SPORTING.

New Zealand Mail, 22 April 1887, Page 12

SPORTING.

SPORTING NOTES

(By Nelson.)

The acceptances for the Foxton Autumn. Meeting are very good, seven paying up for the “Hurdle Race, eight for the Autumn Handicap, and teu for the Jubilee Stakes. These acceptances ought to jiroduce a real good day’s racing. I like Orient’s chance for the Hurdles, Rumor for the Handicap, and Ruapehu for the mile. Mr Vallance has sold to Mr Mandel his two racehorses, Rumor and Cupid, delivery to be taken after the Foxton Races. Two hundred was the price paid for Rumor, and I think Mr Mandel has made a good purchase. Mr Drake must have more than an average horse in Teddy Yuile, as he has performed well at all distances. He won the Handicap at Takapuna last Saturday, and might have appropriated the Great Northern St. Leger stakes, only, changing his legs a couple of strides from home, just allowed Lady Norah to beat him by a nose. Spade Guinea was without doubt the heroine of the Auckland meeting, slie winning the double, the second day carrying 93t Sib, but without trying to detract from, her victories, the cattle that finished behind her must be a bad lot, as I am confident she could not carry her impost to victory in a decent field of horsc-s.

Reviewing the Autumn Meeting at Christchurch, there was a lot of in and outrunning during the meeting. The defeat of Maxirn by Sextant in tho Challenge Stakes the ' second day must have been a great surprise, as the former won the Champagne Stakes the first day in the fast time of lrain 15sec, Fair Nell’s running in the Challenge Stakes must have disgusted most of her backers, as when she won the Easter Handicap the same day she paid a large dividend, and her backers must have forsaken her. Mr Butler’s bad luck still continues to follow him, his filly Repose being second twice. This meeting was no exception in reference to the starting, Mr Campbell being unlucky in some of his starts. Why do the Metropolitan Clubs not have paid starters, one for the North and one for the South Island ? Surely they would be able to pick men who thoroughly understand their business, and would give satisfaction. Look at Mr Geo. Watson in Melbourne, and Mr Joe Kean in New South Wales, the latter being highly complimented at the late Hawkesbury meeting. I cannot understand why there should be such an outcry about walking totalisators. We all know that part and parcel of racing is betting, and though the uumber of the bookmakers may be diminished, stilla number will always follow the occupation, even if the machine is allowed to exist. ,1 fail to see why those who please should not bet the same prices as the machine. When a bookmaker offers the odds on any particular event he is told that the machine lays better prices; but next day, when he wants to lay machine price, he is told it is illegal, and is stopped from doing so. I myself ha\e had a slight experience at bookmaking, and can satisfy anyone who is inquisitive enough that it is not such a good game as represented. As a matter of fact, it Is well known, not only here but in Australia, that the ring is not very rich, and after you pick about a dozen out the remainder cannot show a ve/y large credit in their banking accounts, and most of those who are well off mads their money by backing, not laying; so I hope the last of the objections to the bookmakers plying their avocation has been heard. There is plenty of room for all. The Leader says when Mr Archie Yuille knocked Robinson Crusoe down to Mr J. Crozier for 875 guineas, most of those present felt gratified at the return to Victoria of the famous sire of Navigator and Trident. For stud purposes he is in his prime, being 13 years of age, and as he walked into the ring on Tuesday, looking every inoh an equine king, aot a few of those present recalled the sensational incident of 1876, on the occasion when Nemesis, Robin Hood and others were drowned, and the afterwards appropriately named Robinson Crusoe saved from a watery grave to add the A.J.C. Leger to his record before transmitting his sterling qualities to his famous sons. Considering the horse’s breeding, substance, age, and the phenomenal performances of Navigator and Trident, I consider that the owner of the St. Albans estate bought about the cheapest horse in Australia. The brood mare Cocoanut, the result of whose alliance with Robinson Crusoe has made her as celebrated as he, also found a Victorian buyer, being purchased by Mr W. H. Pearson for 350 guineas. As Cocoanut has been again served by the sire to whom she has thrown such distinguished progeny, Mr Pearson has probably made a good bargain, and I am sure that he has done so in the purchase of Naphtha, by Fireworks—Dagmar, with a filly foal by Navigator. The owner of Kil-

