PLAYERS and the GAME

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12312, 5 December 1925, Page 17

PLAYERS and the GAME

CRICKET WITH such players as H. N. Lambert (Taranaki), B. P. London, B. H. L. Bernau, C. P. Treadwell, C. A. Holland, G. Orr, and Dr. Hutchinson (Wanganui), M. lie nth, Temperton, and Bitclue (Hawke's Bay), Gallicnatt (Msnawatu), and O. Naismith, C. N; Kingston, and C. Lash (Taranaki), to draw upon for selection, the Country eleven which will be seen in action against Wellington at the Basin Reserve on December 28th and 29th, gives the appearance of being a strongly representative combination. • * * * Mr Ken Tucker has done well in his selection of 17 players for representative praotice. D. C. Collins (Old Boys), J. S. Iliddleston (Wellington), H. M. McGirr (Hutt), F. T. Badcock (Wellington). \V. S. Brice (Petone), A. M. Hollings (’Varsity), W. Barclay (Old Boys), E. McLeod (Hutt) —are all showing good allround form. D. Patrick (Midland), at the time of writing, has demonstrated splendid form with the bat. his average for three completed innings standing at 76. He is also a brilliant fieldsman, and a useful change howler. 3. E. Banks (Institute) la batting Well this season, nnd on the strength of 'his recent recordbieaking innings of 260 for Institute against Wellington, can scarcely be omitted from the final selection. C. S. Dempster (Institute) likewise reads as a “moral.” R H- C. Mackenzie (’Varsity) besides his good work behind the sticks, is well in the running on account of his batting form alone. M. Henderson (Y.M. C.A.), L. Beard (Hutt), and H. Massey (Institute) will fight out the bowling vacancies. All have been bowling well this season, although Henderson does not appear to have found the height of his form yet with the ball. Upon Veteran H. Tattercall (Hutt) and colt L. Clark (Midland), both of whom 'have been showing excellence 'keeping form, and scoring runs consistently, together with Mackenzie. will rest the final selection' of wicket-keeper.

'Varsity displayed rare batting form against the strong attack of Badcock, Craig and Company. The students went after runs, and bright and enterprising cricket was the order of the afternoon. The third century was well passed at the fall of the last wicket. Hollings, Greig, Nelson and Wiren all showed good form, but the gem of the innings was the splendid partnership between Mackenzie and Leys, which by brilliant run-getting all round the wicket put on 123 runs. Providing Hollings, Creig, and Mackay bowl with their usual , sting, Wellington will be hard put to obtain the necessary 340 runs required to pass 'Varsity's total.

The annual smoke-concert of t£e Wellington Club will he held at the new Basin Reserve pavilion at 8 p.m. next Monday. e. ' * ■ * »

Footballer, track athlete, swimmer, marksman, tennis player, and cricketer, but greatest of all as a cricketer, is J. M. Taylor. There are few "certainties" for the Australian Eleven, but few players have a greater chance than Taylor. It will not he his first visit to England. He played there with the A.I.F. team, and again -with Warwick Armstrong's eleven. He first played for New South Wales in 1915, scoring 228 in his first innings. He was then - only 18, One of themoat

dashing batsmen in the world, he Is also one of the greatest leldsmen.

The task of the selector in making the final choice will be not "whom to put in," hot "whom to leave out." • • * • 'Herby" Lambert, the well-known exWellington, North Island, and New Zealand representative player, is reported TO be playing in great fotm In Taranaki this season, Intbe recent Hawke Cun match, Wanganui V. Taranaki, Lambert scored 56 and 47 in his characteristic / dashing style. If available, Lambert should considerably strengthen the country eleven in the coming annual match against Wellington. • • m •

Massey, the Institute colt, has started well. Against Midland, in the opening match, he obtained four wickets for 62 runs, and against Wellington he took seven for 46 runs. Last Saturday, continuing in splendid form, he dismissedfive Hutt batsmen for 61 runs. Sixteen wickets, 169 runs; average, 10.56. It is gratifying that Massey's consistently fine bowling has resulted In'll is being selected for special representative practice.

