ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10407, 3 April 1897, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

CRICKET. While United have to all intents and parposes carried off the honours for season 189697, the club has yet to complete the match with Parnell before the proud distinction can be finally claimed. However, there is but little doubt as to the result, as Parnell have to compile 234 in one innings to win the match, which will take pUpe this afternoon, Parnell going to the wickets. The following are the averages of the United and Auckland teams, calculated up to last Saturday :— BATTIXG AVERAGES. UNITED- In. Buns. H.S. N.O. Avg. C. Hay .. _ 8 203 9) 1 20-71 ]). Hay .. - 9 225 82 0 25-00 W. Sterason .. 10 33-2 M 0 24-20 A. M. Lahatb .. 9 209 53 0 23-22 L.A. Cull .. .. 8 163 47 0 21-00 A. Brown .. .. 9 105 20 3 17-51) J. Watts .. 9 93 60 3 16-33 N. Lusk .. .. 9 129 84 0 14 33 C McGormlck .. (1 57 30 4 11-41) P. Marshall ..6 02 36 0 1033 , W. Hawkins „ 8 62 23 2 8'66 AUCKLAND— J. Ariieil .. - 7 209 89 0 2985 D.Clayton.. .. 8 235 77 0 211-37 A.C.Stewart „ 6 140 Hβ 0 29.20 A. G. Holland „ 6 110 78 n 22.0-1 It. Neill .. _ 7 118 43 0 10-85 C. Stone .. .. 8 100 02 1 15-14 T. N'oilt .. .. 9 121 32 1 15-1-2 W. T. Wynyaru , ~ 9 84 22 2 12-00 11. Thomas.. .. 5 43 19 2 111-75 M. St. Paul.. .. 7 40 15 1 7-68 BOWLING AVERAGES. Runs. Wk'ts. Overs. Average. UnitedI). Hay.. .. 262 28 992 0-32 W. Stßinson .. 258 23 78 9!)1 A. M. l.:>batt.. 237 21 103-4 11-28 W. Hawkins ..181 9 54 20-11 Auckland— M. St. Paul .. 381 31 91 1241 11. Neill .. 259 19 03:4 13'fiS U.Clayton .. 238 16 72-2 14-87 C. Stone .. 297 10 77 18-50 The following are the averages of the North Shore " A " Team (the wiunera of the Second Junior Championship) ■— HATTING AVERAGES. 111. Itnns. H.S. N.O. Avg. W. McKenzie . ..0 91 43 1 IS- 2 A. K. Smith .. ..6 82 28 O Iβ- 4 H. Valentine.. ..7 04 30 0 13-42 Dr. Rublierti.. ..3 10 7 5 Id-0 Then follow :-H. Harris, 9'37; J. L'onley, 8-4; J. Martin, 80; W. Cullens, 766; A. Sutton, 7-0: J. Kenrick, 6-4; H. Pitts, 40; R. Kent, 3-75; S. Walker, 30; R. J. Roberts, 2U . The general average was 9'4 per wicket. BOWLING AVERAGES. Buns. Wk'ts. Overs. Average. J. Conlnjr .. 60 IS '!O 3?3 W. MclCiinzii),. 83 22 55 317 11. Valentine.. 54 1.1 30 4-15 A. 15. K. Smith s.'i 10 38 B's 11. Harris ..OS 'J 31 7"55 The North Shore "B" Team averages are as. follows

