SPORTING AND SPORTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15509, 18 July 1912, Page 10

SPORTING AND SPORTS.

| THE T'UIF.

I Br Sistihu. ( '' ■■'——' \ THE GRAND NATIONALS. JCho appesranco of tho handicaps for tho C&ntcrburj Jockey Chib's Grand >ationnls v.Tll.bo very wclcomo to keen sportsmen, who, with a groat deal of reason, regard tho August pthcring at Hicoarton as tho most interesting fiiluro of Uio Season, 'lo Arai, who figures at tho hrad of Uic Grand National Steeplechase with 12.6, won two yokrs ago under 11.9, but evidently his chance need not como into consideration, as hrj is said to bo out of training. Te Arai. however, helped, perhaps, lo keep a hlllo weight off soino of tho others by his inclusion in tho field, which seems to carry a fairly high pcrecnlago of good 'chasers, «S no less than eight are handicapped at oyer 11.0. Such a burden, unquestionably takes K>mo carrying in a sound-run race over Iho National country, as .tho going, frequently- inclined lo bo a hit deep at that limc-ot-tlm year, together with tho paco set nowadays, accentuates tho weight to Iho lafit ounce. In last year's race Corazon thould have won with 12.3, bill it is very seldom,' indeed, that anything carrying such a weight troubles the judge. A horso weighted up to or around 12.0 has generally reached tho top of ils form, and consequently ono has to bo rather chary in going for a top-weight unless thero is sound rearon to lwliove it is an exceptional 'chaser. ]',xporienco teaches ono to look for. tho winner amongst thoso with a handy weight, and who has yet to gain fame. Honours aro frequently with tho lop-weights, but success is moro frequently tho lot of those who are further down the list. I'nritutu . had 10.2 last year, when ho got up in time lo iioal Corazon in tiro last few strides. .It is porhaps not too wiso io oxnect much improvejdonl from such an old horse, and under an. increase of 141b, unless the field proves wpakcr than last year, he has received ' plenty. Continuance) has plenty of pace, aijd evidently well up to weight 110 won tho National Hurdles in splendid stylo under 11.11, and an incrcaso of 61b docs not blot this,out of a good, chance. Honoris from tho norUVcrcilit him with showing a pleasing prnficionoy over big fences. Antarctic ran third .under 12.2 last year; but ho has been amiss, and may not strip too well.. Somo idea of. his condition tna,y ;bo'\gained if. ho runs this week' at Trcnlham. Ho', howem 1 , isCapt lo licat himself by rather big jumping, and, further, tho writer could never, regard anything as a particularly, safe, conyoynnco..thal stabs at liis fcnccW'liko''Antarctic. Tho Salvadan —CViryphcV gelding,nevertheless put up a very good raco under his' 12.2, and no matter how much ono may lro inclined to find fanlti.witli him, the fact of hi fi form ~ still remains, llmitore, Sir Lethe. Okaihau, nndi : Armftgh havo cacli good form over country..., B|nck. Northern, has proved ' so successful over hurdles, and in addition is-a half-brother to such a good Vhiiser a s Irish, that'ho must bo a dangerous factor ' in the field. Going on through tho list there ficcnis every prospect of a good field, and ono, ; lhnl wili require some booting. Several Boom to havo jumpers' chances only, and others, again, by staying on may get near al'tho finish. Tho l>«L of this lot may provo to l» Dorando, who, if lacking brilliancy.' is a fairly sound titaycr, whilst on tip oNhal experienco should lend to improvo him. Continunneo has been sent up 101b for winning last year's National • ilnrdles. 'Paisnno must ho dangerous, as ho finished 'closo up 'fifth, and now meets last year's winner on 211b lietler terms, whilst tho drop/from 3P..8 to 11.11 is > briber 0 consideration. Tho'Hovcr finished second and in front of Paisano last vcar, and now goes up-21b, and meets l'aisano on ; 131b worso terms. Tho Nativo ran third with 10.5, and Mueote Paisano ,on 19lb -woreo tonus. Tho Slrowan gelding has-nol-betm plrowrnff-'lho ,l>cst of form this •year, <,hut thero seems reason 1o believe that .ho 'iK| '-' training on. lie is ono of tho best .National .' winners tlio writer has ever rcen, ;uid if Imok lo form must provo dangerous. ])|aelr NorlhonV. has frequently prowl himself a .good horso under weight over hurdles, and if ho is ji'.slli latter liorso than; Pa.isano at his besl.'tlicn ho is indeed a good'hurdler. Koran won » heap of friends'by his brilliant win last month, and several of thoso who'havo'shown fair form on tho flat and followed it up by winning over hurdies road dangerous. Bollhig and Idealism belong to "thai class. Wiudgago 'was going wel) when ho camo a purler, luid now. goes . . lin'.lihV. Ho was a long way from homo when ho'.fell, but Iho incrcaso ; may not stop him. Still,- ho moots Paifiano 0n,211b, Tho llovw lllb, and The Nalivo ( lllb worso torins. lt ! seoins to havo been a good Initio lictwcen, Master Theory <uul Paisano at f:it-bonio;*biic tho latter is, : nJlowe<l 14l!» for hi« defeat. Master Tlioiiry may ininrovo, as, according to xiccounts ho, is n . S triflo erratic, and even though ho won did not foneo'''nearly so well as Paisano. After alnstcr Theory oomoy a small host that may hide?, tho winner, and it seems snfo to predict ii* lilwral .ut'cptanoo in both races. TlUi AsiIIIUUTON BPRINO MBCTINO. 'Uio Ashburton County Itacing Club havo issued tlioir prograinino for thbir sjiring ineoliug, iwhicn is set down for .September 12 ami 13. Tho card for each day will carry sovoii items, of which four aro wortli lOOsovs or nioro. Tho principal event will bo tho AfJilmrlon County Handicap, of 120 sow, oho milo and n-quarter, and on the wcoiul day tho Timvnul Handicap, of 115sovs. on'o mile, tops) Ihe card. Tho chief sprint oven Is will lio tho Spring Handicap, of lOOsovs,- <dx furlongs, and tho -Farewell HaiiilicapV'of/'lOOsovsV'fivo'furlongs.' Two liurdlo flvents of 80sovs each citcr for tho hurdlers, and Iho balance of tho programme is mado up as follows:—Trial Plato, of 55jovfs,, five/.furlongsj Jlracmar Welter linn, dieap. of Eort>vs. seven furlongs: Hack lluhdirap, of 75sovs, si* furlongs; Fairfield Jlandirap, of.sssxivs, six furlongs; Coldslrwiin \\V.ll-or Handicap, of 80sovs, six furlongs; and Jlaiden Hack Scurry, of 55sovs, four furlough. In nddilion to Iho alwvo twoSOsovs trolling events also find a place ' on tho prograinino. for which nominations aro duo on Tuesday, August 27. A NKW MINISTER. Whiin thu liaining Amendment Act was occupying tho attention of the Dominion in July, "1910. tho Hon. James Allen, tho pro-f-cut Minister of Defence, win; amongst those who votcil for the alKililiou.of the tolnji.sitor,jand it will ho intcnvling to note what Mnnd Im> would tako if a similar crisis iHt'iU'iod uuilef tho oxisling (lovorninenl, and, it is to be hoped, a tlovoiinuejit that wiltnot' lto ko prone to listen lo tho cry of cvlfeinistii as thoso who have j>iM had Iho ivins liken from their hands. As Minister (it Defonoo it lieooimii » |ur.imoiiiit duty of iho lion. .1. Alien to use eveiy endeavour lo bring our means of defrnco up to'tlw highest,|v)ssili|o standard; and, further than that, ii is idf»> his duty to assist by every reasonable means in tho defenceof tho Umpire,"so that Now Zealand, in k-ing loyal to thy "old folk at Homo," will bo it fairly big factor in helping to bold up tv strong f .-out to any foo that may hapiM'ii along with the intention of breaking tho supremacy of tho British race. This. perha|is. is a somewhat selfish view to take, but il is at least sound diplomacy on the part of any one entrusted with controlling lluulcfcnco of this country. The Door war taught a lesson, if il were required, of Iho imiiu>iK» value and advantage of having-» well-horsed army, as the mobility of our opponents in Afrioa mukmbledly uuido thorn a doubly formidablo f«\ To meet them on .is near even terms ns jiossiblo tho llritish Ooveriilnent were forced to scour tho'earth in search of horstv, and lifter exhaitfting theit own supply, liad to purchase between 60.0C0 and 70,000 horses in Hungary, in addition to gathering' thousuids in other part* of Iho world. The Australian Conuiionwoallh and Now Zealand contributed thousand* of korsis, and another serious war occur Austral- ' ojsia would "apin havo' to contribute an immense supply j'f hoiws—i«>ssibly for our '~ " oHiifdefeneo. With this asivot- of affairs in view, it would' indeed lx; strange if a ' Minister of lX'feuoo voUvl against tho totalisator, which has boon so largely roe.|>otiNib,io for bringing tho sbuhdard of tho utility light horso to bo so largely found in this country-up to as high a slaui of ellicioncy as .that in iuiy otlicr part of thu world. Australia has for many years been largely rosixMisiblo - for hoiving the UriUsh artiiy in Irxlia, and iu tliat re-spivt New /rtxilind ■ has undoubtedly proved a »trong assistunco to Uio Commonwealth, bocauso many of our bcsl liorses have been taken there to raoe, and finally went to the stud in their new home. Tho high standard at present held by tho light horse uf lliis eounlry is solely due io private enterprise, although tho Seddon Covcrnluont did import a. fow thoroughbred stallions. The-advent of the Ward Government saw this excellent, and a much-to-be. . CiMiui.c.-kUI inovcuiont to go to waste, as uiKior the latter regime the horses were allowed. to drift into obscurity, and-..finally to-be-sold, for a comparative wig. In a, timo troubl>> a woll-lwrsed araty would bo very ossontial to this country, and although- this may possibly bo Utkcji as n nolo in favour of "tl»o totalisator —<vnd nothing else,—it would undoubtedly give our soldiois a imiolt better chance to kwji tlicir powder dry if they wore on top of .a.stout horso iustoad<of having to wnd.i tiw nuuiy slrcauii which so liberally irri-

