ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10073, 7 March 1896, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

• f CRICKET. [Note.— of the Saturday afternoon junior matches for publication in the Herald of the following Monday must be left at the office on the Saturday night, or placed in our letter box on the Sunday.] The championship fixtures will be continued on the Domain this afternoon, when the two senior matches will be completed. Something unexpected will have to happen to prevent Parnoll- an easy victory over Auckland in the first innings, as they continue to bat with 75 to their credit for a loss of three wickets, as against the Auckland total of 9-1. Gordon have also virtually won their match with United, whom they disposed of for a total of 82, and followed with 109 for the loss of four wickets. In the first junior contest the Belmonts look like beating Auckland; and it would prove a great surprise if Pitt-street should manage to reach the total of 177, knocked up by North Shore for a loss of eight wickets. The notes on the Senior matches have been unavoidably held over till Monday. Holland, playing for Auckland 11. last Saturday, was responsible for seven runs over the half-century, which he compiled in workmanlike style, while Conolly, for Belmont, put together 45, with good cricket, and the veteran Morrison played a sound innings for his 27. Brierly was Belmont's only other double-figure man, with 24 to his credit, the result of careful cricket. George Mills, who virtually won the match for Auckland against Wellington, followed up his grand performance on Saturday last by laying on the wood to the tune of 105 for the North Shore elevenagamst Pitt-street, the fine score being the result of sterling cricket, Mills hitting out in fine stylo all round the wicket. Swanson, another well - known enthusiast of tho marine suburb, also contributed 47 to the total of 177 by careful and judicious cricket, quite typical of a veteran of his standing. . Association secretary Greville was responsible for 33 of the 120 runs recorded by Auckland second junior eleven against North Shore B team, and Airey placed 24 to his credit on the scoring book, both players showing good cricket. Semadeni with three wickets for nine rtius, and Holland with two for six were to the fore with the leather for Auckland.

There is evidently something in a name after all, the second junior player Hay scoring 22 for United against Clarence. Is this still another of the same ilk as the senior pair, and a United player to boot? However his score will not save his side, as the Clarence innings produced 127, towards which J. Clarke contributed 42 in business like style. At a recent meeting of the New Zealand Cricket Council the secretary reported that he had spoken to several gentlemen in reference to sending a team to Australia next season. It was thought that if the public would subscribe £200 the team could be sent. The expenses of a team of thirteen men would be approximately £300, and with £60 in hand, and £200 from the public, the matter could be proceeded with. The £200 that is to come from the public pocket practically means £50 each from the four chief centres, viz., Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The Australian cricketers will leave for home to-morrow (Sunday) by the Orient s.s. Cuzco, from Sydney. The vessel is due at Naples on April 17, and Tilbury on the 26th of that month. The Australians will have a solid fortnight in England before opening the tour against Lord Sheffield's team at Sheffield Park. The party, as far as is known at present, is 24, at least berths for that number have been booked. Joe Davis is one of the 24, amongst whom are a few Melbournians.

The manager of the Australian eleven is in receipt of letters asking them to play a match at Colombo, and a three days' match in Philadelphia. Both invitations have been accepted. " Point," of the Adelaide Observer, does not object to Trumble's inclusion in the Australian team. He writes:— there has been a good deal of controversy about Hugh Trumble's ability as a batsman, I have turned nil his figures in club matches this season, and find he has scored in consecutive innings 100,120, 28,55, 58, and 163, giving him an aggregate of 524, and an average of 87'31 A man who can't bar, does not score like that!"