In'ngs. N.O. tI.S. Runs. ATer. S. C. Cave .. (i 1 28 04 l->-8 R. J. Bunliy ..8 2 25 04 10 oO Then follow :-C, Frankham, 8'0; G. Wynyard. f75 ; 11. Holland, 437; T. Davidson, 40; T. Seinadeni, 3.16. BOWLING AVERAGES. Runs. Wk'ts. O?erj. Average. J, P. Horner ..04 8 37 B'o T. Davidson .. 144 10 62 9'o 11. Holland ..03 7 20 90 C. S. Cue .. 107 7 Sβ 16-57 While in Australia recently Dr. Pahst met Hugh Trumble, and had a long chat with him on cricketing topics. Trumble spoke very highly ot Auckland, and expressed himself as being particularly pleased with it on his recent visit. Prom his conversation, Dr. Pabst thinks it is more than probable that the Australian will come over here and settle down. Tho doctor jocularly stipulated that the only condition upon which ho would be allowed to take up his abode in Auckland would bo his joining Gordon. I'OOTBALL. The Takapuna Football Club intend holding a scries of races for trophies during the incoming season. Two events have already been run off, viz., the 100 yards handicap won by J. Gerrard with 9yds start,and the2soyds won by T. Davison with Byds start. On Saturday next the club will hold 100 yds and 300 yds flat and 120 yds hurdles. The annual meeting of the Newton Football Club was held on Wednesday evening last, Mr. Wright presiding. The annual report gave it flattering account of the outgoing season's operations. Of the 13 matches played ten wero won, one drawn, and only two lost. The following officers were elected for the coming season:—President, Mr. G. Wright; vice-presidents, Messrs. T. Prosser, G. Reid, J. Jourdain, J. Foster, G. Walker, R. Cox, J. McLeod, J. Fawcett, W. Kenderdine, C. Graham, G. Warren, T. Quoi, F, Gribbin. D. McGregor, G. Pilkington, and J. Peet. Tho election of captaiu was deferred Until the first practice. The following were appointed delegates to the Rugby Uniou:— E. Airey. G. Pilkington, and T. Roberts, Messrs. W. Kelly, W. Airey, G. Walker, F. Beck, and J. Hcffernan were elected a committee. Mr. G. A. Bradburn was elected secretary and treasurer. During the evening Mr. Bradburn, secretary, was presented with a framed photograph of the team, as a token of appreciation from the members, for which he returned suitable thanks.

ATHLETICS.

The North Shore Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club held their Autumn Carnival on Saturday afternoon last on the Devouport cricket ground, thus practically closing the amateur season here for some mouths to come, November next being tho earliest date on which our amateurs will again don ruiuiiu" shoes, unless perchance of them should go into preparation for the Sydney Championship early in October. Unfortunately the wind up was not as successful from a financial standpoint as might have been wished for, the weather militating considerably against the attendance; while it might also bo mentioned that Jupiter I'luvius, in turning on the watering pot, interfered with the track, making it somewhat heavy and slippery, with tho result that the times, generally speaking, were not quite as fast as usual. From a managerial point of .view, tho club is however, to be complimented on the success of the function, the various events being got well away to advertised time, while the several officers were always at their respective poets and every effort was made to make the outing an enjoyable one from a spectator's point of view, and they were duly rewarded tor their efforts in this direction. While saying this for the club, J must not overlook one or two matters of detail in which there is room for improvement, feeling assured that my remarks will be taken in the spirit in which they are offered. Firstly, there must be some improvement in the method of indicating the results of the various events as they are run off, the public having great difficulty in deciphering the figures denoting the same as at present written in chalk on the small result blackboard. I should suggest that (funds permitting) an effort should be made to secure the old result board of the Metropolitan Club, which no doubt be ok tained at a reasonable figure, and would prove suitable in every respect. Secondly, all competitors should bo compelled to wear numbers corresponding with those opposite their names in the programme, and, say, not smaller than nine inches by nine inches. The total absence of numbers in some instances last Saturday, and the presence of numbers in other cases which did not correspond with tho book, left many of the spectators, who canuot be expected to know the whole of the competitors by name, very much in doubt' as to the result of more than one event iintil the figures were shown on the result board. Also, the book did not give the colours of the runners' costumes.

