TROTTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20074, 11 October 1928, Page 15

TROTTING.

SEASON'S FIXTUKES. October 13, 17—Auckland Trotting Club. October 22—Northland Trotting Club. November G, 8. 9—New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. November 17, 21—Otahuhu Trotting Club. November 21—Wellington Trotting Club. December B—Waikato Trotting Club. December 27. 29. 31—Auckland Trotting Club. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A.M.L.—Stop It wos got by Wildwood (son of Good Gift) from Wild Rose, by Childc Harold (son of Harold). AUCKLAND SPRING MEETING VISITORS ARRIVE. BY PICADOR. Tho following trainers have arrived with candidates for tho Auckland Trotting Club 8 Spring Meeting:—W. J. Tomkinson: Pageant, Dalmeny, Young Blake and H;nkler. D. Warren: Wrackler nnd Wrackeen. F. Holmes: Sonoma Child, Harvest Child and Laplander. W. Hughes: Loch Moigh and Security. J". J. Kennerley: Jackio Audubon and Fight Ever. R. Berry is expected this morning with Dundas Boy, Sunfish and Machine Gun. Two New Zealand Trotting Cup candidates in Machine Gun and Kohara are expected to compete in tho Spring Handicap on Saturday. Machine Gun won tho Spring Handicap last year and also won the principal event on tho second day. Perhaps he may again be in form for this meeting, in which case ho is likely to race prominently. Kohara has not been successful since he won tho New Zealand Trotting Cup last year, and is therefore duo to win soon. Tho cheutnut is in good hands and only needs to be fancied ,by his connections to find strong support.

Owing to the rain there was very lift.le of interest at Alexandra Talk yesterday. Many visitors have arrived and should conditions improve the work may be more interesting this morning. However, that seems hardly likely, as sufficient rain has fallen to rend'3i tho dirt training track heavy. Undei the circumstances it is probable some of the trainers anxious to givo their horses a ruu may patronise the grass track at Mangero to-day.

As a three-year-old last season Efta Cole showed quite a lot, of promise. She was successful once in minor company and also notched a third in a big field at Alexandra Park. During the past few months she has trained on nicoly and should strip in good order for her engagements at the coming meeting.. Ago is expected to effect improvement, in Etta Colo, and it is anticipated that sho will extend her record this season.

The Auto Machine-Tipsy Maid colt, engaged in tho Great Northern Trotting Derby, will not tako his place in the field. His owne , Mr. ,T. B. Sheehan. informed me that he w not likely to mako another trip there yet awhile, although ho will come as poon as be has anything good enough. Mr. Sheehan ha*i a promising three-year-old named Machine King racing in the Becond division of tho Approved Handicap at this Epping Thousand meeting. Machine King, a son of Machine Brick, was unplaced, but shaped rather well for a novico and should bo useful later. (i.N. TROTTING DERBY. The thirteenth Great Northern Trotting Derby will come up for decision at Alexandra Park on Saturday and the event is likely to crento considerable interest. Sixteen horses remain in after the declaration of tho final forfeits and the field should bo a record one, though probably there may net bo more than a dozen starters. In previous years runners have not been numerous in the Derby, and it is pleasing to know that there will be such a good muster of three-year-olds this year. Moreover, the event bears an open aspect and a splendid contest is promised. Mr. H. F. Nieolls, who has supplied two previous winners in Lady Swithin and Naniwich, holds a strong hand with Wrackler and Wrackeen. His representatives have acquitted themselves well in tho few publio outings they have had and should make good showings. Wrackler eeems to bo tho most favoured of tho pair and is evidently a decent colt. Others encaged with sorno form to their credit are Hononta Child and Grand Light., who finished first and second respectively iu the New Zealand Sapling Stakes last season, when both defeated Wrackler. There arc good reports of Guy Dillon, a half-brother to Great Hopo. and perhaps among tho other well-bred candidates there may bo something useful. Auckland's hope. Trustworthy, who performed like a good filly in eeveral minor handicaps last season, is suffering from a plight, injury to her offknee, which is slightly filled. Whether this will affect her prospects may be better determined nearer tho day. Tho final work-outs of tho candidates may provide some line on their prospects, but in the meantime Sonoma Child, Wrackler and Grand Light may bo tho popular fancies.