The Hon. W. P. Reeves was interviewed while in Sydney, and in reference to cricket in New Zealand, said he was of opinion that the standard of the game in Maoriland was being improved. The games played by the Sydney team were very interesting, and the local people were very proud of their win in the chief match. Cricket in New Zealand is on the up grade, but it was hopeless to expect New Zealauders to come within cooee of Australians until they had two professionals —one for the North Island, and one for the South—but there were half-a-dozen players over there who would not be despised in the intercolonial. Worrall, of the Carlton Cricket Club, in putting up his record of 417 (not out) included in the innings three s's, and sixty-one 4's, and in the three afternoons only gave one easy chance, and two difficult chances in the slips, SENIOR AVERAGES. The following are the senior batting and bowling averages up to and including last Saturday's play :— BATTINIt. Name. Club. In'ngs. N.O. E'ns. H.S. Average. Mills, I. .. P 12 4 372 112* 40*50 Kallender, J. 0 5 0 2!)6 83 41'2ii Wynyard, W. A 9.1 SIB 164 * 39-.10 Wright, B. .. V 10 1 307 87 34 11 Cotterill, K. 0 10 1 260 60' 28.8S Clayton. D. A 11 2 2fC 128 2544 Arneil, J. ..A 0 0 251 120 27-83 Ohlson, P. .. P 11 1 238 S7 20 44 Lawson, H. W. P 11 4 181 78 v 25*85 Thomas, H... A 10 0 217 37 2170 Stemion, W. U 9 0 193 116 21-44 * Signifies not out,

Then follow Steele (O.), 29*0; Hawkins (U.), 21'40; Pabst (0.), 20*30 D. Hay (U.), 19-80: Ball (Q.\ 19-0; Watts (U.), 1875; T. Gould (G.), 18*10 ■ London (A.), 17*72 Stone (A.), '25; Kelly (G ) 18*0; R. Noill (A.), 15*87; Buck (A.). 14•68: emery (O.), I3*2n; Brown (D.), 12*90; Nicholson (P.), 12*77 : T. Neill (A.), 12*33; N. Williams (G.), 11-88; SeagarCP.), 10*20.

ATHLETICS. A meeting of thecommitteeof the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club was held at the Metropolitan Hotel last evening when several matters relative to the forthcoming carnival ot March 21st were discussed and arranged. Mr. Woodroffe's offer of a challenge cup on behalf of the Enfield 'Cycle Company was dealt with and finally referred to the secretary and 'cycle committee to confer with Mr. Woodroffe with a view to obtaining further particulars re conditions of offer. The following new members were proposed and elected: — Cummings, D. R. P. Campbell, F. E. Robertson, G. Smith, Aulsebrook, H. G. Thompson, C. C. Laurie, G. Murray, A. Williamson, J. Wheeler, W. Beuth, A. Saunders, W. Boyd, W. Bowling, and H. Jourdain. The entrance fee lor the schoolboys' race was fixed at Is, the sum previously arranged. The Licensed Victuallers' Gazette thinks that something should be done to break down the rule which precludes an amateur entering into competition with a professional. What, the writer asks, would half England give to see the proposed series of matches between W. G. George and F. E. Bacon come off? It would be the most exciting athletic event of modern years. It would appear that the time is coming when pacing will be introduced into foot racing, as it has been into wheel racing. Our American cousins are to the front with an invention called the " autoped." This con-1 trivance consists of a small car running on a pair of rails three quarters of a foot wide, extending all rouud the inside of the running track, and which can be regulated to travel at any pace required, except fractions of seconds. It might prove moat useful for training purposes, and would assist a sprinter in getting off his mark quickly. If you want » steady quarter, set it at 58s and race it round: for fast work, try it at 50s and see how long you can keep up with it; or do you fancy you can do your 100 yds in "two over," then give the maohine two yards start, set it to do even time, and see how far you were out of your calculations. The machine is about to be introduced into England, and will be practically tested there. The cost, without rails, is about £40 to £50. !IThe Nelson A. A. and C.O. have decided to hold their autumn meeting on March 25th, and the Wairarapa Club will also do likewise on St. George's Day, April 23. At the Takapau Caledonian Sports on the 17th instant, Minnix, the winner, oleared 5 feet 8 inches iu the high jump., This reminds me that we have in Auckland a young Laurie-brother to the hurdlers of that llk-who should make a "top sawyer" at this game shortly. . Harold, Batger, the well-known hurdler, told Prodieal, of the Referee, while in Sydney the other day, that it is very doubtfill whether he will ever run again, . The N.S. . A. A. A. have passed the following as records for New South Wales :—44oyds Hurdles, 10 flights, 3 feet 6 inches, Sydney Cricket; tironnd, , December 2, . 1595 R Master,ton, 624-55.; Pole Jump, J. E. Gormly, I J 4 . Ww Wafiga, December M, m, 9 feet

