SPORTING.

Southland Times, Issue 14370, 17 March 1910, Page 3

SPORTING.

I.A.S. SPORTS

a. SUCCESSFUL GATHERING.

AND EXCITING SHEFFIELD.

The twenty-fourth annual- meeting of the Irish Athletic Society, held yesterday afternoon in Rugby Park, was a triumph of management and the art of sports promoting over adverse circumstances. It was a marked feature of the meeting that the Society had managed to attract pedestrians of undoubtedly high ability to compete, and that there was a live public Interest taken in the performances of these athletes. Hence the great crowd 'of spectators that would not be deterred by uncomfortable weather conditions from attending the sports. Then in the carrying out of the sports the officials \had arrangements for the convenience of public and athletes well planned, and they carried through these arrangements worthily. Excellent management lias for some years back been a characteristic of the ’Society, and yesterday's event added another Instance of this qualification. In actual fact the attendance numbered between 3000 and -1000 people. In cash at the gates £lO5 was taken, and beyond this there was a very large sale of tickets beforehand, so that though the luck of the weather was undoubtedly against, the Society it will probably increase its funds 'as a result of the meeting. The officials from the President to the bellringer worked conscientiously and with method, and no doubt financial success under the ' prevailing circumstances will bo a gratifying reward to them. In most of the events punctuality was fairly well observed, though in the field events the programme times could not be kept owing to some of the wrestling bouts drawing out to unexpected length. Indeed, in one instance, one of these .bouts formed an outstanding feature of the meeting. It was in the contest between J. Eastlake (Bluff) and J. Caulfield (Rakahouka) in the catch-as-catch-can style that this protracted struggle occurred. Caulfield Is a younger and more heavily built man than is Eastlake, but the latter is a scientific wrestler and very agile. From the outset Caulfield was the aggressor, but time and again Eastlake stopped his holds and eluded him. Shortly after 3 p.m. the nair started the bout, and the public wearied of it, but began to take an interest when observing that the men were still wrestling at the close of an horn*. In two hours the end seemed as far away as ever, and both men were much tired. Then interest became keen, and though the other events of the day were concluding people crowded to watch the bout. After three hours* play the position was unaltered, and though everything else was settled five or six hundred people who had become keenly enthusiastic waited, determined to see the end. It was not till, 6.30 p.m. that Caulfield eventually succeeded in turning Eastlake over with a hold that the latter had time and again stopped. Tho Bluff man, however, cleverly avoided the pin fall by "bridging” and then taking Caulfield on the swing had him in his turn on his back and pressed his shoulders down. The conditions were two falls out of three, but there was obviously no time to engage in the other bouts, and the men divided. This incident was an outstanding one in the field events. The amateur running throughout the day was very good, and the cycling was of an Interesting nature. The professional running was of an uncommonly high standard. The star items in a carefully considered programme were of course the Sheffield and 75yds Ely, two pedestrian events that are known to athletes the length and breadth of the Dominion. 'While the great body of public Interest converged on these two races, the general features of the meeting were by no means neglected. Tho boys’ and youths' races and amateur running handicaps commanded attention for the reason that experience has shown that successful Sheffielders generally graduate through these channels. And it Is evident that the high standard of local running that has been cultivated owes Its existence to the schooling provided in these races with the big Sheffield as ultimate aim and incentive. Tho arts that go to the making of good runners were observable from the schools’ relay race right up to the £lO sprint, and excitement as keen and vocal support as loudly acclaimed accompanied the struggles for school pennants and gold medals as did like outward and visible signs of public interest in the big money races. The field events also bore evidence of fostering care. In the open events the New Zealand champion added to his honours, while in the classified events the onlooker saw young champions in the making. There is not the widespread accession of young athletes to field events that there is to running, but In the wrestling events an encouraging accession of new blood was noticeable, and in both physique and skill the new men promise well. Some improvement on the form of recent years was shown in the high leaping, which was very fair under the conditions, though the standard yet falls short of that reached some seven or eight years ago. Platform dancing formed the spectacular .phase of the meeting, and in the performances of the dancers, from the girls under years up, there was considerable interest shown.

The cycling events were handicapped to a great extent by the absence of a cinder track. The grass course is as yet on the rough side, and on this occasion the difficulties of riders were added to by the rain making the grass slippery. The north-eastern turn of the track was a particularly sporting spot in this respect, and it occasioned two falls. On the whole, however, the cycle riding was good, and both races resulted in close and exciting finishes. The professional pedestrian events undoubtedly constitute the principal attractions of the I.A.S.’s meetings as far as the bulk of the public are concerned, and this was plainly evident yesterday, when, despite heavy showers of 'rain and a cold wind, keen Interest was displayed every 'time the wearers of the spiked shoe stripped in the arena. The Sheffield Handicap, the most important event of the kind annually decided in New Zealand, of course took pride of place and furnished a very Interesting contest, the drawbacks of a heavy trade, a, cross wind, and. at times, pelting rain, failing to. stop the prompt decision of the many heats or cool the ardour of the contestants. The sprint track looked well and presented a much more even surface than when used for the first time last year, but it was in a somewhat sadden state and furnished heavy going for the men of lighter build. Despite the attractions of the cash- championship meeting at Greymouth a higholasa field turned out to compete for the Premier’s gold medal ami Us accompanying substantial money prize and included well-known pedestrians resident in centres from Hastings in Hawke’s Bay to Southland's main port of Bluff. It was generally admitted prior to the opening of the first round of heats that the winner was well concealed and the chances of at least .seven or eight men were about equally fancied, hut the local lad, H. S. Strang, ran so strongly in his opening effort that he at once jumped Into the position of favourite with (lie many experts present, although Johnstone (Hastings), McLeod (last season’s winner), Chalmers (crack long distance man), Uren, McTaggart, and Hally all had staunch admirers. The story of the subsequent proceedings Is set out elsewhere from which it will lie gathered that the early active impression was correct, as Strang secured the final with something to spare, from Chalmers. The winner is the youngest competitor who has ever been enrolled on the scroll of honour • as the successful claimant for the big event, as he is barely over eighteen years of age. He graduated as a professional pedestrian last season at the age of seventeen and won a large number of races in Otago and Southland, hut was defeated in the Sheffield of 1909, although he carried off the Flying Handicap from a strong field at the same fixture. Strang is a powerful youth, who can move very fast and stay up to 880 yds, while ho runs more for the sport than the money attached to place-get-ting, and those who are personally acquainted with him can testify to the fact that Sir Joseph Ward’s coveted gold medal for 1010 has passed into hands where it will be very much appreciated. The winner was trained by Mr W. Murdoch, junr., a son of the ex-handi capper of many past events of this class in Southland. It. D. Chalmers, the runnerup, is imlcnllcal with tire crack long distance performer of that name and New Zealand professional half-mile champion of last season. Ho proved rather slow at starting, but afterwards battled out every foot of each’ journey and sur-