1 many Park bought the aged Rose of Denmark for ‘a pony,’ and Mr Alex. Smith, of Lindenow, secured Sweetwater for 80 guineas, a grand looking daughter of Piscator and Sour Grapes, who should bear a prominent part in maintaining the reputation of the well known Gippsland breeding establishment. The sale completed the distribution of the famous Terrara stud, which has for many years contributed largely towards maintaining the world-wide celebrity of the Australian thoroughbreds. The Townsville Turf Club, Queensland, •has appointed three of its members to act a 3 a sub or ‘justice’ committee to watch the racing at their annual meeting, to investigate disputes and charges of unfair riding. I think this example could be well copied by our New Zealand clubs. ‘ Augur’ says strolling round Flemington one day this week I saw the veteran Conimomotion quietly nibbling the grass in a paddock close to the stable. The old. fellow, who rapidly lost flesh and muscle after his accident, seemed to be picking up again, and it is confidently expected that he will be able to do stud duty during the forthcoming season. He walked with some difficulty, and always will perhaps, as his shoulder is displaced. I believe he will stand at Kilmany Park in the. spring, and with a few good mares to start upon, he will have the chance of keeping up the character of the Panic family at the stud. Hitherto no son of Panic has shone to advantage at the stud, but I have hopes of seeing this, his best son, worthily filling the place vacated by his sire. In another paddock I saw Nordenfeldt’s yearling sister, who has lengthened and grown since she took ud her abode at Flemingtou. I fancy Mr Thos. Chirnside has a real clinker in his good looking daughter of Musket and Onyx. The brother to Matchlock, a model racehorse on a small scale, is also growing, and though he will never be very tall, he will be as strong as a castle. It is reported in England that Ormonde has turned roarer. This will be a great loss to the Duke of Westminster, who refused £20,000 for him. Some of the British aristocrats have been getting into bad odour, both in India and Australia, through laxity of payment of their racing debts. From the Sydney Tribune I take the following : —‘ Rather a peculiar case of mistaken identity has come to light in connection with the recent annual distribution of the Hobartville stud. At that sale were several ‘foreign’ buyers, including Mr. Kable, of Queensland, and Mr A. Anderson, of Waikoiltoi, N.Z., and it was between them that the mistake occurred. Several days after the sale their purchases were sent to Sydney to be in readiness for the first outgoing steamer, and while in course of transit both buyers appear to have become a trifle mixed. Among Mr Anderson’s contingent was a colt by Gloucester —Splendora, and Mr Sable's included a colt by Bosworth —Mysie Hayper, yet the latter was quite certain that he had purchased the Splendora cole, and Mr Anderson was equally positive that the other was knocked down to him. Mr Ciibborn attempted to rectify the matter, but the parties interested would not be told, and mutually agreed to take their respective fancies, no matter what might afterwards turn up; and thus Mr Kable took the youngster Mr Anderson paid for, and Mr Anderson became the owner of the other. Further particulars have been forwarded to each owner, so that nothing in the shape of trouble may come about hereafter by reason of the colts being entered under incorrect pedigrees.’ The victory of Honeydew in the Autumn Stakes (in which Nelson ran second) caused a good deal of comment on the horse’s running in the Hawkesbury Handicap. ‘Vigilant,’ in the Sportsman (probably the most outspoken sporting writer in the colonies) thinks it is a peculiar circumstance that the Hon. W. A. Long was not called on for an explanation * of the miraculous improvement in form shown by his horses Honeydew and Abner when they were backed by the right people, aud with more weight on their backs.’ Nelson is said to ha v e looked at least half a hundredweight lighter at the A.J.C. Autumn than when he was last seen at Flemington. I hear that the gentleman who races under the name of ‘ Mr J. Leopold ’ has bought Rumour and Cupid at a price of £2OO. Fisherman, who was sold from this district lately, has started to earn his oats by winning a celling hurdle race, of 30 sovs., at Takapuna. J. Kean, who went across from New Z .&■ land in charge of Mitrailleuse, has had a very bad attack of inflammation of the *y‘S, and has been prevented from doing anything but consult oculists during the pass few weeks, he having been through ths hands of four doctors. He is now nearly convalescent. It is with extreme regret we (Sportsman) learn that the case of the veteran Commotion is now considered to be almost hopeless, and in talking with his trainer, Mr F. F. Dakio, we learnt that the injury sustained by this grand old son of Panic is of such a complicated nature that recovery is next to a matter of impossibility. The old horse now shows evidence of breaking down in his sound foreleg, which is almost a natural consequence, considering that he has borne his weight so long on that one member. Should this occur, then the case is virtually all over, for the injured shoulder has become eo deformed that it

