THE PLAYGROUND.

Southland Times, Issue 16792, 22 July 1911, Page 9

THE PLAYGROUND.

PAST AND FUTURE ATHLETICS THE WEEK’S FOOTBALL. HOCKEY HAPPENINGS AND THE TURF (EDITED BY “ ONLOOKER.”)

It is reported that America intends to regain the Davis Cup (lawn tennis) this year if possible, hence Maorilanders can depend upon witnessing some of the finest players in the world in action in Christchurch. The lady hockey players of Southland have aided materially in advertising this province in the north by theit clever performances last season, theiefore, it is only fair that' a movement Dow on toot to finance this year s leps. to play Canterbury at Christchurch and take part in the annual Xew Zealand tournament at Wellington should meet With liberal recognition. Owners of greyhounds are reminded that entries for the Southland ComsIng Club’s July meeting, on Wednesday and Thursday of next week close this (Saturday) evening. The events comprise :—Maiden Stake of £6l ; Novice Stake (for dogs and bitches that have never won public money); and Open Stake. The draw will take place on Monday evening at S o’clock. From all accounts the plumpton is in better order than was the case at the opening fixture of the season, and. as the hares have been on the ground for some time past under the care of an experienced trainer, Mr Smith, they should run strongly and provide good sport. It is reported that quite a number of dogs are being prepared for the Xovice Stake. The prize list for the cycle road race from Goulburn to Sydney (131 miles) in September, carries a tirst prize cash cheque of £3O and a £5 gold medal by the Dunlop Rubber Co., while the second, third, and fourth riders will be awarded bicycles. Mr S. F. Cody, the well known English aviator, who has had charge of the British Army Aeronautical Department. Is desirous of coming out to Australia for the purpose of opening an aviation school in this country. Chatting in London with Mr C. B. Kellow, the well known Victorian motorist, Mr Cody stated that he was desirous of forming a company for the purpose of handling aeroplanes, etc. in Australia, and he and his two sons are prepared to come out on behalf of such a company if satisfactory inducements are offered. Mr Cody has designed several aeroplanes for the British War Department and has accomplished some very fine flights in England. If the Commonwealth Government want to foster aeroplaning, here’s the opportunity of getting the right man. An English motorist writes that a study of King George’s cars would give useful hints to many car owners. There Is an entire absence of that ostentatious elaboration and garish ornamentation Which may be observed in the vehicles of many lesser people. Good taste characterises the whole appearance of the royal automobiles In their colour, coachwork and interior decorations. The equipment Is thoroughly up-to-date and essentially practical. Amongst the items may be mentioned detachable wheels, non-dazzling lamps, dual speedometers, electric horn, and electric side lights.

River course in a match for the world's sculling- championship and £SOO aside. Arnst has previously defeated Pearce, but the Australian is said to have greatly improved since that time and in addition to have developed staying power. It has been arranged between the men that the moving picture rights shall be divided in proportion of 3 to 2, i.e., the winner to take half as much again as the loser. An impression seems to prevail among Sydney experts that Pearce will put up a much better race than the general public expect. Many New Zealanders wondered at the time of the Arnst v Barry sculling race why the Maorilander demanded £IOO over and above the £3OO agreed upon for expenses, and, again when Arnst recently asked for £7OO expenses to race Barry on the Thames, he was blamed for expecting too much, but quite a different complexion is put on the whole matter when the following from the columns of the London “Sportsman” is carefully analysed :—“Owing to all the parties leaving the Zambesi immediately after the Barry-Arnst race it was impossible to publish the accounts earlier. Many rectified bills had to be written for more than once, and some had been mislaid. It will' be seen that but for Arns.t’s demand for an extra £lO0 —making his expenses £4OO instead of the £3OO originally agreed upon—there would have been a balance of a few pounds. As it was, three guarantors provided the defict of £S3 ss. The item of £B9 8s 4d for postage, telegrams, etc., ap ■ pears to bo heavy, but it includes the drink consumed by the Englishmen during their six weeks’ stay. Xo account is rendered for food and accommodotlon, as in that respect the party were the guests of the Goldfields Company in Rhodesia. These accounts show that E. Barry and trainers had £603 spent on them, ami that R. Arnst’s amount was £4OO. As Arnst was champion of the world, and had to travel all the way from Xew Zealand, the amount he received will be regarded by sportsmen In this country as by no means excessive. On the other hand, Barry’s .amateur and professional advisers must have had a fairly good time of it. The big sprint contest in Sydney recently, won by C. E. Hoi way, has been the means of causing wide-spread discussion as to whether professional running is likely to again attract popularity with the public. Various schemes to bring about this result have been mooted and in this connection “Old Pro” writes in a leading Sydney journal as follows: —“Good racing will always draw a certain number of followers. But to get the crowds of bygone days, there would have to be something that would give the followers a personal interest in the sport. I would suggest the totalisator. There will always be a certain amount of gambling on running races. Xo force will ever stop it. The bookmaker is the curse of running. It is not so with the totatisator. There is no “squaring" or running “crook” for long odds. If you put your money on a certain man it is known to everyone. If a man was to run dead for some time, and then, when the day came, when he believed himself to be a good thing, he began piling his money into the tote, it would avail him little, for the more money he put on the smaller he makes the odds for himself. The tote would prove a big attraction to sport-lovers, and would draw them to the ground, aqd the bigger the crowd the more of these small prize handicaps would there be. The Government could, perhaps, be prevailed upon to give the tote a trial on sports grounds. To my mind there is only one tiling that could spoil the scheme, and that would be big handicaps. Do not give the men these incentives to run dead, and all would be well.”