LAWN TENNIS. The principal event of the year in the tennis world of Auckland comoß off this afternoon, when Mr. J. R. : Hooper {«. champion of the colony) plays Mr. A. Peel the present holder of the Auckland cup for the championship. The match is to be played on the Eden and Epsom lawn. The final for the Ladies' Championship between Miss Spiers and Miss Nicholson (the present holder of the cup) will be played at. the same time, commencing at half-past three on the Mo. 4 court, the men's match being played on No. 3. A special 'bus will leave town at half-past two p.m. for the ground, and a'bus will leave Remuera at two p. in. Tea will be. provided on the ground at the pavilion, where visitors are requested to go, as it will not be possible to hand it round during the progress of the matches. If the weather continues fine, some very interesting tennis should be witnessed. The entries for the Eden and Epsom Club Handicaps — Ladies' and Men's Handicap Singles to-day. Next Saturday will be the bachelors' tea day. TheParnell Handicap Men's Singles and Combined Doubles have been drawn, and no doubt several will be played off this afternoon. There are 6 entries for the Men's and 11 < entries for the Combined, and though late in the season some good matches should result.

GOLF. The annual general meeting of the Auckland Golf Club was held at the National Association Rooms yesterday afternoon, Mr. S. T. George presiding. There was a good attendance.

The annual report stated that—

A substantial and comfortable club-bouse has been erected on the railway land. The money to build the club-house was raised entirely among members of the club, 32 of whom took debentures of £1" each. The condition of the links, and especially of the putting greens, has been greatly improved, and several new holes have been laid out. The membership roll shows 73 members on the list, three of whom are country members, while three of our old members, who hare left Auckland, have remained on th« absentee list. The thanks of the club are due to Messrs. Hunter and Nolan and the Messrs. Auckland for their generosity in allowing the club to play over their property. The thanks of the club are also due to the vice-president for his championship gold medal; to Mr. H. D. Heather for his bogey cup; to Messrs. Chambers, C'irr, Hull, (Sillies, Greenway, and Duthie for their donations of pictures and furniture ; to His Excellency the Governor, Major Klliot, Captain Preston, Captain Clayton, and Mr. Allister Clark, for their handsome donations.

The report was adopted. It was resolved to fix the fees as follows Playing members, £2 2s; honorary members, £1 Is; country members, 10s 6d ; entrance fee, £1 Is; no entrance fee for honorary members. It was also resolved that any member surrendering his debenture he considered a life member of the club.

The following officers were elected President, Mr. M unlock; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Russell, A. Heather, and S. T. George; captain, Mr. Duthie; committee, Messrs. Carr, H. Heather, and A. Clark. An effort was made to induce the Rev. W. Beatty, the retiring captain, to stand for re-election, several members speaking very highly of his services to the club, but he firmly declined. Before the meeting closed, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring officers, more especially the Rev. VV. Beatty (captain) and Mr. C. E. S. Gillies (secretary). POLO. The usual practice matches of the Polo Club will be held at Potter's Paddock to-day, and as this will be the last Saturday before the representative team leaves for Palmerston to take part in the annual Savile Cup Tournament, it is expected some really good games wilt be contested. In order to place teams whose combination is as strong as possible against the representative team, which consists of H. Wynyard, O'Rorke, Bloomfield, and Gordon, the following have been selected: Hanna, Whewell, Tonks, Colegrove, two spells; Dr. Purchas, Clark, Tonks, Colegrove, one spell; C. Purchas, Tonk, Dr. Pnrchas, Colegrove, one spell. Games amongst the other members of the dub will also take place, and with fine weather a really enjoyable afternoon may be anticipated. CYCLING.

During Shorland's recent record ride from Christchurch to Hokitika he met with a unique experience. At a point of the road in Westland he was met by a lady cyclist in rational dress, who offered and was allowed to pace him forsome distance on his journey. The following records have been passed by the N.Z.C.A.