The selection of the Wellington wicketkeeper for the coining representative matches must remain very open. With Mackenzie (’Varsity), Tattersall (Hutt), and Clark (Midland! all showing good form behind the sticks., and scoring runs consistently, the selector has a job alidad of him. Mackenzie’s splendid hatting form, must, however, place him well in the running. • • • * Midland gave Thorndon a great afternoon’s leather hunting at the Basin. Occupying the crease until the light commenced to foil, the Midland batsmen rattled together the massive total of 428. Although no one reached the century mark, A. J. Bruce with 90, A. Doneghue 80, and D. Patrick 76 all cams within striking distance, and trounced the Thorndon bowling with supreme confidence. Midland’s remarkable batting strength must place them in the hunt' for championship honours. • • • •

H. M. McGirr was in great bowling form against Institute last Saturday afternoon. Booking the ball down at a good pace the Hutt skipper yet flighted his deliveries in the most deceptive fashion, and had the Institute batsmen guessing all the way. Among his victims were Bodgers (the Institute skipper), Prince and Bell, all sent back to the pavilion clean . bowled. McGirr finished up with: the splendid analysis of five wickets for 22. He also displayed form with the bat, scoring 41 in characteristic dashing style before being caught and howled by Malcolm. His pressnt all round form augurs well for good displays in the forthcoming Plunket Shield matches.

B. H. C. Mackenzie, by scoring 107 against Wellington at the Basin may claim the honour of putting together the first century in front of tne new Basin Beeerve pavilion. Playing brilliant cricket, the ’Varsity skipper displayed the utmost confidence, treating the deliveries of Badcock, Craig, Hiddleeton and Jacobsen all alike. His stylish off-driving and cutting were a treat to watch, frequently calling forth great applause. Included in his three-figure total were 14 boundary shots and one hit for five, rapid scoring being the order of the day, As Mackenzie has been chosen by Mr "Ken” Tucker for representative practice, his chanceß of selection in the Plunket Shield matches appear very rosy. * * * *

Jack Scott, otherwise known as "Jack the Giant-Killer," got into the news list month when he knocked Out two Victorian batsman in - the Sheffield Shield match But that wasn't biS record feat. Yearn ago, when bowling in Sydney, he Injured seven opponents in one innings. George Lindsay, a well-known Sydney cricketer, will never forget his first appearance in grrade cricket. He faced £cott with some misgivings. The first hell lifted his cap from his forehead to tfie top of his head, but he made certain the next delivery missed him. He had retired near the Sauare-lSg umpire. • • • •

Scott has been 18. years in first-close cricket, and his shock tactics have demoralised many a "errous batsman. Some, of course, haven’t been demoralised The greatest trouncing Scott ever got was administered by Clem Hill, when nuii 'he temerity to .try to bluff the .treat left-hander Since tlmt date Scott has never relished bowling at left-hand-ers. and he certainly has grounds for his contention that Ffill was the greatest batsman he ,has trundled against..

ATHLETICS (By "Stop Watch.”) Coming Events.—To-day: Dewar Shield meeting, Athletio Park; December 7th, ovening meeting, Athletic Park; 12th, Athletio Club’s walking race, Lower Hutt to Wellington; 16th, - evening meeting, Petone; 2bth, Caledonian sports, Basm Beservet (January Ist, Paraparaumu sports, Paraparaumu; and Wairarapa Caledonian Society, Masterton. • • • • V. The first afternoon meeting of the season will be held this afternoon at Athletio Papk Tfie DewariShield will be at stake, and judging by some of the form displayed at tne evening meetings some exciting finishes should ensue. The titbit of the afternoon will be the 440 y handicap, in which Kyle, the New Zealand champion, will be conceding starts Up to 50ycte. . • , m, • • The Athletic Club’s walking race will bo held next Saturday, starting from the Lpwer Hutt Post Office at 2.30 p.m. The prize list is a big one, there being prizes for,the first seven places, first and second fastest time, and three special prizes. Entries close to-day with Mr A. C. Kitt.o or Mr J. A. Paterson, hon. secretary. It is to be hoped the club receive the support they deserve.

' -xt Monday evening’s meeting will be held at Athletio Park, and will bp controlled bv the Athletic Club. The events are :-*l2oyde, 11 miles, 2 mile walk, 1 mile, cycle race, discus throw, ladies' race, buys’ race, and relay (four 220’s).

• • • * The Stubs controlling the evening meetings this season have been very unlucky in their choice of the weather. Last .Monday evening was no better than the others, a strong northerly wind spoiling what was otherwise a good evening's sport. Thw Wellington Club, who con(tolled the meeting, had intended running a ladies’ relay, hut a shower at the end of ihe men’s relay was responsible for a postponement. The entries were fairly good, and some close and exciting : were witnessed.