galo what it has efften plowed New Zealanders to cali " Cod's own country." —J. Cimoron has * string of H horecs iu work at' Peildhig. —II is reported that tho 'chaser Okaihau has been purchased by IU D. Hawkins at SOOgs. — Tho grey horso Mire, a second edition of Canteen, is said to. be galloping well at present. — The Southland Racing Club and tho Waimatc Itacing Club havo selected datca which clash. — IJ. .1. Mason was sufTcring from, an attack of influenza when tho last mail to hand left Sydney. —C. Emnierson has.been granted a liccn=o by tho A.J.C.. and is now ridiiig at Ilia Sydney meetings. —J. Burton, tho liandwick trainer, slates that Mountain King and Lady Wftllaco won £IS,OOO in slakes. — The llivcrlon Racing Club are applying for September K us an extra meeting for tho coming season. — Waikaraka, tho Southland candidate for the Grand Xalional Hurdles, is shaping pleasingly iii his work. — Continuance has been greatly pleasing lho3o who have watched him schooling over tho big fences sJ Napier Park.- — Tho Grafton norso Heroism will probably he al tho service of Olago Central breeders during the coining season. — Jackashoro and Simon Puro have been sent to liiccarton in order to complete their preparation for the National meeting, — The southern trainer, P. Ilogan. has arrived al liiccarton with Lugcon, Magdala, and Vulgar Boy, a hunter included in tho team.

—Neither A. Julian nor It. Thompson is likely to be seen in Iho saddle at Trcntliam this week, but both expect lo rido at the National meeting. ! — Mr J. Unckley has sold Peter Pan (Stcpniak—Aniiillai !o a Wairarapa buyer, and the. horso takes up stud work during tho coming season. — Brihorr flas starlcd in five Grand National Hurdles, and would nrohably start favourite for (ho Grand National Steeples run on Saturday. — The time-put up by Guncap in tho V.It.C. National Slooplcs-G9B3—is a record' for Iho race. Decoration's 6.31 in 1906 was tho previous record. — Continuaneo and Paisano retain their nlnco as strong luvn-nritcs for tho Grand Aalional double. Koran is also a strong fancy for tho Hurd'cs. — The Southland Racing Club aro objecting lo the North Otago Jockey Club being granted the 2nd and 3rd of January for their summer meeting. ' — Tho crack" cross-country rider P. Burn has had nino moun'ls in the V.It.C. Grand National Hurdles without catching tho judge's oy 0 on a winner. — T. Pritchard has so far recovered from his serious accident as to lie ab'o to get about on crntchos. He expects to lie in iho BMldlo at tho Riccarlon National meeting. — St. Petersburg was under offer lo a southern owner last week, and if the purchnso is completed the half-brother to Danubo will bo placed at the disposal of breeders. — II is understood that Mr J. Buckley has mado a present of St. Aidan to tho "wellknown rider J. Bealc, who lias frequently worn Mr Buckloy's colours with a good deal of success. — Tho form displayed at the Wellington llacing Club's winter meeting, will be followed with a srreat deal of interest, as it may givo an inkling as to possibilities al liiccarton. i — Some of the clubs to which the Itacing Commission handed a death warrant are declining to die, and amongst the clubs applying for totalisator permits is the Paliucrston Itacing Club. — The dales of the New Zealand Cup meeting arc November 2, 4, 0, 9. Tho A..T.C..spring meeting, at which several Now Zealand horses aro engaged, starts on October 5 and finishes on, October 12. — Prosper (A'dvanco—Sou'-wcslcr marc) is favourite for the Winter Cup.-and Mangaroa.. a sister to.Mahutonga, rules as second choice. Mangaroa is also oho of the ruling favourites for tho New Zealand Cup.; -. ■■•' — Thc-weil-known Molbonrno owner, Mr B. A. Connolly, is said to havo won fXMOsovs over Wingarara's success in the National Hurdles. •■ • . i —Tho .English-bred lioraa Bernard, who is cngagoddn (ho Melbourne and,C&ulfield Cups, is' do-Tcribed as "a Iralbnockcd, muscular brown, with tremendous quartern, up to. any weight, but a brainy horse, wbo may know a Irifio 100 much.",. - [ —An Auckalnd' writer is Tcsponsiblo for the following:—" Although nothing may como |of il, a tumour is'in circulation that a turf sensation'is promised al an early date, with parties hailing from tho Bay of Plenty district as principals." — Itacing has latterly boon malting an unusually heavy- tax on jockova. Horsemen at .present out ol action ns the result of acci'tlcr.ls. includo T. Pritchard, A. Julian, IL Thompson, Wallace Young, F. D. Jones, V. Howard, and, W. Better. , t-. Tlio Grand Prix dc Paris, which was recently decided, will probably prove a moro valuable raco this year than il was Inst season, when il was worth ll.OOOsovs to tho winner. This year the second horso gels IMOsovs and third TOOsovs. — Tho amount of pri?.o money given to trotting races last season amounted to ■12.1D3«0V8. Of tliis amount trolling club 3 contributed £1G.G61 ss. and racing clubs that includo (rotting events on their programmes wero responsible for tho balance. — The Auckland colt Prince Soult. who shaped rallicr disapiiointingly when he camo south and .met tho best two-year-olds of tho past jcasoii, is said to be training on nicely. and possibly may prove heller in his second season than lie was. in his first. — Vice-Admiral and tho balance of Mr G. 1). Greenwood's team at Rnndwick arc reportod lo lie travelling nicely in their work, — Tho South Canterbury Jockey Club have decided to spend fiOOsovs in a new totalieator house, and will iu future run a 10s machine al their meetings. — Tho young full-brother to All Tied (Stepniak—Madder), now at Rnndwick. is de'scriKcd as a powerfully built and shapely black colt, and ono of tho best-looking ones at headquarters. Ho belongs'to tho promineni. Australian owner. Mr P. Merlon, and is trained bv Isaac Koulslium. — Mr 11. 11. Kidd has decided lo abandon bis position as secretary to the Winlon Jockey Club. Mr Kidd has occupied tho position for tho past nine years, and during that period has materially assisted in building up ,the club's position to Iho present high plane it occupies in the snorting world, — Some of the dales app'icd for during tho first couple of months of Iho coining season will 1m of interest to our trainers and owners. They are as follows:—Ashburton, September 12 and III; Geraldiuo. September 2t'«, 27; Kurow, October 2; Dunedin, October !). 12; South Canterbury, October 21, 22; Gore. October 2S, 29. — O. Pratt, a prominent Australian lightweight jockey,- will leave shortly for India, having accepted an engagement lo ride for his Highness (ho Kour Sabih' of l'atialn. The liwro.l iu tlio stable to which Prall will lie attached include Snxonile and Gunboai, two good performers recently chipped to India tiom Australia. — Tho Gore Hacing Club have applied for October 28 and 29 as dates for their spring meeting, which will mark the opening of the new stand and oilier improvements carried out since their last meeting. October 2S is Labour Day, and an excursion train from Dunedin would certainly carry a big crowd lo the southern meeting. — The Australian Jockey Club intend appointing an additional stipendiary steward for their meetings, and the three officials will bo given full charge of the racing at liandwick. \lp to 'ho present the stipendiaries have merely acted iu an advitorv capacity'"and their additional authority will also extend to all the registered racing in Sydney. — An English sporting paper says that when his race-riding days are ended Frank Woolton will probably:'succeed his father as trainer at Treadwell House. Epsom. It seems lo K> generally understood that at the close of Iho current racing soason iu Kngland 15, 'Woottnn wili pay a visit to Australia, and his son Prank will take charge of his horses until he returns. — Hie present crop of yearlings in Auckland are not regarded as a classic lot. but. of course, it is rather early to judge yet. Tho most forward.of the vo'ungstcrs i« tlio full brother to Canroberl. in D. Moraghan's stable 3. He is a nicclv-ohapod colt, and can gallon fast. A full-s'ister to Miss Winsome and Kakama, in J, Thorpe's stables, is well spoken of. but is vnrv bockward. -If Master Pan! streaks away lo the front when racing over fence* in a manner similar to when he was hurdling, lie will provo rather a nuisance to the top-weight division if they endoavonr to keep him in sight. It was noticed, however, in bis latest displays over hurdles at Oainarn and Vingatui he was keut with his field, and came awav at the finish instead of fading cut, as ho frequency did, when doing a "flash in the pan" dash. — At a meeting ef the committee of the Goraldine Racing Club, held lest week, an application was received from T. Coiton, jun.. who is renting tho house and stables recently erected at the course, for more accommodation. It wjs decided lo creel ceven moro loose-boxes and a trap-shed, and to mako other improvements. Mr A. J. Gibbs wrote neccplinc the position of handicaiiper, and Mr B. E. Harlcy accepting the appoinlnKMit cf etartcr to the club. -The Hon. J. Allen and the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, who now occupy scats on tho Ministerial benches in the House of Parliament, wero amongst those who voted for the abolition of the totalisator when the divisiou wss taken on the Gaming Amendment Act Bill in July. 1910. On the other hand, tho new Prime Minister, the Hon. \V. P. Masscy. together with his colleagues, the Hon*. 11. W. Herrics. A. L. Hordman, and K. H. Rhode* wero amongst those who voted in favour of the totalisator. — The Wellington Being Club has applied for Ociober 26 and October SS as the dates for its spring meeting. Monday. October IS, is Labour Day, a holiday the Wellington liscing Clnb has engaged for the last two umoss. Tho Canterbury Jockey Club has

