SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 17244, 15 January 1913, Page 3

SPORTING

KOTES BY "SIR MOORED.” Kill ' During iMie West Coast holiday meetings the- Hawera jockey, F. Homes, rode ten winners. Seven of his victories were gained on Irish Gift, who started eight times. Irish Gift is a son of the Soult horse. Cordon Rouge. Those who saw St. Petersburg—halfbrother to Danube —win at Oamaru, assert that lie has built up into a fine horse, and is likely to win many more races for his new owner, who purchased him from Mr Buckley for £l5O and £SO out of his first win. St. Petersburg lias been entered for the Gore R.C.'s Summer meeting. Quite a number of New Zealand-bred horses were successful in the Commonwealth on New Year’s Day. At the Hanging Rock nu>-s (Vic.) the Handicap Maiden Plate was won by the three-year-old filly Gentll. by Charlemagne 11. —Marlin. At the Brighton ('Tasmanian) races the Brighton Plate (one mile and a-quarter) was won by the ex-Southland Ally Aeroplane, who has captured a number of races of late. Aeroplane showed poor form In this country, and her Tasmanian successes come in the nature of a surprise. In Queensland two Important events at the Q.T.C.'s fixture fell to Maorilandcrs, Strike Fund, by Birkenhead —Snooze, won the Flying Welter Handicap, and Lord Burnside, by Vasco—lima (dam of Obsono), carried Off the Two-year-old Handicap. Maorilander M. Edwards was in evidence as a trainer and driver of trotters at the Melbourne Trotting Club's meeting on January Bth. With the colt John Wren, by Mauritius (sire of the Canterbury mare Muricata), lie won tlie Burnley Handicap (one mile) by a head in 2 min. 35Vi secs., and steered Machine Gun into second place in the Richmond Hundred (one mite and a-lialf). behind Htton Jack. Both Edwards's charges are owned by Mr Zanders, for whom the New Zealander acts as private trainer. Mr Edward TTulton (for whom the Australian. K. Wool ton, trains), having won the York Glmcrack Stakes at the York August meeting with Flippant, was on November 29th the principal guest at the lifith annual dinner of the York Glmcrack Club, held at the Station Hotel. York. This Is the second year in which Mr Hulton lias occupied the seat of honour at the clubs board, his success of last year being gained by Lomond. In replying to the toast of his health, submitted by Colonel W, A. White, Mr Hulton made some remarks of Interest about long-distance races, “A striking feature in modern racing." lie said, "Is the growing disfavour of longdistance handicaps. Not on the part of the public, for I believe long races arc watched with more interest than any. (Hear, hear.) It proceeds from owners and trainers finding more scope In going for shorter races and less risk of breaking their horses down. It has been suggested that more encouragement should be given for long-distance races: but valuable prizes do not necessarily produce a better entry, either In number or class. Perhaps if a series of longdistance handicaps of fair value were arranged by concerted action amongst the race companies better results would follow. (Hear, hear.) Owners would feel there was more than one string to their bow. and that it might be worth while devoting a horse to long-distance preparation.” But he had heard it suggested that the failing popularity of long-distance racing pointed to the decadence "of tire present day racehorse. They were asked how many horses today could run in several two and three mile heats in one afternoon without tracking up? He was inclined to think that there was a great deal of misconception of what really took place in these early days. It would be found on investigation that very few horses tan more than once in one day: that, although the events were over long distances. the pact) was bad. and, in fact, there was more dawdling about than running, except at the finish. “Now, there can be no doubt,” Mr Hulton went an. “I til Ink. that pace is the deciding factor as to the merit of endurance. The contests of to-day are far more strenuous and exacting than the old heals, and a champion then would cut a very poor figure now The ideal test of merit is the Cast mile, and the horse which can succeed at that distance, amongst the best class, and in tlie best time, is the horse that is wanted. Tlie fast mller is the horse to breed from. Bo long as this type is produced—and it is being produced—there is no fear of decadence.” CANTEBBUBY TUBE NOTES. (Special to tlie Times.) CHRISTCHURCH. January 14. Sir Geo, Clifford's team for tlie Wellington Su.oT.iie- meeting wlfll include liiasterpiece. Heatherbrae, Briar Patch, Scottish Star. Brown Owl, and Trireme. Irish Kale (late Vulgate), by Cerise and Blue —Reims, has joined D. Roberts’s stable at Riccarton. The brown (lily linmer, by Martian— Everlasting, lias been sold by Air H. Friedlander to a patron .of C. Pritchard's stable at Trentham. The chestnut (illy Golden .Morn, by Cannie Cliiel —Good Morning, lias joined R. Longley's stables. Tlie same trainer Is also breaking in a two-year-old bay colt by Glnapp—Perkin Warbeck II; mare. Whizz and Gold Cup. two of Air J, c. N. Grigg’s horses, are at present quartered at Riccarton. Sir Knox is considered likely to fare well in the Wellington Cup with 7st. lllbs. Tlie Sir Laddo colt lias not been unduly burdened. H. Wilson has , been engaged to fide him in the big Trentham svenh AMATEUB ATHLETICS. (By "Tlie Secretary.") FIXTURES FOR THE SEASON. Wednesday. 15tli January.—Annual sports of the Otautau A.A. Club. Wednesday. 29tii January.—Orawiu and Cllfden Athletic Sports. Wednesday, stli February.—Southland Provincial Championships at Invercargill (probable). Saturday. 15th February.—New Zealand Championships at Wellington. Monday, 17th March.—lrish Athletic Society's Annual Gathering in Rugby Park. November, —Australasian Championships in Victoria.