would simply be an impos-ibilifcy for the horse to stand. A consultation of veterinariea was to have taken place when it was expected a final opinion would be arrived at. This is certainly one of the most regretable accidents we have ever experienced, and one that will be hard to replace should the champion fail to recover. The settliDg-up in connection with the Wellington Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting took place at the Club Hotel last night week. The new grand stand on the Nelson racecourse, which is to be completed, according to contract, by the 31st May, will be, both for the completeness of its arrangements and for its general appearance, ranked with the best buildings of the kind in the Colony, and is deserving of more than a passing notice. It will be remembered that some time ago competition was invited for a prize offered by the manager of the Nelson Racing Club for the best design for a grand stand, and Mr William Turnbull, of this city, was the winner. His design was adopted, and the work, which has been put off until after the Autumn Meeting, is to be gone on with at once. The building is in the French style, «nd -ns a background to a smooth green lawn will look graceful and effeotive. The ground floor is entered from the front by the large main entrance doors,' which lead into a hall 13ft. wide, running through the whole width of the building, and by two glazed swing doors at either side leading on the right to the refreshment room 40ft. x ISffc. 6in., and on the left to the lawn bar, which is the same size. Off the refreshment room is an ante room for the use of attendants, 12ft. 6in. x 10ft., and at the rear of the refreshment room is the Stewards’ private room 16ft x 10ft, and the : gentlemen’s dressing room and lavatories. On the left, at the back of the lawn bar and opened into by a door from the main hall, are the ladies’ dressing and toilet roo:ns. In the front of the building over the main doors is a portico and clock entablature, supported by pillars, and here it is intended to mount a large clock. There is also a verandah and balcony, with staircases leading to the latter from either end outside the building. Just above the balcony is the main gallery, which will be capable of seating 350 persons. Spacious staircases 4ft wide give easy access to this gallery both from the main hall inside and from either end of the building outside. Above the main gallery i 3 the roof gallery, in which there are a tier of benches capable of affording standing room to 400 people. Entrance to the roof gallery will be from the back of the building, a couple of staircases leadiug up to it. The height of the building will be 39ft 6in at the back, and a front elevation of 31ft. It will be erected on concrete piers, and will have concrete floors. The main gallery will be supported by handsome castiron columns, cast in Nelson. Mr Brown, of Nelson, is the contraetor. The highest leap of a horse on record is that of Mr Burgham’s, of Hyde Park, London. The famous leap was made iu 1792 over a wall, the height of which was 6Jft on the outside, The horse landed on a soft bed of prepared litter. Our Pahautanui correspondent writes : The Loyal St. George Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U. Pahautanui, held its annual sports on Easter Monday, which passed off very successfully, there being a large attendance of the public. The different events were well contested. The Maiden race was won by J. Millen, with J. Laurent second, and the Easter Handicap, the principle event of the day, by E.. Rowlands, with Solomon second, and Watson third. The Hurdle Handicap was won by D. Galloway, Hunter second. Obstacle race, Rowlands first, Watson second. In the three-legged race Watson and Sinclair were first, an i in the Oddfellows’ Handicap R. Sinclair first, and T. Jones second. The hop step and jump was won by Solomon, a Maori. The day’s amusement concluded with a ball, which was well attended, there being over 90 present.