At latest advice the position regarding the big sprint race recently decided in Sydney is as follows : —“Holway claims the world’s championship, and considers that he has won it fairly, as the race was first arranged to contest the title. Donaldson denies Holway’s right to claim the world’s championship, as he did not compete. He has offered to lay the American £l5O to £IOO for a race over 130 yards for the championship, or to concede one yard in 150 or two yards in 220 yards for £SOO a-side. Holway has stated that he does not contemplate accepting without consideration.” Mr Tom Johnstone, the well-known ex-champion wrestler, is very enthusiastic regarding the pupils he is now putting through their facings at the class which he is running at Bluff. Besides Dickson, a 14-stone man, who is matched against J. Forde, of W'est Plains, Beaton (lOst) is in fine form, and “Shanner" A. White (9st), who is 23 years of age. Mr Johnstone considers is equal to anything of his weight in New Zealand, and throughout years of experience he says he has never met a better little man. White is able to put up a good "go” with Dickson every time they have a trial, and he is described as being as like an eel in the manner In which he escapes trouble as a human being can be. Another man Showing good form is Walter Robertson. Speaking to a "Southland Times” representative Mr Johnstone said that undoubtedly wrestling was again becoming popular, and the fact that the big men who have monopolised the prize money for some years past, were going out of the game, was inducing the younger men to come forward. Mr Johnstone complains that the prizes offered are as a rule wholly Inadequate when the amount of training a man has to undergo is taken into consideration. Wrestling, he stated, as a sport deserves encouragement as it is a healthy exercise, and cultivates desirable physical and moral attributes in a man. Mr Johnstone, at the conclusion of an interesting chat, said that there were several men at- Bluff anxious for a match, and would be glad to hear from aspirants for wrestling honours in other parts of Southland, At present the only time that they have a chance of engaging with anyone outside their own little circle is when on exponent happens to arrive in some vessel at Bluff. ‘One thing.” said Mr Johnstone, "a man can always get a fair deal if he takes part in a bout at Bluff." The enormous growth in the use of the motor in America can be gathered from the fact that in Akron—the big motor tyre manufacturing centre of America —the daily output of tyres during last April was valued at £78.000, covering an optput of 7,750 covers and 15,000 tubes daily. At this rate of manufacture, the production of pneumatic motor tyres in Akron alone per year would total £22,1 30,000. In addition to this huge output there has also to be added £5,7207(100 worth of solid rubber tyros. This is a tyro boon! with a vengeance. All told, over 6,000 workers are employed in the mills, apart from clerical staffs, etc. It was cabled from London recently that an Italian motorist named Bordinn had established a new record for the Hying mile by covering the distance in 31 seconds on the hard sand beach at galturn-by-the-Soa in Yorkshire. Bordino’s performance is not the world’s best for this stands to the credit of it, Burman, who a few weeks back on Florida Beach. Daytona (U.S.A.) covered a flying mile in 25.1 seconds, epual to a speed of nearly 142 miles per hour. The performance under notice is a Europear. record, the Italian’s time just clipping one fifteenth of a second off the previous best European mile, which was held by Hemery, his thirty-one and onefifteenth seconds being established on Brooklands track (England) in November lOtd), The cable informs us that W. F, Trembath and trainer L. C. McLachlun have arrived in Sydney, probably on a matchseeking visit. Trembath is as desirous as ever of running any man in the world over half a mile, and, it is understood he is not averse to racing Donaldson, Pustle, Holway or Taylor over 440 yards, a distance which each of the cracks mentioned claim to be able to negotiate The difficulty experienced by Trembath in rinding men to meet him is an eloquent testimony as to the ability Cf the Gore runner. James McGarrigal, who acted as starter in the Holway-Postle-Taylor race was the crack runner of Australia over 20 years ago. He was a great pedestrain and in IStiS won the December Botany Handicap of £72S and trophies to the value of 77 guineas attached. In winning on the occasion referred to McOarrigal started off the 20 yards mark —• the distance was 150 yards—and covered bis 130 yards in 12 2/5 seconds, or six yards under evens. On Saturday of next week R. Arnst ihcdcler) and H. Pearce, the Australian champion, will meet over the Parramatta

BOXING. N.Z. Champs, next week. On Tuesday, Wednesday. Maoriland record entries. Johnson to visit Australia. Wolgast is to meet Welsh next. Bill Squires has commenced training. Elliott has gained friends in Melbourne. Mehegan-Higgins match on Monday last. Peter Jackson has been dead for over ten years. Otago sending a record team to the championships. N.Z. Boxing Conference takes place on Tuesday next. There is a big demand for seats for the N.Z. Champ, fixture. Southlander C. Griffen has arrived in Sydney and talks fight. Non-combatants from all parts of N.Z. will visit Invercargill next week. Al. Kaufmann got £450 as the loser’s end when beaten by Jim Flynn recently. Bluff amateur championship candidates, McQuarrie and Rose, are reported in good form. The new boxing syndicate in Sydney are out to give £l. D, Mclntosh a run for leading contests. J. Hegarly won the Canterbury lightweight amateur championship last week. Dave Smith appeals to have retired from the theatrical business as far as New Zealand is concerned. The order for the N.Z. Anifatotir Championship medals has been placed with Mr G. McEwan, who will use a .special die of liis own design in the work, C. Griffon hopes to return to America by the next American winter. He claims to be the most successful Australasian boxer to visit the Old World for the last 10 years. Several days before Billy Papke disposed of the English middle-weight champion, Jim Sullivan, Airs Papke gave birth to a son in London. At New York on June 3, the English light-weight champion. Mutt Wells, badly defeated Leach Cross, an old opoonenl of Southlander Charlie Griffen, over a ten round journey. In the opinion of experts Wells failed to show the calibre necessary for a man aspiring to world’s championship honours. Wells has an engagement with champion Ad. Wolgast during the current month. When the last mail to hand left England Em! Storheck, the ex-South African amateur heavy-weigh t champion, bad challenged Bombardier Wells for £2un aside. Htighie Mehegan, Australian lightweight pro, champion, has wilt ten the Sydney Self-defence and Sports, Limii M, dial lie will box Hock Keys on October 7, or any other boxer under Ibst. lie -lipulntes £2OO. win, lose, or draw. it has been decided to ask Keys what his terms will he for a cmiiwst. Tasmanian Bill Tune r, who lias been fairly spoiling for a light for soon- lime past, has at last found an opponent in Jack Howard. The winner is to be matched against the man who gets tie verdict in the Lang-Squires ha tile. William Turner is a lusty, forceful linwr and it looks as if most of the .Australian heavy-weights have hi m trying to d- dge him for some time past. Bill Squires i- now in active training at his farm al Oooaoo Goonoo (N.S.W.i. under the care of Jimmy Russell, for his match with Bill Lang al Brisbane on August. 3, when the Australian heavyweight championship will be at slake. Questioned regarding the proposed match with Professor Stevenson. “Boxing v. Jiu Jilsn," Squiics said lie could not consider the proposal until after the light with Lang. He will then give a definite answer.