The 220yds handicap was tun in three heats, those qualifying for the final being A. Stevenson (12yds), C. Jenkins (2yds), J. Fleming (10yds), K. Eastwood (Byds), J. Wiggs (13yds), M. Leadbetter (Iyd). Jenkins and Leadbetter did not contest the final, leaving four starters, who made a great race of it. Fleming, Eastwood, and Wiggs raced neck and neck up the straight against the wind, ana breasted the tape in a line. The judge’s decision—Eastwood and Fleming, deadbeat. and Wiggs third—was the correct one. Had Eastwood kept to 'his tracks m the straight he would have won, but he sweiwed fully two yards half-way up the straight. He ran right across in front- of Fleming, -and it is just . a question whether Fleming was not baulked. * •

There were five starters in the 120yds hurdles and three - contested the final. Ware finished strongly in the first heat, beating Sceats by inches, but in the final Scents made no i ace of it, winning by a good margin. , • *. m m

The 880yds was a fast race considering the gale. C. Campbell, the New Zealand champion, Was on the scratch mark, and although he ran well in the early stages, faded right out in the straight. Finishing was never Campbell’s strong point, and if he is to ge near the record for the half be willhave to develop a strong sprint finish. Wemyss/ the winner, is-a new runner on the track, although he has had some experience of cross-country-running. He displayed judgment when he worked himself into a good position in the early stages of the >-aco, and made his final run at the right time. • • • .#

The finish of the ladies’ Tace Was exceptionally close, it being impossible correctly to place the runners unless in a direct line with the tape. Miss M Collins, from the 2yd mark, came up very fast over the last few strides to win by about three inches from Miss Moynifian (15yds).

The three mile cycle handicap was responsible for brilliant riding on the part of the soratoh men, Flett and Bobinson. By taking turns at pacing each other they were up with the field at three to go. When 4ho bell rang for the last lap. the two scratoh men moved to the front-, with Flett on the inside. .Down the back Stretch find found the bend past the score board the pace was terrific. Flett held a' slight advantage : rounding the bend into the straight, and in a dingdong finish won by & good length.

There, were some fair performances .n the high jump The winner, Hethering T ton, with the assistance of a 4-inch, handicap, cleared sft 6in; Whyte (lia)

and Sceats (2in) both cleared sft Sin. Kalaugher (scr), who had a bad ankle and should not - have been competing, cleared eft Bin.

* <5 • • There were three competitors in the junior club event, and all were off the scratch mark. H. Bamson, the Wellington College champion, was too Strong for the others against the wind, and Won eomfortablv • • • •

Four teams contested the relay race, which provided a great -finish between ’Varsity and Wellington. Leadbetter and Kyle carried the batons for their respective teams over the last 110yds. the former, winning by half a yard. • • » m

At the Labour Day sports T. Kelly (St. Patrick’s College) and L. McLeod (Scots College) tied in the competition for the Somerville medal. It was ag-reed that ihe tie should be run off over a distance of 300yds. and the contest was decided at Monday evening's meeting. Both boys got away to a good start, with-McLeod ou the inside. About the 220 mime Kelly opened out and soon had a lead of two or three yards, but when tlib straight was reached, McLeod came away with a strong finish to win an excellent race by two yards. A two man race of this description is a very difficult race to run. Kelly made a great mistake in opening out when he •do whereas McLeod showed splendid judgment by not responding until the right time. There is no doubt that the better man .won. Both show great promise, and should go a long way in the game.

Playing for the Christchurch Boys' High School fifteen in 1923 was a slim youth, J. H. Parker, later to become an All Black wing-forward. The same team was captained by H. Milliken, later a Canterbury represetative. In the Otago High School team that year were tv. B. Faa and J. G. McNauglit, the latter ?. member of the Services team, and the Ormer the crack All Black’s five-eighth. "Womeft's tennis is much stronger in America than in any other nation," says Mrs Barry, who accompanied the Australian ladles’ team. "The standard in England is superior to that In France. Our tennis compares favourably with the standard Of Other nations. There is little prospect of an international women's team visiting Australia. We tried everywhere to secure a team, but met with no success Suzanne Lenglen, the French Champion, accompanied by a prominent French male player, may come, but it is very doubtful." ,

YACHTING. The B.P.N.Y.C. will hold the following races to-day:—First and second class handicaps, 18-foot and under class club handicap, and seven-foot one design class. The second race of the Port Nicholson Motor Boat Club will also be held today • • c • Most of the boats at the boat harbour' are now in the water, the exceptions being Oyster (Blair) and Galatea (Tringham), which are not yet quite ready. They should take the water this weekend or next week. * * * *

