ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10413, 10 April 1897, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

CRICE.ET, A match will take place in the Domain at half-past two to-day between the married and single employees of the Star office. Married team: Messrs. Speight, Drummond, Cleveland, Harvey. Armiger,«\Y right, Pooley. Chappeil, Chatwin, Macfarlane, Moon. Single team: Messrs. Whclan, Webster, Dickson, Brown, Sliand, Drum, Jackson, McAlary, Kirkham, Aldridge, Ratcliffe; emereonoy, Geddis. As was generally anticipated, the task set Parnell last Saturday, of compiling 284 runs in one inunings agaiust United, was too great, and the championship is definitely decided iu favour of United. Parnell, however, put up the good score of 176, and that with only eight men to bat. Mills 53, Woods 120, Olilson 21, Totman 28 (not out), Lawsnn 30, and Thorpe 15, were the principal scorer. FOOTBALL. The Association players look forward to a good season this year, as more interest is being takcu in the game than for yean past. Rumour says that the Thames Rugby Union are auxious to secure the serviees of T. Roberts. The majority of the local football clubs have held their annual meetings, and are apparently only awaiting au opportunity to commence practice, which, however, will not be afforded them until after Saturday next, Potter's Paddock being engaged this afternoon and the following Saturday by the Auckland Trotting Club for the holding of their Autumn Meeting. As far as can be ascertained at this early stage, the coinpcciliou for the senior district premiership this year will be a very interesting oue, though as far as "outside fixtures are concerned, there will be very little doing here as compared with last seasou. The Parnell Club has been fortunate euoiigh to secure the senricesof theorack Wairarapa player D'Arcy who, 1 hear, they will play at three-quarter, and hare also added Pike and one or two other good men to their ranks, which means that they will place a very strong fifteen in the field tiiis year. North Shore will add three fresh men to their senior team from the Permanent Force, they being old Wellington players, who were transferred to Auckland from that centre quite receutly mid all said to be well worth a place. As regards the strength of the several other teams I have not yet heard much, other than that Suburbs will have the services of C. Speight and Gillett should they put a team in the field, though I understand there is some doubt as to whether or not they wilt do so. I hear that the Auckland Rugby Union are making au effort to get the public schools under their wing this season, and have issued circulars with reference to the competition they purpose providing for the school players, which I understand will carry a valuable trophy. Evidently the action of the Association authorities in providing contests for the schools has awakened the Union to the sense of a duty that they should havo been the first to undertake and encourage. It is certainly rather hard that the Auckland Football Association should set the ball rolling, and then find the Rugby Union taking away their players, Tho Auckland Rugby Union hold their annual general meeting at the club-room, Metropolitan Hotel, on Tuesday eveuiug next. Tho Church Union will, I hear, be stronger than ever this year. The amateur and professional question in Rugby football in England is stifl much in evidence. Following ou the case I receutly mentioned regarding the dissatisfaction shown iu Wales at the International Board's action iu refusing to allow a presentation to Gould, the famous three-quarter back, coinos a fresh complication from Yorkshire. _ According to the latest English tiles, there is no change iu the situation in Wales. In Gloucester, Bristol, Wellington, Plymouth, Bath, lixeter, Torquay, and, in fact, all over the West of England, public sympathy is with Wales. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union istixed for the -4th mat, and from the report to be presented it will be seen that the seasou of 1891) was one of the most successful since the inception of the Union. The Grafton Club held their aunual meeting ou Wednesday evening last, when Carlton Hay was elected captain for the ensuing season, I understand that the club will not be as strong this season as might have been wished. Mr. DeCosta, secretary of tho New Zealand Rugby Union, has received information from Mr. Roland Hill, secretary of the English Rugby Union, with reference to an ndditluD to the laws of the game for continued breaches of laws for which no penalties now exist. He writes that it has been decided to add the following penalty clauses to law 11:—"If any player or team wilfully aud systematically break any law or laws for which the penalty is only a scrummage," aud "wilfully and systematically cause unnecessary loss of time." The above becomes the law of the International Board at once. Tho additions have been made at the request of the New Zealand Union. The aunual general meeting of the Parnell district club was held last evening iu St. Bonaventura'e Hall. There was a crowded attendance, and the president, Mr. G. S. Kissling, occupied the chair. Mr. W. G. Clarke,' secretary, read tho report, which stated that out of nine matches played, the club had won coven, and had also defeated the Wuimato Club, The balance-sheet presented by Mr. H. J. Whitley showed the club to be in a splendid financial position, with £45 18s 4d to its credit. Officers were elected for tho season as under:—President, Mr. G. S. KissliiiK; captain, Mr. F. Edmonds; vice' captain, Mr. F. M. Jervis; secretary, Mr. W. G. Clarke: treasurer, Mr. H. J. Whitlev: committee, Messrs. E. Anderson, H. J. Whitley, and the captain, vice-captain, and secretary ex olficio; delegates to the Union, Messrs. W. R. Holmes, F. M. Jorvis, and P. R. Fraser; auditors. Messrs. P. R. Fraser and A. G. Buchanan; selection committee, Messrs. F. S. Murray, F. Edmonds, and F. M. Jervis. On the motion of Mr, Fraser Mr. Win. Elliott, an old and popular Pamellite, was elected a life-member of the club. Mr. J. Page introduced the question of a club-room. Such a room was, he felt sure, very much needed by the members, and he thought some steps should be taken to establish oue in the borough. Mr. Page was heartily supported by several persons in tho hall, and on his motion a committee was appointed to take the matter up. Mention was made of the rather unsatisfactory state of the junior fifteens of the club, and after the question had been ventilated the meeting agreed to appoint Mr. H. Dunnage assistant secretary, for the special purpose of looking after the juniors, A vote of thanks to the chair brought the meeting to a close.