The meeting was a somewhat remarkable one, inasmuch as that two " doubles" were won by individual competitors, B. Stone annexing the 75yds ind 100 yds (Maiden) Handicaps, while J. Scott succeeded in winning the 120 yds and 300 yds (Ladies' Bracelet) Handicaps, and both from the one " stable" —S. Goodman's, Stone fully deserves his success after his long spell without a favourable turn of Fortune's wheel, while Scott must be treated in the light of what is commonly known to athletes as a " dark horse," who, as all know, came very much to light. He won both events very comfortably, going right at it from the start, and never giving his opponents a chance to reach him. It might also be mentioned that Goodman had both men in the best of trim,

The feature of the atternoon-assnraing that the track is correct—was McKean's performance in the 1000 yds Handicap, in which he ran third to Anderson, who won from the limit mark, in 2m. 19 2-sth s., Considering that McKean was only some half a dozen, or, saygeven yards a t the outside, behind the winner, then his performance must be, at least, the best part of tour second) better than the New Zealand record for the distance, ot 2m. 24 2-sch». held by D. Wood. The race was a fast one from the jump, and I should not be at all surprised at McKean doing the time, though it must not be considered that I am going to hold it out as accurate, until I hear of the track being measured. Neither could it be taken as a record, as the timekeepers only clocked the first man.

Anderson, winner of the 1000 yds Handicap, and R. Murray, who won the 600yda Handicap,. both thoroughly deserve their victories, at they have been running consistently for tome time past, without result They were trained by J. Fernandez, who sent them out in good fettle. The North Shore Amateur Athletic Club's Committee refused to allow'T. Roberta to compete at their carnival of Saturday last, pending futber inquiry into • letter written ■ i .-. • • •

by Roberts, with reference to his handicapping in certain of the events. The letter was handed me for perusal, and I must admit that after readiug it, 1 c»n quite understand the attitude the club has taken up towards the athlete in question, and am more than surprised that Roberts—even in a hasty moment—should, to put it in its mildest form, have couched the communication in such uucomplimeutiiry terms. Coming to'the source of the grievance—the handicapping—there is admittedly ground for at Tsast, say, dissatisfaction ou the part of Roberts, at the manner in which he was treated in the 7oyd9 Handicap, in which he was on scratch, aud was actually asked to give start to men who competed in the championship sprint events of the colony held here recently. Without going further into detail, I must say the handicappers have_ gravely erred, and given Roberts room for,just complaint; but, as I said before, certainly not for such a letter as was written by htm to the authorities of the club.

The most amusing incident in connection with the North Shore Amateur Athletic Club's Carnival was the finish between Rush and Lowe for second place in the Two Mile Walk Handicap. Rush, whether unaware of the fact that Lowo was so close to him, or anxious to have a spurt home I know not, eased up at the openiug of the straight, thus enabling Lowe to reach him, and the pair came down over the last 50 or 60 yards at a great pace, and be3Jdes jostling actually finished up with a sprint. The consequence was that both were disqualified, and second honours were awarded to Wilson, who finished eome distance in the rear. If Rush's action in waiting for Lowe was intentional, I should have liked to have seen the latter finish second.

With reference to the suggested conference at Sydney during the Australasian Championship Meeting in October to discuss the advisability of sending an Australian amateur athletic team to England in 1898, and the renewal or otherwise of' the Australasian agreement as to periodical intercolonial championships which terminatenext October, the Sydney Rcfereo says;—" Sooner or later there must be an Athletic Union of Australia. . . . Early work for the Uuion would be the assimilation of rules, an absolute accord iu the reinstatement question, whilst the proposed trip to England could, of course, be discussed. A renewal of the present agreement as to periodical Australasian championships would not be necessary for a new scheme for the holding of the same yearly would have to be discussed. Anyway the present agreement will, we should say, stand but little chance of renewal. The period between each meeting is too lengthy, and uuder the present arrangement we see the spectacle of 'Australasian champions' stalking about, who have long since ceased to be champions, even of their own colony. Again, it is pretty certain that neither N.S. W. nor Victoria will renew the agreement until some definite understanding is tome to with New Zealand over the reinstatement question. The recent resolutions passed by Victoria and N.S.W. clearly indicate this."