Time. Mis. M. s. Holder. Place. Date, i 035 4-5 E. M. Blake Timaru 17/12/95 1? 341 C. E. Hall Ch'ch 26/12/95 2 4 5,' 1). McPherson Timaru 21 1/96 3 740 C. E. Hall „ 2/ 1/96 i 1 6 4-5 J. VV. Jones Ch'ch 7/2/06 1 216 15 „ „ 5/2/96 2 416 1-5 „ „ 6/ 2/96 3 7 9 2-5 ... „ - 5/ 2/96 5 12 5 2-5 „ „ 5/2/96 Since the passing of the above a unmber of fast records have been established, notably, T. Clarkson's amateur mile of 2m. 7 2-sth s., which breaks the previous best by 5 3-sth s.; J. Boyd's two miles of 4m. 265., which is 20s. better than that of J. W. Jones and S. McDonald's New Zealand 10 mile record of 26m. 19 2-sth 8. The cables also inform us that the cash men on the other side have been reducing previous bests, Parsons, paced by a triplet, lowering Zimmerman's half-mile of 58s to 545.; and Toms, the two mile Anstra-. linn record, he covering the distance in the good time of 4tn. 15 1-oth s. Again, on Monday last Parsons, paced by a triplet for the first two laps, established a fresh mile record , of lin. 58 3-sth s. on the Adelaide oval, and probably, while this is being put in type, will be careering round the oval endeavouring to break another.

The March Carnival of the New South Wales League of Wheelmen promises to be the biggest thing in cycling ever seen in the colonier. Irrespective of the tandem race, the entries total 616.

The Australian champion, according to latest Melbourne exchanges, has definitely decided to go to England shortly, and will throw down the gauntlet to the best men the world can produce. Judging by his recent records he should be very hard to beat. The proposed match for £25 aside over one, five, and ten miles, between Marcin (America) and Parsons has evidently come to a head, and the date has been fixed for the 28th inst., on the St. Kilda track.

At the second day's meeting of the Cash Club at Christchurch, Martin, the American, rode a machine geared to 96. * At the big international cash gathering at Christchurch, the total money amounted to £168 2s, of which Martinsecured £3312 a, and Pither £32105. [' '

AQUATICS.

The committee of the Annual Regatta held their final meeting in connection with the regatta of 1896. In the course of the discussion which arose over the business, the general opinion was expressed that an earlier start should be made t) make arrangements for the regatta than his hitherto been the case, in order to allow a proper canvass of the city and suburbs being carried out. • It is proposed to call a meeting about the first week in October next; for the purpose of making arrangements' for the regatta of

Financially, the regatta was not a success, the prize-money having to be reduced by onethird. That, howev«L was not the fault of the committee, who worked very energetically to make the afikir a . success, and it is beyond ..dispute that] taking it as a whole, the sport provided' was better than for many years past. Tie general public do not take nearly such an interest in the annual regatta as they should do, leaving the work to be do.ie by a few enthusiasts, and not even giving as freely as they ought to the funds. It is to be hoped that this year more enthusiasm will be shown, and a very strong working committee formed to carry the carnival to a successful issue.

Mr. A. H. Busby has been elected treasurer of the Auckland Rowing Club. Ou Wednesday lait, Mr. S. D. Hanna, the chairman of the Pomonby regatta committee, presented W. J. Pirker with a very handsome gold medal 8} the prize in the dingy race at the last regatta. Mr. Hanna on the occasion complimented young Parker upon the good form he had displayed during the race, aud wished him every success in his future contests. Parker is a smart lad in a boat, and as he is 'a fine built young fellow he should be hear! from in rowing circles within the next fey years. The West End Rowing Club's second "At' Home and fifth trial fours of the season 1 must have gladdened the hearts of the committee. From firEfi to last, both socially and aquatically, it was a great success. The prizes were very' handsome gold medals, presented by Mr, W. J. Courtney, a vicepresident of the club, and the best thanks of the committee are due to him for his very valuable trophies. Mr. Courtney also ably filled the position of judge, and took keen interest in the afternoon's : proceedings, displaying a great deal of enthusiasm, and warmly congratulated the officers on the success of their endeavours. Mr. Courtney is a genuine Bportsman, and est Md are fortunate in having enlisted the sympathies and practical assistance of one who has proved himself 80 generous, aud when it is considered that 13 crews competed last Saturday, it will at once be conceded that West End aid all they could in the way of competition for the valuable trophies. The next Trial Fours of the West End Rowing Club will probably take place on Saturday,, April 4, at Lake Takapuna, and .Will _be in the form of a grand aquatic carnival. The prizes for the gig races will be handsome gold bracelets, presented by the honorary officers of the club, and there will, no doubt,. ,be keen competition for these! v Mr. W. Morpeth, iron- [ monger, of fohjoaby Road (an old o»rs-