ATHLETICS. Referring to the performances of J. Burton in winning a 130 yds race from 3yds in 12 9-lOa., and C. Campbell's quarter-mile from scratch in SOJs. aud his second from scratch in the half-mile in 2m., Harrier in the Australasian says: This is surely almost good enough for England. A number of New Zealand admirers of A. H. Holder talk of subscribing to send him home, It would be rather late for this year. Why not wait until after the Australasian championships? It appears as though a really good team might be selected from Burton, Rowley, Patrick, Watson, Roseingrave, Holder, Campbell, Barrett, Hori Eruera, and others who would do Australasia credit.

Writing anent the statement made by "Veteran" in the London Sportsman to the effect that Godfrey Shaw, the English hurdle champion, is said to have made up his mind to retire from the running path, an Australian athletic authority who has seen most of the best at the three-stride came, since the time of O, N. Jackson, inoludiugPalmer, Daft, Reay, Lockton, Bulger, Shaw, and Batgei' (Harold of that ilk) says Batger was the best actionerl of the lot, and at his best, quite as good as Shaw. Perhaps none of them actually got over a hurdle—l omit the word "jumped" on purpose, because he merely "strides" over his hurdle— quickly as Roseiugrave. Still, I don't for a moment argue the Gal way boy is to be ranked before all the others over a 120 yds course, inasmuch as some were faster on the flat. I saw Batger give Shaw a good and decisive beatiug in I)unedin,inlßß9. Latest advices from Australia state that M. M. Rosoingrave, the Irish hurdler, -is through the crisis, and recovering nicely from his attack of typhoid. From the Sydney Referee I learn that W. H. Martin, the Australasian amateur chainpica hurdler, contemplates retiring from the track, being unable to find the time to follow up his favourite pastime. I suppose the statement is correct, though I have not had the good fortune to meet Martin to enquire as to its authenticity, but can hardly see how anyone other than himself could have afforded the information, I was informed some time since,that A. Brady, the one mile walking champion of Australasia, had forfeited his amateur status, and now this is confirmed. Everyone will be sorry to hear this, as Brady was the prettiest heel and toe exponent ever connected with, the Auckland Amateur Club, and more than one enthusiast looked forward to a meeting in October next at Sydney between the New Zealauder and A. O. Barrett, who hns come to .the front ou the other side recently, and would undoubtedly have made matters interesting bad a meeting been arranged. ~.» The committee of the Auckland Amateur Athletic ' Club lost a : good member in P. ,Brody, who recently left for Coromandel, where he goes, into business -on his own account. A man well grounded in all mailers pertaining to athletics and a' thorough enthusiast, he leaves a vacancy by no menus my to fill ' ' ;-■ •'■ -:[■,■■.■

The Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club hold » eports meeting to-day, the Wanganui and AshWtou Clubs on Easter Monday, And the Nelson Club on Queen's Diamond Celebration Day. From a coastal paper I learn that the project of sending A. H. Holder to England to compete at the July championships is beiug warmly supported, and that Wangauui hna promised to contribute liberally to the fund. I think it would be tar bettor to wait for the 1898 meeting, as Holder could not be expected to be in form for July next. He would require at least three or four months' spell in Eugland before he could be expected to be seen at his best. Mr. W. B. Eyre, of Christehureh, ia said to be settling down in Auckland. Mr. R. Coombes (Syduey) has given notice of motion to the Council of the New South Wales Amateur Athletic Associaciou advocating the advisability of inviting the athletio associations of the other colonies to a conference to be held iu Sydney during the progress of the uext Australasian Championship Meeting. The business to be discussed according to his motion would be as follows: —1. The desirability of establishing an Amateur Athletic Union of Australia, or, if New ,Zealaud cares to join in, Australasia. 2. The reinstatement of professionals. 3. The advieibility of renewing the Australasian agreement, which expires by the efiliixion of time at the comnletiou of the next Australasian Championship meeting. The same gentleman also putfonvard a motion recently advocating the consideration of the advisability of taking control and management of athletic competitions for cash prizes within the colony (New South Wales) and that a sub ■ committee be appointed to report theroon. This is the only way of meeting the question squarely in the face, though I feel that it will meet with strenuous opposition in many quarters. Au athletb club has been formed at Otahuhii, the inaugural meeting of which will be held on Queen's Birthday, May 24th. H. G. Thomson and T. Moncur will compete in the pedestrian events at the Wanganui Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club's sports of Easier Monday, and amongst other visitors Mr. S. Somerfield, a member of the Auckland Club's Committee, will go down with the competitors. Entries tor all events at the meeting close to-day.

In throwing out a challenge to ruu any man in the world from a quarter up to half a mile, E. C. Bredin expresses a particular desire to meet Steve Farrell, the American crack. Bredin will make the match tor auy sum from £100 upwards. I am pleased to hear that T. Roberts has tendered an apology to the North Shore Club's authorities for the uncomplimentary lerms in which he addressed them in his recent letter with reference to the handicapping of himself in the sprint events. This being the case I hardly think the club will go so far as to send the letter on to the N.Z.A.A. Association, as it must be admitted that, while there was no call for a communication couched in such terms as that sent by Roberts, tho handicappers erred grievously in making the handicap, leaving room for complaint. In a recent issue of tlto Spirit of the Times (New York) I notice an account of Mr. B. A. Laurie's pedestrian starting machine, at the conclusion of which the writer says a photograph of the same can be seen at the office.

