SPORTING AND SPORTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15788, 12 June 1913, Page 10

SPORTING AND SPORTS.

' THE TURF.

Bi Bhskil THE NEW ZEALAND CUP. Considering the dearth of good horses latterly raoing over a distance, tho entry . .^ B . Zealand Cup is slightly surprising in its numerioal strength. Tho field at present consists of Bome who could not win a cup with the burden' of a proverbial postage stamp; but even after making due allowance for rubbish there still remains ample material for a good battle, and, taken all round, the nomination marks the fact that the New Zealand Cup has not by any means lost popularity with horeo-ownere. The season of 1912-13 saw a fairly good muster of two-year-olds under silk, and a good percentage sport formation and breeding credentials that lead one' to hope that they may blossom into something like Cup form when ago provides a chance for development of stamina. The list contains 18 rising three-year-olds, and a notable abeonteo is Nightwatch. BUMPING AND BORING.

The fact that two of the most important events decided iio England during tho current season have terminated in bumping finishes, which resulted in the winner on each occasion being disqualified, will naturally attract considerable attention to the racing law dealing with the matter, and, of course, it is inevitable that a change will be. advocated. It is little short of a colossal disaster that tho English Derby should not be decided on the actual racing merit of the contestants, as it is the one great race that everyone likes to eeo going to the best horse. It is somewhat rare to find the judge's verdict upset in the principal races on the English turf; but, if memory is not at fault, Sceptre was interfered with by St. Maelon in tho Lincolnshire of 1902, although the judge's figures stood. In the Newmarket Stakes of 1902 Ard Patriok was the first to catch tho judge's eye; but he was disqualified for bumping, and the stakes went to Fowling Picce. To balance matters, Ard Patrick later received the stakes attached to the Prince of 'Wales Stake 6, won' Itf Cupbearer, as the latter was put out for interference. One has to travel a long way back to find trouble at a finish in the St. Leger. In 1789 the Duke of Hamilton's colt by Laurel came in first; but was disqualified for jostling, and the stakes went to Lord Fitzwilliams's Pewett. In the Lincolnshire run at the beginning of tho present 6eason Cuthbert and Berrilldon came clean away from tho field, and some of the English critics in the latest mail to hand claim that, as Cuthbert must have at least finished second if the interference had not taken place, he was at least fairly entitled to second money. It is allowed that tho stewards were quite right to disqualify Cuthbert for tho first place; but what logical reason was there for also depriving him of second plaoe, which he would certainly have filled had he not been first past tho post. The case is rather different with Craganour, in the Derby, as the cable states that the stewards found he had interfered with other horses in addition to the one whom he beat by a narrow margin, 60 that there was ample reason for putting him out of a place. In England place-betting is very popular, and in this country we have the dual dividend, which would make a similar ease to that of Cuthbert a matter of much' concern. Quite lately we had a case at the Forbury Park, when Begina Belle came across Sparkling Ivola, and apparently spoilt the latter's chance of winning. The stewards disqualified Regina Belle, and tho stakes went to The Next, who finished second, but who suffered no interference, and would, in all probability, have been third if Regina Belle had maintained a straight line to the post. Unless it could be established that Regina Belle interfered with Sparkling Kola in the interests of The Next, it is difficult to see how the stewards could have awarded the stakes to Sparkling Kola. In such a case the only way out of the difficulty would be to make The Next and Sparkling Kola run it off. Stewards are allowed ample latitude to do as they think fit, but where a disqualification is imposed tho rules state the disqualified horse shall be regarded as unplaced, and the others placed accordingly, In the case of short weight or a fraudulent interference, such a ruling stands unassailable, but. it reads very harsh in a case such as that of Outhbert and Berrilldon, who were lengths ahead of their field when an accidental interference deprived the winner of even second place. The remedy lies not so much in an alteration of. the rules (although they do seem open to improvement in this respect) as in a halt being called to the ridiculous and ungainly, perch on a ihorse adopted nowadays by jockeys who wobble all over their mount when it comes to an attempt to drive home in a punishing finish. It is extremely rare to see a pronounced adopter of the crouch any use to a horse in a fighting finish, and those "whose length of leather allow them to sit up, generally have the best of the battle. It is the present system of riding that is mostly at fault, and changing the rules 6avours of charging a bullet with murder, and not the person who discharged the projectile. It is the root of an evil that has to be reached; no permanent cure can/be effected by trimming the topmost branches.

THE DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB. The fact that the Dunedin Jockey Club's Winter Meeting was brought to a successful conclusion carries pleasing reflections beyond what can be based on it individually. In itself it was a pleasing success, and becomes more so because it marked the conclusion of a successful season that followed all tho previous fruitful racing years which have happened along since Wingatui was exchanged for Forbury Park. During recent years the attendances at Wingatui meetings 'have been growing steadily, stakes have been increasing, and fields continue to gather strength. It is still quite common to hear people regretting the loss of Forbury Park, but ' latter-day attendances at Wingatui would have found it decidedly unoomfortablo if they wero forced into the small enclosures at the old track, and regret for leaving becomes very small when the possibilities and further scopo for improvement aro considered. Wingatui has required a lot of making, and will never gather the buoyant turf of the Forbury, but the going at the latter track is the only thing that really calls for regret. Proximity to town was a big factor in favour of tho" Forbury, but the not far distant future will see a double line of r&ilway to Wingatui, and matters will then bo fairly even. Forbury has grown so much as a residential area that it is almost impossible, or at least very unsuitable as headquarters lor thoroughbreds, although it is still very suitablo, for tho light harness branch of sport. Narrow streets, growing population, and tho Ocean Beach going out of. action as an exercise ground would have i sounded tho death knell of Forbury Park sooner or later, and if that was so, tho move to the present course was a happy change, even .if it had to be originally undertaken as a forced march. During the last two or three seasons steeplechasin" at Wingatui has proved the chief factor in booming the winter fixture, and this would have been impossible at Forbury Park, or at least it could not carry prospects' for even greater success such as exists at the present course. Everyone who participated in tho sport in the old Forbury Park days naturally regretted \he change, and, in fact, the new courso started off with many old patrons of tho D.J.G'/ rather hostile to it, but it has clearly outlived the prejudices, and will certainly take a further step in popularity when it becomes easier of access to town. Tho progres.l made at Wingatui has been of tho slow and cautious order, in fact, perhaps, rather too much so, but it at least claims the merit of being able to centre all its progressive efforts on tho prize list, hut lias from force of circumstances had to expend a considerable amount of money on improvements. The necessity for expenditure in tho latter direction will be a diminishing quantity, and in good time the club may be able to gratify the desires of those who are anxious to see moro ambitious events placed on the_ programme. It should, however, ba borno in mind that the D.J.C. has won its way by catering for the rank and file, and excursions in the other direction have proved too costly for what is still a struggling club, and all clubs south of Riccarton have been forced to travel in the earns grooves. One of the wise moves made by the D.J.C. was to lift all the minor events on their programmes up to a minimum value of lOOsovs. The response made by owners shows how much it has been appreciated and what, now seems necessary is to lift the value of tho chicf ovents so as to attract a better class of horse than we saw running at last week's meeting. The margin between the hack events and those above them is a bit too small at times and if the club is desirous of patronage from tho North Island, a sound increase becomes doubly imperative when the strength of competition is remembered to bo not only great, but nlso n growing opposition. Racing in tho Dominion has latterly been enjoying a period of prosperity, and there seems _no immediate danger of a halt. Dunedin has enjoyed its share of the prosperity, and tho best incentive to further progress consists in tho fact that each forward step has led tho way to another,

— I/ugeon has. been sold to a North Island buyer.