There are indications that neither the keel yacht Bona (J. B. McLean) nor Kotiri (T. Petherick) will be commissioned this season, for they are still on the slip. No work has been dodo on the latter, and she has been out of order for some time. • • • •

Mr Cull’s Mana, which has already been in the water, was hauled uo on Sunday for cleaning and repair to the underbody. • • • •

Tho entries for first class events in the B.P.N.Y.C. bare so far been very poot, and there are indications that this class will remain so for the season. As already mentioned Kotiri and Bona show no signs of being commissioned, while Wanderer, the fastest in the class, has gone to Auckland. It is questionable also whether Atlanta or Waiwere 11. will race. This leaves Marangi, Viola, and Ai'sc still in the picture. * • • • •

On the 4>ther hand the second-class events are showing good promise, and it appears that there will.be a tided season. The inclusion of lolanthe and Venus, of Evans Bay. will provide further competition, for they will race at the boat harbour this year. This will bring the total

up to a good half-dozen, the others to compete being: Bawhine, Windward, Mana, and Seabird. Galatea will probably be seen with sail up after Christmas. • * • a

joocal yachtsmen are long suffering, but even the most patient is beginning to grumble a little at the state of the weather during the past few weeks—particularly at. the week-ends—which has been responsible for the postponement of several scheduled events. In certain quarters there is a lack of interest, Which does not spell encouragement to the enthusiasm. with the .result that there is a danger of the sport’ being left in the hands of a few. Perhaps the best illustration of this is reflected from the Wellington Yacht and Motor Boat Association, which, through lack of enthusiasm among the affiliated olubs, has become extinct, and the eohtrol of the. Sanders Cup contest, so far as Wellington is concerned, will have to be undertaken by the Boyal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. In this club, however, Wellington has seme, excellent champions, who are determined that the capital city will be represented at Dunedin when the contests take place. /

• e • *' Mention of the Sanders Cup recalls a dispute which has recently arisen in the R.P.N.Y.C. over the dimensions and construction of Peggy, qpe of the Wellington candidates. As will be remembered, Peggy was one of the first of the Jellicoa class to be built after tbs Iron Duke, but since that time she 'has been altered structurally as well as in tbs sail plan. The question now In dispute is whether the position of the mast—which haß.been shifted further aft “and niters tlhe balance —affects the craft to such an extent as to render it illegible for competition. Peggy will be measured within the next few days, and a deoisiott will be made. There is not much doubt expressed that the boat will face the starter in the trials. • • • •

It is almost certain that only threel4footers will cross the line in the Sanders Cup trials, which are due to commence on the first suitable evening—Peggy, All Black, and Wellesley. There are three others, June (a Petone boat), Evnin, and Claire, which might have entered, but it is not expected vnat they Will take part. There is likely to be a weighty discussion on the merits of the Sanders Cup rules, which now allow boats of the Bona type, us well as those built previously, to, compete. The R.P.N.Y.C. desires that in order to set a universal standard, only those of the Bona design should be eligible for competition. It is difficult to determine which claes has the''advantage in the water, this being governed chiefly by weather conditions. The last Sanders Cup contest was won by lona (not a Bona type), .while Bona herself won the two previous contests in Auckland and Wellington. A remit seeking an alteration in the rules has been forwarded to the Dominion conference. • • • •

In other places yachtsmen are busy in preparation for the trials, and in Auokland it has been decided to have five races to determine the challenger from the Queen City. The first of theiie will .-.lav.when Bona, Queen March, Joan, and the new beat Avalon will compete. Further trials will be held on Sfiturdn- next, December 12tb, December 19th, and January 9th and 16th. In addition to the five special races, the form shown in club races will be taken into account. The ielectors are not bound by any definite system, but will Use their discretion as in the past. • m m •

The Sanders Cup contest will tike place at Dunedin 6n Friday, February 19th. Entries have closed, and although the entrants are not yet announced, rt is anticipated that Auckland, Napier, Wellington. Canterbury, and Southland will be listed. Only one , boat—Winifred - turned up to the trial at Dunedin i n Saturday, and the race had to be abandoned. The owner of Winifred was not o bit pleased ,when lie found himself the only contestant, and his annoyance Was apparently shared by the others, for a yachting writer in the south cryptically remarks this week -.—" The patience of the selectors has now been exhausted, and it is expected that the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association will now

take steps to bring about some finality in regard to the trials."

