ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 45

ATHLETICS.

(BY ADVANCE.) NOTICE TO SECRETARIES

Secretaries of Ciub3 will please f orward programmes, also result a of meetings to '‘Advance," P.O.

Box 75.

FIXTURES—

FEBRUARY. 14. —Povertv Bay Caledonian Society 14. —:Wanganui Amateur Athletic Club. 20. —Caledonian Society's Cliampionsnip 27. —Weber Caledonian Society

MARCH.

6.—Clieltenliam-Kiitea. 6.— Hunterville C.S. 6—Auckland Amateur Athletic Club 6. Eithani Caledonian Society. 7 Tariki Caledonian Society. gl— Waitara Athletic .Club. 24. —Strathmore Athletic Club. 14.—Gisborne St. Patrick's meeting. 16—Wellington Hibernian Society. 18. —Blenheim Hibernian Society. 18. Geraldine Hibernian Society. 18. —Tirnaru Hibernian Society. 18.—Rangiivahia and Pemberton. 18. —Alf'redton. . . 18.— Waverley Athletic Association. 27.—Otaki Athletic Club.

A. Juviss, the Pioneer Club’s weight and shot putter, was in, Weliingon last week, and competed in the single sculls at the regatta. Al. Lynskey, the successful amateur distance runner, was married at Ternuka on January 16tli. Competitors will be able to take part in the jc-itham, Tariki and Waitara meetings on Ala roll 6th, i th and Bth respectively. . Herman Poll, who was drowned m the Blenheim district last week, was an old St. Pafrick College boy, and won the mile handicap at one sports meeting held on the Hutt Racecourse. Hunterville also race on the 6th prox. The athletic events are 100, 200 and 800 yards, each distance being worth £3 The C Gisborne meeting on March 14th will attract some visiters. The 100 vards is worth £5, 30s and 10s ; 220yds, £7 10s. £1 10s, and 10s; 440yds, £lO, £2 and £l. The winner of most points receives a gold medal. Tne half-mile is worth £5 and £2, and the mile £lO and £2 10s. There is also a 220yds hurdle race worth £2 and £l. Arrangements are being made for a steamer to leave Wellington for Blenheim on Saturday night, March 16th, at the conclusion of the Wellington Hibernian Society’s sports, so that competitors will he able to compete at- the Blenheim Hibernian Society’s sports on the 18th. The athletic events at- the Basin Reserve are 100yds maiden, 20s and 10s; 100. 220 and 440vds handicap, each worth £4, £1 and 10s;_ half-mile, £5, £2 and £1; mile, £o, £2, £l. There will also be a 220yds handicap for members of the Empire City Athletic Club, value £2 and £l. The athletic events at Eitham on March 6th are 100 yards,-£2 los and ss: 220yds, £2 10s, 20s and os ; 440yds, £4 30s and 10s ; half-mile, £3 10s, £1 and 10s: mile, £5, 30s and 10s. The Wanganui Hawera contingent and the peds. doing Waitara will patronise the Waverlev Athletic Association’s meeting on March 18th. Tne Palmerston Nort h-Feilding' cash men will be at Cheltenham on the same day. S. P. Hawthorne, a member of the W T ellington Amateur Athletic Club s " commit tee, and a well-known and successful long-distance runner when on the track, was married on the 4th inst. ELTHAAI CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. A meeting of members of the Eitham - Caledonian Society was held on the 4th instant. There was a good attendance, and Mr H Jenkins was voted to* tho chair. , , The balance-sheet showed a balance of £8 6s 2d; while the balance from a dance held on 7th March was £1 2s 6d. On the motion cf Messrs Harciv and v elvin, the balance-sheet was adopted. The Waitara Athletic Club advised that their meeting would be held on Bth March, and the Tariki Club wrote that they would hold their gathering oil the 7th Marcn. It was resolved that the Eitham Athletic Club meeting be held on 6th March. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Mr F. McGuire, M.H.R.; President, Mr G. W. Taylor; Vice-presidents, Dr Harrison, Messrs Chapman, Canning, Alumby, Mabey, H. Bennett, J. Sullivan, Robinson, D- Syme, T. C. Stanners, A. Bliss, F. Calghcr, C. Hogdson, AY. Craavsha.vv, W. H. McGarry, E. L. Briant, C. Potts, H. Greaves ; General Committee : Messrs AY. C. Page, Hansen, Jenkins, Hardy, AVilson, AY. Hen wood, H. Sanderson, A r elvin, C. Baker, S. AlcAlechan, Briant, Bel vie,' C. Paynter, A. Whiting, E. Foreman, E. Davidson, C. Potts, A. Coffey, F. C. Davidson, C. Casey, F. Riley, J. Guerin, J. Campbell, B. Hayward ; gLjxter, Air E. Whiting; clerk of the Air Belvie ; liaiidicappers, Messrs biting, F. E. Hardy, and Velvin ; jinxes, Alessrs Crawshaw, T. C. Stau-

ners, and H. Sanderson; treasurer. Air G. W. Tayler; secretary, Mr E. E. Hardy. (Air Canning declined re-elec-tion)

