SPORTING NOTES FROM VICTORIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1880, 2 December 1887, Page 24

SPORTING NOTES FROM VICTORIA.

(By Oue Special Melbourne Spoktiho COEBESPONDENT " OLYMPUS.") Melbourne, November 23. MATTERS TURFY. The weights for the Bagot Handicap (one mile and a-balf and a furlong) and the Standish Handicap (three-quarters of a mile) at the V.R.C. Summer meeting, to be held at Flemington on the 31st December, have made their appearance, and bear further witness to the eccentricities (or worse) of the handicapper, Mr E. T. Barnard. The latest purohase of the Hon. William Pearson— Silver Prince— has paid the penalty of being appraised at the value of 1150gs ; for whereas he was handicapped for the Melbourne Cup at 7st 31b, he is now raised (for his indifferent performance in that event) to Bst 71b for the Bagot Handicap. Some thickheaded people (myself among the number) consider that Dunlop gave Silver Prince something more than a 51b beating in the Cup ; but the haudicapper evidently is not of that opinion, since he rises Dunlop 231b for running first and the Prince 181b for running tenth. Auother curious anomaly is the different terms on which the whilom stable companions Disowned and Silver Prince meet in two adjustments. In the Cup, Disowned was^ apportioned Bst 81b, Silver Prince 7st 31b. Disowned (owing to an injury sustained) did not start, and Silver Prince curled up at the end of a mile and threequarters. Aud yet, in the Bagot Handicap the former is given Bst 91b and the latter Bst 6Ib — or 181b to the bad. Disowned has gone into Mr C. L. Macdonald's hands, so that the ouly deduction one can draw from this latest specimen of handicapping run mad is that Mr Y. F. Dakin's polish must be a clear stone to the good of the South Australian trainers, which is, doubtless, very flattering to Mr Dakin; the funny part of the business being that Mr Dakin fails to perceive it — at least so I judge from a letter which that gentleman has indited to the sporting press. I have ere this given you my opinion about the way the brothers Dakin are treated by the handicapper,- and the reason I set it down to; but really it is a pitiable thing that here in Victoria with our racing corporations, individuals are presumably allowed to use (or abuse) their positions to tyrannise over any unfortunate they may think proper ; that with the stewards of our leading clubs the much-vaunted British love of fair play is almost as extinct as your own moa bird ; and the reflection that in no other colony in Australasia would the cases of gioss injustice that have been cited times out of number be tolerated without some inquiry being instituted as to whether or no there wasn't a method in the madness. As the two handicaps stand now, I fancy Don Giovan or St. Odille and Victim for the three-quarter of a mile flutter, and Affluence, Remus, and perhaps Don Giovan for the *' thou." added money prize of the Bagot Handicap. This same Don Giovan is a real clinker in Joe Morrison's stable, and may not scratch gravel till about Newmarket Handicap time. But don't forget him. CRICKET. East Melbourne visited the University ground on Saturday to try and put the 'Varsity bojs through for the Metropolitan Challenge Cup. Things are looking up in the cricket world— fully 100 spectators (that's deadheads and parters of " sprats ") putting in an appearance. Boyle won the toss from Trumble, and Lewis and AHee donned the pads for the East. The scoring board announced 64 before Lewis was caught by Ham off Browne for 36 ; and on Horan taking the vacant crease the total was raised to 113 before Allee succumbed to the same bowler for a well-played 46. Tommy Horan rattled up 54 before Trumble persuaded him to retire to the pavilion ; but none of the others could withstand Browne's onslaughts, and the consequeuce was that nine wickets were down for 171 (a terrible falling away from grace), mid Jack Worrall being absent, that's what, the innings closed for. M'Lean and Levy were deputed to open the attack on behalf of Alma Muter, but after scoring 4 the latter was bowled by Layer. M'Lean had got nicely set when Smith (substitute for Worrall) effected his dismissal by a splendid catch off Boyle at long field on, and he retired, with 12 appended to his name, in favour of Henry, who Bcored a unit, and then found "the veteran" one too many for him. Champion (7) and Ham (5) played out time, the 'Varsity tally then standing at three wickets for 30 runs.