The athletic writer of the Sydney Referee, to whom a copy of Mr. Grierson's report re betting at tin; Auckland Amateur Athletic Club's gathering, and the subsequent motion of the New Zealaud Association with reference to the said betting, was sent, iu acknowledging receipt, says the Association has been somewhat severe on the Auckland Club as regards the manuer iu which they went about it. He does not see how the officials are so entirely to blame in the matter, and after pointing out how easy it is for tho amateur to get his money on (if so disposed), indirectly, says:—" And mind yon, they bet in other places in Australasia than Auckland." Surely the attitude assumed by the "Prodigal," to whom the immaculate New Zealand Association were no doubt looking for complete concurrence in their action, will be a rude shod: to them—and perhaps they will see that, they were somewhat hasty in couching their resolution the form they did. To we Aucklttuders it is a pleasure to read the broad-minded expression by our Syduey couferere, and to find that there are still those who are not narrow in their views. CYCLING. The aunual road race tor amateurs under the auspices of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club will be held on Queen's Birthday (May '24). The course will be the usual one, from Papakura to Parnell. The race is open co all amateur cyclists, whether memliers ot the oinb or not. The committee of the Auckland Amateur Athletio and Cycle Club, at a Meeting held on Thursday evening, decided ro aend the local cyclist, E. Reynolds (New Zealand amateur champion) 1.0 Glasgow to compete at the World'schainpionsiiips, thatis, of course, provided they ruisu a sufficient sum by means of public subscriptions, they themselves heading the list with £30. I do not anticipate that there will be much difficulty in raising the required amount (something under £200), and feel confident that Reynolds will uot disgrace the colony on the track. In another paragraph with reference to the English championships, it wiil be seen that there is a probability that Wally Kerr, the Sydney crack will compete. Should he do so probably he and Reynolds will meet at last, and we will find out who is really the better man of the two, I should like to have a cigar on Reynolds. Reynolds, Brooks (2), and others are going down to compete at the Wangauui Club's meeting on Easter Monday, I acknowledge with thanks the first number of the New Zealand Cyclist, a uew weekly devoted solely to wheel matters, and published by the Lyttelton Times Company, Christehureh. Tho publication is well got up, aud contains a spread of information that should ensure its being circulated and read throughout the colony. E. Wall, the best of the Wanganui contingent who competed at the Alliance Championship Jlcuiini; last month, has decided to race for cash.

According ta the Melbourne Sportsman, Porta has captivated an heiress, and will marry her if her people can be brought to give their consent.

The 'Cyclists' Union of New Sonth Wales have chosen Ben tioodsou, of tUclthamptnn, as a representative of Australia at the World's 'Cycling Championships to be held at Glasgow, and have notified that the £100 promised is available when he is ready to start. It is almost a certainty, too, that Wally Kerr, the champion of Australasia. who has taken a trip to the old country, will be a competitor. William En-art Gladstone (England's G.O.M), has, it appears, given over chopping dowu trees as a means of recreation and taken to cycling. This robs composer Verdi of the distinguished houonr of being the oldeat cyclist on the face of the oarth. The Christchuroh Cycling Club will introduce > novelty in wheels at its race meeting on Good Friday, the machine being known as the "American buck-jumper." It is made with elliptical wheels instead of round ones, with the result that it rears and jumps about in a most startling fashion. The club is having three machines made, which' will be ridden by men arrayed as cowboys, and the race should cause an infinite amount of amusement.

It has now been definitely arranged (says the London Sportsman) that the World's Cycling Championships of the International Cyclists Association will be held on the track of the Celtic Football.Club at Parkhead, Glasgow. At a conference between representatives of the Celtic Club and the Scottish Cyclists' Union, terms were arranged satisfactory to both parties. The Celtic Club lure undertaken to re-lay their track with cement, ami make it three laps and a-half to the mile, bringing it in the matter of banking and surfacing up to modern speed requirements. These improvements are to he completed before May next. The Scottish Cyclists' Union is making strenuous efforts to have a strong representation of the Englishspeaking race at these championships next July in Glasgow. Favourable replies have been received from America, Canada, and Cape Colony, who have promised to support the meeting. Australia has also been invited to join the International Cyclists' Association, while the support of the National Cyclists' Union, and the Irish Cyclists' Association is certain to be extended to Scotland in order to make these world's championships one of the features of Her Majesty's record reign. LAWN TENNIS. At the West End Club the finals of'the Gentlemen's Championship Singles will be played eff this afternoou, when Mr..A. H. Brabant, last year's champion, meets Mr. John Peacock. A great game is anticipated, as both players are in the best of form. The finals of the Gentlemen's Handicap Singles and Handicap Doubles will also be played off. The prizes won during the season will be presented at the conclusion of the day's play. The club has been very fortunate in the number and quality of prizespresented by friends, including a gold bangle for the Ladies' Championship, and a gold medal for the Gentlemen's Championship, presented by the president (Mr. J. Kirker). Mr. Kohn has also presented a handsome gold medal for the Gentleman's Handicap Singles. Au advertisement of interest to tennis players appears in another column. The winter club starts play for the season on May 1 at their courts, Zealandia Rink, Stanleystreet.