prised his many followers from Dunedin by the strong run lie put up in the final heat when lie finished in front of P. l T ren tor second place. The latter also ran well throughout and has won unite a number of events Ibis season since leaving the amateur rank. The fourth man, Hally, of Mataura, showed improvement on previous performances and may do even better in future. Of the unplaced men Curry. McTaggart, ami Johnstone ran well and the lastnamed pair must rank as the two hard luck runners of the gathering, as they were always thereabouts when it came to the last act of several contests.

The Flying Handicap (75yds), fell to S. J. Crawford, who can muster up considerable pace and his victory was well received, as he has more than once run wo j I in important events without actually carrying off the leading honours. On this occasion Strang had to be content with third place behind Uren, but both did well under the unfavourable weather conditions. The starting in the sprint competitions was remarkably well performed, Hr B. Bain winning high praise in this direction, while Hr C. Kane was equally successful with the pistol in the long distance and cycling races. In the Sheffield Handicap, Hr Bain had his field well in hand and was not called upon to penalise a single runner for breaking away during the heats, but rightly set three men back for overanxiousness in the Flying Handicap competitions. The following are the SH E FPL ELD WIN NER S; 1894 — hj. T. Dawson, Lumsden. 1895 W. Homer, Invercargill. 1896 — A. Small, Lumsden. 1597 — G. A. Cameron, Mataura. 15 98 A. Fowler, Bluff. 1899 —B. Bain. Invercargill. 1000— G. HcKettrick, Invercargill. 1901 — G. HcKettrick, Invercargill. 1902 — ”F. C. Mosman,” Colac. 1903 — VV. Black, Invercargill. 1904 — T. Kirk, Winton. 1905 — G. W. Collie. Dunedin. 1906 — D. Sanson, Owaka. 1907 J. Currie. Heriot. 190S —P. C. Stokes, Invercargill. 1909 — G. McLeod, Roxburgh. 1910— H. S. Strang, Invercargill.

■ The Mile, Half-mile, and Quarter-mile contests were responsible for keen running, but from a spectacular point of view the straight run across the ground easily took pride of place, while the result was in doubt up to the last stride. Judging from the experience of yesterday this contest over a straight away furlong is likely to grow in popularity with runners and the public alike as the years go by. In connection with the short and long distance running, both amateur and professional, a mead of praise has to bo placed to the'credit of Mr J. Bell, who was not in attendance, unfortunately, to witness the results of his labours, as he is at present assisting at the N.Z.A..U. championship gathering at Greymouth. Results;—

AMATEUR RUNNING.

SCHOOLS RELAY' RACE (four laps of 550 yards); for teams from primary schools, composed of four boys under 14 years of age; first, four gold medals, value 1% guineas each, and pennant, to be held by school for the year; second, four silver medals, value 15s each.— Marist School 1, Central School 2. Waihopai School 3. Park and Clifton schools also competed, and the race was one of the most popular of the day. After the first round in which the Central School had the best of the relay, the winners took charge and won with a good deal to spare, this making the sixth consecutive win of this race for the Marist School. A feature of the competition was never-say-die running of the little chaps who followed the leaders. Tiie time was Brain sG%sec. 220 YARDS AMATEUR HANDICAP— Gold medal (£2 2s), L. Christie, syds, 1; gold medal (£1 Is), W. J. Wren, 10yds, 2. Starters —R. Pyle (scr). Arch, McDonald (scr), C. Robertson (4), J. N. Millard (6), C. Dixon (9), F. Church (10). Won by a yard and a-half, after a fine race. The scratch men were beaten off. Time, 23sec.

440 YARDS HANDICAP (for amateurs) —First, gold medal, valued £2 2s; second, gold medal, value £1 Is—R. Pyle (3yds) 1, L. Christie (7yds) 2, F. Church (14yds) 3. Started —Arch. McDonald (scr), W. J. Wren (12yds), C. H. Green (13yds), C. Dixon (ICyds) and C. E. Robertson (16yds). Pyle ran early to the front, but both Christie and Church came at him strongly in the last hundred yards and the trio fought out a desperate finish on a heavy track. Pyle, tiring fast, lasted long enough to breast the tape six inches in front before failing and bringing down Christie and Church who were shoulder to shoulder. Time, 54%scc.

120 YARDS HANDICAP (for boys under 16 years)—-Gold medal (£2 2s), J. Catlo, lyd. 1; gold medal (£1 Is), A. Maybew, 12yds, 2; T. Morris, scr, 3. Ten entries. Won easily barefooted.

CYCLING.

HALF-MILE BICYCLE RACE— First heat: R. Taylor, 20yds, 1; W. Broad, scr. 2. Otlier entrants —L. McLean (45), D. McNaughton (50), A. Willoughby (80). Won with something in hand. Time. Imin 27% sec. Second heat: A. Walsh, 45yds, 1; A. Sutherland, 50yds, 2. Starters —\V. Harris (5), A. VV. Broad (25), .1. McKenzie (50). Won easily. Time, Irnin 3tsec. Third heat; J. Sleeman, 4 syds, 1; W. Lewis, 30yds, 2. Started— C. C. Hannan (35). J. Kendall (45). Hannan fell. Won easily. Imin SOsee. ■Final—£3, A. Walsh, 45yds, 1; £2, A. Sutherland, 50yds, 2; £l, W. Broad, scr, 3. Started—.l. Sleeman (15), W. Lewis (SO). U. Taylor (20). Taylor fell. Won by ten yards. Time, Imin 27sec.