—Mr J. E. Honrys has left on a visit to Sydney. ' — Trafalgar starts stud work with a 100-guinea fee. — Paritutu, who is still in tho forefront, was foaled in 1899. — Gapon is the only Dunedin horse entered for the Kew Zealand Cup. —R. J. Mason left for Sydney last week with Emperador, Choruhini, and Banksia. — Tho English Dorby is a guaranteed stake of GoOOsovs, and it coats 50sovs to start a horse. — The death is reported of the great stallion Bingen., siro of Uhlin and over 130 in tho list. — Nyland made , a winning dobut over hurdles, and with his pace should score again if he_ stands up to his work — The Birthday Handicap occupied 12min 17 &ssec, and raarka the slowest gallop put up in the race during recent years. — Caraid Dileas recently broke a bloodvessel, and bled 60 copiously that his owner oontemplates putting him out of the racing business. — Cuthbert and Craganour, winners of two of the principal events of the English racing season, have both been disqualified for bumping. — It is reported that the crack Australian paocr Denver Huon, who has stepped a mile and a-hali in 3min 25sec, will be raced in New Zealand. — The nominations for the New Zealand Cup total 79, and 19 more than lest year's list. In 1910 the list totalled 89, which is a record for tho raoe. — Buff Gauntlet has trained on nicely since he ran at Oamaru. Ho retains speed, and, if a doubtful-looking leg stands work, should go on winning. — The committee of the Auckland Racing Club has decided to place a St,. Leger of the value of 750sovs on tho programme for the autumn meeting of 1916. — The Hon. ,T. D. Oiroond has nominated Haskayne, Anguish, and King Hark for the New Zealand Cup. Tho last-named is an imported son of Marco from Galeta.

— The North Otago Jockey Club made a profit ,of TOOsovs over their recent meeting. It may bo taken for granted that a further increase of stakes will mark next 3eaeori's programme.

— Some of the "old brigade" were amongst the victors at Wingatui last week. Czar Kolohol ia an ancient of 11, Sea King is a year younger, and Gapon stands as a nine-year-old.

—It is sometimes mildly ristonishing' how lon# a sire's name will keep in tho race books. For instance,. King of Trumps, who figured at Wingatui last week, was got by Trump Card, the C.J.C. Derby winner of 1887.

— If Royal Guard's rider had not got into a violent hurry in the last half-piilo of the Hunters' Steeples, winning honours would have gone his way, as it was only by tiring in the last few strides that he went under to Royal Medal. '

—Mr W. Fredrea, of Melbourne, has imported a do&en well-bred light-harness horses and marcs from San Francisco. They are at present undergoing quarantine at Sydney. On the voyage out two foal* were born, but one of them died. I — Ilobert Bell, who got away with aSdouble at Wingatui, is a grandson of Bay Bell, who did good service for Stuart Waddell in. the old days at Forbury Park. Robert is a rather ponified sort, but he can shift across tho grass, and should make further additions to his winning account.

— Scottish Star is a fine, bold mover in a preliminary, and goe3 down as if she intended to gallop the .legs off the opposition. In some of her races, however, elie cuts it very quipkly. She reminds one of a vocalist who starts off by clearing his pipes with an eight octave cough, and sings jn a tin whistle treble.

— Royal. Medal, who won the Hunters' Steeples, is a big chestnut of slightly carty appearance, and as he is only a five-year-old, is likely to furnish into a better horso. Ho ia a half-brother to Queen's Prize, who has won races in Southland, and was got by Sylvia Park (St. Leger—Atalanta), a brother to Hippomene3 and Regel. —To give some of those engaged in the New Zealand Cup a chance on paper tho handicapper would have to employ a "range" as long as that covered by a projectile fired by the New Zealand's big guns. — Merriwai, the winner of the Great Northern Hurdles of 1907, recently dropped dead on the Hastings course. —It is somewhat of a coincidouec that Sportsman and Gold Pin, who, in'addition to winning both the chief steeples run atWingatui, also acted as runners-up to each other. The coincidence, however, does not end at this stage, as Black-and-Rod, the siro of Sportsman, is a grandson of Teredo, and so also is Terrapin, the sire of- Gold Pin. — Gold Pin made a very creditable debut over country, and did well to gain a second at bis first atrempt. He was Tather distressed after his run in the Otago Steeples, but (aire up bright and well on tho second day to seoro fairly well, but not too easily, as Douglas shook him up a bit when Sportsman (who was meeting him 211b worse) hovo in sight after the last fence.

—Mr H. Piper was in good form at tho barrier last week, and had his fields well in lino when they were sent away. One.effort was nbt too happy, but his work generally kept up to his high standard. He had a good pair to handle in Lupulite and Puro Gbld, but got both away. Mr Piper gave oly Lupulite a few loving (?) taps with a, stick, and it seemed to do a lot of good.

—It is generally taiher difficult to pick up the field when a steeplechase at Wingatui is started in tho paddock lying to tho west of the courso, ar.d a good deal of tko interest is lost on that account. This liaa been over since the fields were started from that point, and it would be a decided improvement if the horses commenced at soma point along the back stretch of tho course. — Daringdale should have won the Birthday Handicap, .and that fact was primarily responsible for his being sent cut favourite for tho Provincial Handicap. The first race, however, took all the steel out of him, and when ho camo out on the second day reminded one of the blighted hero described as tall, drawn, and haggard. Evidently the horee had worried a good deal overnight about his unlucky race.

— Glenfinnan (-learly did not relish the going at Wingatui last week, and cut up badly in both his races. He indicated as much by Ilia preliminary for the Birthday. In the actnal race he was travelling v:cll as they ran along the sack, and looked dangerous at that stage, but he had no chance after going a mile, and finally finished last. He is-a bit lanky and lathy, and should show improved form with age if it allows him to build up and olrengthen.

— Sorr.e of the horses that raced at AVingatui last week were sent out in a manner which suggested their trainers were not particularly well versed In their business, and if their knowledge is as deep as it looks by certain signs they aro indeed lucky to tv.tr. out a winner Some horses went out with balled feet, and also carrying a good supply of mud on the walls of the hoof, and such a thing as greasing or oiling a horse 3 hoofs seems to be one of the mysteries of training sua far aa some are concerned. — The popularity of 'chasing at Wingatui was substantially evidenced by the excellent fields facing the starter last week. Eight out of 10 colouring on the card went to the post for th« Otago Steeples, and 14 started out of 16 accoptors for the Hunters' Steeples. 011 the second day 16 figured on tho card for the Wingatui Steeples, and 13 went to the post. _ The response mado by owners will probably induce the club to include a Hunter;.' Steeples on the second day's card of next year's programme, and 011 c can see visions of tho fixture developing into a national gathering.