The AVaverley Athletic Association held their anual sports meeting on Alonday March 18th. The athletic events are 100 yards, £2 10s, £1 and 10 ; 220yds, £2 10s, £1 and 10s; 440yds. £2 10s, £1 and 10s; 880yds, £2 10s, £1 and 10s; one mile, £4, £i 10s and 10s : loOyas Consolation, £1 10s and 10s. The cycling events are half mile, £2 and 10s; one mile, £2 10s, £1 and 10s • one mile and a half. £2 10s, £1 and 10s; two miles, £3 10s, £1 and 10s: and two district handicaps. Nominations close on Alonday 4th March, with Air J. AAA Emmerson, lion secretary. “Lynx” publishes the following challenge received from Harry Dunn, the well- known wrestler: —“To the Athletic Editor. Dear Sir.—l have been asked many a time how it is I cannot get on a matoh with either Samuel Thornly or R. J. Scott, to wrestle for a good say £SO or £4OO a-side. I have had a challenge out to -wrestle any man in New Zealand several times, but have met with no response. But now I (Harry Dunn) hereby challenge to wrestle either Samuel Thornly or R. J. Scott in a match, Cumberland style, best of seven falls—that is to say, the man that gets the first four falls to win the match—for from £SO to £IOO a-side, match to take place six weeks from signing articles to wrestle in a place in New Zealand, to be agreed upon by both parties. An answer to this challenge will he looked anxiously forward to. Further, I will wrestle anv man in the world five different styles, viz., Cornish, Cumberland, Lancashire, Catch-as-catch-can, Graeco-Roman; and American side-holds, or take side-holds out and place collar and . elbow. —(SignecT) Harry Dunn. Champion wrestler of the YVorld, Patterson’s Creek, Canterbury. January 26, 1901.”

The Kopu (Auckland) Athletic Club hold their annual sports meeting on the 16th inst. The principal event in the Kopu Cup, of three distances (100, 200 and 300 yards), worth. £6.

E. R. Collins returned to Cnristchurch last week. His North Island tour was a much shorter one than last season, and he did not meet with anything like the success that attended his previous ’visit-. He did not appear to strike form and had the misfortune to get spiked at one meeting. The Blenheim Hibernian Society should arrange for a steamer to leave AYellington on the evening of Saturday, Alarch 16th to convey competitors to the xdenheim meeting on The Strathmore sports will be held on Thursday, 14th Alarch. A programme of 21 events includes 100yds. £2 and 15s, half-mile £2 10s and 15s, 220yds 30s and ss, 440yds £3 and los, one mile £4 and £l. The winner cf most events receives a points prize of £2. Air R. 11. Eivell is handicapper, and reserves the right to alter any handicap on the day. Of the members selected by the Empire! City Athletic and Cycling Club to compete at the championship meeting at Napier, A. AAA AVatts, L. 11. Furrie, 11. Payne, J. J. Taylor, and E. AY. Evans are unable to make the trip. The club will be represented by H. N. Beasley, 120ycls hurdles; L. Ward, half mile and mile ; P. Alullin, half mile and mile. Although it is only necessary to give six months’ notice to the other Associations, I (“Prodigal.” in the “Sydney Referee”) hope the New Zealand A.A.A. will shortly give some indication as to the probable dates of the next Australasian Championship Aleeting. I mention tliis because many of the likely competitors thereat are in employment where so many days, or weeks’ holiday are given each year, and if there was any likelihood of the event taking place at the end of the present year, they would like to know early, so as to defer taking their leave, which, otherwise, many tube about Easter time. Whilst on the subject of the next Australasian meeting, we would like to know as early as convenient in which city in New Zealand it will eventuate. AYe all know that when the meeting takes place in any of the Australian States, it will be decided, almost of a certainty, in the capital; but it is different in New Zealand, where there are four cities of equal importance. The last time the Championships were decided in New Zealand, Christchurch was the favoured city, the New Zealand Championships being brought off thereat just prior to the more important Australasian Aleeting. I should say it was fair to assume that the New Zealand Championsrip will next be decided in the North Island, and it will not be surprising to anyone this side of the Tasman Sea to hear that both meetings take place in Auckland, and within a few days of each other.