THE NORTHLAND MEETING. The following rehandicaps have been declared by Mr. G. Paul in connection with the Northland Trotting Club's meeting:— Kaikohe Handicap: Lord Lu, 24yds bhd. THE BITING THOUSAND. Tho Epping Trotting Thousand was decided at. Epping on October 3 and created a good deal of interest. The event was run in three heats and a final and was won by Graceful Derby. Unfortunately rain fell just before tho raco was decided and that detracted considerably from tho pleasure of tho spectators, as well as making tho track a littlo slow. The fust division was won by tho favourite, Mario Dillon, who defeated tho New Zealand representative Bankhcad, driven by J. Bryce, iun., by a head in 3m 28s. Bankhcad was unlucky not to win. 110 did not go away correctly and at, one atago met with slight interference through another horse breaking. On the other hand, Mario Dillon reached tho front in (ho first lap and had all tho best of tho running. Bankhcad made a fino effort in the last few furlongs and just failed. Still it is unlikely that if ho had won his heat he would have beaten tho eventual winner, Graceful Derby, in (ho final. For tho second heat Walla Walla, considered ono of the best pacers in Sydney, was backed down (o a short price, but ho soon put his backers out of suspense by tangling badly at tho Btart. This heat was in favour of tho bookmakers, as an outaider in Talisman won from Rock Huon'a Last in 3m 31s. In tho third heat, Graceful Derby was the favourite and ho justified (he confidence of his admirers by winning throughout in tho good timo of 3m 24 2-ss. Tho final between Graceful Derby, Mario Dillon and Talisman saw Graceful Derby backed solidly at odds-on. On this occasion ho gavo another tasto of his quality by leading all tho way and scoring easily in 3m 26s from Mario Dillon. Graceful Derby iB a six-year-old black gelding by Globe Derby from Pickaway and a good, bold pacer. There are few better in Sydney at present and ho is one that might bo a decent proposition in. New Zealand. On the whole, the class of horses racing at (he trotting meetings in Sydney is weak.

ENTERTAINMENTS, MARGARET BANNERMAN SEASON/ At His Majesty's Theatre this evening Miss Margaret Banncrman and Anthony Prfnsep's company will be presented by tho J.C. Williamson, Ltd., management in tho initial production hero of " 'Sexes and Sevens," a brilliant comedy, adapted from tho French of Alfred Savoir by Arthur Wimperis. It is said to bo a brilliantly witty play and gives ono a view of life from quite a new angle. Margaret Bannerman, yho, it. is said, looks lovely in the gowns she wears, should give a brilliant performance as Mado, a young woman banker, with rather unusual ideas as to woman's superiority over man. Mr. Ellis Irving has an excellent character to portray in Albert, and others in the cast aro Kerry Kelly. Pirie Bush, Arthur Cornell, Herbert Mailard, Cicely Jonas, Lily Titheridge, Dorothy Dunckley, G. Kay Soupor, Geoffrey Millar and Frederick Hughes. Only three performances can bo staged of " Sexes and Sevens," and on Monday and Tuesday nights Miss Bannerman will make her farewell appearances here in " Diplomacy." REVUE AT ST. JAMES'. Stiffv and Mo, the incomparablo pair of humorists, continue to delight audiences at the St. James' Theatre in a new series of burlesques. Always the centre of bright jokes and comedy sketches, Mo provides a feast of humour alone, and while ho and Stiffy are on tho stago tho audience is assured of its amusement. Tho company includes tho Charleston Symphonic Six, a novel jazz band that has been popular elsewhere, and the Radio Six, a troupe of dainty dancing girls whoso steps and frocks are equally delightful. Miss Sadio Gale is an actress whoso characterisations in .comedy sketches are excellent, and -whose singing adds to the success of the entertainment. The company includes Roy Rene, Amy Rochelle, Jack Kelleway, Peter Brooks, Daisy Merrett, Dan Weldon, Dan Dunbar, and Sylvia Gardner.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Gilda Gray, perhaps the most talented dancer of the films, has the leading role iri "The Devil Dancer," tho principal attraction to be shown at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Set in tho littleknown regions of Tibet, this picture is said to have a most realistic atmosphere of the mysteries surrounding the sacred rites of tho Black Lamas. The cast is particularly strong, including Olive Brook, Anna May Wong, Michael Vavitch, Sojin, James Leong, Clarissa Sehvynne and Albert Conti. Miss Gray has tho difficult role of the sacred vestal virgin who is held prisoner by the monks to dance before them in tho temple of the devil gods. Of English blood, but, Tibetan temperament, tho dancer lives a cloistered life untjl the arrival of a young British explorer, who falls in love with her and persuades her to escape with him. The ensuing adventures are partly due to chance and partly to the exotic temperament of the dancer Takla. Tho colourful background of an Anglo-Indian settlement is said to provide an excellent setting for the versatile art of Miss Gray. A fino supporting programme will also be screened, including popular selections by Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh's Orchestra. An atmospheric prologue with stage effects will also be presented.

RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. No moro engrossing story of the sea has been produced than the screen version of Longfellow's famous ballad, "Tho Wreck of the Hesperus," which heads the programme to commence at the Rialto and Epsom Regent Theatres io-day. The few departures made from the original epic story aro those necessary to' provide sufficient screen interest for tho success of tho picture. One of tho most familiar word pictures of legendry loro becomes a reality. Virginia Bradford, Frank Marion and Alan Halo have tho leading roles. George Lewis and Marion Nixon are featured in "The Fourfhtshcr," tho comedy-drama, which is the second feature on tho programme. George Lewis will bo romembered for his prominent connection with the scries of successful comedies, "The Collegians." He is said to havo surpassed himself in "The Fourflusher." Tho story is that of a young man who, in competition with his former employer, starts a boot store and invents an arch supporter. Besieged by his creditors, he hires an actor to offer him a fabulous sum for his invention while they are present. Nobody is moro astounded than he when a genuine buyer purchases his invention at a. price sufficient to enablo him to pay his debts and marry tho girl ho loves. LYRIC AND EMBASSY. Tho reputation that Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton have acquired for themselves in their many comedy productions makes the success of any further effort an assured fact. "Partners in Crime," which is to commence at tho Lyric and Embassy Theatres to-morrow, is no exception. All tho thrills accompanying the discovery and round-up of a typical gang of American "gunmen" are contained in their latest production. From the timo tho two find themselves unconsciously whirled into participating in the capture of the gang there is not • a moment which does not produce excitement and abundant humour. As a comedy the film must rank exceptionally high, and tho amazing intricacies which follow upon the mistaking of one of the harmless pair for the most dangerous member of the underworld are worked out with clever design and a fino appreciation of tho true sense of comedy. "When Fleet Meets Fleet," an engrossing and realistic story of the sea, featuring Henry Stuart, Bornard Goetzher and Agnes Esterhazz, is the second attraction. A a interpretation of the Battle of Jutland is but ono of the thrilling episodes which are said to bo depicted in this film.

GRAND THEATRE. A diamond of ill omen and Repute is the centre of interest round which there hangs a most unusual story in "Diamond Handcuffs," tho principal attraction on the programme to commence at, (lie Grand Theatre to-morrow. r lhc three stars, Eleanor Boardman. Conrad Nagel, and Lawrence Gray, are said to have the biggest parts of their careers, while Miss Lena Malena, who has a different role in each of tho three episodes, gives a vivid portrayal in each. Tlie first part depicts (lie African mines, tho second tho society of London, and the third the underworld of New York. Tho first shows tho goin being discovered and stolen by a Kaffir in a Kimberley mine; tho second traces it through a domestic tragedy, and in tho third episode, the most gripping of all, tho sinister gem is at last obliterated, and joy instead of anguish reigns in its wake. An excellent supporting program mo includes tho latest "Our Gang" comedy. STRAND THEATRE. Tho outstanding reception accorded "Ramona" by Auckland audiences during the past' throe weeks at tho Strand Theatre has induced the management to extend the season still further, and the picture will continue to bo shown this week. Delores Del Rio achieves the greatest success of her career in this film. Ramona is tho ward of a rich senora who rules one of the vast ranches possessed by the Spaniards and lives with her guardian, who has a son. Felipe. She has loved Felipo from childhood, but when a band of Indian shearers arrives at tho ranch one of their number, Alessandro, instantly attracts her. A conflict then arises between her Indian heritage and hor Spanish upbringing, and tho manner in which sho makes her choice provides excellent drama. A well-arranged prologue procedes tho film programme in the evening.