ONE MILE BICYCLE RACE—First, £1; second, £2; third, £l. (Winners of heats receive Ids if not placed in final) First Heat: A. Welsh (90yds) 1, J. Sleeman (90yds) 2. Started—W. Broad (scr), W. Harris (10yds), A. W. Broad (70yds), and J. McKenzie (100 yds). Won by a few yards, a close finish between Sleeman an'd Harris for second place. Time, Smln 11% sec. Second Heat: T. R. Taylor (40yds) 1, C.- C. Hannan (70yds) 2. Started —J. Kendall (90yds), D. McNaughton ’(l.ooyds), and A. Sutherland (100 yds). The winner was the only rider who did not fall. Time, 3min 17 sec. Final: Taylor 1, Welsh 2, Hannan 3. A great finish, Taylor getting homo by less than a length and Hannan being only half a wheel behind Welsh. Time. 3min I sec.

FIELD EVENTS,

—AN' resiling.

COLLAR AND ELBOW WRESTLING (under 12 stone) —£3. E. Hughes I; £l, J. Caulfield, 2. Also wrestled, T. Muir and 10. Slate.

CUMBERLAND WRESTLING (open) —£2, !•’. Forde 1; £l, At. Fordo 2. M. Ryan and C. Dickson also wrestled, but were outmatched by the Fordes. CUMBERLAND WRESTLING (youths under 18 years) £2. T. Muir 1; £l, F. Whitaker 2. Muir won with two straight falls, while Whitaker had a lively tussle with Forde, who secured, one of the three bouts. P. Delamere and U. C. Frisby also competed. , C ATCI f- AS-CATCI f-CA N W1: E STRING (list 71b and under) —Post entry. First, £2; second, £l—.l. East I aka and J. Caulfield divided the money. Caulfield beat White and then met East lake. The latter pair wrestled for just over three hours when Eastlake saved a fall by bridging cleverly and thou taking advantage of the suing of Caulfield’.-: body to turn the latter over and pin him. The men had the option of another bout or dividing the money, and they adopted the latter course.

—Other Events.—

HIGH LEAP HANDICAP—£2, J. Kheddaii (scr) 1; £l, J. Crowe CHNiu) 2. The winner cleared sft 3Vi in, and X. McDonald (2in) sft Jin, while Crowe got over 4ft II 94 in and seem ed second place on his handicap, M. Forde (2>/iin), A. Henderson (Sin) and J. Knapp (Sin) also competed, THROWING STONE (Irish style) £2, F. Forde (scr), 39ft 10in 1; £l, M. Forde (2ft). Ihift lOin, 2. J. Crowe (2ft Gin) threw 35ft Bin. THROWING HAMMER (Scotch style) —£2, F. Forde (scr), 111 ft Hin, ]; £], J. Forde (35ft), 79ft, 2. Three others competed.

DANCING,

IRISH JIG (open) J. Slattery, 2. Six competitors. IRISH JIG (Juveniles under I(I years) —First, gold medal, valued £1 10s; second, silver medal, valued I Os —Miss Miller 1, Miss Stewart 2.

SAI LOR’ S HO RNPI PE (open) —Firs t , gold medal valued £1 J (Is OR second, silver medal, valued 10s (id—A. Sutherland 1. H. Stewart 2. Four competitors HIGHLAND FLING (open)—A. Sutherland 1. P. Reynolds 2, Four competitors. HIGHLAND FLING (girls under Hi years)— First, gold medal, value 1 guinea; second, silver medal valued 10s (Id —Stella Glennie 1, Rose McGregor 2. Eleven competitors.

HIGHLAND FLING (for juveniles under 13 years)— First, gold medal, valued at £1 las’; second, silver medal, valued 10s Cd—G. Stewart I. D. Galt 2. Seven competitors.

ST. PATRICK’S SHEFFIELD HANDICAP (135 yards.) First prize £4O and gold medal presented I))* Sir Joseph ■ Ward, K.C.M.G. , second, £7 : third, £3 : fourth, £1 JUs. First round heats of three, first men taken, second men to contest further round under similar conditions. In second and succeeding rounds two to qualify. —First Round. — First heat : R. D. Chalmers (Dunedin), HVbyds, 1; R. McTaggart (Waitati). 7Vi yds, 2. Started —P. O’Neill (Wyndham) ,11% yds. Won by a yard. Time, 14secs. Second heat ; P. Uren (Invercargill). 7%yds, s 1 ; J. Curry (Heriot). 4yds. 2. Started—T. Kirk (Otautau), 10 Vi yds. Won by a yard and a-half. Time. 13%secs. Third heat : G. McLeod (Roxburgh), 6%yds, 1 ; E. S. Dun ford (Dunedin), 12yds,2. Started —F. H. Merrie (Invercargill), 8% yds. Won easily by a yard. Time, iisecs. Fourth heat : F. W. Dingwall (Invercargill), 10yds, 1 : P- C. Stokes (Invercargill), 7yds, 2., Started—vv. Henderson (Dunedin), ll%yds. Henderson's leg gave way at 30 yards. Woo by three feet. , Time, lisecs. Fifth heat : H. S. Strang (Invercargill). 7% yds, 1 ; A. V. Valentine (Bluff), 9%yds, 2. Started—T. King (Otama), 12 Vi yds. Won easily by six yards, bad third. Time, Usees. Sixth heat : J. E. Johnstone (Hastings), 7%yds, 1 : T. A. While (Bluff). Byds, 2. Started J. Houghton (Roxburgh), 13yds. Won by half a yard, poor third. Time, 13%secs. Seventh heat : C. J. Hally (Mataura), Syds 1 : J- Puddy (Dunedin), 10yds, 2. Started—L. A. Golding (Invercargill). 13 Vi yds. Won by a yard and a half. Time, lisecs. Eighth heat J, White (Dunedin), 10 Vi yds, 1 ; P. Couperthwalte (Conical Hills), 12yds, 2. Started —A. Brown (Bluff). Syds. Close finish by the three, won by a foot. Time, 14%secs. Ninth heat : S. J. Crawford (Invercargill), 9yds, 1 ; G. McQueen (Wallacetown), 12% yds, 2. Started — H. Sherbourne (Gore), 13% yds. Won by two yards, bad third. Time, lisecs.