The Thames United Foresters intend holding their annual athletic 'sports meeting in Mr. L. Dodd's paddock, at Parawai, ou Easter Monday. A most elaborate programme of foot and cycling races lias been compiled, and every effort is being made to make the meeting as complete a success as possible. Arrangements have been made for the running of excursion steamers from both Auckland and Uoromandel to Thames od the day in question, return fares being fixed lit 49.

It was recently stated that B. J. Wefers had decided to turn professional, and run in England this season. In a letter to the New York Spirit of tho Times, dated January 11 last, Wefers says :—" I have never even thought of such a thing, much less encouraged it, You can sivy from me that I shall never run as a professional. I will run while at college, and after that put my running shoes aside."

"Prodigal," in the Sydney Referee, expresses much surprise to find that none of ins exchanges a»ree with him in questioning the times recorded by Holder and Patrick at the recent New Zealand Championship Meeting. He says:—l did expect support from my old friends " Vaulter" (Christchurch Press and Referee) and " Harrier" (Australasian), but even this consolation is denied me, unanimity of the olilcial watch-holders appearing to satisfy them that the times were in every case correct, or nearly so. Well, if everyone else is satisfied, presumably the reputed times must go down to posterity—l refer only to Patrick's 100 yds in 10a., and Holder's 250 yds in 253.—but I hope when they are laid to rest my emphatic protest against their genuineness will be nailed below them. What a certainty the next Australian championship banner must be for New Zealand, where men capable of easily beating half-second are so plentiful.

"Harrier," in the Australasian, in referring to the newspapor controversy over the times of certain of the events at the recent New Zealand Championships, and the merits and demerits of the performers, says :-'i The wordy warfare as to the relative merits of Roseingrave v. Holder over a 120 yards hurdle course and Rowley v. Patrick in the 100 yards flat race still rages. Donald Dinnie says he attended the New Zealand championships, and clocked Patrick to do 10 '2-5»., uud Holder 16|s. and 59 4-55., in tho I'JO and 440 yards hurdle races. A Queensland writer also supports ' Prodigal' of the Sydney Referee. On the other hand, W. H. Martin, who was beatcu by Roseingrave in Sydney and by Holder in Auckland, is confident that the latter is the superior man, and Mr, L. A, Cuff, an excellent judge, points out that the Auckland track is one of the fastest in the world, that Patrick is much improved, as is not unnatural, considering he is but 22 years of age, thiit five watches made his time 10i. that neither ho nor Holder beat the guu, and that Holder's 250 yards in 255. was on a straight course, which, he considers, eight to ten yards faster than a circular one. All this will decide little or nothing as to rotative merits, but there is no doubt it will add greatly to the interest when the men meet in Sydney, as in all probability they will do on October 2. Unfortunately, Roseingrave is at preient lying seriously ill with typhoid fever in St. Vincent's Hospital. I wish him a speedy and complete recovery."

CYCLING. The principal honours of tho day in wheel events at the North Shore carnival of Saturday last fell to A. A. Brook, who annexed the One Mile Handicap, rode a dead heat with Dexter for first place in the Three Miles, and was placed third in the Five Miles. Had he been treated fairly in the five miles by his more experienced opponents, and not allowed to carry on the pacing throughout, he might have shown to better advantage iu that event. However, he has done remarkably well at the last two athletic gatherings, has a nice style of riding, plenty of determination, aud youth with him, so that he may be expected to furnish into one of our first (lighters in the near future.

Dexter won the five mile event of Saturday, beating off all opposition iu the run home, and dead heated with Brooks in the three miles. Reynolds did not compete.

Tho policy of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen in allotting the various championships to different clubs, seems to have beeu the means of two clubs having a very successful inaugural meeting. The Wanganui and West Uoast Cycling Club had the threemile championship on its programme, whilst the one mile championship was decided at the first meeting of the Hawera Cycling Club, and judging from reports these two events succeeded in attracting a large attendance on both occasions.