Glancing over the above list, I was struck with a possible date for an annual fixture by the 1.A.A.C., as, of course, everyone believes that the local Club's Committee will correct their blunder, and yet hold the first of what t trust will become one of .Southland’s leading sports fixtures. The date that struck me was Easter Monday. There is no fixtt.ro of any kind in Invercargill itself that day, and F believe that if the Club held their annual sports on that day, a big gate would result. Tne annual meeting of delegates to the Southland Centre. X.Z.A.A.A. will be held at Otautau on Wednesday evening. The report has already been distributed and makes interesting reading. One of the most Interesting items on the list of business to tie transacted is the allotment of the Southland Provincial Cham.plonships. It Is pretty certain that these will be held in Invercargill -r. Wednesday. th Vebrnary. A solectio. committee of the Southland representative team to be sent to Wellington to defend the. Shield is also another item to claim attention.

The New Zealand Championships have been definitely allotted to the Wellington Centre for control, and In a communication to centres. It is avinounced that the championships will be held on the Basin Reserve. Wellington City, on Saturday, 15th February.

The Wellington Provincial Championships are to be held In Wellington on Saturday. Ist February, and the following is the draft programme;—(Championships): 100 Yards, 220 Yards. 410 Yards, SSO Yards, One Mile, Three miles, 120 Yards Hurdles, 440 Yards Hurdles’ One Mile Walk, High .lump. Throwing Hammer. Putting Shot, Long Jump; ( Handicaps): 75 Yards. 1000 Yanis, Three Mile Walk, Hop, Step and Jump. Pole Vault and Boys’ Walk: (School and College Events): 220 Yards Schools Championship. 100 Yards Scouts. ion Yards (nter-College Championship. The MeVilly Shield goes to the winning club, and the points count similar to given at the Southland meeting, viz.; First* 9; second, 3; third, 1. m

I understand that quite a batch of local athletes are seeking reinstatement at Wednesday's meeting of the Centre. .1, Beatson showed a big improvement on the form he displayed at the December evening sports on Rugby Park at Tlmaru on New Year’s Day. He cut out the Half-mile from scratch in 2 min. 6 3-5 secs., which, is easily his best performance to date over a similar course. With a view to deciding if there are any runners fit to send to the New Zealand Championships in Wellington on 15th February, the Otago Centre intend hoi ling trials shortly over 320 hards and One Mile distances. The New Zealand champion sprinter, ft. 13. Egglcstone has not yet resumed his employment. and is still recuperating at his home at Lawrence, so it may be taken for granted that he will not be able to assist his province, Otago, at the Championships. The defection of Burk, junior, to the ranks of the cash runners will also be seriously felt by the Otago Centre, as lie was looked on as likely to be of great assistance as a point scorer this season.