* , GOLF. The final matches for Messrs. Porter and Co.'a trophy have now been played, with the result that ; Mr. Kyd,' with V handicap of three up, haa proved the winner. i In the warSw » gwt mutch wii plijei between

Messrs. Earl and Kyd. The latter had to give the former nine up, and at one time the match looked a certainty for Earl, who at the 13th hole was doing fine. Mr. Earl ouly required a half to wiu, and was lying dead in the odd. Mr. Kyd played the like from outside the green, and by great good luuk holed his ball. The putt was a fiue one, but the holeiiiß of a ball from such a distance was very hard on the loser. Mr. Ryd came away verystrondy at the finish, and won the match at the 19th hole, his last six holes being played in 24, a remarkably tine performance. The wiuner is to be congratulated oil the fine upliilt game he played, and the loser is also to be congratulated on his good fight and improved form. Iu the fiual Mr. Kyd met Mr. M. Clark, who Ims played consistently and in very improved torm throughout the tournament. Mr. Kyd was playing in fine form, and completed the round in 89, beating his opponent by three up and two to play. On his improved form. Mr. Kyd should have n good say in the Club Championship which is now being played. The only match of the championship yet played is that between Messrs. Gillies and Cuff, in which the former had an easy vic-

tory. Several good championship matches will take place today, when Mr. Walker pluys Mr. Burness, Mr. Flint pluys Mr. Uarr, and Mr. Caldwell plays Mr. Kyd. The ohiunpionsliio course is tho same as that fixed for the New Zealand championship, namely, over 15 holes (i.e., omitting the old fifth hole), the first two and tho last hole having to be played over again. A handicap match may be arranged for one of the Easter holidays. AQUATICS. The Rita got into trouble at Drunken Bay on Sunday morning, fouling the Ariel, the result beiiiK that the Rita's mainsail was badly damaged. The major portion of the crew were brought back by the Matangi. and oa Monday a new mainsail was sent down and the yacht brought to town, Matangi, Ida, Windward, Yum \'nin, »nd a number of other yachts were at Drunken Bay on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteer visited Maiteateii; and Viking dodged about tho Gulf. The Matangi called at Kohimarama on Saturday, and after landing some visitors proceeded to Drunken Bay, where she remained for tho night, returning to her moorings on Sunday. Last Saturday the first piouic of the North Shore Siiiling Club took place, and was a most enjoyable affair. Between 400 and 500 visitors put in an appearance, and everything passed oil excellently, the officials of the club doing everything possible for the comfort of all. The crew from the Mavis in their" niKger" costume, were the event of the day, and the music they discoursed at various times tended much to the harmony of the functiou. The nflicers of the club are to be congratulated upon the excelleuce of the arrangements, and the mannsr in which everything was carried out. This club has only been in existence for about two years, and have done good work in introducing a pure love for yachting, and I trust that they will have every success in the future. The club has a fine lot of officers, who do not spare themselves in endeavouring to m»ke the races as interesting as possible.

The junior crew of the Blenheim Rowing Club for the Championship Regatta has been selected as follows:—A. Carter (stroke), J. Morrison, R. Logan, and VV. Poulsou. It is considered probable that Mr. Temple, of IMorous Sound, will join the Seymour brothers for the senior events.