— Gapon, who won the Birthday Handicap, was a bargain purchase. His "dam was picked up cheaply at a weeding-out sale nf Elderelie stud mares, and she subsequently produced a foal that in time became known as Capon. Lady's Maid, the dam of Gapon, is not a Stud Book mare, but slio produced Var.illa. a dual winner of the Stewards' Handicap, Vandyke. Gladys 11, La<ly Killer, and Tho Serf, who could all 'fast. Lady's Maid waa got by Hotspur from Maid of Honour, by Pctrobe (son of Panic) from Maid of tho Mill.

| —Robert Bell takes a little stopping at the end of his races, and galloped on °ovor two additional furlongs after winning. His sire is a brother to Marshal Soult. Grenadier, Aimee Soult, Genoral Soult, and Aerina, one of tho matrons of tho Redcastle Stud] — Sartonse showed speed in his races'last week, and may develop into ,a useful sort with age. Like most of Sarto's stock, he i 3 a bit slow in coming to hand, and really wants time more than training. Two other Saitohs in Rongnhcre and Ngapuna should also improve with ago. — Sportsman, the winner of the Otago Steeples, was a-bout the only one in the field that finished with any dn?ii, He is inbred to Musket, and gets further good jumping strains by tho fact that his sire nlso imparts tho Traducer and Aprcmont blood. His sire, Black and Red, did not achieve anything of note at tho stud, but got a few useful sorts, and perhaps v.-ith better opportunity might have left something capable of winning good races on tho flat. Black and Red was got by Maxim from Aqualnto, by July (brother to Sir Modred) from Teredo, by Aprcmont from Nautilus, by Traducer. Maxim was one of Musket's best sons, and sold at 4000 guineas to eo to Mt J. B. Huggin's Jtancho del Paso stud in California, where July also went after his brother Sir Modred. In fact, Idalia's four sons, Sir Modred, Idalium, Cheviot, and July, were all purchased for America.

— Winners are sometimes discovered by a careful study of form, a happy anticipation of a resurrection, pure luck, or any old thing that locates th-2 right one. Sometimes they ,aro found by a procoss of elimination such its that which allowed Aphaea to hold a chance in the Invermay Welter. She finished fourth to Sea King, Martian Maid, and Buff Gauntlet in the Tradesmen's, and their second day's form appeared to give the Britomarto maro a chance in her race. Still, sho paid a big dividend, aid waa almost unsup-

ported by the stable, which has reason to regard her as a costly member of the string. In Aphaea's case it is not only a matter of form, 'but also a matter of humour, and one lias to bo a bit of a thought reader to find out what some horses intend to go in a race. Aphaea may be ' found doing bettor work as a five-year-old, as some horses require a Strength that can he only gathered with age, and when it is missing brings about that so-called lack of courage which make 3 them shirk the business end of a bard battle.

— Tho fact that the Forbury Park stewards did r.ot have H. Logan,' the rider of Regina Belle, before them prior to disqualifying tho mare for the race which she won at the winter meting seems rather » high-handed action, as no one should bo condemned unheard. Under tho Rules of Trotting tho gTound3 of a protest should bo read over to the defendant, who holds tho right to bo present at the inquiry. The only apparent excuse that can be advanced in favour of tho club's negligent manner of conducting tho case consists in .the fact that the interference was very palpable, and happened guito close to tho stewards' stand. It is immaterial as to whether the interference was accidental or intentional, the result is tho same, and it takes a lot of evidence to disturb a solid fact.

FOOTBALL,

, RUGBY. Br Foil Baok. W, Johnston, the ex-All Black footballer, returnod by the Willochra to Dunedin on Tuesday. Ho has been playing the Northorn tJnion game in England. It is understood ho has retired from the game. Several other New Zealanders, including C. Seeling and' G. W. Smith, are alk) coming back soon to the Dominion. . Mr George M'Laren, the old representative forward and one-time president of the

Otago Rugby Union, was in town last week for the festivities. Looking remarkably well, the ex-Alhambra footballer, who has_ been at BaJfour for some seasons, is anjious to got back'to the city. George M'Laren asked after local football, in which ho still takes a. keen interest, but I found him particularly well-read on most matters pertaining to football in Dunedin. He expressed regret that the Rugby Union had not seen itfl way to revive the exrepresentatives' reunion which had been

Audi a success when firet held five years

ago. He trusted the union would not lose sight of the project and would manage to hold it on the occasion of a big representative match. The New Zealand v. Australia. test match would bo a fitting opportunity. Geoff. Fisher, tho stalwart University forward, who was injured through receiving a kick from a restive batterv horse during the parade on Monday week, was able to hobblo to the Caledonian Ground on Saturday to tho defeat of tihe Royal Blues by the Union. Fisher chafed desperately as he watched the 'Varsity forwards being run through in the loose and swarmed over in the general play. George Thomson, the old University

forward and'the present conch of the 'Varsity team, witnessed the downfall of tho student footballers with an unprejudiced mind and clear eye He was the first to congratulate the Maroons nn their, succors. remarking that it was thoroughly, wellearned and that the defeat would do the 'Varsity team a world of good. The_ Union team/ was naturally pleased with its win over University, a victory so thoroughly well deserved that congratulations poured in from every side. For years the Union Club has been represented bv a' senior team whose chief merit wan the real sporting game it placed. Defeat had .lost its sting for Union long seasons ago, and victory was a song unsung. Now the Maroons are coming hack to their own and reaninc the rewards of consistent training and close application. If Union has not exactly scorned delights and lived laborious days, the members of the team have stuck together manfully, trained hard and "nloved the mime." _Th" critics in Ohr'stehurcb are already singling out Dool, .of Sydenham, for the

ivs-'tion of full back for the New Zenhnd trim against Australia in the test matches. Of course. th's is purelv a local opinion and miv be thoro* ihly justified, but there are full-backs in other provinces whose piny this season entitles them to equal consecration with the Canterbury representative. Doell lis a good full back, a safe full -ba"k. and a ptroiK kick; but I hav« in mind that Scott, of Otago. at his best is

better than Doell at the top of his form, I know the calibre of both nliyers and nn-

l"?s Do<*Jl is playing above b.''™self. the Otojro man is superior to the Canterbury player. > Writing of full backs, Robinson.of' Union.

is a very promising player. Ho lias all or nearly all the qualifications which eo to tho making of a successful player in tlvs important position. As vet ho is not fully developed, and may be expected to improve on the ratremdy fine form ho has shown tlrs season. Union confirmed the good opinion crcatcd in tho match against Southern a fortnight ago by their display against University ou Saturday in a..game which furnished all, or nearly all, the best phases of Rugby. It was the brightest exhibition of forward play seen on the Caledonian Ground for many seasons, and thoroughly rejoiced the hearts of the spectators, In last week's issue reference was made to the fact that Union always bore tho reputation of a good team in the loose; but even tho most ardent

admirers of the Maroons were scarcely prepared tor the cleverness of the footwork of the present team. To this superiority, and the celerity and certainty with which they got 011 to the opposing backs, the Union may attribute its victory over Uni-

versity. Tho play of both teams was crisp, fast, and open, and there was a delightful atmosphere of the sporting clmnce about it which appealed in these days of playing for safety. University and Union were prepared to take risks, and if mistakes were made, they wero the mistakes of execution

and not through any lapse of initiative. It is a favourite axiom of the writer's that a team plays just as well as tho opposition allows it. University bore this out in a marked degree.