• • e. • Four boats took the wkter at Redelifls on Saturday to compete in the second trial race to decide Canterbury’s representative boat in tfie Sanders Cuj» races. In addition to the two Lyttelton boats, Linnet 11. and Defier, which were, snipped over the hills from Lyttelton to Redcliffs to compete in the race, were the Bedelins boats Betty and Seoret. During , the rAce, which was followed with keen interest. Betty got m the lpud wnmi position, and was passed s ’ At this point the wind dropped almost completely, and after drifting about the channel for some time Esher drew out, Meanwhile,. Betty caught a gush of wind, which enabled her to pass Linnet ti. Betty maintained her lead round Skylark Island end back to the finishing line, where she drifted aoross. about 15min before Linnet 11. Secret also failed to finish the seootid round. The next trial will be held at Lyttelton next Saturday.

{ROWING Since the opening of the rowing season the weather has conspired against oarsmen in this district, and on almost every week-end an adverse wind has prevented full execution of the' soheduled programmes. The result is that whereas olubs have usually completed their initial' races ere this, very little has been done towards this end. Our harbour has some angry moods, and unlike the Waitemata, is capricious even in mild weather when oCrtain winde are blowing. But this oannot last for ever, and hopes aro entertained that before Christmas some good work will be put in with the oars in the different clubs. There is'consolation. however, in the knowledge that we are not isolated in onr misfortune, for reports from other plaoes indicate a similar state! of affairs.

Preparations aro being mads for the annual visit to the Plctoh' regatta at New Year, and although very little practice has as yet been indulged in, the crews have for the most part been chosen and training orders have been issued. It has been agreed by the regatta fund that the programme shall be as under, this arrangement being subject to ratification by the Marlborough Bowing Associationl (10.30 a.m.): Maiden Fours,. one mile (clinker). 2 (11.15 a.m.): Senior Fours, two miles (best and best), 8 (12 noon): Single Sculls, 1J miles (best and best). 4 (1.80 p.m.); Youths’ Fours, one mile (clinker). 5 (2.15 p.m.); Junior Pairs, one mile (clinker). 8(3 p.m.); Lightweight Maiden Fours, one mile (clinker), for crews lOst and under; all crews must be weighed between 11 mm. atfd 12 noon. 7 (3.45 p.m.): Senior Pairs, one mile and a half (best and best). 8 (4.30 p.m.): Maiden Pairs, one mile (clinker). 9 (5.15 p.m.): Junior Fours, one mile - and a half (clinker). 10 (5.45 p.in.), Maiden Double Sculls, one m/le (clinker). Entries close with the secretary on December 15th. The conditions will be similar* to those governing the 1925 regatta. ••« , •

In spite of the weather, the Petone Club members have not been idle, and whenever tfca opportunity has offered, races hav© been rowed. The final of the trial fours has been completed, this event resulting in R. G. Duncan (str.), R. Croudis, F. Cometti, and G. Medhujrsfc defeating U, Monks (etr,), P. Cropp, J. Rucknall, and R. McArthur. The heats of the junior and novice pairs have been rowed, and the Anal will be contested between Gardner and McQueatin and Medhurst and Lawrence. A. Hickson and J. MoLauchlan will meet A. R.: .White and T. Blinn for the final of the trial plate, which will be got off at the earliest possible moment, * e. • •

The senior oarsmen in the Potone Club will to-day have the last opportunity for a race before settling to SerioUß training for the regatta, for the Tremaine trophy will be contested, the teams-tb be picked before the race.

Petone will" be represented- at the regatta. by the following, crews .Senior fours.4-A. E. White (str.), A. L. Warden, A. Higkson, K. Rodger. Junior fours.—A; Jones (str), A. Maude, T. Slinn, R, G. Duncan. Maiden fours.—E. Monk (str.), L. Diekens, J. MeLauehlan. F. Cropp. Youths' fours.—L. Horne (str.), J. Peek, Innes. Burns, Light maiden fours. E. Bucknoll (str.), B. McArthur, F. Cometti, J. Kenwood.'