Riven liolico of its intention to abject to these dates wheu Iho Dates Commilttc of tho Ituciug Conference has tho matter under review, ss iho spring meeting at lliccarlou will cpea on November 2. tho S»turday following Uio close of tho Wollinjjtun Kacing Club's fixture. —W. Evans, who won tho Mclbourno Cup on Ano'ogua, was born at Kanuiantoo in Juno," 1881. In tcllinp tho story ot Apologno'a Cup, Evans said his strength exhausted, lie rememlicrs dismounting and; hearing Earnshaw. tho trainer of 'Apologue, asking him what happened at the turn out ol iho straight. Two guns then seemed to go off in his head, und ho collapsed. His inert form was placed on tho scuta, weight declared, arid ho was carried in nn unconscious condition to the members' room, where the late Sir Thomas Fitzgerald and other doctors brought him round. "Strychnine- was injected in large quantities, and after the lapse of aliout an hour Evans was able to walk about again." He received £500 for his winning mount on Apologue. — A cable to the Asian (Calcutta) shows that the starters for tho English Derby wore:—Tagalic. Jaeger, Tracory, Pinladeau, Sweeper 11, White Star, Mordrod. Catmint, Jingling Gcordie, Javelin, Hall Cross, Cylba Farman, Kosciusko, Lorenzo, Orchestrion, Aleppo, Boyal Mail. Wisemac, and Chill October—2o in all. Sweeper 11, who waa favotirile, was never prominent, ami Tagnlio won all the way. Finladeau, who finished well was only beaten a bead for third place, and only for it being necessary to ease liiin in his work during the week prior to tho race, owing to one o[ his legs filling, ho would certainly havo done a littlo bolter. Though she accounted for tho Derby easily, Tagalic'.B run in that Tace must liavn completely knocked her out as alio did not get near tho Oaks, for which she started a liot favourite in a field of 11. Mirska (first) and Equilnh'o (second) each started at n long price. In tho Oaks Tagalic (an odds-on favourite), was ridden by Stern, and not by Beiff.

— Latest accounts from Kngland malco it fairlv clear that Hewitt lost a winning rido on Tagnlio in tho Derby owing to the unsatisfactory manner in which he handled her in the Xowmarkel Stakes. The "Special Commissioner" took up tho cudgels on bohalf of Hewitt, and wrote as follows when il was announced that Iteiff was engaged to rido tho filly in the Blue Hiblxm. There was. by the- wnv. evidently a good deal of doubt as to whether Tngalio would start in the Derby, and in referring both to thai and Hewitt the writer quoted above said:— " It would lo an act of insanity to my mind for any man owning a filly liko Tagalic not to go for the Derby with her, when Hill and Coo is' quite likely to heal her for tho Oaks iji any event; and the Derby gallop, wilh one day intervening, may.be just what sho wants to string her right up to 'concert pitch for the Oaks. This certainly happened .in tho caso of Sccplro. and, on the other hand, wo nave seen Shotover • good enough to win (ho Derby, but not eood enough to win the Oak?, of her year. Therefore, I am certain that Mr llaphac l has arrived nl a most wise conclusion, and. if I am mistaken as to the way in which Cylgad boat Tngalio. thoro is no reason why alio should not absolutely win the Derby. Mind you.'l do not think lam mistaken in this matter, though Lomond certainly interfered with Tagalic in the race for tho Newmarket Stakes, but good judeos at tho Bushes on that day thousrht the filly was winning in a canter.' and thai Hewitt did not make tho best of his way homo. The jockey's explanation, on the other '-nnd. is that tho filly— whether from interference of Lomond or not —tired badly, just when tho men at tho Bushes thought sho bnd only to go on and win; and he had nolhin; to do but lake a pull and steady her, if possible, for another effort. This he did. but.the filly waa guito unable to deal with Cvlgad in the last furlong, and the men at tho Bushes should tcmciubcr thai they were two. furlongs from the finish. If was an unlucky raco for llowitt. who will not Tido" Tagalio for tho Oqks, for ho was blamed, as I think, very undeservedly for iho .rostilt of tho Newmarket Stakes. Ho may not lie the most brilliant artist in a close finish, but ho possesses many qualities, which mako hjm very, valuablo as a iockcy. Ho almost In- ; variably goes away well and secures a good nlaco ril all necessary turns and trends. Ho has tho power which would mako Him a light-weight pugilist wero ho inclined that way, and ho is a fjood natural horseman, though it may bo a Irifio clumsy as compared with tho artistic methods of Maher. All I know is this: that if I had » horso likely to win a Derby or Oaks I should bo quite satisfied to : havo itcwitt to ride."

FOOTBALL,

RUGBY. Bi Foll Back. INTERPROVINCIAL FIXTURES. OTAGO. July 27.—Play North Islnml Country team. August 7.—Piny Southland at Invcrcargill. August 17.—Play West Coast nt Dunodin. August 23.—Play South Canterbury at Timaru. August 31.—Play Canterbury at Chrislchurcli. September 4-—Play Taranaki nt Unworn. September 7.—Play Auckland nt Auckland. September 11.—Play Wanganui at Wanganui. Scptombor 14.—Play Wellington at Wellington. SOUTHLAND August ",—Piny OUgo nt Invorcnrgill. August 10.—Play Canterbury nt Christchurch.. August 14.—Play Wellington nt Wellington, August 17.—Play Auckland at Auckland. CANTERBURY August 31.—Play Otago at Clvristehurcb Scptombor 7.—Play Wellington nt Wellington. September 12.—Play Taranaki • at Taranaki. Soptoinbcr U.—Play Wnnganui nt Wnngnnui. WELLINGTON.. August 21.—Play Auckland at Auckland. August 20.—Play Taranaki at New Plymouth. August 31.—Plav Wanganui at Wnnganui. September 14.—Play Otago at Wellington. TARANAKI.. August 17.—Piny.Auckland at Auckland. August 22.—Piny 'Southland. August 23.—Play Wellington. September 4.—Play, Otago. September 10.—Play Canterbury. Tim invitation of tho Knglish Rugby Union, through tho Now South Wales Uiliou, for ti visit to England of a combined Aiislrnlasinn team during tho Soull: Africans visit in 1912-13, coming inn top of 1 ho alleged "turning down" of Now Zealand in favour of South -Africa, is in tho light, of a surprise Probably tho English Union has re-eonsidered tho matter, and in suggesting a triangular football contest is throwing a sop | 0 pacify Australia and Now Zealand. Tho idea of a combined Australasian team, while favourable to Australia, is unlikely to lm cmu-ideicd so by Now Zealand. Tho Dominion has given graphic demonstration of its right to be considered a nation with South Africa and (•rent Britain on the football field, and tho "New Zealand Union mav consider tint on this score alone it is entitled inn triangular contest, such as suggested, to bo represented independent of Australia. Apart from this, there is an aspect of a case probably unknown to tho English aullioritiej which might forbid New Zealand from combining with Australia in sending a team Homo next year, though for tho purpose in view I do not Hunk it should bo considered. Te aspect 1 refer to is tho present relationship of Australia and New Zealand in respect to tho famous liability over tho American Universities' team's tour two years ago. A fow weeks ago the New Zealand Union refused to eond n Now Zealand team to Australia until the Now South Wale., Union admitted its liability, which, it has so far refused to do. The New Zealand Union, therefore, is unlikely to regard favourably Iho suggestion to combin.! with Australia in sending an W tralasian team to England for « triangular content in 1912-13. 6 The Otago representatives who took part in the intcr-island match at Napier have returned to Dunedin. ami, with the exception t)f Blaek, will lw available to take the field for their respective cluU in Saturday's engagements. H was _ exceedingly unfortunate that lilaok received injuries in tlio inter-island match necessitating his retirement—unfortunate, too, because the game was nearly concluded when the aeoldcnt happened. Tho Pirates five-eighths will |*> out of action for some weiJa, but. it is hoped ho will have recovered sufficiently to Join the Otago team on its northern tour at the end of next month. Writing of this tour, ono regrets that some of the University men are unable to travel. At least- two of the backs of the University team—Coekroft aud Alexanderwould" be certainties if they could make the trip. Coekroft, 1 hear, may possibly go. in which caso the selector's difficulty concerning a centre three-quarter will be overcome. Coekroft, though selected for the inter-island match, was unable to go to Napier. This fact may strengthen the belief that he will bo available for the Otago team's, northern tour. Alexander's position is somewhat different. Having already been away with the _ South Island team, ho may find it difficult to devote the necessary time ' for the northern trip of tbo Otago team. In the present dearth of good three-quarters Otago cannot well afford to bo without tho service* of Coekroft and Alexander, who would give much stability to the lino. 1 hope to hear of these players being available for Otago'j engagement* in tho north. The full back for this year's Otago team should bo easy of, selection with Scott in form. Tho Taicri man beinc available,