LONG INTERVALS AT RACE MEETINGS. I wish to draw the attentiou of some of the New Zealand Racing Clubs, particularly the W eluogtou Racing Club, to the following article in the Sportsman : We are pleased to see that some of our suburban racing secretaries are recognising the importance of studying the public interest in connection with the waits between the different races on the programme. Mr J. B. Thomas, the painstaking secretary to Bowes’ Tattersall’s Racing Club, Informs us that at the coming meeting of the club at Eisternwick Park, iu June n xfi, there w‘ll be six events oa the programme, and the last race will be timed to be run at 4.15 p.m. This is as it should be. At Moonee Valley, on Saturday, Mr GV.x managed to run < ff six races in three hours, the first event being run at 2 o’clock and the lait at 5. Four hours is the time generally allowed other racing clubs for five or six races, and as it has now been demonstrated that three hours amply suffices, there is no earthly reason why the public should be detained an hour longer than is absolutely necessary. As we mentioned last we k, the one great attraction of cycling races to the outsi.ie public is the rapidity with which race succ:eds race—there are no long wait*-. Owing, of course, to the extra time alloweu for weighing purposes, et:;., iu connection with horse-racing, it would hardly be practicable fo ruu off the events at less intervals than, say, thiity five or forty minutes, but this should amply suffice, and we trust that in future other racing clubs will give the matter their attention. PUGILISM AND WRESTLING. A glove fight tor £2OO has been arrange 1 between James Pettinge 1, of Wellington, and Harry Lar g. of Wanganui, the fight to take place at Wanganui oa the 9 1 . h May. They fight to a finish under the Marquis of Queensbury rule*, the winner to take all the gate money. £SO each has been deposited in the hands of Mr W. H. Reed, the stakeholder, the balance, £IOO, to be made good on the night of the 7th May. As this is a genuine match, it will cause a lot of excitement, as each man has his fiiends. Charley Taylor, who is matched to fight Murphy to a finish, is (says *Act®on’) a boxer of a type we very seldom see out here. In personal appearance he is of medium height, very straight, aud of a strong and neat build.

He is by no means as young as Murphy, and will toe the mark sealing a great many more pounds than his plucky litttle opponent. For the past couple of tears Taylor has established a reputation for h : m3elf in )he .States as a clever scientific boxer, an efficient and careful teacher and trainer, and a cool and reliable second. Jack Dempsey, the middle-weight champion of the world, has a very high opinion of Taylor’s capabilities as a trainer and | second, and always secured his services when possible. He taught Dempsey all he knows, and Dick Matthews, Mike and Tom Cleary, and a number of other noted pugilists owe all ti e sci-nce they possess to Charlie Taylor's teaching. The match between him and Murphy will come off in a week’s time, In the Agricultural Hall. Tom Cannon, having recovered from his recent accident, challenges the world (GrascoEoraan style). Costello, the American, and Sloan, the Queenslander, are to fight to a finish. By Electkic Telegraph.—Copyright. A.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. (reutee’s telegrams. ) , Sydney, April 14. The third day’s l-aeing of the Australian Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting took place at Randwick to-day. Yesterday’s heavyrains had rendered the course heavy. The weather to-day was showery and the attendance was fair, among those present being Lord and Lady Carington, Admiral Tryon and other distinguished visitors. Two-year-old Plate.—Exbank, 1 ; Unnamed, 2 ; Neptune, 3. All-Aged Stakei.—Nelson and Matador ran a dead heat for first place ; Perfume, 3. The other starters were Mitrailleuse, Kingfish, and Lady Lovel. Betting 6 to 4 on Matador, 5 to 2 agst Nelson, 10 to 1 agst Mitrailleuse. A good start was effected. Lady Lovel led, the others following in a bunch as far as the turn, whei’e Mitrailleuse was last. Turning into theatraight Matador ran to the front, but at the distance Nelson came out, catching the leader, and a great race ensued, resulting in a dead heat between Matador and Nelson, Perfume, the third horse, being three lengths off, followed * by Lady Lovel, Mitrailleuse, and Kingfish. Time, lmin 50sec. On the dead heat being run off Matador, who was favorite, led ail the way and won easily by a length. Time, lmin 49fsee. Welter Handicap.—Toorale, 1 ; Ellington, 2 ; Abner, 3. First Foal Stakes.—Abercorn, 1 ; Lara, 2 ; Huntingtower, 3. Cumberland Stakes. Trident, 1; Honeydew, 2; Tamarisa, 3. Only three horses started. At six furlongs from home Trident assumed the lead, and was never headed, winning by four lengths from Honeydew, Tamarisk being a hundred yards away, Time, 3min dSJsec. City Handicap.—Peeress, 1 ; Honeycomb, 2 ; The Wreck and Emerald dead heat for third place. After the second race rain ceased, and it has been fine since. Sydney, April 16. The fourth day’s racing of the Australian Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting took place at Randwick to-day. Though the weather looked threatening, the attendance was good, among those present being Lord Carington. The first race on the programme—the Rous Handicap, was won by Invader, Blairgowie being second, and Shark third. Place Handicap.—Ringmaster, 1; CrossStanley, 3. Thirteen horses started. : Ringmaster won easily by two lengths. Time, 2min 44sec. Both Nelson and Mitrailleuse were scratched for this event. Second Nursery Handicap.—Perfume, 1 ; Moorhouse, 2 ; Branchiopoda, 3. Seventeen horses started. Won by a length. Time, lmin 20£sec. Steeplechase.—Marmion, 1 ; Dragoon, 2; Skobeloff, 3. Ten horses started. Marmion led all the way, and won easily by four lengths. Time, 7min 16sec. Blue Boy was scratched. A.J.C. Plate.—Trident, 1; Volcano, 2 ; The Nun, 3. Only three horses started. Won hard held. Time, smin sSsec. Nelson,, who was entered for this event, was. scratched. Free Handicap.—Stanley, 1; Honeydew,. 2 ; Tom Brown, 3. Twenty-three horses, started. There was a good finish, Stanley winning by a length. Time, 2min 20sec. Mitrailleuse never showed prominently duping the race. Rain has fallen continuously since the Tuning of the second race. Sydney, April 18. The New Zealand colt Niagara is being backed for the Victorian Derby at &to 1. For the double, Derby and Melbourne-Cup, she is being supported at 1000 to 20. Sydney, April 19. The Moulamuu Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting was held to-day. Mitrailleuse, who was entered for two races—the- Flying Handicap and the Canterbury Handicap—failed to get placed in either event;.