Maiden double sculls.—L. Boyd, H, K. Adamson. f The senior, maiden and junior pairs will be selected from the fours at a later stage in the training, • • ■

The pregs which will row for the Star Boating dub at the regatta are enumerated below■

Yonthe* foure. No. 1 crew: Cooke (str.), Dumbleton $),-Williams (2), Hislop (bow). Coaoh, W. F. Nieholls. No. 2 crew: Reeb. (str.), A, M. Taylor (8), Gray (2) Comerford (bow). Coach, W. P. Shetland. | Maiden fours.—No,' 1 crew; Hjorrinjr (str.), Nieholls (3), Dennehy (2), Brooker (bow). Coach, B. N. Wakeun. No. 2 crew; Shetlander (str.), J. Ellis (3), Foden (2), Fitzgerald (bow). Coaoh, F. B. Anyon. Maiden pairs.—Hinge (str.), MeKenley (bow). Maiden double soulls, No. 1 crew.— Newton (str.), MoLean (bow). No. 2 oreWi Hinge (str.), MoKinley (bow). Lightweight maiden fours. Haines (str.), Haldane (3), Leash (2), Lucas (how). Coaoh, F. G. Oborn. • ee,»

Auckland is suffering the effects of the erratic weather, and oarsmen who competed on Saturday in the open harbour had a somewhat anxious time. At the opening of the St. George's Club a fairly hpavy ripple was on tfie surface of the water, and a boat from North Shore Club got only halfway aoross when it was swamped and had- to be towed back. The oontest for the Barrett Cup (presented in 1920-21 by the veteran oarsman, Mr Geo. Barrett) is exoiting a great deal of interest in, the’ north, aha the contest on Saturday was a most popular one. The conditions governing the trophy specify , that it is to be rowed for at the holder’s opening. Waitemata relieved St. George of the ooveted cup on Saturday. • » • •

There will be no Lyttelton regatta this year. A public meeting was held at Lyttelton, when the proposal to hold the fixture on Boxing Day was turned down owing to insufficient public support. So now the first regatta of the season will be held on New Year’s Day, at Akaroa. The regatta screws to represent the* Wellington Bowing Club at Picton have been chosen as under:—Maiden Fours -. Adams (str), Cpokson, Jones, Shanley. Light Maiden Fours: Campbell (str), Collins, Chisholm, MeLeod. Maiden Double Sculls: Grace and Mawson. There is yet one heat and the finals, to be rowed- in the senior fours of the Wellington Bowing Club. The club double seulls and junior seulle are next on the list, and will he commenced shortly. ,

SWIMMING Now that the swimming season is definitely open, it is to be hoped that the "gods that be” in control of the sport will do something towards effecting an improvement in the programmes of carnival events, in the direction of eliminating the greater number of the short sprint races, and substituting instead, contests which will bring into play those dualities of judgment which are so essential if a swimmer is TO attain to anything like premier rank. The 25yds and 50yds races which figure on programmes are all right in that they provide a short) spectacular splash, and make for what may be called the comic relief between more serious contests; but swimming is not a comedy, and for that reason tfiey can be overdone. • * *n *

For adults, 100yds races should be the minimum, and 220yds and 240yds events Should receive more encouragement than they do at present.. Such distances make swimmers; the other, merely trick performers. • • * *

Is it not possible that the long-dis-tance tests for children are being overdone! 1 As conducted at present they have degenerated into enduranoe tests rather than tests of capability, in the art of swimming.- Children are encouraged to hold on to the last gasp, and however desirable this may be from the remote viewpoint of their being some day lost overboard in mid-ocean, it is bound to be detrimental to their health. The authorities should be definite on the point that given distanced should be accomplished within certain time-limits, and swimmers should be debarred from proceeding further, once that time-limit had been reached. Such a provision (the authorities could be relied upon not to make the time-limits unduly severe) would indicate clearly whether the child was, swimming within .his powers or otherwise. ♦ * m * •*

At present a youngster may remain m the hath all day and obtain a certificate for doing, say, five miles. If he takes an hour to do a mile, he gets the certificate just as well as if the distance were done in half the time. It is difficult to see what useful purpose these tests, conducted as at present, servo.

A recent determination by a Southern centre to tighten up handicapping will come as a relief to those who have recognised a tendency amongst the unfortunately large body of pot-huntere who infect swimming circles as well as other branches of athletics, to run what may colloquially be called "stumers," in unimportant events, in order that their handicaps may be reduced, and so give

them an unfair advantage in bigger races. Any handicapper who knows his job must be aware oi the qualifications of the men whom he is called upon to handicap, and we presume that the tendency in the South will be towards erring on the side of severity rather than otherwise when dealing with tried performers, who are, apparently, suffering a temporary eclipse. • • • •

The election of Mr Phil. Bundle, president of the Hataitai Club, to the presidency of the Wellington Centre, is one of the most popular as well as one of the most deserved appointme‘ntß made in swimming ciscles for some time. Having taken a keen interest in the sport for many years, it has been ever his endeavour to obtain for the rising generation those facilities which in hiß own day were denied to the bulk of swimmers in the cities. To him is due, largely, the credit that swimming facilities at Evans Bay are so ideal, and any locality which . desires to promote the sport in any way, and is willing to assist . itself, is assured at all times of his warmest sympathy and support.