need one look furthor for the last lino of defence?

Tho real difficulty will bo the selection of three-quarters. If Cockloft ajid Alexander aic available miicli of tlio trouble will bo removed, but granting those, players cani:ot tour—a possibility ojio does not wish to anticipate,—thn selector will be hard put to it to secure suitable players. T<ooking round the various teams, it is difficult to find throo-quartm of higher standard than club rank, and in somo instances weak olub rank at that. The five-eighth lino would in the ordinary course of events have included Black, l»ui. with the Pirates man injured, and the possibility of his not having recovered in time, one tuiticiputce tlio inclusion of Williams and M'Dougall, who should pair well.

The half back selection is limited, anil when flic lime comes lvckbold will probably Iw asked to fill tlio position. Too many <if the local half-backs tin's scawn are overdoing Uio touch work and making palpable, misiiso of tho line to tlio distress of the three-quarters, lxkhold is one of tho worst offenders, and (hero was no inoro glarins; instance of Oils habit than in tho South. crn-Kaikorai match on Saturday. If lxkhold, who is a sound enough defensivo player, wishes to develop into on attacking back ho must drop that lino habit, Forward Otago will be well served. Tho right men selected, the province should be represented by ono of the best packs ever sent on tour. Tlio All Blacks Casey and .VUonald will not lie tlio least of these.

Last week reference was made to the possibility of Skinner, the Dunodin, forward (temporarily transferred to Wellington), returning to Dunedin. lie, returned on Tuesday, and will rejoin his old club, who can do with his services. On going to Wellington at the licginning of jho season Skinner quickly gained recognition, and so much was lib appreciated as a forward that ho got into tho Wellington representative team tho first time of asking. Tho most important match of Saturday's fixtures is that between University and Zingari-Richmond teams. On tho lattcr's showing against Alhamhra last week and the University team's narrow win over Pirates, Saturday's match should to a close contest. Though football form is «>nictimes unccrtain-tho condition of tho ground playing an important part in results,-! expect to see Univorsily come out victors at tho finish. The, first meeting of theso tennis early in tho season did not produce an elevating exhibition of Rugby, mainly for tho reason that ZingnriRichmond adopted "spoiling" tactics instead of developing initiative, on attack. A repetition of these tactics is undesirable.

On Saturday week,- July 27, Iho first "foreign" match will bo played by tho Otago representative team against the North Island country team. It has been deemed unnecessary to play a trial licforo this engagement, nor is one warranted. Tho game itself will servo as a treat for tho players who aro likely to bo included in tho Otago team on the northern lour. And in this connection the selector probably has in view the idea of playing as far as possible those who arc able to mako tho northern trip. La?l year, it may to remembered, no fewer than eight foreign matches were played in Duncdin, but so much was the Otago team subject to experiment that it was not until the last representative ongagement of tlio season that Otago found its best team. It should not require much experimentinp; to find out Iho real strength of Otago this season, and the loss tho better.

After tlio break necessitated by tho mntch. against tlio North Island country loam on July 27, club matches will be resumed on August 3 and 10, tho Senior competition closing on tlio latter ditto, A mid-week match will bo played against Southland at Jnvercargill on August 7, and on August 17 nn Otago representative team will meet a team from tlio West Coast at Duncdin. Tlio following Saturday will proliably bo dovotnd to n trial inntcli prior to tlio final selection of tlio team to innko tho northern tour. With Ihroo outsido matches to.6crvo as • "trials," the selector ennnot go far wrong in his selection of tho Otago team.

On ono occasion this season a. local referee exercised the powor which tlio ritlo flives lo award a try if, in his opinion, ono would undoubtedly havo been obtained but for unfair play or interference by tho defending; side. Tho rule places tho onus on tho referco of awarding a try if, in his opinion, it would' undoubtedly have lieen scored but for interference. In sonio cases the excrciso of this rulo would bo dangerous, and # referees for tho most part refrain from bringing it into operation, but ho was n daring referco who, on an interference at the half-way flag, awarded n try to the opposing side.

Wliilo on tho subject of referees. I intended writing an appreciation of theso too often much-abused ofllci.il.-; when J came across the following, which treats tho matter so fairly (lint it is reproduced hero:—A referee often goes on tho field looked upon by players of both sides as a kind of necessary ovil—a something that has to bo put up with—oi» objectionable person who penalises them for off-sido when 'really, I wasn't, off-side. 1 and neglects to nolico tho glaring breaches tho 'other sido' committed. Yes, whilst players seem Tcady enough to forgive,tho bits on the nose or hicks on the shin' thoy get from their friendly rivals, they seem to resent decisions on tho paj't. of tho referee; decisions which, after nil, aro entirely impersonal, . . _. •By players, his decisions aro looked on with a certain amount of bias by cither side; thai is unprevcntahly natural and incidental to any contest. By spectatorswell, their effect on a referee is> purely a matter of temperament. Tho general press; tho following remarks arc culled from honest press criticisms:—"The uamn was marred by the strict, rulings of tho referee, 1 ' Too much latitude was allowed players by tho referee,' 'Though lio mndo the game fast, tho referee allowed several glaring breaches to go unchecked,' 'Mr —— handled tho gamo in his ablest manner.' Honestly speaking, players in their remarks, spectators in their 'barracking,' and tho pros,s criticism aro just, so far as they go. Tho only, trouble is that, though all threo may or may not. be thoroughly well up in the laws of tho ganio and the rulings thereon, no|, ono of them, save in the near proximity, can always 101 l what a. referee's decision was given for and why. Take this ono easo. A match this year; a left wing three-quarter got tho ball and ran along close, to touch, fending off opposing players—with his shut fist. Tho player himself is as clean a player as could bo desired, ml certainly hud no 'punching' intent. Suddenly the referee blew tho whistle and ordered a scrum. It is doubtful if any spectator—probably few playors— knew bis reason. The reason was 'continuation of play was. dangerous.' Though the three-quarter meant no harm or ovil, his action ' might' lie misconstrued by opiionenls. and tho referee acted promptly within his rights, and according to his light. Has it ever struck the general publio that though a cricketer is allowed tho mistake of being bowled, caught, stumped, or oven given out lcg-l>efore with impunity, a footballer may bo off-side, commit it foul or other breach of tho laws without comment—such mistakes, errors, or what not being looked on almost as tho player's right—'it was worth the risk,' says a player when penalised for off-side near Ids opponent's goal lino, 'he might not havo noticed mo '—let the poor referee make ono mistake or overlook some brench, and what a ' howl' goes up. ' Why don't you put a jersey on, umpire!' say tho crowd; tho ' referee robbed us' say the players, particularly the losing side. Truly, tho way of a referee 'is' hard;-and yet referees havo been, can. and always will bo found ready to do thoir share towards helping on tho game."