Melbourne tackled Carlton upon the latter's native heath, and set them ago of 197. In the compilation of that sum total, M'llwraith was responsible for 38; Bruce, 20; Sutherland, 18 ; Walters and Swift, 17 each; Clark, 16; Shee (not out), 15; Trumble, 13; and sundries, no less than 19. It was a good performance on the part of Melbourne, for Logan was in grand bowling trim all through the afternoon, securing five wickets for 42 runs. Carlton had lost two wickets, Hastings (11) and Freeman (7), when the stamps were drawn. On tho previous Saturday.Fitzroy had scored 166 in their first innings, to which Essendon had responded with 106. La9t Saturday, however, the visitors gave the Essendonites a bit of a picnic, by scoring 258 runs for the Itips of only six wickets. Mitchell was dux "with 76, followed closely ..by Trinnick with 78; M'Sbane

(59),Calder (21), and Hayes (10, not out), also keeping the ball a-rolling. Richmond evidently wanted some fielding practice when they journeyed *o South Melbourne — and they got it. They managed to shift Slight with a severe knock on the head from a " full-pitcher " after he had scored 3 ; but Trott (21), Midwinter (45, not out), Morris (22), and Rains (10, not out) were the main factors in the local team's total of 190 for four wickets. Affcer making 173 in their first innings, and getting 32 for the loss of two wickets in the second, it looked as easy as rolling off a log for North Melbourne to knock up the 60 runs with eight wickets which were necessary to secure a victory over Williamstown in their tryst for the Suburban Challenge Cup. The task all the easier as they had a first-class wicket to bat on ; but Copplestone and Tucker put in somerules nisi (in the shape of baileis and shooters, and curly slows) till, when there were 26 runs to get and only two wickets to fall, things began to look a bit unsettled for tho moral certainties. However, E. E. Bean (who had put 52 together in the first innings) chipped in with another 81 (not out), and W. M'Lean assisting the good cinse by a very useful dozen (under similar conditions), North Melbourne gained a narrow victory by one wicket. The EuglishEleven under the segis of the Melbourne Cricket Club have been smiting the Philistines hip and thigh. Not that they had any the best of Twenty-two of Castlemaine, who, after scoring 109 in their first innings, dismissed the Britishers for 181— a result mainly attributable to the excellent bowling of Costello, who took five wickets for 16 runs, and Taylor, who bagged two for 13. In their second attempt Casfclemaine bad compiled 134 for the loss of 20 wickets (Ford, 28; Cotter, 23; Taylor, 12; and Keast, 10, not out) when the stumps and the match were drawn simultaneously. Bub afe Sandhurst, on the Old Back Creek cricket ground, on Wednesday and Thursday last, against Eighteen of the Bendigo United CO., the Hon. M. B. Hawke and his merry men showed what sort of stuff they were composed of by knocking up 417 runs before they were all disposed of. The innings was^ chiefly remarkable for the consistent scoring of the Englishmen, who totalled 417— Abel scoring 57 ; Stoddart, 39; Hawke, 19 ; Peel, 67 ; Bates, 13 ; Newton, 51; Bowden,4; Read, 52; Rawlin, 13; Attewell (not out), 59 ; Beaumont, 31. To this the bold Bendigonians responded with 135 for 11 wickets (G. Mackay, not out, 28 ; J. Harry, 26; J. Edwards, 22; Tatchell, 13; H. Boyle, 11 ; Willis, 10) when she game was drawn. Then they journeyed to Ballarat to try conclusions with the local Eighteen, and went identically 60 better than they did at Sandhurst, nine men of the team again getting into double figures:— Mr A. E. Stoddart with 95; Abel, 33; Hon. M. B. Hawke, 70; Mr W. W. Read, 65 ; Peel, 65 ; Bates, 21 * Mr Newton, 19 ; Attewell, 50 ; Mr Bowden, 24 ; Mr Rawlin (not out), 1 ; Beaumont, 1 ; sundries, 33 ; total, 477. The Ballarat Eighteen iv their first innings made 67, and in