The Blues never got properly going, for the reason that the backs were not only closely marked, but the paco with which the Union forwards caine through crippled tho attacking movements The 'Y amity backs were compelled to pass so quifkly that frequently the passes went astray— sometimes thrown at the heads of the

players and, anon, at their feet. It was an unusual experience for 'Varsity, who, as a rule, oan get out of trouble by sheer pace; but there was 110 running away from the Union forwards. While the 'Varsity backs were thrown into disorder, the 'Varsity forwards were too slow to stop Union coming through. Altogether the movements of tjie Blue eight were lumberin" in comparison with the eight which did duty for the Maroons. The result-of the game, while probably creating, some surprise, is calculatcd to do both teams a power of good, and will be of benefit to football generally in Dunedin.

Scannell, the University full back, had a great deal more work than usual coming his way, and he was placed 111 several very tight corners. But Scannell was equal to mast emergencies, and got himself and team out of trouble very cleverly. The 'Varsity full back is a law unto himself. He appears to have his mind made up before taking tho ball, and neither 9top nor stay knows he until he has carried out his mission.

Tho 'Varsity three-quarter line included a fast boy in Wilson, playing on the wing in place of Harris, who had gono up to five-oighths, vice Thompson, who was a non-player for the day. Wilson surprised ono with his pace, and I should say, if there are any tries to bo got where sheer

speed is required, Wilson is the player to score them. On Saturday lie made at least one run which showed his rare turn of speed and some qualifications for trygetting.

The old Taicri player Culhill was no doubt thinking that Saturday was his busy day. Certainly Union were calling frequently, and Cuthill was called upon to answer. The 'Varsity captain had both bands full "of defensive work, in which hois such an expert; but his attack suffered from tho close attention of the opposition. On one occasion, late in the sccond spell, Cuthill broko clear and threatened danger, but, unfortunately for him, Thompson, who had replaced Harrison in the Union three-quarter line, came 011 jtist in time to cheek the 'Varsity captain's career. It was a splendid tackle,

timed to the fraction, and I don't know which player was tho more surprised. Save for the one chance in the first spell, which he turned to good account, Withers was denied favourable opportunities to show up, a fact, mainly attributable to the anxious

time his follow backs were experiencing. The opinions previously expressed as to the qualifi cat ions of Harris as-a five-eighth have not undergone change by the comparatively poor showing he made against Union. All the alertness and quiclcncre of movement were there, but disappointment was occasioned by his failure in most instances fo field the ball. Certainly the transfers were not anything approaching accuracy; but (his may have been exaggerated by tho pace Harris was poing when about to take the pass, the ball shooting over his head or shoulders. If these failures were paramount there was abundant evidence of the possibilities of Harris as a five-eighth. I will not relax this opinion

until it has boon soundly demonstrated tlmt 1' have misjudged my man. Behind (he scrum, with his forwards letting 1 the Union eight through, Childs had an unenviable task stopping rushes and attempting to open out the game. That he succeeded so well under adverse cireumfitimces is at once a credit to his qualifications as an all-round scrum half.

Some of the University forwards lagged superfluously on the field, and all wcro outpaced by the opposition. Fisher was greatly missed from the pack, Patterson being a somewhat unsatisfactory substitute. The best all-round forward in the 'Varsity team 011 Saturday was Kidd, who was first in evorv aggressive movement, and did more than his share of the defence.

The Union full baxik, Robinson, repeated the good impression created in the match against Southern, and played a sound game. His safe fielding and long-range kicking were features of a good display. In placekicking Robinson came out about even on his opportunities, lie converted a try and Msed a goal from a penalty, but failed with two chances in the second spell. Tho Union three-quarter lino is not by any means a disgraced. division, and it showed possibilities of developing into i tolerably useful trio. All throe playersHarrison, Williams, and Donaldson—who took part in the match against University are as yet undeveloped players, who only require experience to. bring out their best; qualifications. Not one of the line is devoid of pace, though all three 'scarcely make enough use of that excellent asset. Donaldson, however, showed up better in this respect than the others, and in tho second spell,. when Union were attacking hot in irsity ground put in a' couple of good runs that just : failed to carry him oyer the ;l!ne. Harrison had the misfortune to receive an injury when doing a bit of good defensive work, and had to retire,' Union appear to be fated to lose ai man .through injury, if one may judge from the fact that in every match in which Union have taken part this season a Maroon has retired on the disabled list.

It is not muscle that commands the greatest success. In Richmond, Union have a midget player who gets through an astonishing amount of work, and whose rush-stopping is something to commend. On Saturday against University Richmond himself by the celerity with which he got on to the opposing backs and for the 'Sterling nature of his rush-stop-ping. Marks, behind the ecrnm, alsd did good work in this direction, and on attack got tho ball away nicely to his backs. For the Union forwards there is nothing but praise. The lightest team in the competition, they play tho game best suited to themselves, and that fast, dribbling and loose rushes—was very telling against University. With the ball at their feet the Union, arc a formidable eight, and the pace with which they come through makes the team very dangerous indeed. They dribble, too, with rare intelligence. passing with their feet in the best style. On the line-out thev break awav smartly, and 1 noticed that when a Union forward took the ball on the line the first thing he did was to drop it at his feet or. that- of a comrade. All the Union forwards played well, and their combination in tho loose was not the least imposing feature of their play.

The Port Chalmers team is to be heartily congratulated, on the splendid fight it put up, aprainst Zingari-Richmond. That the seaside footballers were out lo give of their best against the leading team in t.ho c-onipetition was early evidenced, and they made such a good showing as to earn the respect of all who witnessed the contest. Probab'y not since its inception as a club has tlie Port Chalmers played such a sterling game. The match has already been described as or.e of the best 6een on the local ground, which is -proof of its merits considerably beyond the ordinary. The first spell was strangely even in character, first one side n.nd then the other doing the attacking; but in the second spell Port Chalmers showed up more prominently than their opponents

While all the Port barks played well at times, none stood out more prominently than Watson, who was the bright particular star in the Port rear division, as h n was of the two divisions playing. In defence and attack Watson was equally successful. G'ven one or two such players as Watson, Port Chalmers would be a team to be reckoned with any time they took the field. The play of this team has been steadily improving, and the infus'on of the new blood in the forward ranks has increased the calibre of the combination beyond belief. It is pleasing to record the latest development in Port Chalmers football.

Zingari rmret have got something of a shock on Saturday when they met with such strong opposition from Port Chalmers, and the fact that they did not have anything over the Port Chalmers team must have set them thinking. It was another case of a team playing just as well as their opponents permitted. On their play so far this season, Zingari has proved the strongest team in tho competition, but their margin of superiority is so narrow that any one of the foremost, teams is apt to upset their calculations and to dispute their claim to premiership honours which Zingari are at present in a fair way to achieve. Zingari played a now scrum half against Port Chalmers in one Cameron who made a successful debut with the Colours senior team.

The standard of play in the Alhambra— Dunedin match was poor, lacking many of the essentia'® of good Rugby, and possessing certain features that were bad. For the most part the game was mediocre in .quality, and when it got past mediocrity, was very bad indeed,

The massed play was below Senior form, and, while there wore instances of superior individual effort, the best results were not achieved through lack of backing up in combination. The Alhambra backs gave a weak exhibition of passing, and were of little assistance when the team got into an attacking position, Ring, the West Coaster, who, after starving on the wing the threequarter line, went up to live-eighths, was the one back on the Alhambra side to stand out for good play. Dunedin played if anything, a trifle better than their opponents, but the team on the whole is disappointing. The Dark Blues have material which looks good to the eye, but which is surprising in its ineffectiveness. The forwards appear to be lacking in condition and the backs in initiative.

KUGBY GOSSIP.