At the annual general meeting of tho English Rugby football Union, held in lKiniion, Mr A* M. Crook was elected president and Messrs A. Hartley and E. Picscott vice-presidents. The accounts showed a elrur profit on the nuitoh account of £5339 9s ICil. The following amendments approved by the International Hoard, we agreed to:—Law 1G to'read: "In Iho ease of a throw forward or knock-on the ba't shall k> brought back to the place where tilth infringement occurred, ami there he scrummaged, unless a fair catch has been allowed or the opposite sidj gain an advantage, or utile**; hi the opinion of the referee such throw forward or knock-on is wilful, when ho may award a free kick to be taken at the'fpot where such infringement occurred. Tin- shall not apply to a wilful throw forward or knoek-on into touch, which iiH'sl be dealt with under Ijaw 15a.*' Add now Law 16a: "If a player shall wilfully |>ass, knock, or throw the' ball into touch the opposite side may claim cither a free kick or scrummage to be taken at the ontion either at a S|>ot ai right angles to ttw touch-line. 10 yards from the place whore tho ball went into touch, or at s.pot where tho pass, knock, or throw forward occurred. In the case of a free kick the spot shall he -taken m a mark. This law shall not override the )x>wer of the referee to allow or disallow a try under' Law 13." Tho definition cf r. tackle to read as follows—"A tacklo is when tho holder of the ball is held by one or more playcns of tho opposite side, so that he cannot at any moment while he is so held pass or play it." Add to Law 13: "If stud* are worn they shall be circular, not. more than Jin long measured from the .solo of t-lto boot, and not Ipsa than Jin in dwunotcr at tho Uaj and jin

at the top, and shall bo fastened with not less than three- nails." RUGBV GOSSIP. The Canterbury Union has agreed to tlio date, August 31, proposed by tho Otago Union for tho junior representative match betw»n tho provinces. The content will bo decided in Dunedin. tlurry Paton, the Otago and Now Zealand representative forward, who wis recently transferred W Wellington, may return to Diinediu shortly. The Canterbury senior competition has elosed, returning "MorivaJo the premier team for the season with <ui unbeaten record— played 12, won 11, drawn 1; points for 235, points against 30. Several Wellington players who trad been ordered off tho field appeared before- tho Wellington Rugby Union recently. Ashton, of the l'elono Club.'who struck another player, was disqualified until tho end of tho season. In the case of Gilchrist, of tho Mcrraso team, Iho referee wrote stating that he considered that had he only warned tho player instead of ordering him off tho field for playing a mail it would have boon sufficient. It was decided to take no action, irartin, of tho Pctono Club, and Hontley, of the Upper Unit team, were roportod for fighting. The refereo stated that Martin struck at Koutley and tho latter shaped up, and then they both preP l ™ l fo l - then ordorwl them off. No blows were struck. Martin was suspended for three playing Saturdays and Rotillcv was cinilionwl. Now Zealand has played Now South Wales 10 (rallies, won 11, lost •!, and drawn 1. and awed 218 points to 123. New Zealand has played Queensland 11 games and won all, scoring 221 points to 40. Now Zealand has played Auatrolia eight games, won 6, lost 1, and drawn 1, scoring 115 points to •10 There aro also tables showing all games played by Now Zealand teams, and in a. grand summary headed New Zealand v. Overseas it is stated: Matches played! 187. won 133, lost 13, drawn 0, points for 3000, against 937 "Itunbv is declining!" Such ft statement is uncalled for, and not in accordance. wiUi fads, says a Wellington writer, and tho people that make it are only giving yoieo to what tliev desire to soo como about themselves The figuros provo that tho partisans of ltiigby football in Wellington aro increasing as tho yoars go By. Tho annual fixture between Christ s«.ollogo and Otago High School will bo played in Christchnroli on July 21. Mr Charles Buchanan, one of tho vicepresidents of. the Canterbury Rugby Union, will manage the North Island country team on its southern tour. The first game will bo against Canterbury on Thursday, July 2a. Signs aro not wanting to show tint tho leaven of tho. Rugby loaguo has been silently working in our midst, says a Christchurch writer. It is extremely probable that tho game will bo initiated hero before tho oloso of the season. A committee has been formed and a public meeting will lie hold, at which footballers will bo invited to attend., Tho season's play has produced no highgrado players in any department (remarks a Canterbury critic). Mcrivnlo possesses Mima very pood'forwards, notably Maxwell, M'Guifog, Ilascll, and one or two others, while in" Carnegie lliov liavo tho best wing-forward here. Their back 3 have been loft mainly to their own devices. Sandman has shown himself a very capablo sorum-lialf, nnd ho must go very close to representative' honours. Tho other backs have hardly had a chance, but Cade, Jackson, Kruso, and Fuller have nil played well. Smith has boon an oxcollant full-back, especially in tho lator games, and ho should bo certain of a place in tho trials. Ho may even go further, for Docll has uol been particularly good this season. Barfrum, ox-Otago Univorsity man, who has been doing duty for Victoria Collogo ou tho field for two ct tbroo matches,, and ha 3 proved a valuablo assistance, has now joined tho ranks of the benedicts, and Rugby will know him no moTO.

Referring to tlio Ken- Zealnnd Rugliy Union's decision not to join with Now South Wales in sending a Rugby team to California, tho Arrow fays:—"Tlio Queensland Union is agreeable to let any of its players join tho team that tho Now South Wales rclcclors consider fit for selection, and. no doubt, tho saino procedure will bo adonlcd as in tlio easo of the 'Wallabies'' tour. Now South Wales will have pole charge of tho trip, and tho bulk of tho players will 1» chosen from this State. This is much moro satisfactory, as tho blending of tho New Zealanders • and tho Australians in play and team formation would not havo been easy to the organisers of the Ride. Some very promising playors should find their places in tho combination, awl tho cduoilionnl effect of (he tour on tlio more youthful members will do a lot of good to football generally. The Wellington Rugby Longuo has been offered tho Now Zealand-flew South Wales match on Austist 21.

At a meeting of tlio committee of Iho Southland Rugby Union recently a letter was received from a largo number of footballers residing at Bind nskinir permission to form a club to play clubs drawing; bves in tho Senior competition, nail to include several pluvors expelled for engaging under Nortlicrn Union rules. Tho writers poinicd out that players similarly had been permillcd lo nlay under the jurisdiction of tho Hnwkc's Bay H.U.. and referred to the enthusiasm of intendins players at tlio port. It was decided to inform tho writers that the 5.11. U. could not accedo to their reoucsl, hut would forward tlio porno to Iho N.X.'R.U., pointing out that Blurt was a strong football centre, and that its inclusion would greatly strengthen Southland football. ASSOCI A T I O N. Bi Left Wino. 'I'hc genial sunshino of bust Saturday afternoon raised a doubt as lo Iho necessity [or the postponement announced on Friday, but a oloso inspection of the various grounds vindicated the action of the Postponement Committee. Culling Park, the Asylum, and the dear were hot fair grounds on Saturday. Morninglon was playable, and tho Gardens, in "lioft Wing's" judgment, was likewise playable, although in the opinion of two executive members equally qualified lo express an opinion it was too eoft to play on. Tho decision was made on Friday in order to avoid bringing Kaitiingnta to town. In view of tho decision that tho grounds wero not in a fit condition for play, it was surely anomalous to sco adjoining tho postponement notice an intimation that tho High School Old Hoys would hold a piactiro match at Culling Park, No doubt tlio Old Hoys argued ihal thcro was no moro harm in their practising on Culling Park than thero was in Northern mid ItoslynWakari players practising at tho samo time on the Gardens and Asylum Grounds. Tlio upshot has been llio passing of a resolution laying it down that in the. event of a post|xmonient no leant may use any of tlio grounds without obtaining permission. ' Tlio Culling Park Improvement Committee, which is Iflking a vigilant' interest I in its trust, will find in the'decision n desiro on the part of tho O.F.A. to cooperate in their olforts to make nnd keep Iho ground a first-class one. Tho Improvement Committee has caused a Maori drain to be laid in Iho vicinity of tho watery area fronting tin pavilion, ami is giving attention to other weak spots revealed by the heavy rain. Given lino wcallier on Saturday, tlio match between tho High School Old Hoys, and Morninglon should provide ono of the best and brighlest contests of tho season With a match less played, Mornington lie ono point behind the leading team, TCaitaiigata. High School Old Ho»s. from bottom place, have risen to_ a position even with Itoslyn-Wakari for fifth place, and continuing nt their present standard of play they should easily qualify as one. of the four teams lo play off for the Charity Banner.

From Saturday Northern will lose the services of Page, but will regain the help of James Timlin, who has not worn tho jersey for many months. V, Evans will at last he placed on the left wing.

liavensbourne will not bo full strength »n Saturday) M'Grcgor again finding a place in the First Grade team.

