Association Ground (grass), 4m. 255.; 3 miles, J. F. Dalrymple, September, 1892, Association Ground (grass), 15m. 54 l-st!i s. ; 1 mile walk, E. J. McKelvey, May 31,1890, Association Ground (grass), 6m.. 595. ; 2 miles walk, G. H. Hardwick, September 6,1884, Association Ground (grass), 15m. 15s. : 3 miles walk, E. J. McKelvey,' May 31, 1890, Association Ground (grass), 24in. 18 4-sth s.; 120 yds hurdles, C. t A. Bayley, October 6, 1887, Albert O.G. (grass), 175,; long jump, L. A. Cuff, May 31, 1880, Association Ground (grass), 19ft: high jump, H. R. Woods, October 6, 1887, Albert C.G. (grass), sft 7in; hop, step, and jump, W. T. Macpherson, September; 21, 1891, Association Ground (grass), 41ft. Besides the above the following performances have been done bv members of the N.S. W.A.A.A., Victoria, November 9 and 11, 1893, W. T. Macpherson lOOyds in 9 9 10th s., 220 yds In 22 7 10th s.. and 440 yds in 50 l-sth s.'; W.'G. Cole, high jump sft 8J in, ; long jump 19ft Sin ; New Zealand, February, 1891, W. T. Macpherson, lOOvds in 9 4-sth a., 250yd8 in 14 3-sth 8., aud 440 yds in 50 2-sth s. ;; CYCLING. At the Otago Cycling Club's sports held at Duuediu on Saturday last, Hall of Christchurch won .five of the bicycle events. In each race he started off the scratch. The 120 yds Flat Race was won by W. A. Low (scratch), his time being 12 3-7 th s. He also won the 440vds from scratch in 52 3-sth s. Low will represent his clbb at the coming championship gathering. The following appeared in a recent English Athletic paper' The . New Zealand Union intend to prohibit anyone connected with the trade from sitting on their council or committees. They might alto add ' the press.'" The cycling writer of the Athletic News, in an issue of November last, asks, " When is record-breaking going to stop for the season ? Here we have November, close on us, and nary a sign of the men stopping is visible. They must be training on, as though the weather is certainly less suitable than was the case a month back, the records continue to go. The latest performance on the road is that of Pellaut, who on Wednesday, in front ot half a gale, wiped out R. L. Ede's 50 miles record of 2h. 24m. 445., which has been standing since 1891. Pellant, who was ably paced by Stocks and Burgess. on a Humber tandem, rode the distance in 2h. 21m. 465. I believe Pellant, who is getting a bit ancient, rode a Humber, and his wheels were shod with Dunlop tyros. By the way, Pellant thought he might have a chance for the Hundred as well, but the wind was too much for him. His pacers, however, went on, and just failed to secure a new tandem bicycle record by less than half,a minute. They could have done it easily had they been out on their own account. On the following night Pope made his long deferred attack on the five miles record at Heme Hill, and succeeded in beating Stocks' time, and tint for three miles as well; but the'four miles he jailed to reach by 2-sth «. • The following are the new times Three miles, 6»n. 53 2 stl> ; five miles, 11m. 33 l-sth 8. It is quite possible that Pope will try to secure the four miles perhaps before these lines appear in print. He, as usual, rode a "Nelson," fitted with Dunlop tyres. I wonder whether the restless spirit associated with the Palmer Tyre Company will claim these records for his tyre. I shall not be surprised. The match at Paris between Meyer, the cyclist, and Mr. Cody, with his ten horses, was brought to a close by the brilliant victory of Mr. Cody, who, during the twelve hours— over three days, four hours a day— covered 349 kilometres 775 metres, whereas Meyer, the cyclist, had travelled only 332 kilometres 500 metres.* Each day ,tho trotting club racecourse at Lavallois where, the match was run, was thronged with people, and on the last day the crowd was so rionse in the paddock that it was difficult to find even standing room. It was quite clear at the end of the race that the vast majority of the public present were cyclists, ana not racing men; for, notwithstanding the fine performance of Cody, that horseman's victory was not greeted with anything like enthusiasm, whereas Mayer and his . backer, Mr. Duncan, received a veritable ovation. Meyer's defeat was generally attributed to the bad temporary track made for the cyclist, and which was certainly not so good as an ordinary road. According to a New York paper, a footless bicycle rider has made his appearance. He is John Porachet, a cigar manufacturer of Batavia, N.Y. He has two artificial feet, and is about to start the long ride from San Francisco to New York. Arthur Pellant,. of the North Road and Christchurch Clubs, i has lowered Ede's old 50 miles road record, made so long ago as 18§1, by 2m. 58s, the new time being 2h. 2lm. 465. Pellant went a straightaway course between Qitchin and Peterborough, and had Stocks and Burgess/on a tandem, in front of him, and a gale of wind behind him, all the way. : About 23J miles were covered is. the first hour, and the only trouble was a little cramp. .Pellant rode a Humber safety. On October 31st, F. T. Bowen of the MidSurrey, broke tricycle records at Heme Hill in a wholesale manner. : The 2, 3, 23, 24, and 25 miles World's tricycle records are now his, and the 15 to 22 miles British record!). He increased his own hour's record by 336 yards, his distance now being 22 miles 640 yards. i Kin time for the 25 was lh. 7m. 6 3-sth a.; 4m. 9 l-stli s. better: than the old record. He rode a Rudge tricycle. Early in November A. R. Child, of Luton, and A. M. Todd, of Hitchin, lowered the 100 miles tandem safety record < by 14m. on an out-and-home course (Hitchin to Peterbro' and back) doing sh. l6m. 245. under very unfavourable circumstances. The wind wu dead ahead for the outward journey, and soon after turning dropped to dead calm. The last 33; miles were ridden with - three legs, as jus* at the bottom of Alconbury Hill :