—Second Men Round. —

First heat : R. McTaggart, 7%yds, 1. Started —J. Curry (4), E. S. Dunford (12). McTaggart won by a yard and a half from Curry. Time, 14%secs. Second heat.; T. White (Syds), 1. Started —A. V. Valentine (9%), P- C. Stokes (7). Won by inches, Stokes a yard away. Time, 14% secs. Third heat: G. McQueen (12% yds), 1. Started j Buddy (10), P. Couperthwalte (12). Won by two feet from Couperthwaite. Time, 14%secs.

—Second Round. —

First heat ; Hally (Syds), 1 ; Johnstone (7%), 2. Started—S. J. Crawford (9), G. McQueen (12%). Inches between the placed men ; Crawford third. Time. 14S6CS. Second heat: P. Uren (7%yds), 1; McTaggart (7%). 2. Started— Dingwall (IQ), McLeod (6%). Won by half a yard. McLeod third, yard away. Time, Third heat ; H. Strang (7%yds), 1 : Chalmers (11%). 2. Started—T. White (S), J. White (10%). Won by four yards, T. White third. Time, I3%secs.

—Semi-final Round. —

First heat ; Strang (7%yds), I ; Hally (8), 2. Started —Johnstone (7%). Won by nearly three yards, a yard between second and third. Time, 13% secs. Second heat; Uren (7%yds), 1 ; Chalmers (11%), 2. Started— McTaggart (7%). Won by a.yard, McTaggart close up. Time, 13% secs.

—Final. —

£4O and gold medal, H. S. Strang (Invercargill). 7%yds £7, R. D. Chalmers (Dunedin), 11%

yards £3, P. Uren (Invercargill), 7%yds.. 3 £l’los. C. J. Hally (Mataura), Byds. 4 The men got evenly away at the first attempt, Strang getting first into his Stride. Chalmers stayed out in front splendidly until twenty yards from home, when Strang went up first, and. finishing full of running, won by a clear yard. Chalmers lasted long enough to beat Uren by a foot, with Hally nearly two yards away. Time, 13% secs.

HALF-MILE FLAT HANDICAP—£6, E. S. Dunford (Dunedin) 50yds, 1 ; £3, G. McQueen, 40yds, 2 ; £l. W. M. Anderson, 55yds. 3. Also ran —A. Couling (20), J. White (30)., P. Keady (30), j. H. McMillan (40), G. Brownlie (48). J. P. O’Brien (50), W. G. Smith (55). H. Holmes (55). G. Morton (60). H. McLeod (60). After a good race Dunford drew out in the straight and won nicely by four yards from McQueen, with Anderson fifteen yards further away ; tho field beaten off. Time, 2min. Ssecs.

75 YARDS FLYING HANDICAP— First heat: R. McTaggart, l%ycls, 1. Started —A. Brown (2). ' Won by two feet; time, 7%secs. Second heat: J. Curry, scr., 1. Started —A. V. Valentine (2Yu). 'Von two yards—7% secs. Third heat : H. S. Strang, %yd. 1. Started—C. J. Hally (1%), F. W. Dingwall (3). Won by two yards from Dingwall—S Vs secs. Fourth heat; S. J. Crawford, 3‘,4yds, I. Started—G. McLeod (1 Vi). Won two yards—B% secs. Fifth heat ; P. Uren. 2yds, 1. Started — .1. E. Johnstone (2), P. Couperthwaite (6). Won by a yard from Couperthwaite—B% secs. Sixth heat: J. Paddy, 4yds, 1. Started—A. McEaehen (OY.). C. Wilson (7). Won by two Meet from McEaehen —8% secs. Somi-flnal — First heat : Uren (2yds), 1. Started — Curry (scr), Puddy (4). Won by a foot from Puddy—B% sees. Second heat : Crawford (3 V t yds), 1. Started —Strang (V 2 ), McTaggart (I Vn). Won by two yards from Strang—sy 5 secs. Final — £5, S. J. Crawford (Invercargill), 314 yds. 1 ; £2, P. Uren (Invercargill). 2yds, 2 ; £1 ; H. S. Strang (Invercargill), %yd, 3. Started —J. Puddy (4). Won by two feet, similar distance between second and third. Time, 8% sees. 100 Yards Flat Handicap (for competitors not having won £5 or over) First heat ; J. Boniface, oyds, 1 ; W. M. Anderson, scr, 2. Started P. Dekimere. Won easily : time, 11 2-sth secs. Second heat ; W. O. Smith, Gyds, 1 ; A. .McEaehen, scr. 2. Started C. McKenzie (4.) Close finish first and second; time, 12 secs. Third heat : ;l. Anderson, 3yds, 1 ; F. Crawford, scr, 2. Started C. Wilson (5.) Won on sufferance : time. 11 3-sth secs. Final : £2, J. Boniface, syds, I ; £l, F. Crawford. scr, 2 ; 1 Os, J. Anderson, 3yds, 3.

Started W. M. Anderson (scr), W. G. Smith (6), A. McEaehen (scr.) Won by four feet: time. 1! 3-sth secs. One Mile Flat Handicap £O, A. Cording, scr, 1 ; £3, H. Holmes (Dunedin). 75yds, 2 ; £l, J. P. O'Brien, 42yds, 3, Started G. Brownlie (30), J. H. McMillan (38), 11. McLeod (90.) Holmes made the running for the greater .part of the distance, but Fouling closed on him 200 yards from home. The leader unexpectedly responded and the pair fought out a great race into the straight. Half way down the running Holmes faltered, and Coaling won wcakIv by about four yards ; O'Brien was third, twenty yards away, followed n,% Brownlie. Time. 1 min. 45 sec=.