The work of putting the Soccer groiltid at Kavensbouriio in good playing order is to bo undertaken almost at once, tho money raised having lieen placed in Iho hands of tlio West llarlwir.' Borough Council, who have undertaken to tec the work through.

Defeat by 9 goals to 2 in a Brown Shield match makes sorry reading. Going on to the around with everything against them, the Poverty Ih> team, challengers for tho Brown Shield, put up a fair fight on Saturday, although Canterbury, wlio won by 9 "goals to 2. was never throutotted with defeat. The visitors, owing to a failure to connect with the mail train at Napier on Thursday, wero delayed in reaching Christchurch. Their trip from Wellington was made in rough weather, and they only reached Christehurch on the morning of the'match. The ground on which the game was played wus eoft, and contained otic or two iiools of water, and this, with the depressing weather, did not help the challeng .ing t-eaui. There was a large attendance, at St. Albans Park, many Rugby enthusiasts being present, and the spectators were given what under the circumstances was a fast game. It ojxmed with a surprise. Poverty Bay rushed down the field and scored" in the ti.-st two mintitcs. The holders of the shield, however, stiffened up after tho first break, and. bill for the good defence of the Poverty Bay hacks and «inio ill-luck, the Canterbury score would have been more than doubled. The match w;is won by a superiority in combination Canterbury's footwork was clean, urn! Ward on the wing was brilliant. Taylor, Bisset, and I'itti of the forwards,' worked together

accurately,-and Norman in tho-second-half was also full of newer. Thu Canterbury backs wcro not severely tested, lmt' D. Fullarton was protxibty tlio Ixst of rhem. Hughes 03 full Ixick saved Poverty Bay time aftor time, spoiling many of Ward's attacks, His play was probably the best of the day. Criglllon. tho goat-keeper, was weak in tho opening stages of the game, but brightened up and make a imjnbcr of good' saves. Winks and Greene in tho forwards were prominent in a number of attacking movements, and Hannah was fairly useful ou | tho right wing. Tlio toajns wcro:— Canterbury. — Goal, Curtis; backs. M'Donald nnd Wnrdcll; halves—Howie, 1). Fullarlon, and W. Fullarton (captain); forwards—Ward, Bissot, Taylor, Pitt, and Norman, Poverty Bay.—Goal, Crighlon; Ixieks, Hughes and Webster (captain); halves— Wcstenholnio, Summer, and Gates; forwards— Head, Winks, Greene, Wallace, and Hannah. Mr 11., Yeoman, of Wellington, was referee. Manawatu, who aro said to bo showing fine form,, meet tho Canterbury stalwarts ui the next battlo for the Brown Shield. Wellington's challcngo follows, and Otago is next. Tho Otago selectors arc anxious tho Otago team should bo the best possible, and that it should bo thoroughly trained weeks ahead. Tho sclcctovs .will shortly bo in a position to announce their team. Southland's team to meet Otago will be choseji from amongst the following, who wore to practise together on Wednesday of this week:— lkltersby, Adams. Mitchell, liiddle, Kay, Beaton, M'G. Wilson, W. Hardie, J. Bradshaw. M'Gregor. and A. Buchanan, Wyllie, M'Knchrnn, M'Kcmie, Creanoy, W. Taylor, Struthcrs, Forest, Fryer, Thompson, and Fowler. The Olago selectors could not do better than to get their Brown Shield team together to play Southland. Nightcaps liavo liand'iomcly von tho M'Donald Cup, competed for by thn teams affiliated to tho Southland F.A. Rangers play Celtic for tho honour of king runnors-up. Tho following tablo shows tho positions of teams in tho M'Donald Cup tompetilion :— rap » » rt n rt m m c .h &?&,£'*< C 4 Nightcaps .... 7 5 2 0 i 2 12 Celtic ...... 8 3 2 3 10 0 8 Rangers 8 2 4 2 9 9 8 Bluff 7 2 1117 5 Invercargill .... 7 1 1 5 5 8 3 Tho Wellington Association is celebrating its twenty-first birthday shortly by holding a socinl function worthy of tho occasion. Tho Otago Football Association is n move.venerable body than tho Wcllinc;ton Association, the fonner's twenty-first annual meeting being held in 1911,' when Mr S. S. Myers, president of tho association since its inception, was presented with a souvenir of his coming of ago in tho presidency. "Dear Left • Wing,—T am sure old players-..wi1l bo sorry to hoar that Jack Muir, who at ono timo played for Mornington, was accidentally killed at Wellington Inst week, Details aro very meagre, but 1 understand that be fell a. distanco of 30ft. and died in the hospital a few hours later of concussion of tho brain. Jack was for two years captain of the Morninglon Second, and later on played contrc forward for the First Eleven. Ho was captain of tho club through Mine of its darkest years, when'it was only saved from going under by a few enthusiasts. Jack is tho second of that little band to dio a violent death, W. Mcanis being killed on this railway. Jack Clark is irlso dead. This brings tiro death nvorago up pretty high, «a out of tho Momington Eleven of 10 or 11 'years ago three aro now dead.—l am, etc., C. R. Mam™.

SECOND GRADE. Second Grade teams aro just entering upon tho second.round of their competition. Morningtori has a run-away lead, as tlio following lablo shows;— i=• ~ is 1 l 3k v Q l- 0 0 3 hf M fl'O 13 O Morninelon .. G G 0 0 33 G 12 Maori Hill ..541 0 20 12 8 Eoslyn-Wukari.. 6 3 2 1 17 17 7 Northern .. .. G 3 a 0 15 II G Allianco .... 5 2 2 1 13 8 5 Christian Bros. 0 15 0 7 21 2 High School Old Boys .... 6 0 6 0 0 3.3 0 Last week I gav 0 the Maori Hill version of tho circunistaiiocs loading up to Maori Hill's • displeasure at Mornington's.failure to allow an injured man to bo replaced in a Second.Grade fixture Hero is Mornington's rejoinder:—"Firstly, our captain was never asked whether ho would be willing to "allow another player lo replace an injured one. Tlio first notification received was when a frosh plaver appeared upon tho field just after half tiino. Now, I think this was 'somewhat discourteous upon tho part of tho Maori Hill captain towards.our captain. Secondly,' tlio captain of tho Morninglon .team, being awaro of the law dealing with tho replacing of injured players, had only ono courso to take, and that was lo ask tho player to lcavo the field of play." SCHOOLS FOOTBALL School loams wero notified at the commencement of tho season that failure to send in to tlio secretary tho official result rard would moan that tho match would not ho counted. Neglectful clubs will, therefore, find in tho following official tablc s cause for lament that thoy 1-a.vo not got credit for all their wins. The Schools Management Committee reports with pleasure that I hero havo been very few cases of teams defaulting. FIRST GRADE. £ fj '*,- ?£ -.2.5 —« o 01 rt sr, rt rt 0. ,' * £ 3 (SoSSJTS Christian Bros. A. 3 2 1 0 21 1 I High School A. .. i! .1 0 0 21 R G High School B. .. fi 2 3 0 U 2G I Maori Hill .... 4 1 2 1 1 5 3 Cavcrsham A. .. 4 1 2 1 8 8 a Forbury A 5 1 I 0 3 23 3 SECOND GRADE. George St a 5 0 0 20 3 10 High St. .. .. .. 5 110 31 4 8 liavcnslwtrno ..5110798 X.K. Valley .... 5 2 3 0 10 6 4 Normal fi 2 3 0 0 in l Kaikorai .... 1 1 3 0 1 15 2 Christian Bros. B. 10 10 H 10 0 Green Island ..5050030 THIRD GRADE. St. Patrick's .... 5 5 0 0 23 5 10 Morninglon .... I .'1 0 ] 5 2 7 Moray Ploco .. 5 3 2 0 G I G Albanv St ,fi 1' 2 2 0 J3 4 Christian Bros. C. 5 13 1 It !) 3 Caversham B. ..a 0 5 0 0 l> 0 Forbury B 4 0 4 0 0 110 St. Clnir ~'....5050040

ATHLETICS. Br AiuTr.cn. FIXTURES. July.C to 22.—Fifth Olympiad, Stockholm, Sweden. July 27,-Otogo Intcrchib Teams' Crosscountry Championship, at Wingalui. August 10.—New Zealand Cross-country Championship, Wellington. September 7.—Port Chalmers to Dunedin Road Rnco. September 21.—Combined Harriers' Sporfa •Mooting, at Caledonian Ground. One of the illustrations in this week'? Otago Witness is of interest to athletes and athletic enthusiasts, particularly those who aro following the Olympic Games. It is a reproduction of several of tho winner* at tho »Fifth Olympiad at Stockholm-R. Craig, winner of tho 100 moires; Meredith, winner of the 800 metres; A. N. S. Jackson, winner of the 1500 metres; 11. Kolehmaincn, winner of tho 5000 and 10,000 mot-res; and M'Donald, winner of tho weight-putting. Tho eyes'of tho athletic world nre at present foctissed en tho fifth Olympiad at Stockholm, at which champion athletes of all nations are competing. The entries from tho chief countries furnished by tho Swedish Olympic Committee arc as follow:—Great Britain. 267; Kusia, 224; Norway, 2U: Hungary, 206; Germany, 183; Denmark, 169; Finland, 162; France, 144; United Slates'. Üb; Austria. 118; Bohemia, 71-, Italy, 70: Belgium. 56; Canada, 54; Netherlands, 46; Australasia, 40; Greece, 24 i Luxemburg. 23; South Africa. 20: Servia, 10; Switzerland. 8; Turkey. 4; Portugal. 3; Japan. 2. With regard to individual events, the United States heads tho entrylist in athletics with 100 competitors. Great Britain being serond with 74, and Franco third with 70.