The powerful team selected by the Dannevirke Athletic and Cycling Club to represent it at the Championship meeting should have no difficulty in winning the banner. For a young club Dannevirke is fortunate in possessing such a strong membership roll, especially at the present time. With such firstclass men as Somers, Alaclachlan, Beatson, Sexton and Carlson they should win anything they go for, and also the cycling events in which they have three useful representatives. L. AlcLaehlan continues to show good form. At the Dannevirke meeting on Jan. 30 he won the quarter from scratch in 52 3-ssec, the 220yds from scratch

in 23 l-osee. Somers was also in good form, winning his heat of the 100yds and the final in lOsec off scratch, and running second in the final of the 220 yards off 2ycls. Beatson wen the 1 mile off scratch in 4min 82 4-ssec. AYaslier, who scored at Wanganui and Eeilding, won the half mile off 35yds in 2min 2 2-ssec.

On the subject of field games, the Auckland scribe ”Lynx’ writes : With T. B. O’Connor, AAA H. Aiadill, Jas. Te Paa. Hori Eruera and C. C. Laurie at our disposal, Auckland lias for years past- played a prominent part in field games, both at the New Zealand and Australasian championship gatherings, but it seems that the days of our prestige in these important branches of athletics are numbered. The four firstnamed appear to have practically retired. as far as club gatherings are concerned—we may, of course, see Aiadill and Laurie and one or other of the native boys out when the next Australasian championships come round— as only a few nights ago the question of placing a shot-putting or hammer-throwing event and a pole-vault on the club’s Alarch programme was discussed, and it was decided by the management not to include either, as sufficient entries, if any, would not be forthcoming. That the committee was in a measure justified in arriving at such a decision cannot be denied, but at the same time it might be pointed out that if the club does not offer some encouragement in the direction of field sports we cannot expect to replace those now on the retired list. It does not necessarily apply that because O’Connor, Aiadill and Co. liave retired from the game the club will not in time be able to unearth others who will worthily fill their places. OTTO CRIBB IN AAIERICA. Otto Cribb, fresh from Australia, and rated as an able pugilist in his own country (says the San Francisco “Call” of December 21), earned his American fistic spurs last night by knocking out Frank AlcConnell in the fourth round cf a fast fight. Cribb proved himself a fighter, and by merit of his performance against AlcConnell is entitled to a match with welter-weights who have fame and reputation. Once again the San Francisco ring public prejudice a. new man in its old familiar way. McConnell was a'’ 2 to 1 favourite over the Australian, simply because he was known to the public and his antagonist was a stranger. Cribb is a fast- fighter, relentless and full of de-

termination. He has the Australian method of defence, body well in, and shoulders as a guard t° his liead-piece. He will take a blow and smile. At long range he is awkward. Close in his speed and swift, short jolty blows make him a dangerous and much-to-be-feared pugilist.

"When the gong sounded Cribb went at AlcConnell as if a knockout were his only desire on earth. Boring into the local man, he cut out a pace so fast that it flustered McConnell for a time, and gave the crowd an. inkling of how the fight would terminate. But AlcConnell collected his wits, and by longrange fighting kept Cribb away from him. Stiff lefts by AlcConnell, and steady, consistent boring tactics by Cribb was the story of the first round.

Then the fight simmered a bit, but not enough to lose any of its snappy quality. The second round was a steadier one for AlcConnell, who played a long range fire at Cribb, while the last named waited for a chance ‘to use his deadly short-arm jolts. In the third round Cribb was at AlcConnell all the time, the San ranciscan cleverly ducking and avoiding punishment by clever foot work. After that came the sudden wind-up. At the outset of the fourth Cribb made a rush at AlcConnell, who went to the ropes. At the breakaway AlcConnell forgot, himself and tried the Australian's strongest t ac tics in fighting. At close range both men rained blow after blow upon each other. Across the ring they fought until Cribb landed a stiff left jolt on AlcConnell’s jaw, then a right followed by a left. It was all over. AlcConnell dropped on his back, and referee Jack Welch counted him out.

Cribb’s performance last night was variously rated by ring-goers. To many he seemed to have the stuff in him that makes champions; to others he appeared only as a good middle-rater. Whatever is said of him, that he is a fighter pure and simple is not to be denied. He mixed matters from the jump is net afraid of a punch, and has a powerful short-arm blow. TAKAPAU CALEDONIAN' SOI GET Y

The annual gathering of the _ above Society was held on the 6th instantin fine weather. The events resulted as follows :

Boys’ race under 12, 100 yards.—Al. D evereaux 1. Al. AlcCarthy 2. Time, Ilf sec. Thirteen ran.