Far from being a seeker after office, Mr Bundle has had these positions forced him by those who recognise that in him swimming has one of the most progressive supporters to be found in the whole of New Zealand. He has no patience with those who consider themselves active participants in the finest of outdoor sports, and refuse to render help wherever they see the necessity for it, but rather prefer to adopt the attitude of irresponsible critics. His motto has always been: "Help first and speak afterwards/' No man can be harder on that class of swimmers who, on entering a course of training, do not follow it assiduously, but to all those who try to do their best he is' a staunch friend. His voice has always been raised in behalf of the less advantageously situated clubs and club members,, and the Centre, under his guidance, should enter on a prosperous and contented term. • * #

The Boys* Institute Club opened its season last week, when three raceß, the senior event (66 2-Syds), intermediate, and junior of respectively, were brought off; In the senior event W. Patterson (3sec) was first, and W. Bobinson (scr) second, the time being useful—--39 2-ssec. W. Boswell (3sec) and T. Boswell (ssec) took first and second places in the intermediate, time 20 2-ssec; an«« in the junior F. Parker (3sec) and T. Hailey (scr) took the leading places. Time, 22seo. The Angus Duncan medal and & diving competition are the nest events on the schedule.

The new baths at Scots 'College are 33|yds in length* and tljere being a keen crowd of swimmers amongst the students, it is- probable that more will be heard of the college during the season. The Worser Bay Club, further, has very generously agreed to act as unofficial sponsor to the new organisation, which is all to the good. Tho baths were opened last Saturday, when a contingent from Worser Bay participated. Three races, 66 \2-3yds senior, 50yds breast-etroke, ana 25yds junior, were decided. A. Hepburn and V. Allen deadheated in the senior event. D. Thomas won the breast-stroke, and M. Webley the ,25vds junior. In a relay race between four boys from the club and college, the college boys were successful. The following are the dives selected for the national championships in January next:—Men: Low board, No. 15, one screw forward, running; No. 17, pike dive, standing. High board: No. 13, half screw, backward,. standing 1 ; No. 22, one borer, forward, running. Ladieß: Low board, No. 8, header, backward; No. 11, half screw, forward, standing, high board; No. 9, hunch dive, standing; No. 18, pike dive running. The dives for the intermediate boys' championship will be as set out for last meeting.

LAWN TENNIS January 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 25th next will see the first Wellington provincial championship to be held on the new courts at Miramar. All five usual championship events will bo played. The semi-finals and finals of the men’s events will be five-set matches, the preliminary rounds will be three-set matches. Also there will be run a Wellington plate, which will be for those men defeated in the first round of tho singles. Tho trophies for all events will amount to over ,£3O, and entries will close with the 'hon. secretary of the Wellington L.TA. on January 18th next. In the programme boys' doubles and girls' doubles will be included for the first time, and handicap events also will figure. The entry fees are lower than for the Easter tournaments past, and are as follow: Championships: Men's singled ss, men's doubles Gb per £air, ladies' singles 4s, ladies' doubles 6s per pair, mixed doubles 5e per pair, boys' singles 2s 6d, girls' singles 2e 6a, Wellington plate (post entry) # 2s6d. Handicaps : Men's singles 4s, men 8 doubles 5s pair, ladies' singles 3s, ladies doubles 4s pair, mixed doubles 4s pair.

Entry iB restricted to active members of clubs affiliated to the New Zealand L.T.A., and dub secretaries jpust certify that . members are active. Juvenile events will be Open to boys and girls under 18. • * * *

There have been two notable withdrawals from the Wellington ladder, S. Wheeler (Thorndon), who last year was ranked second, to L. France, and J. B. Parker, who for years has been in the top six. Both find their time too much occupied for match plaving. ••• . •

Who said tennis is not a dangerous game? # We know a man who met his future wife on a tennis court.