The Wanganui Cycling Club (cash) made a profit of £80 on their meeting on March 18. A. R. Barker, of Christchurcli, who won the three-mile champiouship at Wanganui and the one mile championship at Hawera, has succeeded thus far in annexing all but one of the 1897 championships, the half-mile at Oamaru being won by T. Clarkeou, The five mile, which is to be decided on Easter Monday at the Wellington Druids' Gala, looks a likely thing for the crack Canterbury rider.

The pointsprize, £31, in the three distance handicaps, at Wanganui, on March 18, was equally divided between Forbes, Hunt, and Barker, who each scored six points.

The new clay track on Baily Park, Hawera, was used for the first time at the initial meeting of the Hawera Cycling Club on March 19. The banking is said to be very imperfect, but should the committee attend to this during the coming winter, the track should prove one of the fastest iu New Zealand.

Some handicappers must have a great opinion of the abilities scratch Men possess, judging by the limits which were declared lor a recent cycling meeting at Marton, viz., 240 yds in one mile, 480 yds in two miles, and 720 yds in three miles. It need hardly be mentioned that none of the scratch men started. Some steps should certainly be taken to remedy this state of affairs. The ranks of the Auckland Qycliug Club have lately been augmented byjthe addition of a number of the Thames members, and I am informed that the club can now lay claim to thirty riding members, The Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company have presented to the Auckland Cycling Club (cash) a pair of their tyres to be competed for in a road race, which will erentuate some time this month. Ho less than five bicycle events are on the Brogramme for the meeting of the Thames 'mted Foresters on Easter Monday. These races are open to members of any club affiliated to the League of New Zealand Wheelmen.

I hear that R. Hendry, a member of the Auckland Cycling Club, has received an appointment-as travelling salesman for the Viking Wheel Company. He leaves for the Soiith by Monday i boat,

Mr. Ben Tillett, the English labour leader, is an enthusiastic cyclist, aud a member of the well-known Catford Club (England). H. Thompson and A. Donn (says a Southern exchange) were both paced by cash riders when attemptiue to lower the onemile amateur record at Tiniaru on March 17. Will the Cyclists' Alliance please note ? Ken Lewis has none so much back in his form that he is no longer on the scratch mark. The contemplated English trip ii of in consequence. "' Time is money , (says the American Wheelman). Why not eliminate the word 'amateur' from the racing rules, and ".has save time, which equals money?" This points to the condition of amateurism in the United States. J. W. Parsons, the Victorian ex-champion, leaves with his wife for England on April 10. The tour Parsons contemplates embraces England, the Cnntiuenc, and America, and Parsons will race in nil three places. There is no doubt, remarks the Sydney Referee, about the Frenchman, Lesua, being an artist at his own game—paw following. That we can't come near him yet is simply because Australians until lately have had neither up-to-date tracks nor pacing. Says the cycling contributor to the Cinterbury Times:—l did not notice in the official report to the Alliance on the Championship Meeting at Wellington any reference to the betting that was so noticeable. It was a common talk that this betting influenced the result of at lease one championship. Surely the Alliance official was present for the purpose of dealing with such matters.

LAWN TENNIS.