Br Aicatmb. No. fewer than 49 teams competed at tho Canterbury seven-a-side tournament on Tuesday in Christchurch. Contrast this with tho Otago Kugby Union's seven-a-side tournament at Carisbrook! 11. Faton, the ex-Dunedin player, is a Wellington representative again this season. Thpro is no mention of Harry Paton, tho old Blue and phenomenal drop-kick, who played for Wellington against Otago in that memorable match in the slush at Athletic Park last season. li. Taylor should have a chance' for tho position of half back in the New Zealand team now that Freddy Roberts has retired (says a Christclmrch writer), his most formidable rival being E. Roberts (Wellington). They will probably be seen behind the South and North packs respectively, in tho interisland match to be played here in July. ASSOCIATION. Br Lm vVinq. It is three years since Otagp last sent a team to endeavour to wrest the Brown Shield from Wellington. In the team sc-lectcd to do battle for the shield on June 21, Wellington will recognise only two of the eleven they defeated by 3 goals to 1 in 1910, these two being Noting and Porbes. A third membor of that team, Mr J. C. Cameron, they will welcome as manager. It is interesting to note tho change in representatives in such a short period. The 1910 team was as follows: —Goal, Knowlcs; backs, Young, May-hew; halves, Cameron, Elliott, Aspinall; forwards, Forbes, Morton, Baillic, Ritchie, Evans. The arrangement of backs in that team wa6 unhappy, two full backs being in the half line. In the second spell Elliott changed to right back, Aspmall to centre-half, and Young to left-half; but the halves still feit out of place. Ten. minutes before time was called Evans had to retire, having twisted his ankle.

Of the Otago team Baillie, Stephens, Keid, Thorn, and Campbell rcceive representative honours for the lirst time. The team as a whole is a fairly strong one Like every 6elcction, it is open to criticism. It has been a common complaint that Otago representative teams include men who are occupying positions different from those in which they piny ill .inter-club matches. In the present c\uc this has been avoided except in two casc6—Frazcr and Stephens—who are selected as wing-halves, whereas they nlay eenire in intcr ; elub matches. 1 rorall a. similar case where three ecntro-hnlves—Aehton, Gilroy, and M'lnt.yre—formed the. lialf lino against Canterbury at Chvistehurch, and the persons who profited most, by the arrangement were the opposing wing forwards. _ In the present team it is fair to reduce this number to one, l'Yazer having in previous years played left-half for his club besides having represented Otago in that position in 1910 against Canterbury. The selection of J. Baillie in goal innkes one thoughtful. On his play so far this season he deserves the position, but. selection upon &o short a trial in the position is risky. Hcehy has done longer scrvicc and probably not less brilliant. But both men arc short. Of

tho other possibles I liko Reid (it he did not always get hurt) and Stapleton, who is more like the ideal stamp of goal-keeper, and whose praises have not been sung as they ought to have teen. However, when' the day comes Baillie may prove to be just tho nuin, and in any case ho is to be congratulated on catching the eye of tho selectors so early in his goal-keeping career. Young and Taylor will satisfy everyone. Payne, of Maori Ilill, and Thomson, of Kaitangata, were entitled to consideration, and no doubt got it, but Young and Taylor arc tho best men for tho job. The forward lino has youth and energy allied to experience, and should acquit itself with credit. Hay (Kaitangata), had ho been playing regularly, would have probably deprived Forbes of a place; and what of Wilson (of Ravensbourne), that liever-fail goal-scorer, concerning whom we were all in raptures last year? Certainly he has not got into tho limelight so far this season, but it is to be remembered that he is playing in the team that has been at the bottom of the ladder all along, and his opportunities have been limited. Ilad be been selected, however, the injury ho received last Saturday would have prevented his playing. Another Ravonsboiirne player who, if better known, iniirht have sccurcd a position in the team is Liddell. Donaldson as ccnt-re is a good shot and is heavier than Thorn, which is a consideration against vigorous Wellington backs. But Thorn is undoubtedly elever and has proved a good goal-getter. Pryde, as emergency, is another surprise. The fact that, already this season he has played centre'-forward, half, ancl goal-keeper, and t-hjt lie is a strong player, has probably recommended him as a reserve for any department. Apparently, however, he is unable to go, and Hay will probably bp selected in his stead. _ ... Having said all these things, it is ftill possible to repeat that fhe selectors have chosen a strong side. In defcnce, it is very sound, and in attack it should be Rood. They play better football in Wellington than we do in Dnnedin, so that tho Otago team will have to be at the top of its form to win. The tram will leave here with tho best wishes of all for its success. The manager ha 6 arranged for at least three n'crhts of training in the hill, and Mr E. Riley, who will travel to Wellington with the t.tom. will have several heart to heart talks with the players, during the course of which he will, no doubt,] Drive snecial attention to the half-back line. The members of tho •tram will leave Dnnedin on Thursdav, .Tune 19, and will have some practice in Wellington on Friday. The Brown Shield team will have one serious practice aga:nst a selected eleven, the association having wisely dccitlcd upon this, even although it means tho suspension of a round of senior matches next Saturday. The Brown Shield venture makes a call upon the patriotism of all players. and the loss of a game on Saturday will, no doubt, be accepted in tho right spirit. It is to be hoped that the game on Saturday will he taken seriously by both teams. All things considered, tho decision that on .Tun" 21, when the Otago team is away •n Wellington, the senior matches will be played- as arranged is the proper one. From the cup competition point of view it is unfortunate- for some teams, especially

Mflrnington and Northern. who will each have four loading players away with the Otago toam. But oun-winning is not the he-all and ond-a'l of feotball c'ubs, and becauso fierhain clubs' chances; for the Cup aro prejudiced in this way is not a sufficient reason why all other players in the grade should lose their game. At the 6ame time, from the cun-winnih" point of view, it 16 clear tha.t the teams which meet

Northern A and Mornington A on Juno 21 will have a decided advantage. The draw for June 21 is as follows:—Mornington A v, Kaitangata, High School Old Boys v. Koslyn-Wakari, Maori Hill v. Mornington B, Northern A v. Olir'etian Bros., Ravensbourne v. Northern B. Permission to erect a pavilion on tho Asylum Ground has been granted by tho Dunedin City Corporation, and the RoslynWakari Club have organised a concert and dance to raise funds for tho erection of a pavilion, which has been a long-felt want. No overwhelming scores disfigured the senior matches on Saturday. Mornington A and Northern A, with 4—l victories over Christian Bros, and Maori Hill respectively, were tho heaviest winners; but, oddly enough, in each ease, had the last 1U minutes of play been cut ( off, the margin would have been reduced to 2—l.

In the case of Mornington A and Christian Bros., the latter up to tho final 15 minutes appeared quite as likely to win as did their moro experienced opponents, Indeed, had the Greens' inside forwards not made sorry work of several golden opportunities -right in the goal-mouth in the. first half, when t.he , team put up such a strong fight ■_ facing the snn, the result, might easily have been different, for Mornington at times gave the impression that in their opinion success was inevitable, and that no particular effort was needed. The collapse of Ohretian Bros, towards the close was duo to the breakingdown of their morale. It was surely a premature remark that one pljiyor made to LafFcy who had just ec6t a goal from a penalty kick: "You've lost us the match!" But it was true, for Christian Bros, did not rally after Mornington got this one point lea J. Stapleton, who had been playing aji alert, accurate game, did not deserve these stabs from his own players (the first goal was put through by Hungerford). The narrow ground at the Clear hampered Northern A. Payne, Berby, and company, of Maori Hill, also hampered them to some purpose. A feature of the gaino was the excellent work of Taylor and the capital showing of the junior, Auld, who partnered him. Mornington B have it to their credit that they are the only team which has not been beaten on the field this season. Their only loss was by default to Kaitangata. Thogame against Northern B would not have kept a Crystal Palaeo crowd on tip-toes; but it was a sporting contest, _ with plenty of movement, if not much science. Only two free kicks were t awardcd throughout the game for misdemeanours. By making a draiv of this match Northern B havo lifted themselves above the bottom rung.