Tito cables have furnished us with many of the result, and from these one gathere the superiority of the Americans in athletics over any other ration. Starting olf with the 100 Metres Flhi the Americans asserted tJieir supremacy hv winning the Olympic sprint with Ralph Craig, the Michigan University and intercollegiate champion, who won the event in 10 4-ssec. equalling the South African, Reg. Walker's, time at the Olympic Games in London in 1903, and Jarvis (America; at Paris in 1500. Craig graduated at Michigan ft year ago, And ho was in consequence regarded as & likely

competitor; but pressure wos brought to bear upon Jiitn to join tk American team, with tho roMilt that ho won for America tlio Olympks sprint of 1912. Oraig is regarded as tho fastest sprinter llio United SUitcs has produced s i„co the days of Arthur Mufioy, who held tho world's record of 9 3-sscc for 100 jards until it was marked,oil tho books a'year or two ago. Craig is an all-round sprinter. Two years ago he won the Intercollegiate 200 Yards Clwmpionship in 21 l-ssec. equalling the world's record established by jl, J, Wogors in 1095. Last year .it tlio fame Games Craig won tho 100 Yank Dash in 5 4-ssec, and on top of t.his ran for tlio second lime 220 yards in 21 l-Ssee.* Prom this it will bo seen that the outside- nations were up against something hot. , 'J'lm best of the British representatives in tho 100 Metros Flat was Applogarth, who in the Olympic trial at I/ondqn a week or two before the meeting did llseo against a slight brcczo, beating Alan Stewart, tho Tasnianian, by a foot. The placed men in the 100 Metres nt .Stockholm are not mentioned in tlio cables, so that ono is in tJio dark as to Applegarth's position in tho raoo. A kill Stewart was defeated in his heat, which immediately disposed of tlio Australian's chances.

llio winner of'lho 200 MclrQS'liad not been cable<l at. tlio timo of writing, but Stewart (Australasia) and M'lntosh (England) ran a dead heat in tho first round. Applogarlh was Uio only Britisher to qualify for tlio final, which, I am inclined to believe, would go to America, which would have thrco particularly fast men in Craig,' Courtney, and Cornell. In llio' Olympic trials on May 18 Courtney did 21 4-sscc— only 1-Sseo outside tho Olympic record, while as recently as last month Cornell, of Yale, at tho intercollegiate meet, did 21 3-&eo for the 220 Yards Dash. Tho final of the 400 Metres went to America, CD. Roidpath, of Syracuse, winning in the record timo of 48 l-ssec from Hratin (Germany, 48 3-lOsec) and Limliergi (America. 48 2-ssec) America is very strong in qiiartcr-niilers this year, and tlio Olympic- team included several wlfo could do 4Sscc, Hcidpath was not mentioned as a possible winner by tho American critics, but my latest files show that in tlio interoollcgiato meeting ho won tho 440 Yards Dash in 40see, which he has justified by winning tho Olympio 400 Metres. Uraiui, tho second man, is the Hans Braun,- of Germany, who at the Festival of.Empire sporte at I/ondon last year'won tlw halfmile, defeating Whcallcy, of Yiotoria. Ho was regarded bettor at tho half than "tho quarter, but 48 3-lOsoc for the 40Q.Metres proves that ho is a very solid quarter runner. Tho best of the British representatives in tho 400 metres would bo M'Millan and Black, of Cambridge University, and Seedhouse, of Blackhoath. Tho Utter' was only a little oiitfitdo 49500 for tho' quarter at tho end of last season, and has recently done 49 2-ssco on grass Black won tho quarter against Harvard and Yalo last Julv in 49 4-ssec. 'llio 800 Metres wont to Meredith (America). Again tho Americans would bo strongly represented with Jones, of Cornell (a lmin 54 4-ssce man) for tho half, Edmwidsou.. Mclvin, Sheppard, and othbrs. Meredith's lmin 51 9-10seo is a new plympio record for the 800 Metros, the*'previous best Iteing Molvin Slieppard's (America) lmin 52 l-sseo established at tho last Olympic Games in London in 1908. Meredith's win is Temarkablo not alono for tho record timo, but-by reason of tho fact that ho is only a schoolboy at a preparatory school. Last month Meredith ran 440 yards in 49 l-sseo and a half milo in lmin 55sec. Wo iu Now Zealand wore particularly interested in the 1500 Metres, by reason of tho fact that G. N. Hill, of Auckland, tho Australasian mile atid three-mile champion, was rcsprcsenting Australasia, Hill |md never been extended in New Zealand, and his possibilities wcro unknown, biit Stockholm, has tried him out, and ho has boon found wanting as to bo numbered with tho world's best. I had thought that lljll's most dangerous opiwnents would bo tho Americans who claimed in J. P. Jones the now world's record holder for tho milo with 4min 15 2-sscc, wliilo several others wore f oapablo of the 4min 18sco mark. Well, tho wiimor did oomo from America after all, but from England in tho young Oxford University milor A. N. S. Jackson, who is said to havo broken the world's record for the 1500 metres With 3min 57scc. England pinned it 6 faith to Jackson, whoso milo at tho intor-'Varsity sports this year in 4min 21 2-ssoo on a heavy track warranted tho assumption that lio would run well—how well is now known.

Kxtraordinary records liavo boon achieved by. eoino of tlio American athlotes. Chief among tho record-breakers is.'Gcorgo Horino, a student of Stanford University, California, who recently surpassed all previous achievements as a high jumper. For 17 years the greatest height cleared in .1 running .high jump stood to tho credit of M. J. Sweeney, who leaped ovor a bar at 6ft 51in in New York in 1895. Horino's record, established - this ,yoar in an inlorunivcrsity athletic meeting in California, is 6ft 7in. In practico in New York he has miky cleared tho almost unbelievable height of 6ft Bi'm. This cannot go into tlio record liooks, however, as it was dona in praolis© and not'in competition. "The crossbar was placed at tho hitherto untried height of 6ft 9in, according to tho standards. Iloriue look his four HtUo walking steps, and then his four steps on tho run. Shooting upwards closo to tho Iwr, ho went clean over without totiohing it with any part of his'body or limbs. A steel tapo was procured, and an exact measurement from the ground to tho lop of tho bar turned out to bo, 6ft 81m. When it is considered that Horine is able to lean clear ovor the head of a giant it can bo realised what kind of a jumper lie is. In measuring his leaps it is necessary for tho hold judges to liavo tho aid of a bench in order to seo the correct mark. If Horino is jn form in Sweden he should have no, difficulty in boating the world. .Unfortunately, ho » not a consistent performer. A few days ago in Boston ho seemed unable to exceed 6 't- " '■'.'„' Somo of tho performances at the- recent Olympic trials in Now York at tho inter-collegiate ohaiiinionwii|K servo to justify tho successes of. the Americans at tho Olympic Games. In the trials Georgo Horino oloared 6ft 7in in tho high jump, which is jin better than his own previous. world's record of 6ft.6jin. Irn Courtney, of the Seattle AthU-tio Club, won tho 200 metres in 21 4-sscc —within l-ssco of tho previous Olympic record. In tho shot-put-ting llalph Hose did 49ft 7Jin with tlio light hand, and 39ft ll}m with 11m left. Tho 110 metres hurdles was a semdiomil event from tho fact that it recorded the lirst. defeat for many a long day of Forrest Smilhson. The event was won by ¥. Kelly in 15 2-ssec. Smilhson,' who couM,only got third, was palpably out of eondition, however. Ho tired at the ninth hurdle, and knocked tlio tenth down."'Tho''polo vault went 'to S, I3clln.li, who cleared 12ft Tin. Courtenay, in addition to winning- tho 200 metres, carried off the 100 inolroa in 10 4-sscc—equal to tho Olympic record, and W. M'Cluro accounted for tho 1500 metres in 4min 3 3-sscc

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS. Bj Srour. ; H. E. Walker, running at Pontypridd, Wales, on liny 28 ; proved that his recent Houtli African times recorded in 'his matches against Hohvay. were undoubtedly correct by winning from scratch the 130 Yards Handicap in 12 3-Ssec It'is staled that Walker will next reason matin a lour of Australia awl New Zealand, his object being matches with Postlo and Donaldson. Donaldson, who has recently arrived in England, told an interviewer'that lib was by no means convinced of the times in thn New Zealand.matches in which Posllobcat him. Donaldson said ho was running thero under difficulties; ho had been very sick on the sea voyage, and the rain poured down all the time ho was in tho island. Indeed, for 48 hours before (he race there was nothing but Tain, arid the track was in poor condition, although good under the circumstances. And'thero was a strong cross-wind, almost a gale. Said Donaldson: "If Postlo did 19 for 200, and I was a yard or two out under those conditions, what could ho do if fit? T am afraid you rannot take the ,\'cw Zoalanrf times" as correct. But, mind you, Postlo was running in grand stylo; right'up to his best form, and you knov what that is. But I know I was yards behind my proper form whon he beat me, or there would have been some racina. and what would the timo have been then?"