During the forthcoming week the eyes of boxing enthusiasts throughout Maoriland will be turned to Invercargill, where the 1011 Amateur Championships will ho decided in the Municipal Theatre on July 25 and 26 (Tuesday and Wednesday). The Associations of both North and South Islands have responded liberally in the way of entries, and at the time of wilting the gathering of provincial champions and representatives promises to bo the largest that has ever taken place in the colony since the boxing law now in force came into vogue. It must be very pleasing to members of the Southland B.A. to find that the record gathering is to take place under their auspices, as they have consistently supported and encouraged the amateur since the foundation of the

local ruling body, and in this respect can claim to have led the way in Xew Zealand. The tournament should prove to 1 1 ■ - a hr niorahlo cue, and is certain to attract visitors from even the most remote centres of this province, while it is understood that visitors will he in attendance from many northern portions of the Dominion. The enthusiastic secretary, Mr T. D. Pearson, has had a \ cry busy time of it during the past fortnight, as in addition to the ordinary arrangements of a boxing tourney, he lias had to find accommodation for a very large number of strangers, but ho does not appear to mind the extra labour thus entailed, as he says that “it goes to show that the gathering is likely to be an unprecedented success.” It is understood that- the Xew Zealand Amateur Championship tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday next is to be entirely under the control of the officials of the local Association and to many minds this is a mistake, an opinion which has always been held by the writer. It is all very well, and necessary for that matter, that the minor positions should be filled by members who have gained combination in work by long local experience, but it is quite another thing when the three most important positions come to bo filled. It is the custom at athletic championship contests of all kinds to select experienced men from other parts to assist as judges and referees, and it would have completed the interprovincial flavour of the coming gathering had this idea been followed out. There is no suggestion that the Invercargill officials do not understand their business, but to have introduced one or more visitors to assist in determining the winners would surely have been the correct proceeding under the circumstances, if only as a compliment to the clever referees and Judges who so willingly help on the game in Alter parts of Xew Zealand. FOOTBALL. A play-off. I.F.C. meet Star. On Wednesday next. Star team rule favourites. Albion team win in the East. Town v. Western on Wednesday next. Northern Sub-Union play at Rugby Park. Competition Is very close in Wellington. University still lead for Otago premiership. Rugby followers are selecting representative teams. Albion lead Christchurch one point in Canterbury. Tuatapere Club forms a banner team for next season. A local club gate receipt record should result this year. The majority of junior players deserted their games last Wednesday. Star and Invercargill teams are training hard for next week. The Wellington position:—St. James .*2, Oriental 20, Athletic 19, Poneke IS. Albion tGore) practically won Eastern District premiership on Wednesday. F. Roberts (injured hand) played fullback for Oriental last Saturday. A strong Western District team has heon selected to meet Town next Wednesday. There are some very fine heavy and lengthy forwards in . Southland this icason. The Maori team open their tour against Hawke’s Bay at Napier this afternoon; Hastings on July 26. Cockroft, of Otago University Club, was an interested special or at Rugby Park on Wednesday last. The North Island (country) team will assemble at Palmerston North on Tuesday next (July 25). The Xew Zealand Rugby Union are being condemned on all sides for arranging the’North-South game for October. There was an unusually large gathering of Rugby veterans at Rugby Park on Wednesday; they are expected again an Hio 26th inst. During the latter part of the Star-Ath-letic match it was very amusing to hear supporters of the former inviting their champions to “kick it over the fence.” ft is not so long ago since Wintonites tvoro blamed for tendering similar advice. The Invercargill-Waikiwi game on Wednesday was practically played out in the first spell, when both sides were “all out.” It was a very attractive exhibition while the pressure was on, and

;urae excellent forward and back play was witnessed, particularly in Invercargill's ranks, where Allies, Aaron, Sutherland and Shelton showed forth in fine pyle. Aaron, a New South Wales player, •showed that he was accustomed to hard rounds and a handling forward game, as he threw the ball about from loose and line in a style not usual in southern vanguards. He played, well and is evidently a valuable recruit to I.F.C. for whom he has now appeared on two or three occasions; physically he holds his own with the best of local men. Gunn (centre) and Edmondson (five-eighths) were the best of the attacking backs, while Wesney put in good work as fullback. Henderson, too, was in good form and his place-kicking was quite the feature of the game. Among almost forgotten faces present to witness the Shield contests at Rugby Park on Wednesday, the writer dropped across an old acquaintance in Mr W. Welsh. "‘Bill" who, by the way, expressed pleasure at the dash displayed by his old club-malcs in Green, dons ihe jersey weekly for the Melrose Seniors in the Empire City, filling a wing thrcoquaner position. He is located in the Government service in Wellington, and is at present on a short visit to the south. The Waikiwi side were "short of work,” as the saying goes, but they showed plenty of dash while their condition lasted, and J. horde, G. Eraser, A. McNeece and McCurdy were the best of the backs, while Edginton, Wholers. Morris, and Fraser, were the shining lights of the vanguard. An amusing episode is reported to have occurred at a football match at Walcrawang (New South Wales) recently. “ Cullen Bullen team," writes a correspondent to a Sydney paper, “had one or two of the gentler sex, who came to ‘Wang to barrack for our boys in blue.’ One of the local hotelkeepers sent down a tive-gaiinn jar containing liquor to the ground, and the Cullen lads at half-time made a rush to ihe keg. But they found one cd’ their lady friends silting on it. Our hoys begged hard for a drink, but the lady was adamant, and would allow none till titer the match.”