Ravensbourne have done it at last! No longer do they occupy the unenviable dis- - tinction of being the only pointless teajn in the competition. They did well to remove this reproach when pitted against a team of the calibre of High School Old Boys Roslyn-Wakari got all but two of their regular team away to Kaitangat'a, and although they had to submit to a 3—l defeat, they had no reason to regret the pleasant trip.

The Christchurch Nomads, who v-sited Dunedin 6omc time ago, and played against Mornington, purpose coming to Dunedin again this season. It ha 6 been suggested, that a representative schools' team from Christchurch might come to Dunedin with the Nomads to meet au Otago tram. Mr J. M'Nifh, who, whilo in Christchurch for some years,- was mainly instrumental, in spite of opposition, in introducing the Association game into several schools, as well as in promoting a junior competition, makes the suggestion, and urges that it would help the Christchurch schools materially if such a match were arranged, tho boys being billeted in Dunedin. At his suggestion the Schools Committee will take into consideration also the possibility of the Otago schools' team playing a match in Christchurch on their return from Wellington. Wade, of Northern, has removed to Kaitaiigata. The- Schools' Committee has received authority to issue subscription-lists to ra : se sufficient money to send a senior school team to Wellington and a junior team to Invercargill.

It will bo learned with pleasure that A. Ccolc was discharged from tho Hospital on Saturday last, having made a good reI covory. He will be on crutches for some time yet, W. Braithwaite is not so fortunate, his leg having to be broken.again and reset. His epiri-» is bright, however, for already lie is wishing he were plaving again. "Curious" writes propounding the following questions to the Selection Committee; "Sir,—ln reading over the names of the White team to play against thq Brown Shield team, what struck me as peculiar was the number of new players not previously mentioned to keep in training. Certain players are asked to keep in training for tho Brown Shield. A Brown Shield team is picked, and a match is arranged against the White team. Vernon,-French, M'lvor, Wakclin, and Tarleton aro among those asked to keep in training, yot these players are not picked to pla.y in the White team against the Brown Shield team, but Cameron, Stapieton, Shadwell. and Hay, who were not previously mentioned, are [licked instead. Now, (lie question is, Why are these players asked to keep in training not given a chance in the White team? Is it because the selectors are afraid they might oust soipe of the Brown Shield team; or is it because now they think they-arc not good enough? Then why af-ked them to have kept in training'; Supposing this White team beats, or even

draws with, the Brown Shield team, what are the selectors going to do? Send the White team away instead, or mess up the Brown Shield team ajain?"

ATHLETICS,

FIXTURES. July 25—Otago luterclub Teams Race. August 9—New Zealand Cro63-country Championship. Australasian Championships, at Melbourne. —Proposed dates, January 31 and February 2, 1314. Notes by Amateur, An esteemed correspondent in Wellington, none other than G. A. Scrctt, hon. secretary of the St. Andrew Harriers in tho seasons of 1909-10 and one time member of the Otago Centre, advises me that tho Wellington Centre has decided to send a team to Dunedin to compete in the New Zealand Cross-country Championship to be held here on August 9. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs Cooke, Bennett, and Scott has boon set up to go t into the question tff cost, and to select tho team. Tho selectirn will be made after the Wellington Provincial Cross-country Championship to bo run at Mastorton.

Mr Scott, who _ is at present hon. secretary of tho Wellington Centre, also sends the following notes"The threo Wellington harrier clubs .are enjoying a good year. Brooklyn Harriers uro averaging about 30 runners, Wellington Harriers about 22, and Central Harriers about 11.

H. G. Wilson, an old Congregational hairier, has joined tho Brooklyn Harriers." The vis.'t of an -American team of athletes to Australasia is now almost a certainty. Ifc is proposed that live of tlta best men from the United States shall visit our shores, late in the present year, or early next year Tho Americans are waiting for Australasia to fix a date. Nothing definite has been done yet regarding the matter, but it is fairlv ,corta ; n to be fixed for some time about December. The team will visit New Zealand first. In New Zealand they will meet some particularly good men in the hurdling and running departments of the game, but the hijh jump and shot and hammer events are iikely to go to the Americans. The personnel of the • team has not been hinted at as yet (says ah Australian writer), but one mav safely say that Horine, the wonderful h•trh-iumper; Rilph Rose, the shot-putter; and Kelly, the Olvmnic ehaiWon hurdler, will be members the team." All of the men are Pacific Coasters, and. their selection would mean le«s expense. There mav also be a couple cf men from New York t-0: complete* the team. Australia will find 't hard indeed to m>t forward meir'capab'o 'of brating the Americans, but there will he no easv wins fn r the visitor for all t-hnt. South Australia, has a hurdler canable of extending the best, in tho world, md in Snithce. New South Wales his a iumper who will make the best of them "leap." Our springs may not be pood -nmicrh, although Cox who was credited with la=t year, t fast improving man. Victoria-has 7 a hnlf-milor in Watson «'hd can sia-fek inn around and there are rot too many in America who enn equal that. Tho T 'ijrit shon'd nwnlcn interest in amateur nf.hMice. and stimulate interest in the Olympic Games.

In connection with t'ho fnnro'n?. •+ mtv be ment'ornrj that the wr'ter is in error in snmnosinc tW thr> knm h-is not been hinted ct. Mr Wniii.m TTnmaek. 'in li's letter to th« New Wland Council a month aero, suggested tlio oomnositinn nf f.hfl fnnn' 'mt nrvde "n mcntv>n "f Horine. th" h : gh-iumper, P.ilnh Pose, the fimous (Md rxnonnnt. or a KrJlv. the h»rdlnr. as snjawted hy th", Au-tralnn writer. Tho athletes named were, however, mer,rinnsd in connection with the first, team ,v hieh was got together on the Pacific Coast last year, but who were not ineluded in t>lie tram whose tour was subsequently abandoned. It may be expected that if the proposed tour eventuates—a ciroii"istanep entirely d n n°nding on th» fman":il fvwtinw ree'ved in Auetml'.i end New Zealand—the team will include several of the best- of the Amercan athletes.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS. Bv Sfotit Arthur Postle, one of the world's fastest sprinters. is anxious to meet Donaldson and Walker onoe again for the championship of tho world. Writing from Queensland to Mr A. J. Woodley, secretary of the Auckland _ Athletic Union, he states that he is positive he can beat both men, and if matches can bo arranged during the Exhibition ho will visit Auckland. At the present time Donaldson is in England and Walker !n South Africa. Mr Woodley haG written to both men, and no doubt Aucltlanders before long will see the three fastest men in the world at the present time measuring strides on the Domain.