The Otautan meeting on Wednesday should see some good performances recorded, and there Is every likelihood of a record going by the hoard, at least such Is tlie rumour, but Wednesday will tell if Dame Rumour is still a lying jade. Outside of the Southland men, Beatson and Swinney (Dunedin), and Jarrold (Pomahaka). are the competitors of note, and they should keep the local men busy in the events in which they will compete. The meeting should provide a good line on the performances likely to lie recorded at the Southland Championships. Southland won the New Zealand Shield last year by reason of her strength in the field games, and if the large entries in these events at Otautau on Wednesday, are any criterion. she should again he very strong. At any rat° at the present time, there are still in Hie game and going well. Keddell, Kean. Reid. Hazlett, Oilier, and quite a number of promising new men, white our young sprinters of last year should all be able to show improved form now. From the Dominion on a recent meeting of the Wairarapa A.A.C.. at which Wellington competitors competed:—A huge field of nearly twenty filed out for the quarter. Byrne, on 3 yds. being virtual scratch. The back-markers never had a chance of getting through, and the finish was confined to the limit men, Tresidder on 25 yds. winning handily from Hancock. 30 yds. and Iggulden 25 yds. in 50 1-5 secs., which seems too good altogether, seeing that the track is some ten yards short of the quarter. Tresidder ran a well-judged race in this, as in the "hundred.” but he performed disappointingly in the 220 Yards. The Half-mile was responsible for a remarkable performance by veteran .lack Bradbury, who. starling from the fifteenyard mark, got within five yards of the winner. Crass (70 yds), in 1 min. 57 3-5 secs.. It is time for the, full distance working out at about 2 min. dead. Bradbury is a’ perennial wonder, tills latest performance being quite as good as ills best performance in the days of his prime, when lie was a worthy opponent of Hector Burk and .lack Prenderville. They have gone from the track for some years now, but the Wairarapa man still flourishes. The Bradbury clan evidently have u penchant for half-miles, for another Jack Bradbnry, no other than his son. toddled home second In the boys' walk. Provincial champion V. Byrne was clean out of form, and could not get near his field. He will need to improve a lot before lie reaches his last year's form. Crass, the winner. Is a very promising lad. Making his own pace, lie forced matters right from the jump, and battled out the finish with rare determination.