"UNCLE TOM'S CABIN." Tho romance, the tragedy, the negro humour, overy phase of life in the slave States of America three generations past, known to many by Harriet Bcecher Stowe's famous novel, "Undo Tom's Cabin," have been incorporated in the film "Uncle Tom's Cabin." which was shown at the Plaza, Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres last evening. The screening at the Plaza Theatre was preceded by a stage presentation, "Plantation Days," in which the players represented the characters in the picture, and sang well-known negro songs. Few alterations have been made in the story. The producer has sought successfully to convey with realism the story as the world knows it. He has been able to look back on history and has been able to introduce the spirit of the Civil War fighters. Soldiers of the Northern army arc seen fliarchirig to the aid of tho slaves. Tho picture opens with the marriage, of George Harris, the educated slave, and Eliza, slave, of jhe Shelbys, aristocratic Southern landowners. The story is well-known. The resources of the screen and tho talent of many noted actors have brought the story afresh to tho public. James B. Lowe, a negro actor, has achieved a remarkable success in bis characterisation of Uncle Tom, not tho old man of stago plays, but the man of the book, middle-aged, deeply religious, and patient. The other parts have been equally well handled. Tho contrast has been skilfully drawn between the various types of slave-owners. St. Clare and Shelby, kind-hearted and gentlemanly, ara contrasted with the villainous Simon Logree, final owner of Uncle Tom, Haley, the financier, and Harris. Then there is Lawyer Marks, miserly and shrewd, cast partly as a villain, partly as a comedian, George Siegrnann gives a truly remarkable performance as tho tobacco-chew-ing, lialf-drunken giant Legree, a man with an evil reputation for cruelty to his slaves. His work is excellently sustained throughout, and in the final scenes, where ho sees, in a stupor, the figuro of Tom, murdered, pointing an accusing arm at him, Siegmann's acting rises to great heights. The Mississippi River, with the ice breaking up, provides the scene for ono of tho most exciting parts of the film. Haley and Harris are pursuing. Eliza and her child with bloodhounds. The crossing of this river on Die rloes takes place in the height of a snowstorm at night. Tho final rescue is made by the Quaker, Phineais Fletcher, who narrowly prevents Eliza from going over the waterfall. In this soenc ho has to hang, head down, from (he branch of a tree and catch hold of tho girl and her child as they float downstream. Then there are scenes on tho river-boat, witli slaves and merchandise below decks, the aristocracy and tho slave owners above. And again,'there aro the pictures of life in the St. Clare homestead, of Topsy and Eva, and tho sadness at Eva's death. Tho note of tragedy, of unforgettable sadness, runs throughout the film, as in the original story. It is relieved at times by the comedy of the negroes, the antics of the children. The picture has a happy conclusion, with the reunion of George Harris, Eliza and their child. Appropriate plantation melodies are played by Mr. Howard Moody's orchestra, and there i 3 a good supporting programme.

REGENT THEATRE. A clever French farce, "The Magnificent Flirt," the subtleties of which are said to be admirably suited to Florence Vidor, the accomplished comedienne who has the leading role, is to comrnenca showing at tho Regent Theatre to-mor-row. A captivating story of modern Paris is promised, set in the homes of the wealthy and in the gayest of famous cafes and cabarets. Mine. Lavcrne, a flirtatious woman of wealth, engages the attention of a count, uncle of the boy who loves her daughter. So happy is the boy when she consents to their marriage that he kisses her. The count sees them and not knowing it is his own nephew will not allow tho marriage. The boy defends Mmc. Laverno and the count decides to put "tho magnificent flirt" to a test. The manner in which r-he vindicates her,self is said to show Florence Vidor at her best. The supporting cast is a strong one and includes Albert Conti, Matty Kemp and Loretta Young. ■ KOWHAI SCHOOL CONCERT. The pupils of tho Kowhai Junior High School will hold a concert in Scots Hall this evening. A varied programme, including singing, dancing, drill, boxing, and nigger minstrel items has been arranged, and an excellent evening's entertainment should be provided.

STAGE BAND PRESENTATION. An entirely new note in picture theatre entertainment will be struck by the management of the Regent Theatre to-morrow when tho latest successful innovation abroad, " Stage Band Presentation," will be introduced. Tho popular Regenfc Orchestra, augmented by leading dance band musicians, will appear on the stage in a magnificent setting, as a musical background for a brilliant tean; of dancers, especially imported by J. C. Williamson's Theatres, Australia. These artists will present a, colourful performance entitled "Dane* in? Days, with extraordinary lighting effects. Mr. Maurice Gutfridge,- the conductor of the orchestra, is. in charge of the musical arrangements of this novel presentation. " DELIVERANCE." Dealing with a subject of great, present, interest, " Deliverance," a most novel film, will bo > shown in the Oddfellows* Hall, corner* of Hobson and Victoria Streets, this and to-morrow evenings. TUDOR THEATRE. The principal feature now showing afJ the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, is " A Night of Mystery," starring the popular Adolphe Menjou. Tho second attraction is "Tip-Toes," an English comedy, with Dorothy Gish in tho leading role.