T. Burrows, who took upon himself the task of swingiiig clubs Uit 100 consecutive

T. Burrows, who took upon himscJf the task of swinging clubs for ICO conscoutive hours in London recently, accomplished even more than he set. ou;t to do. During the closing stages of ,h:s swing lie -heard of an unauthen&cated record of 112 hours, suppesed to have been made in Australia, and Burrows decided to go on, with a view to beating it. After the 105 th hour his power of resisting drowsiness became less and lets, and it was only by the administration of oxygen, the blare of trumpets, and fch« crash of drums that ho resisted the demand of Nature. Just at the close of the 107 th hour he declined in very irritable manner to take further oxygen, and when one of the staff applied a- sponge to the back of his neck Burrows dropped his club, and "went" for his friends in a towering rage. He W36 overcome by those around before ho could do himself any harm, and promptly dropped into a Kiund sleep. Burrows has 'declared he will never try another long swing, but is licne the worse for his wonderful performance. Charles Pinch, of Middlesborough (Yorks) lias challenged Burrows for a contest for endurance on points. Pincli has some good feats to his cred ; t in South Africa and Groat Britain, but. in view of Burrows's statement, it is doubtful ■whether a match will take p'ace.

BASEBALL.

Tho establishment of a baseball club in Dunedin, in which our leading cricketers are taking a keen interest, and the prospects oi' placing the great American game on a footing in this city, serves.to introduce this article on "Baseball." The Americans, wo are told, laugh at cricket us being a thing of "white hanne.s and afternoon tea,' and what especially amuses Unclo Sam is tho diguilitd' siowntss of cricket. It was possibly tlie distresses of cricket which made the Americans fall to' baseball.

For baseball is a. tiling of frenzied excitement ; when each side has nine innings and the whole business is over in two or three hours, it follows that there aro no protracted or Hat periods. Baseball is really rounders. Who expanded and codified the children's game is a mystery,, but for ail his ingenuity he did not. hide the original. ■Hit and run—that is the prinoiple. Off a bit which is not a foul ball or within foul territory, the batter drops his bat and runs as' fast as ho can to the first base, or beyond that to other bases if lie can do sd safely. Four bases make tho round which secures a rijn, each runner halted at it base resuming his running dircotly tho succeeding battel's (they are never called "baismen") strike, and often stealing bases whilst the ball is in play elsewhere. The only change of consequence that has been made is that the ball is not thrown at, lo int. a runner, to pt:t him out of play, which is necessary (if my recollections are corrcct) in rounders; at the first base a fielder from the opposing team has oniy to have the ball in his hands and hie foot on the base plate before tho runner reaches it ; at the other bases _ the Holder can either have the ball in his hands and his foot on tho plate, or, with the ball in his hands, touch tho rnnner with it. A ball delivered by the "pitcher" directly over the batting plate is a "strike"; not over the plate, a "ball"; and four "balls," a body hit from a ball, a "wild pitch," entitle tho butter io a base without further ado. On tho other hand, to ipiss three "strikes," ■to be mn oiit- at a base in cither of the ways described above, to be caught off a fair ball, to run outside the limits between tho bases, and ceriain other contingencies, eoncludcs liis innings, and directly three men are out the side is out.' From this cursory explanation the uninitiated may probably derive the impression that* the game'is childish. On that opinions differ; but this can be sai'.d—t h n-t baseball, properly played, is an exceedingly fast game, and, because of its fastness and frequency of incident, a more interesting game to watch than cricket or football. Rugby football is the only parallel as regards rapidity. It is the lidding and the throwing which are truly amazing. The ball is thrown from player to p'ayer with tho speed and precision of rifle practice. Watch the fielders in cricket, seo how they fumble the bull and make faulty returns, then consider that in baseball a fielder in th,c outfield will send a ball to 'the pitcher at lightning speed and with so true an aim that tho hitler need not move, from his original position to catch it. Similarly, tJie. quickness with which a man fields the ball and then decidrs what to do with it is remarkable. True, this ia achieved only with constant practice—practice in the I streets, practice everywhere.

HOCKEY.

(Notes by Bully.) Tho following tables show the relative positions of teams in the ladies' competition A Grade. Played won draw loefc points. University ... 4 3 1 — — 7 M-omona ... 4 3 — 1 — 6 Otago ...... 4 2 »1 1 — 5 Waiita ... 4 2 — 2— 4 Ravensbourne 4 1 — 3—2 St. Joseph's ... 4 — — 4 — 0 B Grade. 0 Played won draw lost points, Ravensbourne 5 4 1 0 — 9 University 1. 4 4 0 0 — 8 Konini .1 ... 3 3 0 0 — 6 Otago ... ... 5 3 1 1— 7, University II 4 2 0 2 — 4 . Waiata ... 4 2 0 0 Momona ... 3 1 0 2 — 2 Defiance I ... 4 1 0 3 — 2 Konini II ... 4 1 0 3— 2 St. Joseph' 6 . 4- 0 0 4— 0 Defiance II . 4 0 0 4 — 0 As the coureing meeting prevented any hockey being p.oyed on Forbury last Saturday, no mcciuiu of th<! cxeoutive was found necessary itais week. Chief interest next Saturday will centre in the contest between University and St. Martins—each with an unbeaten rccord. St. -Martin's have an exceptionally fine forward lino, while linivers.ty ixwsess the bciit set of backs in the compctitiort. Both teams are very -"deadly" once they reach thd circle. ■

Saturday, August 23, has been fixed as the date of Otago's interprovincial" match with Wellington, Southland, will be the first to meet the holders of - the .shield, their chaliange match taking' place , : on .June 28. Hawko's Bay will meet Wellington on July 26. It- is hoped to arrange a match here with Southland, eijjher as the team goes north, or else oil its return journey. The Otago team hopes for a game with Canterbury while it is away, but Jhe universal Saturday half-holiday will mhke it very difficult to arrange a fixture on any other day of tho week than Saturday. At the meeting of the New Zealand Hockey Association in Christchurch on Tuesday it was decided that oil the Association's new Challenge Shield rccords of all games played for the Shield in eaoh season should be engraved on medallions, and ■ that tho rccord since 1907 should be engraved on the Shield. It was also decided that a similar provision should be .made for the Nordon Cup. A challenge from Aueklvand for tho Challenge Shield wa6 referred to the Shield Cub-committee. The Southland Association has appointed Mr R. Browning as its Relegate to the New Zealand Association. The New Zealand Association has accented a design for the new Challenge Shield, following as closcly as possible on the design of the old shield that p was burnt in the Ejprea Company's fire at Wellington. It is a relief to know that tlie old shield was insured.

Arrangements are now we!! in hand for the popular concert that the association is holding in the Garrison Hall early next month. The eccrctary has sent out _ a cleverly ornamented circular, accompanied by 10 tickets, to evorjr local playor, with a .persuasive appeal which should win the support of everyone. The nroccods will go towards securing proper grounde, and , no player can object to spending something or doing something towards his own amusement. Lady players are not forgetting some sond turns thoy rcccivcd from the men in connection with their "reccnt bazaar, and their valued support will. go a long way towards securing the complete success of the concert.

The results cf the ladies' bazaar, by the way, are 'highly satisfactory. It seems that about £130 of clear iirofit can be counted on, so that the ladies should be able to look forward to enjoying a _ game under much improved conditions in the near future.

The Management Committee of the Wairaraipa 'Hockey Association is evidently alive to the interests of the game in its district, for it has successfully inaugurated a schools' competition, and hopes to be in o position next season to donate sticks to school teams. Is there not a valuable suggestion •here for the consideration of the Otago Association?

