POLO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11872, 25 January 1902, Page 6 (Supplement)

POLO.

The Wainga.ro Polo Club had a good practice last Saturday, no less than 22 players put ting in an appearance—a capital at tendance for a country club—and I trust the members will continue to be as enthusiastic in the sport. Miss : Allen, assisted by the Misses Wilson, provided afternoon ;• tea, and ;if | the ladies continue to take an interest in; the affairs: of tlx© club I feci certain its future success will be assured. The men are 'so evenly matched in this V club that it would not bo difficult to send two teams down for the tournament, and as Auckland will have a very good second, I think it, is quite on the cards that a match could bo 'arranged. I understand that it is the intention of T. Morrin, juii., to play for Remuera on Saturday.' His presence should strengthen the side, and his old comrades will be glad to welcome him, as he was one of the originators of the club. '■ -. : ';■' ' It is a pity the Auckland Clufy does not see more of A. Manna, on the field. When in form lie is a most valuable man, and as in all probability his services will be- needed for the tournament, it is not too early for him to Ret in line. The Clevedon Polo Club have not settled definitely when they will hold their sports, but in all probability it will bo within a week, either side of March 1. At all events the different clubs in the province will be duly, notified, in time to permit of their taking part. ■ I am surprised to hear that there are so many men turning up on Saturday afternoons at Clcvedori, and feel sure if they continue to tako the same interest up ; to tournament time as they are doing now, some of the older clubs will find them tough nuts to crack. Among the members who have shown up most prominently so far are: L. Burgoyne, H. Oram, C. Sclimitt, G. Lane, L. Smith, E. Wilson, W. Stevens. J. Nearing also calls for mention, as he is coming along rapidly. From, those mentioned a first-class team could bo picked, and I look forward with the greatest interest to the tournament, when I hope this young club will uphold their colours. I notice Colonel Shepherd is a playing member, and with such an authority among them I am sure the club will derive the greatest benefit from his long experience of the game. The quality of the ponies are, on the whole, only fair, but this cannot be wondered at, as " Rome wasn't built in a day." L. Burgoyne's Dandy, H. Cram's Little Black 'Uu, L. Smith's gray mare, G-. Lane's bay pony, H. F. Robertson's Nun, and A. Schmitt's Pung.i and Mist arc about the pick of the lot. • The Auckland and Remuera Clubs practised at Alexandra Park last Saturday, but it certainly was an "off" day for all hands. There was very little brilliant play shown; in fact, tie only thing worth recording was a goal scored by H. Tonics from a very acuto angle. The sooner the captains arrange for two umpires to be on the field the better for the game, as it is impossible for one man to cone with all the work, as was shown, very plainly on Saturday, when numbers of infringements occurred without penalties being inflicted.

There were six of Auckland's men 'away last Saturday, which made the supply very short. It is a pity these members do not givo their Saturday afternoons to the game, as neither of the clubs have enough members to permit of players staying away. - It does not reflect credit on the town clubs to see them experience a difficulty in raising teams when th'j country clubs like Waingaro and Olevodon can get 18 to 22 players without the slightest difficulty. E. D. O'Rorke has gone South again, but will return to Auckland in time to assist his old club iu the tournament. . .

0. Purchas is one of the few men who have shown improvement this season. His gray pony was pulling a good bit on Saturday, and no doubt this was the cause of his being so much off-side. The ladies turned out exceptionally ■ well last Saturday, and the arrangements for afternoon tea were most satisfactory, and nothing was heard but high praise for those who undertook the task of supplying it. . The Auckland Polo Olub will be called upon to furnish a second team this year, and it would not bo a bad idea if Captain Tonics allowed the "Probable"- and "Possible" teams to play one another occasionally. It is no good allowing these matters to wait until; tin; _ eleventh hour—which • is too . often the case in both —and court disaster in the shape of defeat at the hands of younger clubs. • . . Lynx.