C.J.C. MEETING. (united press association.) Christchurch, April 14. The following are the principal amounts won at the C.J.C. Autumn Meeeting : —D. O’Brien, L 67 4; G G. Stead, L 544 ; Mr Sherwin, L 541 ; Middle Park Cb., L 256 ; H. Vallance, L 1.4 2; A. Goi*don, LI 12. The total amount of stakes paid away was L 2875.. SALE OF PLUMPTON PARK. Christchurch, April 14. Plumpton Park, near Christchurch, comprising 198 acres, with fences, grandstand, and other improvements, was offered for-sale to-day by order of the mortgagee. The-only bid was one of £IO,OOO for the mortgagee, who thus secures the property. Mr Martin. Taylor, the well-known coursing trainer, has secured the lease of it for racing and coursing purposes. FOXTON WEIGHTS. Foxton, April 14. The following are the weights for the Foxton Autumn Meeting : Hurdles. —Orient, list 51b ; Germaine, 10st 121 b ; Druid, 9st 101 b ; Mamiuga, 9st 51b ; Merrilegs, Bst lOlhJ: Satan, Bst IQlb s The Doctor, Bst 101 b,

Autumn Handicap.—The Shah, 93t 81b ; Humour, Bst7lb ; Laurel, Sst 51b ; Ruapehu, Sat; Lady Artist, 7at 101 b; Tim Whiffler, 7st 101 b ; Parvenu, 7at 81bVoltigeur, 7st 61b; Tongariro, 7st 61b; Fabrication, 7st 21b ; Steelbone, 6st 7ib ; My Dream, 6st 71b. Jubilee Stakes. —The Shah, Oat 121 b ; Rumour, Bst Sib ; Laurel, Sst 71b ; Parvenu, Sst 51b ; Ruapehu, Sat 21b ; Tim Whiffler, 7Bt 91b ; Tongariro, 7at 81b ; Voltigeur, 7st •61b ; Germaine, 7st 41b ; Goth, 7st 41b ; Fabrication, 7st 41b ; Steelbone, Gat 71b ; TVTy Dream, Gst 71b ; Satan, Sst. Foxton, April 19. The following acceptances for the Foxton Autumn Race 3 have been declared : Hurdles—Orient, list 51b; Germaine, 10st 12lb, Druid, 9st 101 b; Maminga, 9st 51b; Merrilegs, Satan, and The Doctor, Sst lOib, Autumn Handicap, one and a half miles— Rumour, Sst 71b ; Laurel, Sst 51b ; Ruapehu, Sst; Lady Artist and Tim Whiffler, 7st 101 b; Voltigeur, 7st 61b ; Fabrication, 7st 21b ; Steelbone, Gst 71b. Jubilee Stakes, one mile —Rumour, Sat Sib; Laurel, Sst 71b ; Ruapehu, Sst 21b ; Tim Whiffler, 7st 91b ; Voltigeur, 7st 61b ; Germaine and Fabrication, °7st 410 ; Steelbone and My Dream, 6st 71b ; Satan, 6st. AUCKLAND R.C. SETTLING. Auckland, April 15 The following were the amonnt3paid away in stakes at the settling over the Auckland Racing Club’s Autumn MeetingMr A. Drake, £729 ; Mr W. Bobbitt, £33S ; Mr J. Chaafe, £317 ; Mr J. Mann, £ISS ; Mr G. Wright, £123 ; Mr D. Twohill, £ll7 ; Mr M. Halcrow, £lO4 ; Mr W. K. Karter, £76 ; Mr D. Maloney, £3S ; Mr P. Martin, £47 ;Mr T. Hedge, £l9 ; Mr E. Mitchelson, £2S; Lyons and Blaikie, £9 ; Mr F. F. Fitzgerald, 2E19. Several minor sums were also paid. Total, £2212 11s. TAKAPUNA RACES. Auckland, April 16. The autumn meeting of the Takapuna ■Jockey Club was held to-day. There was ■a good attendance and splendid weather. The following are the results -.