100 yards handicap.—First boat: R. A. Ross (10yds) 1. P. Curtin (7yds) 2, L. C. AlcLaehlan (scr) 3 ; time, 10 1-5 sec. Second heat : F. H. Somers (1 yd) 1, W. Aloroney (7yds) 2, J. J. Tuohy (10yds) 3; time, lOsec. Final: Ross 1, Somers 2, AlcLaehlan 3; time, lOsec. Fifteen started.

Putting ball, handicap.—J. AlcTavish (3ft) 1, D. L. Dalton (scr) 2, R. Newth (Ift) 3. Distance, 39ft Ofm. Three competed.

Bicycle handicap, one mile.—C. E. Burton (sen 1. \V. D. Guthrie (70yds) 2. T. AY. Wills (110yds) 3. Time 2min 46 sec. Six started. Half-mile handicap.—Al. A. AYaslier (35yds) 1. E. L. AYard (12yds) 2, T. Beatson (Byds) 3. Time, 2mm 2sec! Fifteen started. Bicycle handicap, two miles.— C. E. Burton user) 1, 'JA AAA Wilis (200yds) 2. AY. G. Guthrie (130yds) 3. Time not taken. Five started. 220 yards handicap.—First heat : R. A. Ross (22yds) 1. L. C. AlcLaehlan (ser) 2, P. Curtin (15yds) 3; time, o.22sec. Second heat : F. H. Soniers (2yds) 1 J. J. Tuohy (22yds) 2, E. T. Brandon (9yds) 3 ; time, 0.21 4-ssec. Final: Ross L AlcLaehlan 2, Curtin 3; time. 0.21 f sec. Bagpipe music, marches —J. AlcKechnie 1, A. Campbell 2. Five competed. Bagpipe music, strathspeys and reels.— J. AlcKeclinie 1, A. Campbell 2. Five competed. Alost points in bagpipe music (trophy valued at 60s presented by Alessrs Robjohns, Hindmarsh and Co.) —J. AlcKechnie. Highland fling.—J. AlcKeclinie 1, AY. Smitli 2. Six competed. Wood-chopping (2ft white pine logs). R- A. Ross 1, C. Berkahn 2, A Svensen 3. lime, 4nnn 4/sec. Five competed. Sword dance.—J. AlcKeclinie 1, C. Smith 2. Four competed. Alost points in Highland dancing (trophy valued at £2 2s, presented by Messrs H. Williams and Sons)—J. AleKechnie. 440 yards Handicap—L. AlcLaehlan (ser) 1, Al. A. Washer (25yds) 2, E. T. Brandon (14yds) 3. Time, *52 2-otli sec. Seven started. Running high jump, handicap—Floppy (scr), D. L. Dalton (Sin), and. X. Troy (3iii) a. tie. Hoppy cleared ort Gin, and the others sft Sin each. Bicycle handicap, 3 miles—C. E. Burton (scr) 1, T. W. Wills (300yds) 2. Time, 9min 24Jsec. Fiv e started, but only one two finishedThrowing 161 b Hammer. Handicap— D. L. Dalton (6ft), 1. J. AlcTavish iscr) 2, R. Grant (Bft) 3. Distance 84ft 3in. Three competed. Boys’ Race, under 16 years, 220 vards —J. Carruthers 1, J. Alooney 2. "Four started. Sailors' Hornpipe—J. McKechnie 1. A. Campbell 2. Two competed. Cross-cut sawing (2ft white pine logs). —P. Fireasli and T. Curtis 1, Holm Bros. 2. Time, 24sec. Four pairs competed. 440yds hurdles.—AAA F. Harvey (20vds) I»_F. H. Somers (10yds) 2, L. AYard (25yds) 3. Time, lmin 4sec. Eight started. Irish jig.—A. Campbell 1, J. AleKechnie 2. Two competed. Best dressed Highlander (hat, presented by Air T. Parker) —A. McLean/Napier (McLean tartar) 1 Four competed. Wrestling, Cumberland style.—R. Grant 1, J. Smith 2, Hoppy 3. Three competed. Mile Handicap—J. Sexton (syds) 1, T. Beatson (scr) 2. L. AYard (syds) 3. Time, 4mhi 35 4-dth sec. Eiglit started. Vaulting with pole, handicap—Hoppy (9in) 1, J. Smith (lOiu) 2. A. Adsett (scr) 3. Height (including winner’s handicap) 10ft. 3in. Consolation race, 220yds—J. J. Tuohy 1, L. Shanley 2, AY. P'rent-ice 3. Time, 22fsec-