The final matches for the Association Cups, played off last Saturday, were a gnat success, in spite of the unpropitious state of the weather and the slow ground. Probably the result would have been the same if the lawn had been playing as fast as at midsummer. The good attendance on the lawns showed the unabated interest which is taken in these Championship matches. A slight misapprehension seems to have taken place with regard to the charge made for admission and tea, the whole of which went to the funds of tlio Association, and not to the Eden aud Epsom Clubs. The New Zealand Tennis Association intend sending Miss Nuunerley over to Sydney to the tournament to be held there in May, and it is hoped she will be successful in again winning the silver shield which, if she wins this year, will be her property. The Eden and Epsom lawn will clo3e for the season this afternoon as the committee are anxious to get the ground in order aud lay down water pipes for next season. The Parnell Club are sending a team down to the Thames to play some matches this afternoon. The Thames team are as follows : —Messrs, Cleudon, Woolmer, Harper, Rose, Paul, Jackson, and Price, and Messrs Price and Wilson. We hope that the Parnell Club will make a better show this time, as on the last occasion they sent a team down the Tliamcsites were more than able to hold their own against the visitors. GOLF. Ihe tournament for Messrs. Porter and Co.'s trophy is drawing to a close. Mr. M. Clark has qualified for "the final by defeating Mr. Cochrane by 6up and 4to play. Messrs. Kyd and Earl have yet to play off the semifiual, and the winner will have to meet Mr. Clark in the final. This tournament has been of great interest, and has brought forward several of the long handicap men in their play. Entries for 'the club chompionship closed ou Wednesday last. Ten competitors entered, thus necessitating six byes. The following is the order of the draw:—Walker bye, Burness bye, Colbeck bye, Gillies, Cuff, Flint, Carr, Turner bye, Caldwell bye, Kyd bye. In the first round Gillies plays Cuff, and Flint plays Carr. Second round: Walker plays Burness, Colbeck plays winner of Gillies and Cuff, winner of Flint and Carr plays Turner, Caldwell plays Kyd. The first round must be played off on or before Saturday, April 10, but players are requested to play their matches as soon as possible, The committee desire to have the championship finished off by the end of the month, in order to allow a clear fortnight before the New Zealand Championship Meeting, The championship is match play over 18 holes, the final being 36 holes. The Gisborne Golf Club is holding a meeting at Easter, and all members of the Auckland Golf Club are requested to enter for the various events. AQUATICS. The General Handicap race for yachts belonging to the Auckland Yacht Club took place on Saturday afternoon last, and proved the most interesting contest of the season. It is agreed on all sides that the race was the best which has taken place in our harbour for many years past. The Volunteer sailed remarkably well, and was at her best. Viking, on the other hand, did not show up nearly to her old form, appearing to get through the water very slowly. Moan* acquitted herself very creditably. The conrse was a 20-mile one, but I think that, owiug to the state of the weather, the wind falling very light as tne afternoon progressed, it would have been much better if the race had concluded with once round the course. The following were the handicaps:— Volunteer scratch, Viking scratch, Moana 10m., Ida 10m., Muratai 12m., Aorere 13m., Matangi lam., Rita 16m., Rangatira 17m., Vvouue 18:n., Rarere 20m., Zinita 21m., Mahaki 22m., Corinni 27m., Mabel 29m., Wairere 35m. The finish was: Volunteer beats Viking by 13m. 205., Viking beats Moana by 14m. 305., Aorere beats Moana by 80s., and Rarere beats Aorere by 4m. 555. aud takes third place. The results were worked out by Mr. G. Goldie. to whom every credit is due for the pains he has taken to havo the results made aa accurate as possible. Dr. Coates, of Waiheke, returned from his visit to England on Mouday, and I think all yachtsmen will be pleased to have this genial sportsman with us once more. The doetor has takeu a good deal of interest in yachting during the years he has spent in Auckland and its vicinity, and no doubt during his visit to London he lias gained some more yachting lore which will be to the advantage of our local yachting enthusiasts. When the ship Rathdown put into this port over a year ago, in distress, while on the voyage to Liverpool from Vancouver, Messrs. Bailey Brothers built a boat to re place the one lost at the time the ship was " hove down." It is very pleasing to find that our locally-built boats are able to maintain their owu when pitted against those constructed in other parts of the world. The San Francisco Chronicle of February 25 contains the following:-" An exciting boat race took place in Brooklyn basin Sunday last between crews from the English ships Rathdown, Genesta, and Leicester Castle. The first hal; of the course was a dead beat against the wind, aui the return was a clean run with it. The boat from the Rathdown won by ten lengths. The winning boat s was built in New Zealand of kauri pine. It is a haudsome little craft aud a very fast sailer."