—Selling Hurdles ; one mile and a half.—Fisherman, 1 ; Torpedo, 2; Rowdy, 3. Won easily. Whalebone fell at a hurdle, and Laing, the jockey, was injured, and is_ suffering from concnssion of the brain. Maiden Plate ; one mile and a quarter. —Britannia, T ; Rosie, 2 ; Weasel, 3. Close finish. Handicap Hurdles ; seven flights hurdles ; two miles. —Magnesia, 1; Orangeman, 2 ; Pipi, 3- Rob Roy fell at the second hurdle, and the rider, Fergus, snstained a slight concussion of the brain. Devonport Handicap.—Teddy Yuile, 1 ; Friendship, 2; Reproach, 3. Handicap Steeplechase. —Silvio, 1; Torpedo, 2 ; Zip, 3. This was a capital race. DUNEDIN J.C. MEETING. Dunedin, April 17. The following nominations were received for the Dunedin Jockey Club’s May meeting ; —Provincial Handicap, of 200 sovs— Teddy Yuile, Marion, Beresford, St Clair, Mokoia, Mirella, Apropos, Quibble, Hermitage. Rose and Gold, Tit Bit, Captain Cook, Rose, Everton Lad, Fog, Moans, Borderman, Jack. Tradesman’s Handicap, of 100 aovs —Teddy Yuile, Comet, Marion, Beresford St Clair, Mokoia, Rocket, Mirella, Apropos, Bard, Quibble, Athol Daisy, Tit Bit Captain Cook, La Rose, Everton Lad, Pog Ironsides, Garibaldi, Camerine, Jealousy, Witchcraft, Jack, Jackal. Hurdle Race, of 80 sovs -Peter Osbeck, Fishhook, Garibaldi, Secretary, Dunluce, Mayboy, Trapper, Wildbey, Kingask, Azim, Borderman, The Drover. Birthday Handicap, of 150 sovs.—Teddy Ynile, Marion, Beresford, St. Clair, Mokoia, Mirella, Apropos, Bard, Quibble, Hermitage, Rose and Gold, Tit Bit, Captain Cook, La Rose, Everton Lad, Fog, Moana, Ironsides, Camerine, Jealousy, Jack, St. Clair. Welter, of lOOsovs.—Teddy Yuile, Rocket, Comet, Marion. Beresford, St. Clair, Mokoia, Mirella, Apropos, Bard, Witchcraft, Quibble, Athol Daisy, Tit Bit, Captain Cook, La Rose, Everton Lad, Fog, Moana, Ironsides, Camerine, Jealousy, Toko, Jackal. There are 38 entries for the May and 39 for the Winter Trotting Handicap. .. Dunedin, April 18. The totalisator case, in which it is sought to recover £23 invested on a horse in the Consolation Race at the Dunedin Jockey Club s Meeting, came before the Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day, and after legal argument the decision was reserved. Ashburton, April 18. The following acceptances have been received for the Ashburton Autumn Meeting ; —Autumn Handicap—Jack, Mirella, Rose and Gold, Tit Bit, Tasmania, Nellie. Flying Handicap—Mirella, Athol Daisy, Melville, Gaiety, Tasmania, Fickle, Erin-go-bragh, Silver Queen, Leeston, Mountain Dew, Goldfinch, Martin Luther. Wanganui, April 19. Sixty-three entries have been received for the Wanganui Derby, 1889, and 41 for the Wanganui Two-year-old Stakes,