.] j() YARDS FLAT HANDICAP —£4, (4. .MeQuceu. 28yds, 1 : 12. K. I). Chalmers., Syd.-i. 2; £l. G. McLeod, 10yd s’. 3.

vp acted —.1. E. Johnstone (15), J. White fjln, T. P. King 122). E. S. Dnnford (30). 11. Sherbutirne (33). Won by six cards, four yards between second and iliird ; Johnstone was fourth. Time. 52% sees.

220 YARDS HANDICAP—£4. IT. S. Strang. syds, 1 ; £2, J. Curry. 2yds. 2 ; £l, G. McLeod, Byds. 3. Started—J. E. Johnstone (4). R. D. Cliaimers (7). A. Brown (7). T. A. White (8). R. McToggart (9). A. V- Valentine (10), W. M. Anderson (14), G. McQueen (1G). Five or six competitors fought out the last twenty yards, Strang -mating Curry by half a yard, witli McLeod a yard further away : McTaggart fourth a foot off. Time, 23 secs.

SCULLING-,

PEARCE AND HAGNEV

Ej Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright

SYDNEY, March 10

Pearce is willing to accept Maguey's challenge to row in New Zealand, but wants £SO expenses, win or lose, Hague: - is not prepared to accept these terms, and (lie race will probably fall through.

BARRY AND ARNST,

(Special to the Times.)

CHRISTCHURCH. March 16.

R. Artist bn-* received ihe proposed articles nf ihe Arnst-Barry match, accompanied by the following letter from

Guy Nicholls, promoter of the match

“I enclose herewith articles signed by Ernest Barry for your acceptance and (rust that they will meet with your approval. Should any modification or slight alteration be required by your advisers we will do our utmost to meet them. Doubtless any adjustment that is to be made can be arranged when we all meet at Livingstone, Rhodesia, in July next. The British South Africa Co. considers that Thursday. August 18th, would be the best day for the race, as conditions climatic and otherwise would then be most suitable. In order to make the necessary arrangements for your reception at Livingstone, I should like to know on what date you propose to start from New Zealand and the probable date of your arrival at Livingstone. Barry and his trainer propose leaving England on Saturday, July 9th. You will, of course, understand that a very large sum of money is being expended for the necessary arrangements. and the British South Africa Co. are naturally anxious to avoid anything likely to prevent your racing Barry for the world's championship. On your arrival you may depend upon all assistance being given to you. Nothing appears In the articles concerning the expenses of either man; but, as stated in my previous letter, yours, to the amount of £3OO will be deposited at the Livingstone branch of the Standard Office, Bank- of Africa. I propose that all interested parties in this match meet at the Government House, Livingstone, on Sunday, July 31st, to make final arrangements. 1 enclose herewith the Thames laws of boat racing.” Arnst states that the rate will be rowed under the professional championship rules, not the Thames rules of boat racing.

QUEENSTOWN REGATTA,

The following nominations have been received for Queenstown Regatta : Maiden Double Sculls —Awarua Boating Club, B. Johnston (stroke), H. Bradshaw (bow) ; Otago Rowing Club. A. E. Stephens (stroke), H. Baton (bow) ; North End Boating Club, J. Hogg (stroke), C. Purvis (bow) ; Invercargill Rowing Club, J. R. Hay (stroke), W. P. Forde (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, G. S. Wilson (stroke), A. C. McKillop (bow). Youths’ Fours—Awarua Boating Club, J. Bradshaw (stroke), F. Whitaker, A. McGrath, P. Newman (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, A. Grant (stroke), J. Sutherland, E. Kelly, A. Glennie (bow). Junior Double Sculls —Awarua Boating Club. G. West (stroke), T. West (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, C. Barry (stroke), H. Walker (bow) ; Riverton Rowing Club, L. G. Fetched (stroke), H. Pope (bow). Maiden Four-oared—Awarua Boating Club, R. Rose (stroke), B. Johnston, W. Keenan. E. Bradshaw (bow) ; North End Boating Club, G. Dempster (st), T. Fogarty, J. Hogg. C. Purvis (bow) ; Invercargill Rowing Club, A. Gilmour (stroke), ,H. Carswell, W. Rodie, C. Eastwood (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, J. Ferns (stroke), A. Clark, R’: Kevern, R. H. Wesney (bow) ; Queenstown Boating Club, A. McDonald (stroke), D. Canning, R. Geisow, H. C. Buckman (bow). Senior Double Sculls —Otago Rowing Club, J. F. McGrath (stroke), J. R. Kerr (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, C. Barry (stroke), H. Walker (bow). Junior Fours —Awarua Boating Club, G. West (stroke), T. West. H. Bradshaw, H. Salmon (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, G. S. Wilson (stroke), A. G. Cockroft, A. Grant, A. C. McKillop (bow) ; Queenstown Rowing Club A. McDowell (stroke), D. Canning. R. Geisow, H. C. Buckman (bow) ; Invercargill Rowing Club, W. F. Forde (stroke), J. R. Hay, W. Rodie, C. Eastwood (bow).

Maiden Pairs —Invercargill Rowing Club, A. Gilmour (stroke), H. Carswell; Awarua Boating Club, R. Rose (stroke), E. .Bradshaw ; North End Boating Club, G. Dempster (stroke), T. Fogarty; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club. No. 1, J. Ferns (stroke), A. Clark ; No. 2, N. Hamlyn (stroke), F. McKillop ; Riverton Rowing Club, T. R. Robertson (st.), L. G. Petchell ; Queen’s Drive, H. Hey (stroke), W. Williams. Senior Fours —Awarua Boating Club, R. Rose (stroke), P. Johnston, H. Bradshaw, H. Salmon (hew) ; Otago Rowing Club, J. F. McGrath (stroke), J. R. Kerr, A. E. Stevens, H. Paton (bow) ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club. C. Barry (stroke), H. Walker, W. G. S. Robison, J. Hazlemore (bow). Junior Pairs—Awarua Boating Club, No. 1, G. West (stroke), T.’West ; No. 2, R. Rose (stroke), E. Bradshaw ; Invercargill Railway Rowing 1 Club, No. 1, G. S. Wilson (stroke). A. G. Cockroft ; No. 2. A. Grant (stroke), J. Sutherland ; Queen’s Drive, H. Hey (stroke), W. Williams.