Ihe North Shore Sailing Club, although only in its infancy, has met with unqualified success, and should the weather be favourable to-day their inauguration picnic will be one to be remembered. The chosen spot h kohimaramara Beach and grounds kindly lent for the occasion. The club's squadron will accompauy the ferry boat from Victoria Wharf at two p.m. A splendid programme of aquatic sports will take place from three to five p.m. Tea will be provided from five to naif-past six, and a grand concert from seven to nine p.m. The Italian Band will play during the day, and the liuale will be in the splendid electric light from the North Head thrown on the beach, by which all will be able to embark for home per Eagle The ladies' day at the West End Rowin" Uub must be ranked as the best function ever given by any one in connection with a rowing club in Auckland. Indeed, it may be questioned whether a more enjoyable gathering has ever been given by an aquatic institution in New Zealand. The ladies certainly deserve great credit for the excellent mauner in which the whole gathering, and the arrangements in conDeotian therewith, were carried out, and the Rowing Club are fortunate in having enlisted the sympathies of ladies who proved themselves capable of carrying the affair through to its successful issue. The racing was astonishingly close, the second boat overlapping the first in every race, and two of the races were only won by two feet. The selection committee of the club have every reason to be highly gratified with the result of their labours.

The Auckland Rowing Club have a series of handicap sculling races on this afternoon, and as usual some interesting racine is anticipated. There are over 25 entries and some of the men have been training very assiduously of lute. The following handicaps T w e ii dcclared :-Hardie, Patterson, and Wallace, eoratch; O'Meara, 103 : Barber, Hales, Deane, Fowkes, 155.; Pollock, 205.; McKmeht. Uashel, Baker, Barron & N , e > B ° n - W. H. Nelson 255., and Kerr, 355. Ihe Uub was mo3t successful at the late Wgaruawahia regatta, winuing as it did the heavy-weight maiden race and the scullers' handicap, beside rowing a splendid second in the senior gig race. Great interest is being token by the members in the Association Kegatta, on the 10th instant, and as a crew will represent the Club in each event, I expect to tee it again successful in annexing on e or more of the races on that day.. J.ne West End's final outing of the season Will take place at LakeTakapuna on Easter Saturday. Many will remember the successful day the club had at the same place last year, ine nne steamer Eagle has been engaged for the day, and if the racing should prove anything like that of the ladies day, then lovers of •iwatice have a treat in store. Ine inter-club races will take place next Saturday, but I regret to learn that tb«

Waitemata Boating Club will not take « part iu the contests, aa they cannot get thriJ men to train The promoters I think "an made a mistake iu holding the races too lat. in the season. lam iuformed that the jeniw race has been abandoned, and that the lZ clubs will each send a crew for the iunio™ heavy and light weight maidens, while th , stump race is expected to bring out a field «i at least five competitors. The Laii.,' Whaleboat Race will take place on J? same afternoon, and Mr. S. E. Hu»W who is the secretary of the {S club contests, has received a letter f rO m Nearuawahia, asking if an entry wonM k. taken now. The West End Rowin- Cluh have placed a whaleboat at the disposal n f the NgaruawahU ladies, aud will also nro vide a steer-oarsman, if desired, so it is verv likely that a crew will come from the Wai kato. Although there are only three sh races, much interest centres in them West End put down the famous St. George's junior crew at Ngaruawahia, and the latter ai» eager to reverse the decision if they can on the Waitemata. West End heavyweight believe they can turn the tables on the Aock laud crew who downed them on the Wai! kato, and as the under lOst maidens waswoii there by St. George's by half a length from West Eud, this should also prove a great race.

Late last night I was informed that the 8t George's Bay Rowing Club hail withdrawn from the inter-club races, on the ground that the original programme was not adhered to I hope there is no truth in the rumour, as jji would be folly for three clubs to go on* with the races, in view of the fact that they wen to encourage rowing, aud now that two cluU are standing out. Ltni