Very little remains to he said of the Star-Athletic game of ’Wednesday last, but it must he admitted that the better fifteen won, although, on the play, the six points scored ’ey the winning veterans rather more Ilian represent their superiority on the day. in the main the match resolved into a battle between the respective packs and Athletic had a shade Urn best of the opening spell, whereat .several of the Siar vanguard appeared to lo:e their coolness and I'btyed the man instead of Hie ball, while "jcrscy-piT 11 i 11 • " was nol unknown, ■-bihsequt Tilly ihe Star forwards settled down and recovered command of the ball in the scrums, with the result that a more attractive display was witnessed all round, The Athletic vanguard tired in the concluding half, while the bade-, played too deep and thus afforded their eppi beni .• an extended field In work upon. However, the Greens stuck to o ‘dr work manfully and Ibeir conquerors did i.ot len.e tip- field with all the honours in their possession. On the whole, all llio Star rearguard played well, in (he second spoil, and if any man stood out above the others it was .McLcum u. who was here there and everywhere, hei Stead. Dwyer, Woods (full-hack) ami Guppies also did well. Baird he-d rated unue than usual, but de-erves ciedit for 1 1 i ; scoring dash from a well-timed trail for by Dwyer—quite the best work by the latter this season. Oram got a knock which handicapped him as regards brilliancy, but did not prevent him standing for safety on many occasions. Woods easily recorded It is be.:t game of the year. Taking them all through. Speirs, .Strang, Murch and Small were the most con-si-tent of the forward-, while Walker I winm r) effected a largo amount of spoiling work, hut did not assist to a groat extent in opening up ihe game for the backs, H struck the writer as a peculiar thing that some of ihe many placers gained by the Star were not entrusted '<• Grant, who has a reputation for reliability in this direction extending over many years. The Tnringatura (South ITillcnd) team journeyed to Drepnkl on Wednesday last to meet the local representatives in the Western District Banner Competition. In the opening spell Turi recorded a penalty goal (3 points), and, early in the second half, gained a goal from a mark (11. Cowle place-kicked successfully on each .occasion), bringing their total up to 6 points. Subsequently an Drepnkl player was ordered off the ground by referee A. Liddell, aml T it is alleged that on his ruling hieing questioned he awarded the match lo Turk

The winning team therefore remain unbeaten, having won five consecutive contests.

A great amount of enthusiasm lias been displayed by members and supporters of the Athletic Chili, in the doings of their team on the field this season. Gold medals were donated by Messrs Jas. Smith, T. McGrath sent., and R. Walker, for the best back and forward respectively, in the final game against Star; while a gold medal for the best all-round member of the forward brigade during the season was donated by Mr W. L. McGoldrlck. The special committee appointed for the purpose -elected Jas. Ryan as the winner of Mr Smith’s medal; Messrs McGrath and Walker’s medal going to H. MoKlllop in the forward brigade, while P. Scully was announced as the winner of Mr McGoldrick’s medal. The presentations were made by the club’s vice-president (Mr H. Grace). With increased age and experience the Athletic team should prove equal to successfully encountering anything in the club line in this part of the world. The forwards play with great dash and follow up in that determined, if heartbreaking, fashion that is hard to maintain, but invariably spells trouble to defending backs, while their footwork is undeniable. The hardest-working member of the pack on Wednesday was undoubtedly Denniston, but McKillop, Barry and Scully. to say nothing of winger Grace, played with more brilliancy. Tansey showed himself a good man, but had little chance of rising above the ordinary owing to the manner in which he was “shepherded” by several of the enemy. Ryan was the outstanding man of the Greens’ backs and the sturdy half was always in evidence, attack or defence, it was all one to him, and, despite being carefully watched, he generally managed to accomplish whatever he set his mind upon. Timpany also played well and his tackling deserves special mention. It is possible that this plucky youth will develop into a very fine performer one of these days. Scully was good on the wing, and would have done better still had he been left to his own resources. He was the youngest player in the game probably, but very far from being the worst. Fullback Horan made one bad mlsd, * what goal custodian has not done so at times, but it is only a matter of time before he, too, takes higher rank. Lilley had not much to do, and Kirwan was tremendously busy In tackling and rushstopping, but has played better., Crawford played an average game. The Athletic backs should ponder over the Star's short-side try, and remember that, each man is responsible for an opponent. When that party trots across to the blind side it is time to move over too, and to meet him with a rush at that. To stand and wait for attack is bad policy in Rugby near your own line. ’ Go to your rival, young man” on the -hort-side.

Local followers of Rugby will be interested on Wednesday next to see a representative side from the Northern Sub-Union's district in action at Rugby Park. There are some dashing forwards to be found at Lumsden, Waikaia, etc., and their deeds next week will be closely marked. The following will represent Civil Service against Banks to-day-Reid, Brown, Dingwall (2), Mulligan, Holmes, McChesney, Sampson. Lopdoll, Rae, Collie, Slyfield, Hay, Goldsmith, West; emergency, ). Ferguson. The following will represent Banks against Civil Service on the Western Reserve at 3 o'clock this afternoon; — Sowers, Stout, Henderson, Gilmour, Archibald, Norrie, Timpany, Keast, McFarlane, Sutherland, McKinnon, Virtue, Howie, Barr, Cowie; emergencies: Drury, Fallow. TRIAL. MATCH TEAMS. The following teams have been selected to take part in the first Trial matches, in view of the selection of a Southland team to meet the South Island Country side on August 9;— Town to meet Western District, at Riverton, leaving P.O. at 12.30 sharp:— Mcllwrick, W. Forde, Kirwan, Darragh, G. Fraser, W J. Cowie, J. Forde; forwards : Kaedy, McKillop, Bouchler, H. Knight. Watts. Edglnton, Wholers, A. Lindsay ; emergencies Lilley. Horan (backs): F. Fraser, Roche (forwards) —Waikiwi colours. Ton'll team to play Northern District Sub-Union at Rugby Park, at 2.15 p.m. on Wednesday: Dunbar; Crawford, Fenwick, Robertson; McNeece, Timpany; Ryan; W. Lindsay, Morris, Scully, Wilson, Sands, Butler,' Barry, Grace; emergencies—McCurdy, Pierce (backs); Denniston, D’Arcy (forwards) Athletic colours.