BOWLING.

Notes by J acts. The Duuedin Centre is still wrestling with the question 01 how ttie inter-ciuo matches shall bo played next season e.nd at a full meeting ot delegates on AAonday in addition to Mr Balk's method (which it was thought had oecn approved by the executive), two Other -proposals were discussed— one from Mr M'Kinnon, of the laieri Ciub, and one trom Mr Alluuti. The latter's suggestion that the larger clubs should play two of the smaller clubs on one day was brought forward four or live years ago, and a draw prepared. The dclcgatos of two or threo clubs protested, howevor, cn the ground that the members of their clubs would tako it they were being graded if elected to play the weaker of two clubs. This led to the proposal being turned down. Perhaps this objection may no long6r exist, as there are now practically only two weak clubs so far as gooci players arc concerned.

Although the section system of play has been vetoed, and has rnatiy drawbacks, it may be, alter all, the best solution of the dimculty. After the draw lor sections has taken place, then thoso clubs, in different sections that desired to meet other clubs in tho other section could arrange to play on tho off days, if tho sections were engagoct in oompeting for the banner, then ie would be possiou- to compare the diiterenco between the banner aim the friendly game on which nothing depended beyonu each set of players being eager to give the others a game and a good time.

On the subject ol a little trouble which arose recenay in a suourban club, ana which was referred to 111 this column, ''Snip B's Lead" writos: "Enclosed herewith I lorward you a copy of the olhcial decision of the selection committee in the protwt lodged by bk.p B.'s Lead in the linal for tho club's championship doubles in a suburban club.

"As you are aware a protest \va6 lodged some, two mon:hs ago with" the Selection 'Committee, who forwi'.rded it to the General Committee, from them to the centre, from llie centre back to the (General Committee, and back again to the Selection Committee, so you see it has had a good tour around. If there had been any more committees to send it to it ipay be travelling yet. Comment ,on tho enclosed is needless."

referred to reads Official decision in re protest championship doubles.—The Selection Committee, -after giving the protest full consideration, and seeing that both players broke the rules, they decide that there will be no prizes given for the doubles, and the prize money will be distributed amongst winners of the other club tiee.—(Signed) For the Selection Committee."

BOXING,

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES. June 16 and 17—Otago. Juno 25 and 26—Southland. July 29 and 30—Now Zealand Championships, Timaru. August or September—Australasian (dates to be arranged). (By Stbaight Left.) In loss than a fortnight the Otago Provincial championships will take place, and as there is a lot of local talent which will be eoen in action, in addition to boxens from other centres, there should be some good boxing witnessed on June 16 and 17. Some good form is being exhibited by several of our best-known boxers, and this fact should go a long way towards attracting largo crowds to the turnament. A. Bromwich, who was- disqualified during a contest with Hegarty, the recentlydeposed lightweight champion of the Dominion, at Hastings, will, according to medical testimony, not bo able to enter the roped arena for a long time, if he ever does again as a boxer. It will be remembered that the bout was scheduled as a contest for the iightweight supremacy of the Dominion, and in the fourth round Brotnwich's second threw the >tou'c! into the ring. This sudden termination of the bout was regarded by many a 6 a "fake,!' and there was a hostile demonstration against Bromwich and his trainer, Subsequent events prove, however, that Bromvich's condition was serious, and that he was not lit to continue the bout. Of course, the question that naturally arises is "What were the doctors connected with the Hawke's Bay Association doing when they examined Bromwich before the Contest, that they did hot detect anything wrong with hi ni?

Len Portci; regained the lightweight championship from Hcgarty at Auckland, last week by knocking the Timaru champion out in the 13th of a 15-round contest.

It was announced some days ago that the New Zealand Boxing Association wore negotiating with Sam M'Voa and one or two of the tirst-rate professional boxers in Australia at present, to come across to New Zealand and givo exhibitions of the noble art in the different ccntres. Whether the proposal wijl take on is difficult to say, but there is this to bo said about it, that.

it would be manifestly unfair to any ol the affiliated associations to spend "their money on such a proposal, and thus sacrifice the amateurs who had helped them to shoiv a good credit balance at their bank. It is gratifying to know that the proposal is not likely 10 receive much support so far as the Otago Boxing Association is concerned.

Hock Keys, who was brought over from Sydney some years ago to try conclusions with Wellington's own Tim "Tracy; in which contest lie chased Tim ail round tho ring, has been engaged by the Wellington Association to meet Hegarty, of Timaru, Len Porter, of Hastings, or Denny Murphy, of Wellington, in the near future. The ex-amateur heavy-weiglu champion of New Zealand, Sid Fitrsimmons, nephew ol the once famous Bob Fitzsimmons, was engaged in a 10-round contest at the Sydney Stadium on May 29 with one Marquet. The bout was full of excitement from beginning to--end.- The first, 60cond, and third rounds were Fitzsimnions's favour. It looked then as if he would win, but Marquet afterwards got, the strength of his man, and managed to hold a bit more than his own till the finish. Each made the task as stiff as he could for the other, consequently tho affair was freely punctuated .with applau6i\ A letter written to Mr W. F. Corbett, of Sydney, by Mr Tom S. Andrews, the Milwaukee (Wisi) 6porting authority, 'and dated April 16, tel's of Luther M'Carty'e last fight before he went to Canada to meet Arthur Pelkey. The _ contest took place al Philadelphia on April 15. Mr Andrews savs: " A magnificent specimen of mankind, handsome and mighty, fought a, little man, strong of Heart, but lacking in physioue, in t'nu headline six-round bout at the Oiympia. The result was as anticipated— Luther M'Carty, tho giant heavy-weight champion, defeated Jim Flynn. the 'pramo little Pueblo fireman. One could not help but express admiration for the work of the title holder (M'Carty). He went about the performance of his task like' a master workman. With his long left arm he held his aggressive little antagonist at bay, sticking -his glove 'nto Flynn's face with occasional jabs which stung and broughl the blood. Luther's right was kept noised, ready to land, and it did considerable damage whenever it hit its mark. M'C.ntyV cleverness served him well when Flynn rushed him from one end of the ring tn the other. While he broke' groun<i M'Carty had a purpose for so doing. He alternated his style of fishting from stepping awav to that of boring in, and had Flynn completely baffled at times. Th« ohief merit of .Flynn's work was hie gameness. He took all M'Csrty's punches with a smile—enough nunishment to have stopped most . heavy-weight boxere. M'Carty's most telling blows were a straight left to. face and right to body." This month there will be championship tournaments held at Wellington, New Plymouth, Gieborne, Otago, Southland, and Wanganui, and consequently the amateurs in the different centres will bo kept extremely busy The latest information received by the secretary of the Otago Boxing Association from Easton, the Invercargill light-weight champion, is that he intends to represent the Southland Association at forthcoming tournaments. He has not, however, left Oamaru, where he is employed at the local freezing works.

A peculiar request was received from the Timaru Boxing Association'by Mr J. Isaacs, secretary of the Otago Boxing Association, tits other day, and one which was promptly turned down. It was an application that Armstrong, who belongs,to Otago, be permitted to box for Timaru this season. Why Armstrong _ should desire to box for any • other association, seeing that he has had every consideration from the local association, is hard to understand; but it only goes to show that the more encouragement some men get the less they appreciate it.