LAND AND WATER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2433, 31 October 1900, Page 51

LAND AND WATER.

The New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association (Registered) — in pursuance of resolutions arrived at in January, 1894, by the Inter-Australasian Convention of Swimmers — have decided to celebrate the opening of the twentieth century by instituting a swimmers' " Legion of Heroism." It certainly seems fitting that deeds of swimmers should be adjudicated upon by a tribunal of swimmers, as they alone can give effect to the practical part of humane work, involving a tise of the natatory art — namely, a knowledge of life-, saving drill. The idea, while novel, has much to commend it, and is likely to obtain wide acceptance. The cross of the legion is to be known as the " Governor Grey Cross." in commemoration of Sir George Grey, himself a hero and a swimmer, foremost in fame with Britishers under the Southern Cross. The awards are sure to be highly prized by those swimmers who become enrolled as legionaries. Ever since 1891 the association, which claims to be senior humane society of New Zealand, has taken a lead in tho matter of national recognition of acts of amateur heroism by swimmers, and now gives effect to resolutions tabled in tho past by announcement in our advertising columns.

" A great deal of interest is being taken in the formation of a Canterbury Highland rifle corps. Over 120 men presented themselves for enrolment, and 35 have been picked, the other selections being held over till a future meeting.

It is a not very unusual sight to see whales of the blackfish variety disporting themselves in the Hauraki Gulf, and some years ago three of them were stranded at Tararu. 'Coromandel advices state: — Last week a school TJ^whales entered Te Eouma Harbour, Coromandel, and had great sport for some time. The sea in the narrow estuary was lashed into a foam, and the sight as pre- • sented to onlookers on the overhanging point of the land was a picturesque one. Some of the whales were of a very great size.

M. J. Gilcreest, a well-known solicitor, has been fined £17 and costs at Forbes (N.S.W.) for having in his possession wild ducks and plover, schedule birds in the close season.

The committee of the- Schools' Football Association have awarded the match played between High street and Ravensbourne to the latter team. They regret that the referee (Mr Mahs)-did not deem it advisable to attend the'r meeting when specially requested. A Wellington telegram says : — At i special meeting of delegates to the Wellington Rugby Union ,the following resolution was carrio'l by 11 votes to 9: "That the Management Committee of the union be empowered to approach affiliated unions in Wellington province with a view to amalgamation for the purpose of representation in interprovincial football."

The latest district orders issued to local volunteer authorities state (says the Mataura Ensign) that Dr George Anderson Copland has been gazetted to "be surgeon-captain of the New Zealand medical staff, and attached to the Gore Rifles. Intimation has been received at Arrowtown to the effect that the Government have accepted the services of a mounted rifle corps at that place. ROBERTS DEFEATED AT BILLIARDS. MELBOURNE, October 26. The Roberts- Weiss billiard match has reached an interesting stage, Roberts being now within 267 of his points. The Scores at the conclusion of the play last night were: Weiss, 20,131; Roberts, 19,420. Weiss's best break so far has been 103, and that of Roberts 149. In the billiard match Wois& v. Roberts, the former, at 20,984, ran out a winner with an unfinished break of 16. Roberts's score was 20,110. PIGEON SHOOTING MATCH. GORE, October 27. A sporting pigeon match of 35sovs was fired yesterday. There were 22 competitors, and 10 tied with all their birds (fire). In the shoot off three fell out, and the following divided the stake:— Field, £8 6s; Butel, J. Graham. Mackay, E. Graham, Mac Donald, Boult, £"■ 3s each.