ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10409, 6 April 1897, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

KOPCRU CLUB SPORTS.

The first meeting of this club was held in Mr. Webb's paddook, foot of Kopura cutting, on Saturday afternoon. There had been some heavy showers duriug the morning, and the ground was somewhat wet; but, with the exception of one shower, the afternoon was pretty fine. The spectators numbered about four hundred, and the several races each brought out good fields of competitors. The close finishes reflected credit upon the handicappers, for no event was won without a hard struggle. The arrangements made for carrying out the programme were complete, and the various events were got through without a hitch. The first race started at 20' minutes past one o'clock,and the last was concluded well before dark. Mr. VV. Smith gave satisfaction as starter, and all other officers and committeemen worked well. The followiug are the results of the various events :—

Maiden, 120yd3: There were several entries for this race, and it had to be ran in two heats. First heat—C. Cox 1, G. Henderson 2. Second heat— J. Gray 1, J. Hunt 2. Fiual heat—G. Henderson 1, J. Grey 2, C. Cox 3. Cox eutercd a protest against both first and second man on the ground that they were not qualified to run as maidens. Liter on ho desired to withdraw the protest, but this the committee refused to allow. Evidence WK3 Riven that Cox had been paid to withdraw the protest, and, as the latter refused to give any explanation he was disqualified for twelve months on a charge of receiving a bribe, Tnere was no evidence against Grey, but two witneises believed Henderson to be Bowser, while others knew him as no other than Henderson. It was resolved that Henderson be requested to sign a declaration that he had no performances, that his name is Henderson, and that he had never run in any other name. Also that inquiries be made of the Auckland Amateur Club as to his identity. The declaration was signed. Tβ Kopuru Cup, 150 yds: First heat-A. Cook 1, Christiansen 2, Tidmareh 3. Second heat—(i. Henderson 1, Joe Stanaway 2, C. Matthews 3. Third heat-A. Armiger 1, J. Neill 2. Only etarters. Fourth heat-John Stanaway 1, W. Parquhar 2, A. Johnston 3 Fifth heat—A. Nathan 1, W. Clark 2. T. Smith also ran. Sixth heat—W. Harrison 1, R. Tomlinsou 2, George Moras 3. A close finish. Secondary heats: First-John Stanaway 1, A. Cook 2, Farquhar 3. Second— Christiansou 1, Tomlinson 2. Third—A. Nathan 1, G. Henderson 2. Further heatsNathan 1, Armiger 2. Christiansen 1, Tomlinson 2. Final heat—Nathan 1, Armiger 2, Christiansen 3.

Half-mile: About twenty started intbis event, and a splendid race resulted. After the first round, Fowler led, followed close by W. Dunn, F. Cox, and the field. When nearing home; Fowler was about done, and Moras had just enough in him to finish first. F. Cox finiihed with more in him. George Moras 1, F. Cox 2, H. Fowler 3. Two-mile walk :C. West maintained a lead till withjn 300 yds from home, when Brady passed him, but West pushed him hard, and Brady's condition was not up to the strain, and he dropped to the ground and did not finish. C. West 1, A. Johnston 2. These were the only ones to finish. Bicycle Race, two miles: A. Cook, Joe Stanaway, and H. Leabourne were the only starten. Cook was undoubtedly the fastest msn, and handicapped himself severely by twice falling off when endeavouring to pies Stanaway. An approaching Stanaway the third time he managed to steer clear, and soon got a good lead, which he maintained to the end. A. Cook 1, Joe Stanaway 2. Hurdles, 120 yds: The ground was heavy for jumping, and several hurdles were knocked over. First heat—E.-Cobbald 1 H Phelan 2, Second heat— J. Stanaway 1, W'. Harrison 2; and these were the only starters. Final-John Stanaway 1, H. Phelan •> Members' Race, 100 yds First heatNathan 1, Armiger 2. Second heat—F. Lawrie 1, the only starter. Third heat-R. loralineon 1, H. Leabourne 2. Final heatA. Nathan 1, Armiger 2, Tomlinson 3. One Mile: J. Baker started very stron«ly and ooked in good trim, but fell over a child aud lost his chance. F. Cox 1 F Lawrv ' A. Mc&iath3. Boy's Bace: C. Cobbald 1, Brockliss 2, G.

Quarter-Mile: Fourteen started,and the race waa a good one, producing an exciting nuish with sereral close up. Farquhar went through his men well, but some of tho«e in front were too much for him. W. Harrison, when ten yards from home, looked a sure winner, bat Christiansen shot to the front and won by nearly a yard. W. Christiansen l,VV.Harrigoa2,J.Baker3. forced Handicap 300 yards; nint started : W. Christiansen 1, W. Harrison 2, Farquhar o, Baby Show: This took place in the Kopuru Hall, in the erening, when the first prize was taken by Mrs. R. SI. Clark for the best all all-round baby. This baby was 12 months' old, weighed 70 pounds, measured 10 inches round the r.alf and 14 inches round the thigh. Ibe second prize (for beauty) was won by Mm. J. Herkt'e baby of 4J months; and the third prize (best dressed) was awarded to Mrs. Tom Sharpe's child of 11 months. Ihere were seveu entries iu all. The judges were Mrs. Armiger and Mr«. I t»pa Correspondent.]