Senior Pairs—Otago Rowing Club, J. F. McGrath (stroke), J. R. Kerr ; Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, No. 1, C. Barry (stroke). H. Walker ; No. 2, W. G. S. Robison (stroke), J. Hazelmore ; Awarua Boating Club, G. West (stroke), T. West.

CIVIL SEBVICE HOCKEY CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting, of thte above was held in the Land*. Board room, Government Buildings, on Monday evening last. The President (Mr H. M. Skeet) occupied the ehair, and there were pre-‘ sent twelve members.

The annual report and balance sheet, as presented by the secretary (Air A. X. West) were unanimously adopted, the President and Messrs A. W. Mulligan and J. Collie speaking culogistically of the successful year, and the club's financial position. The balance sheet contained the following : “ In presenting you with your first annual report, your committee have much pleasure in recording a very successful year, and a most auspicious start of the Civil Service Hockey Club. After the club was formed, it was found possible to enter two teams in the Saturday Cup competition, and after a good season the B team carried off the President’s Cup, formerly held by the Warehousemen's Club. Your balance sheet shows a credit amount of £1 us an eminently satisfactory close for a first year. It is hoped that the members of the club will again respond in this ready fashion to the call of the secretary for "subs.” In interprovincial matches the club was represented on different occasions by five members viz. Messrs A. and W. Dingwall, D. E. Gold-Smith, A. N. West, and V. Wall. Owing to the many changes in the Service, some twelve of last season’s members have been removed from the district, but it is hoped that others can be found to fill their places, and enable two teams to be placed in the field again this year. Your committee Wish to place on record its appreciation of the interest taken in the club, both in its finances and its success in the competition, by the President and VicePresidents.”

The election of office bearers resulted as follows : President, Mr H. M. Skeet ; vice-presidents, Messrs J. Kush, T. L. Oswin, 11. Tres.sider, G. (Tuickshank, AV. Me I lutcbeson, A. McGavock, P. Dal,yni|ilt', Spence; secretary and treasurer, Mr B. Hay'; general committee, captain, deputy-captain, secretary, and Messrs West. Gollie. Hodges, and Taylor. The election of captain and de-puty-captain was held over till after practices. The fallowing now members were elected ; Messrs T. Strang. Mulligan, C. James, P. Holmes, 11. Richards, AV. Traill, T. Baird, B. Brookes, H. Praser, A. * Anderson. O. Seddon, P. Be Pine, and H. MeChesney.

Opening day wa,s fixed for .Saturday 2nd April.

Amies of thanks to the retiring secretary and the chair closed an enthusiastic meeting.

NAPIER PARK RACES,

CPer United Press Association)

NAPIER, March 16.

There was fine weather to-day for the first day of the Napier Park Racing Club's Cup meeting. The course was in good order, and the attendance fair. Nine bookmakers were licensed, and the sum of £5356 was put through the machines, as against XSSSI for the first day last year. Results —

Omaranui Flack Hurdles, 1% miles —■ Polyanthus, 11.5, 1 : Forest, 10.2, 2. The only ’starters. Won comfortably by two lengths. Time, 3 mins. 20 secs.

Esk Hack Handicap, seven furlongs— Amaru, 7.0, 1 : Fort William, 5.7, 2 ; Bandalaro, 7.5, 3. Also started Klldonan. Composed, and All Trumps. Won by a head, half a length between second and third. Time, 1 min. 31 2-sth secs.

Napier Cup, 114 miles Parable, 7.9, 1 ; Woodhey, 8.5, 2 : Bridge, 7.0, 3. Also started Sandstream (9.5), Clemora (7.5), Kopu (7.5), Lamsdorff (7.2.) A great race. Payable led after a fuilong had been covered and, after being hard ridden from the distance, won by a neck, the sapie distance separating second and third, Sandstream close up fourth. Time, 2 mins. 9 1-3 th secs. Trial Flack Stakes, six furlongs Bunkum, 7.2, 1 ; Reformist. 8.5, 2 : Useful, 8.5, 3. AA r on on the gpst, with half a length between second and third. Time. 1 min. 17 secs..

Welter Handicap, seven furlongs Wimmera. 9.8, 1 ; Ballyheigh. 9.2. 2 : Golden Water, 9.3, 3. Also started Gllssaade, Dreadless, Berengaria, Moutoa Girl, Niwaru, and Millenial. Won easily by a length, with half a length between second s and third. Time. .1 min. 29 secs. Sapling Stakes Flandicap, five furlongs. Blrkdale, 7.13, 1; Sea Eagle. 9.7, 3 : War Song, 9.5, 3. Also started Vide, Gloss, Walkehua, Ngakau. Won by half a length', with War Song the same distance away. Time, 1 mm. 2 3-sth secs.

Redcliffe Flack Welter Handicap, one mile _ Obscurity, 8.9. 1 ; King's Prize. 9.7, 3 ; Amato, 9.3, 3. Also started Separator, Polynices v Idealism, Dan Leno, Ka'rakatura, Blackwater. Stevens. Moana. Won by a neck ; Amato was a poor third. Time. 1 min. 41 l-sth secs. , , Flying Handicap, six furlongs Mundic, 7.12, 1 ; Ambala, 7.8, 3 ; Maori King, 9-0. 3 - Also started Voetgang and Mayflower. Won easily by two lengths : Maori King was an indifferent third. Time, 1 min. 14 4-sth secs.