their second 51 for two" wickets. Worral (12 and 36), Williams (11), and Baker (11) were the only ones who got into double figures. Mr A. E. Stoddart has been particularly unfortunate in losing his wicket just before attaining the century in three matches in the colony— ou which occasions he scored 95, 98, and 95 respectively. Apropos of the Sixth Australian Eleven, the alleged component parts of which I forwarded you in my last, I notice that " Felix" states— " It is quite certain that H. Moses will not accompany any team to England. Palmer will not go, nor will Spofforth, and it is very doubtful if Garrett or G. Giffen will obtain the necessary leave ; still a strong team could be made up, but it would certainly not be the full strength of Australia." Of course you will have noticed ere this reaches you that Mr D. C. M'Arthur, the genial president of the Melbourne Cricket Club— indeed he may be dubbed the father' of Victorian cricket— died at his residence, Chartersville, Heidelberg, on the 15th inst. He was for many years superintendent of the Bank of Australia (his place being taken by the late E. S, Parkes when he resigned), and always took a keen interest in cricket, especially' in the Melbourne club. Hanging up in the M.C.O. pavilion is the first account for cricket material, under date (strangely enough .!) 15th November 1838, and eaade out in Mr M'Arthur's name. That's close upon half a century ago, when Mr M'Arthur was only 30 years of age. The gathering years brought with their surcease success in this world's goods; but, better still is it to be able to record that he went to his rest followed by that which should accompany old age— as honour, love, obedience— troops of friends. CYCLING. The Melbourne Bicycle Club held their annual race meeting on the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, when an enormous attendance witnessed an entertaining af teraoon J s sport. Everything was done in tip-top style (the books of the events quite equalling those produced by th 9 Victoria Racing Club, and the various events passed off without the slightest hitch. It's no use surfeiting you with a lot of dry-as-dust details about a lot of fellows you don't know from crows ; so that f shall simply append the results of the two principal items on the programme ;—; — THE AUSTRAL WHEEL BAOB, Distance two miles. First prize, trophy, value £200 (consisting of walnut cabinet, containing 152 pieces silver and cutlery, K.P. revolving dish, spirit stand, Bet of entree dishes, walnut case desßert combination, venison dish, and B.P. tea urn) ; second prize, trophy, value £50 (consisting of fruit stands and centre piece), presented by Messrs Jamei M'Ewen and Co,, (Limited) ; third prize, trophy, value £20 (walnut case of fish knives and lorks), presented by Messrs M'Lean Brothers and Kigg (Limited); fourth prize, trophy, value £10 ; fifth prize, trophy, value £5. H H Lambton, Sydney (210 yds) ... 1 J J Campion, Viotoria B C (3«Cyds) ... 2 D W Swan, Victoria B O (240 yds) ... 3 W JPatfclnsbn, VC Union (270 yds) ... 4 CN Hall, Melbourne BO (300 yds) ... 5 The other competitors were: J W H Busst, Melbourne B O, scratch ; W J O Elliott, V O Union, scratch ; T W Busat, Melbourne B C, scratch ; A B Brown, Melbourne BO.'Wydß; H Turnbull, Newcastle, New South Wales, 70yds; P H Shackelford, Victoria BC, 100 yd s; G Waugh, Sandhurst, 100 yd s; k S V Busat, Sandhurst, 100 yds ;'M Hutchin- ' son Victory BC, 140 yd s; E H Leune, ."Sandhurst. HOyds; H E Stokes, Melbourne B C. HOvds; G A Bkman, Melbourne B O, 145ds; J T Audas, Victoryß 0, 180 yds; W Wolf, Victoria BC. 230 yd s: L Herman, Sandhurst, 220 yds ; R X Jackson Victory B C, 220 yd s: C E Schwaebsch, Melbourne B O, 220 yds ; O E Paterson. Fermide O O, 290 yd s: D R Long, Melbourne B C, 230 yd s; J"Maxwell, Victoria B C, 280 yds; E Lyons. Adelaide, 260vds : W G 'Yardley, 300 yd s; M Last, V O Umon, 300ydB ; A J Williams, Sandhurst, 300 yds; J C Fitzgerald, Victoria B O, 310 yd s; G Steveußon, Melbourne B C, 310 yds; H Balaam,. Victoria B C, 340 yd s; G S Geddes, Melbourne 80, 400 yd s; J Argall Victoria V O,400ydB; H Munday, Victoria B 0, 410yd8. Time, smin 43 2-ssec. W. Brown.'