BUWLIKQ.

Notes bt Jack. Since the lust Ea6tcr tournament at Oamaru (where the project was first mooted) a number of bowlers belonging io the South Canterbury and North Otogo Centres have joined hands, and decidnd on making a bowling tour of the North Island, and havo .made such progress in their negotiations with the clubs and centres there Oiat the visit is assured, and lictwrcn 40- and 50 p'ayers have signified their willingness to undnrtako the tour, which will start in January of nett year Tho team will be under the managership of that veteran, Mr W. YVadilell, of Phreni.v. Club, Oamaru, which will be a sufficiont guarantee that tJio team will be in oblo hands, and nothing wanting to ensuro complete success. The secretary of tfio team is Mr R. Orwin,

Timaru Club, Timani, who has all arrangomonte woll in hand, and lias received replies from tho various North Island clubs to tho effect I''"' a hearty welconio is assurod. The ibers of the team aro therefore lookin. nrward to having a r«il good timo in tlw north, and renewing tho acquaintance of these jolly Auckland bowlers who toured tl>o .South Island in January last- The visiting team will bo known as tho " Aorangi bowling team."

A slight advance has been made in tho negotiations for tho amalgamation of tlio New Zealand Bowling Association and tho Northern Association. Tho' executive- of tho Northern Association met will decided to give way about tho headquarters of Urn association boinp peripatetic, and also about tlio representation of clubs on centres, but, the northerners still wllmrc -to the proposal lhal the word "green" should lie eliminated from tho olanso providing for a, " uniform green lest,' 1 and suggest that it should bo loft to tho now council to sav whothor the test 6hcmkl bo a uniform green test or a uniform table test. Probably thereal diflicillty in tho way of amalgamation may ariso over {ho powers to bo granted to tho centres. Tlio N.Z.B.A insist that cciiircs (should havo full-control over all ccntro nlfnirs, wliilo tlio liorthcinor* eonlend that tho council as tho governing body should havo control ovec the centre and its doings. It is scarcely twobaWo that centres in tho South Island wdl agroo to give up any of tho powers they possess under the present constitution, and as tho council of tho N.Z.B.A. will insist that tho basis .of agreement' arrival nt at tho conference in G'hristcbiirch must bo adhered to, the Northern Association must give way or abandon tho idco of amalgamation.

The balance sheet of tho Dunedin Contra shows a credit Valance, of £53 16s 9d, w compared with £52 16s 3d with; which tho year started. On tho Association tonrn.v incut hold in Christmas week thoro was a profit of £14, wliilo on tho Eastor tournament thoro was a profit of £43 The items likely to provoke any discussion aro tlicsc. concerning tho entertaining of Tt'siting bowlers. Those amount to £53 18s 6d, or_ within a few rounds of tho total received by way of levy from tho Is' por member levy'on chilis.

The Dimwlin Centre Executive havo rruado roino slight .alterations in tho rules and constitution of the centre. One of theso alterations showc how fcolings change. Tltoso who look part in the first, meeting will remcmbor how when tho chairman asked for an expression of opinion as to whbthor rt>prt , scntation °n the centre should 1» in proportioii to the membership of tho various thor© was,on almost unanimous expression' of opinion in favonr of large and small clubs having equal representation.' All that is now changed, and tho big clubs insist on having larger representation on tho oentro., Perhaps ono of tho riiosfc important alterations made is that which provides that where a bowler is a member of mor© than ono club ho must declare at tho beginning of the season which club ho intends to play with in inlorchib matches.' This change, if approved of, will affect eovcral bowlers in tho centre.

HOCKEY.

Br Bout. SATURDAY'S ETCHES. Senior. Union v. St. Martin's, No. 2 Ground. (.Mr Itundlc). Gymnastic v. Ha.rdwa.ro, No. 3 Ground (Mr Martin). City v. Y.M.C.A., Kb. 4 Ground (Mr ScryiiKigeour). _ _ Otago and University practice on No. 1 Ground. Junior. Otago v. Union, No. 5 Ground (Mr, Millar). : Gyinnnstio v. City, No.' 6 Ground (Mr ■ " Hardware v. St. Martin's, No. 7 Ground (Mr F. B. Adams).

Tho arrangements mado for last Saturday, wliich could not bo carried out owing to tlio condition of UlO Rroinxts, will hold good for this week—weather and oilier cirI'unifilnnccs permitting. This is a very necessary proviso these days'." t At the beginning of this season tlio prospects for hockey • seemed brighter ulmn over Ircfore. Energy and enthusiasm wero prominent characteristics of nil the ohrttf, jilayci's wero keen, mid Hlo' play was of a very I good standard. Hopes wero entertained of bolter ground conditions than had prevailed previously, and tho association Went to considerable oxpeneo to hring tliis about. But uJkil looked likely to bo a season of good hockey, and plenty of jt, of gowl ground conditions and hvoly activity amongst tho clubs, lins liecn utterly spoilt by tho frequent iMslnoncihonls mado necessary by tho ikeded state, of tho. grounds. Sinco tho last week in May matches have boon played nt Forbury oil only two Saturdays, and on ono of theso days tho grounds wero quito unlit, for use. Ofcourso, tho unusually wet weather wln'ch lias prevailed not only during tlio past few months, but also during tuio wltolo of tho summer months, has saturated the grounds, and any rain falling now _ remains on tho surface. But if tho drainugo had beo:i attended to during tho summer, when- the whole of tho enclosure was under water for weekfl at a timo, several of : this senton's postponements might havo been ob-

viatcd. ; ; It seems quito impossible to do anyllu'ng, sis lit present thero aro no 'oilier grounds available, and no wo havo got alwut halt, way through tlio scuson's matches under most unsatisfactory conditions, it ig desirable to 'continuo tho games whenever tho grounds tali bo used until tho champion(.hips lire decided. Hut.as ono or two modcrnto nhowcrs towards ilic end of the week nra siilliciout to prevent'.play on ■ Saturday; tho outlook for the ren»aiiidcr of tho season docs not look promising,'. ••. A question for tho association to consider, and which should receive attention as oarly as possible, is what can bo dono to pre: vMit a raiurranoo of those conditions in future seasons. .Tlio■.opinion is 1 generally held by players that Korbury Park is a very, bad bargain. .The money• spent on improving it has produced very littlo percoptiblw result, awl nits and hollows*seem to bo as •numerous as over. Tho amount thus expended, and tho rent, paid for tlio \iso of the would go a long waj towards making parts of tho reserves fit for hockey, which Fofbiiry has not yet been. Tlio advisability of continuing to rent this ground strikes 0110 as a' useful suhject for ilifcmsioii n|. an early meeting of tho iiasooiation.

In my capacity «s unofficial ami uninvited adviser on hockoy matters gonoraTlY I offer tho .following suggestions- to tho Hockey Association Executive:—Complolo this fcnfon as woll as tho conditions will allow. Possibly lliero may lie a few days during tho next six weeks on which matches might bo played. Abandon Forbury Park at the end of the season, and mnko a start next year with tho grounds on tho reserves which will than 1» available. Set aside stioh money as is saved in rout and upkeep of Forbury Parkas tho nudum-of a fund for putting in order-ono enclosed ground for representative and other important fixtures. A Icaso of portion of tho Harbour Hoard's reclaimed ground would vido tho site. On this comparatively small area money sjsont on improvement would produce results lhal could be toon. Tlio hteadily growing jiopularity of tho gamo would in tlio course of a few years ensuresomo financL'd supjiort from, the public by medium of thu gal c > a «d so nialco: it possible to meet thi cost of upkeep and improvement of grounds on tho reserves. On some sitch lines os this I bolicvo the nssoelation will have to work m tan future, tt cannot continue to rent an area liko Forbury Park if for most of tho season tho onlv sport poEsiblo on it is a rcgutto. Acknowledged with thanks, complimentary tickets for tlio concert t<i I") l>c!d by St. Martin's Club in tho Town Hall, N.K. Valley. ■