Any player unable to take part must notify selectors or secretary of S.R.F.U. not later than noon on Monday. SCHOOLS’ INTER-PRO. MATCH. A trial game will be played on the Western Reserve to-day at 2.30, between players from combined Middle and Waihopal and South and Marist Schools. The following are the teams;— -. South and Marist. Wills, Jenkins, Coakley, Sutton, Bartlett, Robertson, Broad, McClymont, O’Neill (2), R. Rogerson, Whitaker, Tinnock, Murray, O’Byrne, McDonough, Langmuir. Middle and Waihopai. E. Coutts, Guthrie, Scandrett (2), Macpherson, Lilley, Grant. Critchfleld, Smith, Lopdell, Hiskins, Swinburn, Coster, Morrah, McCrostie, Bell, McCurdy, Aehley, Bellworthy, Harper, Smith. THE NORTHERN UNION GAME. (Dy Telegraph— Preps Association.—Copyright.) SYDNEY. July 21. The Rugby League is trying to arrange a tour of New Zealand before the season closes.

• SSVDCIATZOIT FOOTBALL. (By "Linesman.’’) Bluff defeat Celtic. Nightcaps defeat Y.M.C.A. Celtic still leading for the cup. Next week —Celtic v. Invercargill ; Bluff v. Y'.M.C.A. at Bluff. The result of last Wednesday's BluffCeltic match leaves the cup competition in a very interesting stage. Celtic have played off their last cup fixture, and Nightcaps and Bluff, with eight points each and two matches still to go, have each a chance of Being with the Celts for the trophy. Should either of those teams reach the final lie the Cells will require to go into hard training if they hope to emerge successful. A meeting between Celtic and Nightcaps, or Celtic and Bluff, in a cup-tie final, should provide cue of the most exciting struggles in Association football seen here for a long time, and should be prolific of bringing the game into high favour with the sporting public of Southland. One has only to road the signs of the times to notice that the game lias already caught the public eye, and liirl.s fair to have a large following before the lapse of another season. There was a good attendance of followers of the soccer game at Queen’s Park on Wednesday to witness the meeting of Bluff and Celtic. The Bluff team seemed much fitter than Celtic, and some of (heir onslaughts on the Black and Whites’ citadel were splendid. Their forward line played well as a. whole and showed a marked improvement on previous form. The Maroons are proving themselves smart exponents of the long passing game, and their wing men seemed (o ho always in position to take the hall when it was passed out to them. J. Bradshaw was the pick of the forwards and showed plenty of dash. He is a very fast player and one not to be lightly reckoned with. Porrost (out-

side- right) ivas also noticeable for much ;, r ood piny. “What wont wrong with the Celts?” That is the question asked hy a follower of Ihe frame after Wednesday’s match. The Black and Whites were awarded two penalty kicks and on both occasions failed to score. Fryer, who took the first kick, sent the ball straight into the goalkeeper’s hands, and Pratt, who took the other, kicked over the bar. They were two splendid chances for the Cells to equalise but they were ignomlnlpusly thrust aside. Celtic had much the better of the game in the second spell, but through some wild kicking several good chances were lost. The team was weakest in the half line. Kelly sustained an injury previous to the match and was unable to take his usual place in that position, while Reid was placed hors-de-combat early in the game through an injured ankle, and was able to give his team very little assistance. The halves were incllined to kick too far ahead at times instead of placing to the forwards, and the Bluff hacks were easily able to clear, in consequence, llowio (centre forward) was ton slow and did not exorcise enough judgment in jiassing to his forwards.

There were some players after the match who exhibited no small amount of annoyance at what they regarded as tactical blunders on the part of some of their comrades. This element not Infrequently enters into the discussion here of a defeated team, and mostly assumes an injured air on the part of those players whose mistakes were the most glaring. When these players learn to take a defeat as true sport’s it will he all the holler for the game and will tend to raise the tone of soccer football in Southland. That is a consummation fop which every lover of the soccer game must strive. The following notes on the NightcapsY.M.C.A. match are contributed ; “Y.M.C.A. were unlucky to lose the services of throe of their players through a break-down happening to one of the motor cars which conveyed the team to the country township, but wore nevertheless able to give the 'Caps men a good hard game. The Nightcaps team played well In defence. Uocherty and Taylor were the most conspicuous, and some of the former’s saves in goal were smart pieces of work. Thomson and Blvth were the Blue and Whites' star forwards. Stevens and Campbell played a very strenuous game for T.M.C.A. The game was of the friendliest description, and tbe Y.M.’s are loud in their praises of the way in which they were treated by the Nightcaps, men.” Well done. Y.M. ! It does one good to see the enthusiastic spirit which pervades all the members of the team and the zest with which all the club’s fixtures have been entered into and carried through. Next week Celtic will meet Invercargill in the League, and Y.M.C.A. will travel to Bluff and play the Port team in the cup competition. The Canterbury Association considers that the visits of the Manawatu and Wellington Associations in quest of the shield will create a deal of enthusiasm' and give the game a push that it has been waiting for for some years past. The next Brown Shield match will he

played at Christchurch between Mannwatu and Canterbury on July 29. Wanganui’s challenge match follows, and. It Is understood that Wellington has also challenged Canterbury for the Shield. The New Zealand Football Association is to be asked by the Wellington Association to negotiate for the visit of an English team to tour the colonies. Nothing will give the game a bigger lift In New Zealand than the visit of such a team if it can be arranged. The balance-sheet of Aston Villa shows a profit for the year of £5924. The total income was £16,141, gate money producing £15,428, less amount paid away £llO3 ; season tickets and members’ subscriptions produced £llOO. On the expenditure side, players’ wages and transfer fees consumed £4324, while the total match expenses were £2862, travelling, training, and hotel expenses amounting to £1650. The following table shows the position of clubs in the McDonald Cup competition Ply.Wn.Dn.Lst.Fof.A’st.Pt. Celtic .. .. 8 6 0 2 *23 11 12 Nightcaps 6 4 0 2 21 11 S Bluff .. .. 6 4 02 18 9 S Invercargill 7 3 04 20 17 6 Y.M.C.A. 7 0 0 7 8 42 0