The Nelson Rowing Club will be represented in the junior fours at the Championship Regatta at Enster by W. Pike, E. Shea, F. Washbourne, and F. Shallcrass (stroke). The annual eieht-oared race for the rowing premiership of Victoria, which took place in Melbourne on March 27, resulted in a win for the Mercantile crew.

The proposed race between the Yum Yum and Undine has been declared off. This, I understand, is owing to the latter having had material alterations made to her hull, contrary to the spirit of the agreement entered into by the parties. On 'Wednesday last-a friendly race took place between Mahaki and Rarere. Both ynehts had amateur crews ou board, and after an interesting contest Rarere won by it minute and α-lmlf.

Viking was at Putiki Bay on Saturday, and returned to Brown's Island on Sunday morning, remaining until the evening. The projected rane betweeu maiden crews from Auckland and West End Clubs will not come off. Auckland have declined to meet because their club hold trial fours to-day. West Eud Rowing Club's last fixture of the season will take place next Saturday at Lake I'akapuna. Volunteer went to Maiteatea on Saturday, and remained nntii Sunday. Coming home on Suuday evening the yacht made very fast time against the strong south-west breeze, fairly ahowijg her heels to the rest of the fleet. After the North Shore Sailing Club's picnic on Saturday, Ngaru went to Mattea tea. There were fifteeu yachts in Drunken Bay on Sunday morning, including Rita, Yvonne, Windward, Yum Yum, and Mahaki. A new oil-engine launch, built by Messrs. Logan Bros, for Mr. BUke, of Whangarei, was out for a trial trip yesterday, and acted very satisfactorily, a speed of about seven miles beinK attained. She is a handsomelooking little craft. Coming home to their moorings on Sunday, some of the yachts got a rare dusting from the strong south-wester blowing. Auckland Rowing Club bold a series of trial fours this afternoon.

I am sorry to learn that the proposed inter-club rowing races have fallen through, owing to the various clubs not coming to a cordial agreement on the subject. This is to be sincerely resetted, as if rowing is to be put on a firmer footing in this harbour, it can only be done by the clubs takiu™ combined action. It lias been stated to me that while the captain of a certain club was strongly in favour of the proposal, his efforts were much retarded by the committee of the club, who for some reason or the other did not support his action. This is a great mistake, I think, especially in regard to the clnb mentioned, and although I refrain from mentioning any names, those interested can make a good guess as to the club I mean. So fur as I can judge, there can be no two opinions on the matter, as unless all the clubs in the harbour join hands the holding of interclub races must result in failure. Talcing all the clubs in existence they are as good a lot; of men as could be got together, but if an antagonistic feelins; is engendered then we must say goodbye to anything like combined action, and without tho latter then rowing in Auckland must be confined to a few enthusiasts. It is a great pity that rowing men will not sink their petty differences, and go in to work for the good of the sport as a whole. It is in this esprit dt corps that the rowing clubs in other parts of the colony get ahead of Auckland, and will continue to do 90 as long 99 these little pettyfoggjng waj'3 are continued. Why not strike out, and broaden your views, Auckland rowing men, and band together in an endeavour to make rowing a successful sport? Unless you do that, then the sooner you close your sheds the better. Regarding West End Rowing Club it is to be regretted that a feeling of antagonism is at present exhibited by certain members who have evideutly gone out of their way to throw " dirt" at the officers and committee. It is to be hoped that this attempt to introduce a bad feeling between members will bo put down with a strong hand, for if it is allowed to go on, the result can only be disastrous to the Club. Of course, in the position which I occupy I hear a good deal on both sides of the question, and my advice to the club is to get rid as soon as possible of the members who cannot work together, puttin* men in who will work for the best interests of the club and rowing as a whole. West End has made a name for itself during the past year or two by the energy the members have displayed id promoting rowing sports, and I feel sure that lovers of aquatics generally would be sorry if anything occurred which would retard the good work the club has done in inculcating a lovefor the sport. Lynx.