man himself), has don»„, . % a second prize. In & of JCr& i* ther. will be a duck h'!'l' t,on 10 Kig ll! races, cigar and umbreu" lA reasv ***>' 15 a swimming r*ce-vari« v ™e' "i" 1 ? P r ' »bl of amusement to suit an&B t ' n th » to the above Trial Fours tea > iln ad 'ion to hold '' atom d trial* 0 / 8 ' the dub ha >, seated by Messrs. Lofanß^h' 1 "led: ff petition in this class of boat ther8 ' fol i Ihe New Zealand Am,f „ Ration have issued a circuu'J r to J?*' 1 W dubs, j ßlllO that it has nr, t '. leatl »ted decided to send a New Zealand C p ,Cally tan part in the race for the Foarin Cr6 1 May mP Ct !,liP T°h f e AUStralaßia ' «S,d! > amount to »- 00Qt 6 TV U l ex l'"c JJ" asks affiliateaclnh ihr hIC . h the L and others inKU r - OURh L out the c' °° subscribe. nß i In the mov em , ,J< will be made vt arra,lßen fe"ts for t V° Association tol&M meetin S > The MoanaXS"^'' 0 Apr ?' after a " .J 0 to ! v " last Ll weather prevailed WwVI 1 ' kT 11 '- K. a most enjoyable timW^^ 'ripL Ngunguni, Russell, I P' \ the 1, ngaroa, Whangaruru,\tu4k a a u| >• Heads, Omaha, and Wii7£ a ' * ha, A» At Russell the Moana «a V e^' e [ T ' S 'K and the inhabitants did all iq t|X""'' e <l*yi make the visit enjoyable. 1, Whangaroa was visited, the.. Whangaruru, lutukaka, \\WK and Waiwera. Light easterly w'yK very heavy swell were experience* time, t rom Whanearurn to TiitnbLl,. 1 •< was a dead beat against a strong sonli ' breeze and lumpy sea. and the Moan" >' herself to be an excellent boat in a Ee The Muraitiki is still away csuisi,,. t Moana met her at Russell, then ' J 4 ' Whangaroa and Whangaruru ' 41 The final heat of the handicap scull for the cup presented by Mr. E. \V i V bone was rowed last evening i,' v h* George's Rowing Club, the contest',, .1 ' U J. W. Winks, 55., and A. McHardy r. and was won by the latter after a I,j • ROWING CHAMPIONSHII [B? XKLKGKAPH. — PKKSM A.ssocia ',< . Wellington, } Is'v The Canterbury Rowing Club h i L municated with the New Zealand . Rowing Association, asking them to >, Ur if possible, a test race for any c < u'S crew, with a view to select the best ,* ?. crew to represent New Zealand iTti, Australasian championship. A let r the secretary of the Canterbury flu k? that a crew consisting of CowlishaJb Crosbie, and Samuels is in traiuin],..! ing the decision of the Association'TK point. ________ T '

Bowling. Name. Club. Runs, Wickets. A»'«e. Labsitt, A. M. .. G 76 11 c 81 Kelly, F. V 0 223 -11 8 25 Neill, R. „ „ A 404 42 9-61 Woods, R P 174 10 10 87 Clayton, D A %7 23 11'17 Uwson, II, W. .. P 380 33 11-51 K»llend«r, J. „ G 189 10 11-81 Arneil, J „ ..A 159 13 12.23 Edmonds, F... ,, P 206 10 12 87 Williams, N G 256 18 14*22 Mills, I P 256 17 15-05 Stone, C A 243 13 18'69 Hawkins, W, .. U 398 18 21'88 Stoinson, W U 317 13 24'S3