C.A., but. were eventually defeated by 5 goals to nil. The slick work of this youthful team is really fine, and Mr Cook deserves credit for the way the team acquits itself. Next year they will have to he reckoned with by all junior competitors. The Men. Referees have been appointed for the various matches next Wednesday as follows Wyndham v. Y.M.C.A., Mr Meyer ; Rakiura v. Wainui, -Mr Dreaver : Awarua Rides v. V.M.C.A., Mr McNarey; Rakiura v. Invercargill, Mi- Mitchell. R. M. Rutherford, the brilliant Otago forward who captained the Otago rep. team that played against Southland in Invercargill last year, has left Dunedin to take up a position as managing clerk for Mr E. R. Bowler, in Gore. At the weekly meeting of the Otago Hockey Association on Wednesday evening, the Chairman (Mr Hobbs), on behalf of the Executive, made a presentation to Mr Rutherford as a memento of his connection with the hockey governing body for some years past. In doing so Mr Hobbs referred to the harmony that had always characterised the meeting of the Executive, which made the members all the more sorrv to lose one of their number. He wished Mr Rutherford every success, and expressed the hope that he would at some future time return to his place in Otago hockey, both on the field and in the meeting room, in each of which spheres his services had been invaluable. Mr Rutherford, in reply, said lie regretted having to sever his connection with the Association, and endorsed the Chairman’s remarks as to the harmonious relations which had existed among the members of the Executive. He w-ould always, he said, retain a keen interest in the Association’s work and take great pleasure in their success; The meeting of the Southland Hockey Association on Thursday night was called mainly to deal with the question as to whether a rep. team would be sent on tour this season. The matter did not require much consideration as the finances are In such a low- state that the proposal concerning a trip to Christchurch was dispelled at first glance. With regard to the Otago match, however, the Committee were of opinion that this can be successfully undertaken; but not on the date suggested by Otago, viz., sth August, as the local matches will not he finished in time to allow of a few trial matches before the rep. match.

The Otago team Is to tour North this season, and the Secretary of the Southland Association (Mr W. McGoldrick) has been Instructed to suggest to the Otago Association that the Otago-South-land match be played in Dunedin after the return of the Otago team from tour. The protest by the Awarua Rifles team against a ruling of the referee in their match with Invercargill on Wednesday has been referred by the Association to the Referees’ Association for consideration and report. The decision of the Hockey Association not to send a team to Christchurch to compete for the Norden Cup is a wise one, as the financing necessary to provide the expenses would only hamper the promotion of the game in Southland. What is wanted in Invercargill more than anything else is a good ground for the senior matches. The Association should consider this and see if they canrtot get a playing area into proper order before next season commences. Hockey has advanced as far as it can under present conditions. An additional advantage would be that the public would know where to go to find the senior games if one ground was set apart for them, and the players would then have an opportunity of treating the spectators to a good exhibition of the stick game. The reason of this belief was amply borne out by the T.M.C.A.-Rakiura match last Wednesday, which wasi played on the Queen’s Park. - The selectors have a stiff problem ahead of them this season, but there is no reason to doubt that Messrs W. Robertson, R. M. Strang, and the Rev. J. W. Shaw will do their work in a capable manner. Southland should make a bold bid to lower the Otago colours this season. The Rakiura-Y.M.C.A. match was a pleasing one to watch, and both teams are to be complimented on the game they played. The Rakiura team (to take the losers first) played a fine game, but their passing as they approached their opponents’ twenty-five and circle was too much across the field Instead of across and through. The wings made their old mistake of hanging on to the ball, instead of getting it into the centre when they are about; their opponents’ twenty-five. Speaking generally, the Y.M.C.A. played well, taut one would have liked to see more vigorous passing from portions of the half line. Owing to this some of the forwards had to come back in order to pick up the ball. This of course is bad from an attacking point of view. The Wellington forward line is credited with having some 10% sec. men, and “Circle” is inclined to think after last Wednesday’s match that some of the local men must be men of even time. A. Gllmour had a day out on Wednesday and his goals were well earned ones. He has good command of his stick, and the way he beat the opposing full-backs was pretty to watch. He also uses a lot of judgment in placing himself in a position to receive passes. Sampson was again found playing in a new position, and once more he was found playing well. His best friends would advise him to stay out on the left wing, as he played a fine game there. Ho was inclined in the Rakiura match to got out of his place slightly, especially towards the end. W. Dingwall played his usual sound game, and gave the opposing wing a lot of trouble. He is a good player, easily the best in his position in Southland.

HOCKEY. (By "Circle.") The Girls. The Underwood Girls were successful in defeating the Girls’ High School by the narrow margin of one goal, and now head the list by one point, with the Invercargill Girls A next and Higli School third., Two more games are to be played yet before the premiership match can rake place, and as things are at present, and Underwood continue to play their strong game, it is pretty safe to anticipate that they will be town premiers. There should be a good “go"’ between Invercargill A and High School for second place. The wbather and the grounds this week were all that could be desired, and three matches were played here. The game Underwood v. Girls’ High School proved to be a very strenuous one. School was weak in the attack and their forwards lost not a few opportunities to score by standing too near their own circle, thus hampering thenown defence and weakening their attack to a certain extent. This same fault is very noticeable in nearly all the teams. Miss M. Huffadlne, right wing forward for School, put in some good solid work. Mr Hartley, as sole selector for the Southland Ladies’ Hockey Association, is the right man in the right place. He has interested himself in ladies’ hockey for several seasons and knows all the players, has witnessed most of the rep. matches and knows just what is required of each player. For this reason we (all of us girls) have every reason to expect that the team selected will give as good account of themselves as did our last year’s reps., of whom not only the selectors but all Southland were justly proud. The Association and secretaries of the various clubs are doing their utmost to raise funds to send the team to the tournament at Wellington, and the public are responding very liberally to their requests for subscriptions. Matches which were set down for decision on July sth, but were postponed on account of the weather, will be played on the 26th inst (next Wednesday), and are as follows : Albian v. Invercargill A, Queen’s Park 2 p.m., referee Dir Hartley ; Underwood v. Union, at Underwood 3 p.m., referee Mr Leggat : Invercargill B v. High School, Queen’s Park 3 p.m., referee Dir Hartley. School girls’ matches for to-day are— South v. North. Rakiura ground, at 2 p.m. ; Park v. Middle, Queen’s Park, at 2 p.m. ; Waihopai, a bye.