The following are the acceptances for the second day;— , Omahu Hack Hurdles (1% miles). — Polyanthus 12.2, Forest 9.13, Oakley 0.4. Centaur 9.4, Merrie Lawn 9.0. Telegraph Handicap (6 furlongs). Toanga 9.5, Fort "William 8,10, May Flower 8.2, Ortygia 8.2, Moree 8.0, Amaru 7.13, Lord Possible 7.11, Useful 7.9, Bandadero 7.6, Niwaru 7.5, Klldonon 7.3, Moutoa Girl 6.10, Composed 6.7. Close Memorial Handicap (1 mile and a distance). Parable 8.5, BoUin 8.1, Clemora 7.7, Kopu 7.7, Bridge 7.3, Lamsd'orfE 7.0, Separator 7.0. Kuahoa Handicap (4% furlongs). Kohinoor 9.10, Birkdale 8.12, Monteone 7.8, Derelict 7.8, Virtue 7.6, Gloss 7.6, Kgakau 6.7., High Weight Handicap' (7 furlongs). <—Wimmera 10.0, Ballyhelgh 8.13, Golden Water 8.12, Obscurity 8.8, Perolina 8.6, Berengaria 8.0, Ballyneety S.O; Millennial 8.0. Maiden Hack Scurry (5 furlongs) ■weight 9 stone.—Lady Moutoa, Moutoa Girl, Appin, Red Seal, Harekoa, Remark, Lolita, Miss Pigeon. New Idea. Boyne Water, Legner, Perceler. Golden War, Golden Bell. / St. Patrick’s Handicap (5 furlongs).— Maori King 9.0, Woodheys 8.13, Mundic B.S, Ambola 7.10, Glissade 7.3. Stewards’ Hack Welter (7 furlongs). , —King’s Prize 9.13, Amato 9.4, Bandalero 8.1, Idealism 8.1, Karakaturua 7.13, Polynices 7.13. Stevens 7.7, Moana 7.7.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE HANDICAP.

ENGLISH FLAT SEASON OPENED.

By Telegraph.—Presa Association.—Copyright

, LONDON,.; March : 151, , The EhglisjT flat ! "facing 1 season was opened to-day, the first Spring Handicap resulting:— ; Lincolnshire Handicap, of . ISOOsovs; second horse 50sovs, ana third 25sovs. The Straight Mile. ’ E. F. Schiff’s Clnderello, Syrs, 6.10.. 1 Jas. Hare’s Forerunner IL, fiyrs, 6.11 2 August Belmont’s Norman 111, syrs, 7.10 3

A RUGBY CARNIVAL.

A SEASON OF BIG FIXTURES.

ENGLAND, AMERICA, AND NEW

ZEALAND.

If the negotiations af the respective governing bodies of the Rugby game in New South Wales do not break down it the eleventh hour and that is not at all likely the most glorious football season in the history of the State Is now almost upon ix-s (says the Sydney Dally Telegraph.) The New South W-ales Union, as the result of the recent; conference, has 3een able to refer to, the various bran:hes a programme that should be allsatisfying, seeing 'that it Includes a visit from the recently converted Americans. the ever-we’icome New Zealanders, and a representative Maori combination. At presemt the' negotiations are at that stage a± which it would be unwise on the part of the authorities to say too much, but it may be taken for granted that all three combinations will be on hand at the phychological ■moment. This state of affairs Is due in a large measure to the really sportsmanlike spirit of th>a New Zealand delegates at the recent conference. Messrs Dixon, Fache, anti Mason are said to aave conducted t'oelr business with the Queensland and New South Wales Unions In such a give-and-take manrter as to leave no room for doubt that they were present In the best interests of the game. The New Zealand representative team will be one of the strongest ever sent to tlaese shores by the Dominion, and if all that is said of the young players who are to be given their chance here this season is true, entertaining expositions of the game should follow. It is long since common knowledge! that the League is bringing a powerful Northern Union team over at a very considerable outlay. The members of the combination are declared to be the fastest and trickiest men playing under Northern Union rules.

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIANS IN MANAWATU,

PAX-MEIftSTON NORTH, March 16,

The cricket match Australia v. Manawatu began this afternoon. There was a fair attendance, and the weather was overcast, 'but the rain kept o£f. The ground waus in good order : the wicket •was if anything slightly heavy, but was not particularly difficult. Armstrong and Gorry were not playing. won the and sent Manawalu to the wickets. Ongley and Mitchell opened for the bocal team to the bowling of "Whitty and Emery. Ongley stopped two balls and at the third was clean bowled, by a tricky one -from Whitty—--0 -1 —0. Trevena followed. Ongley hit Emery for three, the ball just failing to reach the boundary. Trevena scored a. single with a neat one to leg, but the next over found him facing Whitts',- whose third ball reached his middle stump-- 1 - 2 fnllopod. In the next over Ongley hit Emery: for three, but soon afterwards he kr.ocked one of Whitty’s deliveries Into the slips and Emery brought off a neat, one-banded catch. McLean, the local’ captain, replaced Ongley, and scored o.'-E Whitty. Whitty’s average up to this 'time had been three overs, three maidens, three wickets. Golds pring was clean bowleg by Emery—l 3—4—2. The next man, Mason, scored a lucky three off Emery, but he fell a victim to Whitty, being caught smartly in the slips by Emery—l 6 O’Connor followed, and in Whitty’s next over pla/sed one into Bardsley’s hands at thin! mafi —20—6—2. Cobb was next man. Emery clean bowled McLean, but the umpire called no ball and the captain got a “ life.” McLean was now {•lairing with" more confidence, and soon

placed a nice one to leg, but the next over of Whitty’a proved too much for him, and after several escapes the ball found his'' off stump—33—7—S. Holland followed, and a brief stand took place. Fifty went up for an hour's play. Things showed signs of livening" up. and" Holland lifted Emery for another four. Colab followed this up by two fours. The brief partnership was broken by Holland’s wicket falling to a swift one from Emery —64 —8 13. Bartlett followed and made a single. Cobb fell l.b.w. to Emery. He 'had made the highest score for his side (32) by clever and his hits included five fours t 9 —9 32. Wells walked to the wickets, placed one into Whitty’s hands, and walked back again 7—9—o. , Byre scored a brace, but was clean bowled next ball 87 11—2, Greer was the last man and ho placed a short pitched bail off Emery into Bardsiey's hands. The innings closed for S7 after an hour and a half's play. ' The Australians opened to the bowling of Ongley and Bartlett, and Dodds going to the wickets. b acey caused a sensation by hitting Ongley out of the ground twice in rapid succession. Twenty and thirty wont up on the board in quick time. Green relieved Onglf-y, and with his fourth ball clean' bo'fvled Facey Whitty followed and spooned Green s first delivery, but there was no one handy. Shortly afterwards he repeated the performance with Bartlett and spooned one nicely into Wells s hands 72 —i. Kelleway was next man. Runs were now coming slowly, mainly by singles. Dodds fell to a swift one from Green placed him, .but shortly afterwards the umpires stopped the game for the day owing to the bad light. Kelleway (8) and Emery (nil) are the not out men. Scores :

MANAWATU —First Innings.