The pole vault was a duel between R. McKenzie and G. Harvey, who is certainly a useful performer, and one who would, with a few lessons from “Len" McKay, be capable of something over 10ft, The other field events were of the poorest quality, a putt of something in the neighbourhood of 28ft. winning the jihnt, and a jump of 4ft. 11 in. secured first place in the high jump. BOWLING. The following players will represent the Southland Club against Ilokomt] at Gore to-day. players leaving by 1.35 express:-.!. Manson. AV. T. Buchanan, J. McXalty. T. Ltunsden, AV. Ayson, C. Fraser, .1. Roscow. W. Wesney, W. H. Whitaker, J. Brass. R. Wesney, A. D. Millar. J. Stevenson, J. H. Reid. AV. Stead. A. M. Ayllng. The following members of the Te Rangi Club will leave for Wyndham by the 1.30 p.m. train to-day:—McCallum, Brooks, W. Buchanan, Findlay (s), Roscow, Henry, Wilson, Smith (s), -Marshall. Spence, McKenzie, Waugh (s), Hamilton, Robertson. Hannah, Stirling (s). The following will represent Xorthend against the Gore Club, at Gore, this afternoon: —Louden, Vates, Cockburn. AV. Johnson. AV. Watson, J. McLachlan, De Cuslro. C. Hannah, Roche, Blue, Leek. Padget. Mcllwrick, Wilson, Service, Whelan. Invercargill play Matanra on the Mataura Club's green to-day. and the following representatives of the local club will leave town by the 1.33 p.m. train;— Grindley, Brass. C. Lambeth. Melvin, Jackson. Bartlett. Jas. Walker. Manchester. I'ocbrane. Miller. Mac Donald, T. Martin. Holmes. McLaren, R. Lambeth. Jenkins. I X VHRCARGILL CLUB, ADDITIOXS TO PAVTLIOX. A meeting of the Invercargill Bowling Club was field In the pavilion last evening. the president, Mr Jas. AValker. presiding. The chairman said that the meeting was called for the purpose of deciding whether it was advisable to carry out additions to (be present clubhouse. The committee bad lie said gone very fully into the matter, and they had decided to advise members to go on with the proposed addition. The architect's estimate, which was guaranteed as to the maximum cost was £l2O, and one of the members of Ihe club had offered them the money at a five per cent, rate of interest. The idea was to have the present pavilion utilised, and when the work was being done the structure would be moved and more room would tints be given. A member asked whether it would be necessary to go into debt iu order to put the green In order next season. The Chairman explained that the cost would be no more than in previous years, and further that the £l2O to he lent would be for the purpose of adding to the pavilion. Air Jenkins moved that the work be undertaken, remarking that the club was gelling the money cheap, and that the offer should be taken advantage of. After slight discussion the motion was put and carried, with only one dissentient. The question of when the work should be done was discussed, and referred to the committee. A hearty vote of thanks to the member who had offered the money was recorded. CRICKET. TO-DAVS GAM FA Senior. — There promises. If the weather conditions are favourable to be a large attendance at Rugby Purl; this afternoon to witness the final day's play of the first round of Mercantile .Shield fixtures, Appleby have lost T wickets for 117 runs in the first innings against 1.C.C.. which side accounted for 162 rims. Bluff (106) and V.M.C.A. M2B». have each concluded a single innings, and It will be interesting to see what the Portites can do 10-day. when they will be strengthened by the inclusion of Bannerman. —Junior. — Junior teams and grounds for to-day's games are as follows: f.C.C. v. Wnlrongoa. I.C.C. ground. 1.C.C.: Chambers, McNair. Smith, Vincem, Vickery, Penis, Mitchell, Brooke. Hide, Galbraith. Stokes. Finn. AfcGregor, Reynolds, and AVesl. Wairongoa; McKenzie. (3), Keys. Rigg. McLean. McCallum. Ballintyne. Low, Porter. Oughlon. Emergencies: Alley, Brodie. Southern v. V.M.C.A. "F!.,” V.M.C.A. ground. Southern: Taylor. Hcrlot, Dewe, Fitzgerald, Hobbs. Bardsley. Holmes, McAuliffe. Scully. Gelially. and Colyer. Emergencies: Stapleton. Roche, Dewe. V.M.C.A. "B ": Morrison. Lilfco. Wylie, Barlow. Adamson, Scott. Straits, Grant, Wilson, McKenzie, and Hall. V.M.C.A. "A.” v. Appleby on Tevint .street ground. V.M.C.A. "A": Dawson. Miller. Battln f2 >. Martin. Lee. Allison, Altken. Sutton. Raines. Hamilton and McLean. Appleby: Xelsnn. Felloe,e, Pope, Davis (21, Jordan. Poole, Graves, Leggatt, Dingwall, Barrie. Cochrane.

NEW SOUTH WALES BEATS SOUTH AUSTRALIA. .SYDNEY, January 14. Receiv ed January 11. 9.35 p.m. ■ South Australia in their second innings. made 412 (Gelirs 25. Mayne 67. Hill 77. Camberlain 39, Campbell 43. Moves 95). New South Wales won by 94 runs. TENNIS. SYDNEY. January 11. Brookes, Dunlop. Heath and A. B. Jones have been selected against Britain at tennis. EOOTBALL. SYDNEY. January 14. The Athletic News says that the visit of a Huddersfield team to' Sydney in June is impracticable as the sanction of the Northern Union would only be given to official ventures. SWIMMING. SYDNEY. January 13. The mile swimming championship of New South Wales resulted as follows: — Longworth 1, Adrian 2. Brady 3. AA on by 7 5 yards. Time, 25min 6 l-ssec.