H. Richards (centre-half) did a lot of useful -work for his side, hut must pass harder up to his forwards. McLean, Rattray and Hinton all played well, and D. Strang, in goal, saved in good style. A. Dingwall played a hard game—what might he termed "a farewell flutter.” He will be missed by his clubmates and hockeyitos generally, and I am sure all ,ioin with me in wishing him all success in the North. “Remember, Arthur, never hit a man’s toe, even if it is in front of the ball.” , .1. Strang, who plays bully for the Y.M.C.A., lias all the qualifications for the position and he fills it admirably. Big, but active and speedy, he is a splendid centre forward and a reliable pivot for n strong forward line. He distributes the work impartially, makes clever openings, and shoots hard and straight and often. A. Hamilton plays a good game but does not seem to be able to get out of the bad habit of hanging on to the ball. Owing to this fact he had the ball taken from him again and again by the opposing half. A, Kidd played a fine game on Wednesday. and did all that was asked of him well. At times he is inclined to obstruct. Earwaker. on the wing, played well, but it was a mistake to have moved him to the inside position in the second half. Black has shown up to more advantage than he did on Wednesday. He is apt to stand off too much. With a little more experience he will make a good player. Martin (in goal) had some trying experiences, but came through them well. B. Richards put dash and life in his play and consistently plays a good game. Mr H. Meyer is to be complimented on the way lie handled the Y.M.C.A.Raldura game. He can feel assured that both players and spectators had no fault to find in bis rulings. That tactful, use of the whistle which observes proper silence when the advantage rule is to be quickly considered, and when trifling breaches about mid-field have been made, is .iust the tiling to produce a fast, and open game enjoyable alike to players and spectators. The following will represent Warehouse against High School on Rakiura ground at 3 p.m. to-day : —W. Stewart, Sutton, Searoll, McNatty. Leggat, Hartley, Dobie, Randle, D. Stewart, Grant, and Eunson ; emergencies, Hall and Given. SHOOTING. KOLAPORE CUP RESULTS. LONDON, July 20. Following is the result of the Kolapore Cup : —The Motherland and Canada, 759 : South Africa and Guernsey, 733 ; New Zealand, 729 ; India, G9S. The Motherland takes the cup, having the best score at the longest range.

The Boys. There have boon keen games in the junior competition on the past two Wednesdays. The y.M.C.A.-Rakiura match wanot a very satisfactory game from any standpoint, too many of the players being anxious to "referee. ’’ Players should bear in mind that the referee is appointed by the Association, and that the playing field is not the place in which to dispute the rulings. The captain only should appeal when it is necessary to do so on the spot. Anything in the nature of a protest, should be put before the Association. This is really the only decent way for any ordinary docent fellow to follow. There is altogether too much talking indulged in by a number of players (the juniors are the worst, practically the only offenders), and most of the trouble that lias marred one or two games recently has arisen from this fact. “Circle” has a soft side for the players in the junior grade, the enthusiasm and growth of which have been the most encouraging feature in local hockey this season. But Clarence, your behaviour on many occasions lias been far from creditable, and something very severe will have to be said about it if you don't mend your ways. Can you take advice if it is put in your own language ? Shut up, won’t you ? Say nothing and saw wood. Bo a sportsman and don’t squeal. Are you quite sure that you know what a sportsman is? Eleven sport-men could never he mistaken for a mob of ill-bred fowls, cackling and quarrelling and scratching after a thing that might as well be a miserable wriggling worm as a hockey ball. Some good individual form was shown in the Rakinra-Y. I\I,C,A. match already referred to, but combination was lacking on both sides.- V.M.C.A., who had previously shown up rather well in this respect, fell short of their usual form. Dykes played a dashing game at inside loft and was particularly clever with his stick. Lilico, in the backs, also uses his stick well at times, but, being new to the game, is inclined to lift it above his shoulder. Gregg, at centre half, is a solid worker, but shows a tendency to lose his head when Ills team is strongly pressed. McNarey and Martin, in the forward line, and Richards and Hazlett among the backs, did their fair share of hard work. V.M. forwards had a day off. though the backs stood well to their guns, Battin (especially) defending splendidly as usual. Adamson is a strength to his side and plays consistently but should hit his ball harder. Last Wednesday a strenuous game eventuated between Awarua Rides and Invercargill, the latter proving victors by 5 goals to 4. Kirwan excelled himself in the back division of the Whites, and proved a snag to bis opponents. The forwards, led by Tlmpany. are a fast group, and they indulged in some good dashes. Their scores are generally registered in this way. Awarua Rifles possess some good material, and with more combination would be hard to boat. England bad a day out, his dashing style and stickwork telling effectively. Wairongon, "the boys’ team," hold their own for a short time with Y.M.-