Mitchell, b Whitty ■ " Ongley, c Emery, b Whitty ® Trevena, b Whitty * Goldspring:, b Emery - McLean, > Whitty ° Mason, c Emery, b Whitty “ O'Connor; c Bardsley, b Whitty .. - Cobb, l.b„w., b Emery Flolland, b Emery '• 18 Wells, c Bardsley, b Emery ” Bartlett, not but Eyre, b Emery " Green, c Bardsley. b Emery « Extras Total 87 Bowling analysis Whitty 6 for 36, Emery 6 for 47. AUSTRALIA —First Innings. Dodds, b Green ►v. Facey. b Green •• • ■ Whitty, c Wells, b, Bartlett * Kelleway, not out 8 Emery, not out “ Extras 8 Total for three wickets 56 Bowling analysis Green two wickets for S, Bartlett one for 19, Ongley nil for 21.

7QLO.

HAWKES BAY WINS SAVXLL CUP.

(Per United Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, March 16.

In the polo tournament the Anal for the . Savill Cup resulted in Hawkes Bay winning by 14 goals to Christchurch team's one goal.

GOLE.

, The weather, was not pleasant yesterday for the mixed foursomes with which the Invercargill Golf Club opened its season, but some enjoyable golf was played. Cochrane and Mrs Prain won the foursome with a nett score of 84.

CYCLING AND POOTBALL,

SUCCESSFUL SPORTS AT GORE,

Under the auspices of the recently revived Gore ' Cycling Club an afternoon sports gathering was held on the Gore Caledonian grounds yesterday. A strong wind prevailed throughout the proceedings, but luckily rain held off and there was a very fair attendance of spectators. The gathering, which is probably the forerunner of a cycling programme on a much bigger scale for future seasons,. was. arranged as, an encouragement to local cyclists and as an additional attraction a seven-a-side football tournament was played. The latter event, in view of the near approach of the opening of the football season, was particularly interesting and the teams figuring as the Kangaroos, Hard Times, and Wallabies represented the Pioneer, Albion, and Excelsior clubs respectively. McNoe, a lad under IS years of age, won both the Youths’ x and Half-mile races, and owing to his earlier successes his handicap in the Mile event was reduced -from 75 yards to 4§ yards. Despite this he was second in his heat; but he was beaten in the final. A hard finish occurred In the Citizens’ bicycle handicap; Hoffman and Winclle soon led their field by quite 100 yards and passed the post locked together, Hoffman just winning by a few inches. In the Citizens' fiat face an old-time competitor was seen out; he had a good handicap and started off well, but was well in the rear at the close amid good humoured laughter. Altogether the races provided good entertainment for the onlookers. The results were:—Youths’ Bicycle Handicap (one mile) —First heat; H. Altken (scr) 1; K. McAllister (100 yds) 2, F. Gutschlag (70yds) 3. Second heat: J. McNoe (25yds) 1, W. Trussler (40yds) 2, J. Wallis (100 yds) 3. Final: McNoe 1, Aitken 2. Half-mile Dash Bicycle Handicap—First heat: J. McNoe (40yds) 1, G. Hoffman (scr) 2, W. Barber (15yds) 3. Second heat; W. Nicholson (syds) 1. J. Brotherston (50yds) 2, A. E. Borley (20yds) 3. Final; McNoe 1. Nicholson 2. Longford Bicycle Handicap (one mile) —First heat: G. Hoffman (scr) 1, J. Jackson (100 yds) 2. P. Wadsworth (100 yds) 3.' Second heat: W. Nicholson (10yds) 1, J. McNoe (45yds) 2, H. Aitken (45yds) 3. Final; Nicholson 1, Hoffman 2. Citizens’ 100 yds Flat—l. Low 1. A. E. Borley 2, E. Shearburn 3. Citizens' Bicycle Handicap (one mile) First heat: A. E. Borley (20yds), H. Windle (scr) 2. D. Mpcdougall (30yds) 3. Second heat; A. Hoffman (scr) 1, A. Potts (40yds) 2, W. Christie (40yds) 3. Final: Hoffman 1, Windle 2. Seven-a-slde Football Tournament —First, round: Wallabies B beat Hard Times B, 4 points to 1; Kangaroo beat Wallabies A, 1 point to nil; Hard Times A bye. Second round: Wallabies B beat Hard Times A by 9 points to nil; Kangaroos A bye. Final; Wallabies B beat Kangaroos 1 point to nil. The teams wore: Hard Times B: G. Wallin, A. Hoffman, J. McDonald, I. Low, G. Blackwood, A. Martin and J. Ibbotson. Wallabies E; W. Wilson, E. Biggar, J. Price, A. Beattie, P. Mills, E. Scott and A. Cuff. Wallabies A: G. Inder, H. Fitzpatrick. A. H. Inder, H. Maud, R. Price, T. Lester, and W. Biggar. Kangaroos: D. McDougall, J. Baldwin, H. Aitken, E. Lester, F. O’Kane, A. O'Kane, and R. Garforth. Hard Times A; A. E. Birley, I. Martin, H. Windle. E. Newlands, H. Owens, W. Jenkins, arid V. Brown.

On arrival at Wellington from Sydney yesterday, the Wanganui Union Boating Club’s team, which won the Inter-State four-,oared race at Hobart recently, was tendered a reception by the Now Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, several speeches being delivered congratulating the team on its success.