a crank-key dropped out and was lost, rendering one crank useless. They rode a Whitworth tandem safety, geared to 80, fitted with Palmer tyres. . . It is quite decided ; that early next season Terront of St. Petersburg; to Paris fame, will ride his Budge from Land's End to John o Groat's, and one who knows him intimately feels certain that with favourable weather, the existing grand record of G. P. Mills will be lowered by the . Frenchman.. Terront scores not bo much by reason of his pace, as by his steady continuous riding, and by his ability to do without sleep ; or rather inability to sleep during his big rides. ' If he started, he would go from Eud-to-End without even forty-winks. *" .

SWIMMING. i The following is an extract from an interesting article in Tit Bits : „ The phenomenal swimmer, Mr. J. H. Tyers, is only seventeen, and holds r . the amateur championships and records for; the following distances: 100, 150, 220, 300, 440, and 500 yards, half mile, 1000 yards, mile, and five miles. He is a great authority on swimming, and after he nad cantered away from his opponents and won a valuable'silver cup at Captain Boyton's show a few days ago, I button-holed him and asked him ' all about it." , ' , ~h-. ... _ "When did you first learn to swim? x queried. ' _ , "About five years ago. Whan I was at school I used to spend all my pocket money in the swimming baths, went twice or three times a day, and when I had no money disported myself in the ' cut,' as they call the canal in Manchester. I was a long time learning, and the first time I dived in ' I have a very vivid recollection of cutting my head severely on the bottom ot the bath. However, 1 had such a strong passion for the natatory art that even this did not deter me from it, and after a long period of ' legging it,' I managed my first stroke. After this Jack Collier, the then champion of the world, took me in hand and taught me the over-arm stroke, and my progress was ▼ery rapid." , . " How do I train, you ask. You may be surprised to learn that I never did a day training in my life. Naturally, Igo for long walks, sometimes a dozen miles a day, to keep myself in condition, and for food I eat chops and drink claret; you can't go very far wrong on those. I should like to tell you the secret of my success in racing, for the benefit of fellow ' Tit-Bitites.' Suppose I have to swim in a mile race, I make it a rule to go a mile and a-quarter at top speed twice every day, and in the same ratio for other distances. It stands to common sense that if you have accustomed yourself to travel a longer distance than you cover in the actual race, it is so much easier, and you feel a sort or surprised feeling that it is so short, and, consequently finish with more dash. "Now as to weight. I weigh at the present moment list 81b. 1 consider the most advantageous swimming weight to be list. Occasionally I have fallen below that weight, and feel very much heavier in the water, finding it much more difficult to propel myself." ... . . , " How is it that swimming is not dowered with so many valuable prizes as cycling or running?" . . , " I can't, for the life of me, imagine; but it is an undoubted fact that it is not, Look at the big prizes given for boxing, etc. I can't grumble about prizes, but I am afraid have monopolised them lately; I possess nearly £250 worth, and valuable silver cups." ■ , AQUATICS. ... . The strong north-easter prevailing during the New Year holidays, prevented a number of the yachts visiting the Barrier, as was intended. , , . • The Matangi has returned from her Northern cruise. She only went as far as Russell. _ T . - * • , The Yvonne is away up North, and is at Whaugaroa at present. The Viking is being rigged and getting everything ready for her trial spin. She may possibly hare a try to-day. During the New Year holidays, Coromandel and Te Kooru was visited by the following yachts : — Maratea, Tawera, Spray, Ngaru, Gloriana, Awatea, Daisy, Merrie Duchess, Lulu, and others. Quite a number of yachts visited Wairoa South at the New Year. The Constance carried away her topmast, at Waiheke, on New Year's Day.. The Auckland Rowing Club have received by the Talune, a boat from Norton, of Wellington, which .is .to be used for training the crew for the championship race. The West End Rowing Club have selected the following crews to go into training for the forthcoming annual regatta on January 29. The club has lost many of its old members who in days gone by competed for the senior events, but they have a promising number of young oarsmen coming on : — Juniors (any weight): C. G. White (stroke), A. A. Sneddon, H. Matthews, and J. Leikis. No. 2 crew : J. F. Lowry (stroke), H. Driver, S. D. Hanna, and A. Bartlett. Juniors (under 10st): J. Clark, (stroke), E. Oswald, D. R. Salmon, and; A G. Jones. Maidens (any weight): C. G. White (stroke), A. A. Snedden, H. Matthews, and J. Leikis. For the Maidens under 10st the selection committee have picked three crews to go into training, and on the form shown by the men a final selection will be made. The No. 1 crew is : D. Stewart (stroke), F. Rotherham, Morton, and E. Edwards. No. 2 crew :J. Shepherd, J. Wilson, Dalton, and Mason. No, 3 crew: Bartlett, K. Reid, Phillips, and Stonex. Now that the holidays are over the crews will begin active training at once, and things in the rowing line generally will be very brisk right up till the time of ~ the annual regatta. The Regatta Committee have decided that the course for the Large Yacht Race at the Annual Regatta on the 29th inst. should be round the west side of Tiritiri, outside Shag Rock and Shearer buoy, and then inside Rangitoto, and round a marked boat placed between Brown's Island and Motuihi. The London Yachtsman of November 23 has the following regarding the forthcoming English yachting season:—The outlook for the forthcoming season is very far from encouraging. So far as racing yachts are con* cerned, there are practically no boats on the stocks, and no orders forthcoming. Almost all our celebrated yacht yards are in a state of collapse at a season in which the hammer is wont to be painfully heard. The order for a 40-rater recently given to Messrs Fife has been countermanded, and Admiral Montagu has also rescinded his order for a vessel of the same class, to be designed by Mr. Watson. Mrs. Schenley has withdrawn her order for a new 5-rater. No new tens; no new twenties; no new forties; no new first-class racers. A sorry report at the end of November 1 The main cause, to our thinking, of this collapse is not very far to seek. Most of the racing craft of ana below 40-rating (almost all of them, in fact) are in the sale list, and are suffering from unsaleability. Would-be purchasers of racing yachts are usually actuated by one of two motives : They either want.a vessel for the purpose of racing, and in this case there is almost invariably the knowledge that the owner wishes to sell only in order to build another, and probably a faster, boat. This is discouraging, and has an appreciable effect upon the financial details. If, on ' the other hand, a purchaser disdains Facing, -he . looks for a good cruiser, and ft good cruiser at a not abnormal price. Now, even supposing that, in spite of the coal strike ana the consequent depression In trade, there is an army of racing enthusiasts anxious to try their luck, or skill, by purchasing a racing yacht, there is always a damper to their enthusiasm in the fact that the seller will build another to beat his old boat; but this must be the case under every rule of measurement, and hence the reason for the unsaleability of the latest development of the rating rule must be Bought by an inquiry into her qualities as a cruiser. She is a most expensive vessel, and even granting that her original owner ie content to concede onethird of her cost price, she can only be bought at an exorbitant figure. She is unsuited to the requirements of most yachtsmen who only wish to cruise. Her draught is excessive, and, although she is a delight in the matter of beam, the smaller classes—up to 20 tons—suffer from want of head room, and none of them can be considered as fitted for a lengthy battle with the sea. Queen Mab and Valkyrie, both of a size which ought to defy any stormy weather, have not, to put it mildly, behaved well in their Atlantic voyages. In short, the real reason why this year's yachts are almost unsaleable, save at a ruinous loss, is that cruising men can build infinitely better boats, even if they caunot suit themselves in the cruisers' sale list, at a less cost and much greater satisfaction to themselves. Admiral Montagu is a staunch upholder of the present rating rule, but his letter to us last week goes far to show that the racing yacht of to-day is not well fitted for cruising. He says that he prefers Vendetta for cruising, and would select Corsair as the better for racing. This is unwilling evidence. and it is, therefore, all the more valuable. We have over and over again pointed out that the great inducement to build a racing yacht is that after her rasing days are over she may be utilised as an ideal cruiser. If her owner may wish to build a new racing craft his old one will be readily disposed of at a fair price, for a staunch cruiser need never lack a purchaser. Thus, the ranks of the new racers would be kept up to a high standard, instead of being thin, as they are now. If the outlook is gloomy, it is, at all events not unexpected by the designers who gave their evidence last year to the Y.R.A. , They have not been deceived by the spasmodic activity promoted this season by the International races. If their opinions were again consulted they would, perhaps decline to give them in view of the insolence with which they • have been treated; but we imagine that, privately, their ideas remain not only unchanged, but strengthened. ,< Lynx.