THE TUBE. BY “SIR MODRED.” Mr J. Sharp’s brown gelding by Knight Errant Bluebell, foaled In 190G, has had the name of Azure Knight claimed for him. It looks as If there will be more New Zealar.d-ow r ned hoses competing at the.' Australian J.C.’s Spring fixture than on any previ.ous occasion. My Lawyer became very sore after his race on the opening day of the Wellington Winter fixture,, and it was decided not to extend him further at the meeting, but he is being kept moving along on the training tracks. The N. Z. Metropolitan Trotting Club have received very large entries for their Winter meeting. Most of the fastest horses of the Dominion claiming engagements. Amongst the Southlandera nominated are Duncan McGregor, Bellflower, Silver Black, Dragoon, and som« others. By his win in the Wellington Steeplechase on Wednesday Hoanga brought his penalty in the Grand National Steeplechase up to 141bs. The contest for the jockeys 1911 premiership will be brought to a conclusion at Trentham tb-day. The matter has resolved into a struggle between H. Gray, of Taranaki, and A. Whittaker, of Auckland, the pair entering on tha final day’s competition on even terms. Had Undecided (R. Hatch) not beaten Sandy Paul by a nose in the Karorl Handicap on Wednesday last, H. Gray would have led by one success. It is understood that Mr W. Baird has purchased the Canrobert —First Ventura horse, Bold Venture, a probable Wtnton Guineas candidate. Bold Venture Is a half-brother to P. T. Hogan’s Sarafleld, and is an animal of more than average height, in fact, it is more than likely that he will not be seen at his best until served by age. He was tried at Riverton last season with other youngsters of his own age In Speybank and First Robert, and was found to possess tha family gift of galloping. An unusual happening in connection with the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase wis the fact that none of the contestants fell, although a number refused or ran round their fences. Among the last to finish was Mr J. Loughlin’s Simple Simon, one of the most fancied of the starters, but it is quite possible that he met with some interference In the race, and thus failed to exhibit his true form. In any case, he has been set to carry about the same ryelght In the valuable and more lengthy Austra* lian Steeplechase to be decided at Caulfield on August 12, Trainer J. Thistleton has reached Riocarton with True Blue and The Gunner, his two Grand National charges, while Wairaki, a Trial Hurdle Race candidate, constitutes a third member of the team. It Is understood that H. G. Coker will ride True Blue between the flags, while F. Douglas will journey north to steer The Gunner. Another Injustice to Southland is contained in the .statement published in the Press to the effect that True Blue is 'a Dunedin representative. With regard to southern representatives, it is safe to say that Embrasure and, Wairaki (Southland) ’ and Redmond (Otago) are three excellent candidates for hurdle race honours.

It strikes the writer as a very peculiar fact that none of the Otago delegates to the Racing Conference thought of pointing out the injustice done to the Wyndham and Southland clubs in particular by granting the North Otago J. C. permission to race on January 2nd and. 3rd, when it Is considered that it has taken a .number of years to build up a successful, circuit of fixtures, Including the D.J.C., Wyndham, Southland, Walrio, Gore, and Tapanui meetings. But It whs ever thus, as southern delegates invariably journtey to annual meetings of tho Conference and forget they have tongues in their heads when it comes to practical or business-like proposals. It is said that members of the Conference consider that a meeting at Oamaru at New Year time will not affect southern gatherings held at the same period, but a little reflection will show that this is a ridiculous argument. It is a well-known fact that many owners, trainers, jockeys and a large percentage of the public visit Southland -at this time of year to assist at our meetings, and it is not likely that th'ey will continue to follow this course to the extent of 'former seasons when a gathering is presented nearer home, viz., at Oamaru. Of course, Southlanders will still be expected to patronise Dunedin’s Wingatui convincing ground in strength. However, the south will probably win out in the end. but. at the same time, there is no reason why southern clubs should have to compete against an Otago club which has been racing for years, and on many different dates at that, before its rulers thought fit to run the risk of being dubbed “claim jumpers.” The Otago Witness Canterbury correspondent writes regarding two of the Southland G.N. candidates: —"I am disposed to think, in fact, that quite number of the candidates for this year’s Grand National will find the Riccarton. country a trifle difficult for them, this view being Induced by the prepondenance of falls in other steeplechases decided this winter. With this in mind the prospects of the Southland horse True Blue cannot be lightly passed over, though, provided a majority of the field stand up, there was nothing in his form at Wingatui to go into ecstasies over. . .Honest Tom has already shown his ability to negotiate the country, and I have a strong fancy for him.’’ The writer quoted has overlooked the presence in the race of our third candidate. The Gunner, a horse very likely to show up in a long race if the question resolves itself into one of jumping ability. Like most experienced Southland horses accustomed to racing over Riverton country, The Gunner should not experience any difficulty in getting round at Riccarton.

The last has evidently been seep on the turf of the Epsom Derby winner, judging from the . following paragraph appearing in the London Sportsman, of June 9: —“Sunstar, who broke down, while contesting the Derby, which, however, he won for Mr J. B. Joel, has been turned out of training and sent to the stud farm at Child wickbury. As a two year old Sunstar. who is by Sundrldge out of Doris, won three races and 2118 sovs, while his three victories this season L- the Two Thousand Guineas, Newmarket Stakes, and the Derby—aggregate 14,280 sovs.” English owners seem to have accepted W H. McLachlan at his Australian valuation, and, when the latest mail to hand left London, the crack colonial jockey was getting plenty of riding. His first success was favourably received by writers who commented upon the performance. , '' , While Mr James Mclntosh s thoroughbred horse, Mai alt off, was being taken to a paddock on Monday ( says the Wyndham Herald) he met with a nasty accident. When entering the gate the horse commenced kicking and got its hind legs over the barbed wire fence. Before the horse could be released, he was severely torn about the fetlock and hock. It is unfortunate for the owner, especially as the horse was likely to be sold. The son of Stepniak, by the way. has been leaving some useful stock during the past two or three seasons, despite the fact that he was bred to very few mares of clean breeding. It will be remembered that one of his sons, Sir Patrick, from Peradvcnture (sister to Sarsfield) raced fairly well during the season just concluding. A Melbourne cablegram, dated July H states that at the annual meeting of the Victoria Racing Club the report showed a surplus of £9316. The stakes distributed for the year amounted to £57,723. The Grand National meeting yielded a profit of £1564 ; the Spring meeting £14,164 ; New Tear’s Day meeting £1129 ; while the Autumn meeting represented a loss of £2Oll, and tha August and October meetings slight losses. The added money for the current season is increased by £4950. The annual meeting of the Winton Jockey Club will be held in Moore’s Hall on Wednesday next at 7.30 p.m., when the annual report and balance-sheet will be submitted to the memners and the election of five members of committee, two auditors and a secretary, will be held. The following nominations for of. flee-bearers have been received, viz.—President, Mr W. Norman (re-elected unopposed) ; Vice-president, Mr W. Shand (re-elected unopposed) ; treasurer, Mr J. McDonald (re-elected unopposed) ; committee : Messrs J. Tobin, O .D. Moore, J. A. Horner, Jas. Wilson, F. Moore, R. Jamieson, and A. Provan.