*.* + g The Linwood Club (Christchurch) haß decided to approach other lawn tennis clubs in Christchurch, with a view to obtaining a competent coach from overseas, for Canterbury. A few ranking list matches have been played off in Christchurch. I. A. Seay has defeated G. G. Aitken, 6—o, 6—2, for second place. Another matcn played was: S. D. Denton defeated A. B. Loughnan (challenger), for tenth place. 4—6, 6—2, 6—4. Miss M. Speirs has retained her premier position on the ladies' Canterbury ranking list by defeating the second place-filler this week. Miss M. Wake lost 6—4, 6—3, after a very bright game. Miss Perrier defeated Miss E. M. Partridge for fourth place, 2—6, Miss Partridge went to pieces in the last stages of the game. The Wellington L.T.A. directs the attention of club members to. clauses 88 and 89 of the constitution. Clause 88 is:—"No club or schools' association affiliated to the association shall play any club or Bchool association not affiliated to an association recognised by the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, unless such club or, school association shall have first obtained the written permission of the management committee, nor shall # any member of a club or schools' association affiliated to this association take part in any tournament held in New Zealand, that is, not authorised by the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association."

Clause 89 reads: —"No tournament authorised or conducted by the. association shall be open to any .player who is not either an ordinary member, a member of a club, schools' association or subassociation affiliated to an association recognised by the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, and no club or schools' association affiliated to the association shall hold a tournament open to other than members of such club or schools' association without first obtaining the written permission of the management committee."

ODDS AND ENDS. Members of the Thames Bugby Union are nothing if not courageous. Suffering from the all-too-prevalent disability oi having to pay large sums for the hire of grounds, they have decided to purchase an area of 22J acres. The land is quite close to Thames, and is almost alongside the main road and railway line from Thames to Paeroa. Two of the moving spirits in the matter are Messrs Reg Rhodes (son of the member for the district), who is chairman of the Thames Bugby Union : and Ernie Brownlee, the hard-working secretaiy. By means of an art union, of which details will be advertised shortly, it is hoped to make more than a local appeal for financial support. If old Thames boys (or girlah after reading this paragraph, wish to secure further information, 60 that practical assistance can bo given, they should place themselves in communication with Ernie Brownlee. There are many ex-Thames residents in Wellington, and they will glady co-operate to help their old union and its affiliated clubs. * * * *

Charlie Purdy, who got the decision over Harry Casey, of Queensland, at Auckland recently, hasn’t begun to Tefret that he joined the professionals. n less than a year he has earned a sum not far short of .£IOOO. And he has only just turned 20. His next fight, by the way, may be against Les Murray, at Dunedin on January 7th. The crowd that will be there will make it a grea' fight.

SCOTLAND OUT OF STEP

IMPERIAL RUGBY CONTROL Pressure from various quarters is being brought upon Bugby circles in the four home countries to secure that South Africa, New Zealand and Australia should have a direct voice upon the International Board, writes P. H. Francis, to the "Cape Times." There is, one happens to know, a much more favourable feeling towards the request of the Dominions; one very well-known authority on the game in England told me the other day that, although he had once been strenuously opposed to the idea, he was now much more sympathetic. "After all," he said, "history has taught England that it does not do to defy the colonies." Possibly, South Africa will not start throwing chests of tea into Table Bay in their hid not for independence, but for a voice in the general control of Bugby. It may be assumed, perhaps not unfairly, that the chief obstacle in the way of the aspirations of South. Africa, with, of course, New Zealand and Australia, being realised is the Scottish Union. Thdse who control, with an autocratic hand, the destinies of the game beyond the Tweed are frankly and undisguisedly conservative in their attitude towards Rugby football. However much that attitude may irritate the great majority of followers of the game, however little it may reflect the opinions of a large number of the players in Scotland itself, it is difficult to repress a feeling of admiration for ita consistency. Scotland's position in Bugby football recalls the old story of the proud* mother who, seeing her son out marching with other soldiers, exclaimed, "Why, they're all out of Step except our Jock." Being out of step with other nations has never worried Scotland. It may be fust as well, therefore, for your union to realise that if Scotland has made up her mind that the International Board is not to he extended, then the board will not be extended—or if it is extended it will not still include Scot* land.

H. B. James, in his reminis- - eeneet of the famous Warrnamfaool to Melbourne cycle race, relates this storyt— One youngster- came to me in Warrnambool just before the start, and asked me if I would . lend him a bit of money. . "I only brought down 15 bob,*’ he explained', “Where do. you corpe from?" I asked him. “Aw, from Queensland,” he said, "And you thought IS boh would see you through,” I said, astonished at his simplicity. "It was all I could raise,” was ; his- reply. "I was set on harin’ u try for this race.” , "But how about hotels 7” I wanted to know, "Where did you stay on the way down?” “Slept under a haystack,” he said. He was off back to Queensland by road next day, with all he would accept—los.