.who won the race last year, was entered, but owing to illness could not start. Lambton and Pattinson were strong favourites, and the former ran to the front at the beginning of the last half-mile. Campion tried hard to draw up to him in the fast lap, but the Sydney cyclist had always 'something in hand, and won first prize rather easily ty about half a length, Campion finishing about ,20yds in front of Swan. After the race the trophy, which was on view in front of the grandstand, was presented to fche winner. Without doubt T. W. Bußsfc (of the Melbourne

Bicycle Club) won the event of the day, amidst terrific applause, as follows .— ONE MILE INTERCOLONIAL BICYCLE CHAMPIONSHIP. First prize, V.O. Union gold medal, value £7 7s ; second prize, ViO. Union silver medal, value £3 3s, T W Bussfc, Melbourne B.C. .>. ■ .<• 1 WJ C Elliott, V.O. Union ... ... 2 P H Shackelford, Victoria, B.C. ... 3 E Elliott, Fernside 0.0. ... ••• 0 R Tumbull, Newcastle; N.3.W. ... 0 Time, 2min 54sec This event excited scarcely less interest than the Austral wheel race. The competitors were never far apart, the Newcastle rider Tumbull making the pace. Busst made a fine run at the finish, and beat W. J. C. Elliott, the only competitor who seemed to have a chance with him. ROUGH ON THE SONS OF SCOTIA. Writing anent the recent international yacht race between the Volunteer (American) and the Thistle (British), the New York Star expresses itself as follows, under the heading of "They Take the Cake ":—"" :— " Our joy at 'the Volunteer's victory is not tempered by the least particle of pity for the Scotsmen. From first. to last they have proved themselves to bo the worst possible specimens of shopkeepers that have ever left the counter to play sportsmen We have given them the worst possible sort of a beating, and we are mighty glad of it. The first challenge they sent us was irregular. They built their boat in the most absurd secrecy. The measurements they supplied were inaccurate. They called Burgess an amateur, a tyro. They laughed at his models, and made sport of his boats. They flooded the English papers with their own cleverness and ! the certainty of their victory. They raised large sums of money to be bet on their boat. They forwarded a ohoise party of threadspinners : aruTbutchers to do the bragging and betting. [ They actually succeeded in persuading the world that they were invincible. What next ? Why, from that moment in the first day's race I that the Volunteer slipped past the Thistle and dropped her astern like an old bucket, the whole canny crew of Scotchmen fell to abusing the course, the weather, the lead point, and the crowds of good people that had come out to do them honour, while their ringleader looked over the side of their ship in sorrow, and exclaimed, 1 What's the matter ? She don't seem to go ! ' God bless the old fool! He'd never seen a fast yacht sail before in his life. Then we were told to wait for the outside race and a rough sea, and a gale of wind and an unobstructed course, for nothing but wind and weather and an open sea would give the Scotsmen fair play. So we waited, And now they've had their belly full of wind and weather and open sea, and the sooner they all get back to their spindles and chop blocks, their fraochs and meres, and leave yachting no those who understand it, the healthier it will be for their pocket books and the honour of Bonnie Scotland, We have had some rather uninteresting specimens of British sportsmen out here before, but we repeat that for mystery, deceit, swagger, bad manners, ignorance, and conceit the designers and owners of the Thistle can take the cake. We take the cup."