SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 17468, 24 March 1915, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRKD. Tho Southland R.C.’s Autumn meeting will open this afternoon and continue over Thursday. Handicaps for tho first day of the Riverton R.C.'s annual Easter meeting, as compiled by Mr A. .1. Gibbs, arc duo on Friday, March 26th. The touts at' iftccarton are agreed that Rcval is in good fix for his task in the Great Easter Handicap, hut one ami all question as to whether tho son of Finland —Lady Symons horse is class enough for the field ho will he called upon to meet. They can sot their minds •l rest in this direction, and look for Rcval to race with the best on Easter Monday, as he Is a good horse when dressed in Ids host. Nominations for the South Canterbury J i "s Autumn meeting, on April 15th amt 17th, are due on Friday next (March 20th >. When Multifont failed to draw tho weight In the Stewards' Stakes Hack AV. Her Handicap on the second day of the Napier Park meeting there were consnh l ildy over one thousand tickets on him. As there were only five starters, many people threw away or destroyed their tickets on the second horse Roden, ham. As may he Imagined, there was a despairing hunt for these valuable hits oi pasteboard, hut only in a few lnfdanees were they recovered hy those w ho had east them aside. By liis win in the Napier Park Cup. Rewi i'oto has incurred a 31b penalty in the Easter Handicap at Auckland. His Weight is now D.2. The Dannevirkc Jockey Club made a piuiit of Dhid over its recent Summer leveling, and this notwithstanding that tin- slake money had been increased lima from lasl year. The Indian Grand National Steeplechase this year was won hy the New Zealand-bred Pilot, by Gunboat—Mermaid. who was formerly raced in hunters' etenls in die North island hy Mr If. Wilson, of Rangitikei. Hornbeam, who is nominated for tho Riverton R.C.'s meeting, is a. three-year-old hay filly by Martian from Stephanie. She raced unsuccessfully last season as a two-year-old al Ashburton. Upshot, a gelding hy Glenapp. won a five furlong sprint al Upitikl recently after having won tic high jump at the show tlio day before. A horse that can win tmtli on the turf and in the air is a useful equine property. It is understood that W. Adams will ride the Hon, J, D Ormond's jumping horses this season. It was notieealde that when Knapdale was withdrawn al the Gore Kt'. Summer meeting, owing to having been w-rungly nominated, ho was looking particularly bright and well. When raced earlier in the season that clever trotter. Massey, generally failed to stay, but this was hardly surprising, seeing tlint lie had tilled in a season at the stud. The six-year-old son of Rothschild may he seen to better advantage over a distance in the near future. Mr Walters, of the Glenora Park Stud, Auckland has just secured from Air J, O. Hayward the imported horse Luculius, by Ard Patrick, from Lucca, hy Cazabat —Lucerna, by Sir Bovys, from Illuminata, by Kisher. Ard Patrick, who beat that great mare Sceptre, is by many regarded as one of tho best horses that have won the Derby of recent years. Ho was by St. Florian (son of St. Simon — Palmflower) from Morganette, dam of Galteo More. It was also from Mr Hayward that Souit was purcitased for the Glenora Park Stud, but it is hardly likely that Lucullus will prove as successful as the son of St. Simon. It is freely stated that several particularly smart novice members of the light harness brigade are down to make Heir appearance in ttie Invercargill Trot (cue mile and affialf) to-day. When the acceptances for the S.R.C. meeting to-day were totalled up. it was found that DS horses remained in, while ij> had been withdrawn. Rarkwater. who claims engagements in the Koslyn Hack Handicap and ('minty Handicap at the S.R.C. meeting this afternoon, is a five-year-old chestnut gelding by Pallas from Passelda. I. .ist season he won the Maiden Plate, of 35 s-ovs (six furlongs) at tho Beaumont J. Easier meeting. Last week he won the Farewell Handicap, of la sovs.. at tli“ Bengerburn U.C. meeting in Central i'(ago, which cannot lie classed as a very impressive performance, Owners are reminded that acceptances for tho Tunpeka J.C.'s annual meeting on April 3 and tin- Beaumont J.C.'s fixture on April 5. close on Saturday next. It is reported from Christchurch that lie big pacing gelding Persuader, who wen the Dunedin Cup al tho Fnrbury I' ii k Trotting Club's meeting at tho end January, after being a few weeks under the care of trainer N. L. Price, has bow taken hack again hy Ids owner.--, it is safe to say that this fine harness horse will be produced again in August during I ho Grand National session, Kmperador looks better now than ho has for a long time (writes “Argus" in Christchurch Btari. and it is evident that his racing in the North Island lias done him a lot of good. He is hitting out freely on the tracks and he is a popular fancy for the Great Faster Handicap in which he is generally regarded as very favourably handicapped. The aged stallion. Commander Tracey, who I'l'ovil a somewhat headstrong and erratic cu.slomer when raced, lias, after a lengthy absence from the track resumed work. lb' is being driven long dislam es on tin- road and appears to have settled down to business in a normal maimer. The Command l 'r horse will he entered for minor events al the Southland T.C.'s meeting on Easter Saturday. The Southland Cap looks like providing an interesting race this afternoon and it will he interesting to mark what Is made actual favourite when tho machines close down. On form Golden King and Directoir© will command a large measure of support, hut Magdala Is running into form and there is no saying how iniiei, I,eating he will take. Both Hesione and Cnited Service have raced indifferently of late, hut the latter is said to do best in a small field, lienee no may give very sm-ions trouble to-day. Hesione seemed to have trained off in tier recent attempts, hut she was not over-rae.d at Wingatni and Core and this may have helped to revive tier (lagging energies, If it were a ease of lb© consistent performer coming in to his own Golden King would easily till Hie I.ill. A cablegram from Australia on March 12 gave 1 lie result of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase as—Bachelor's Flight. Lord Mercers Bullawarra, and ii was generally thought in New Zealand that I tin rare, 1ix.,1 for March 2H. had been pul. forward, probably on aeeoijni id the Aintre,- course being required for military purposes. From Australian papers to hand hy the last mail it would at.pear that lie- race has not yet heen decided, the horses names as cable,l referring to letting transa- liens. Win Soon, who won the last New Zealand Trailing Cup, lias been turned out for some lime. The mare has just been put in work again, and is looking big and well. She will be trained for future engagements by A. Pringle. Mr (). R. Wise’s pacer Bacchus, by Harold 'Dillon—Goldlca, who has been In Pringle's stable for some time, lias been sent home. Tho horse showed a great turn of speed, but contracted a had habit of knee knocking, and it has been decided not to persevere any furthr with training him. CEBI3TCHXJBCH TBOTTIHO CLUB RELIEF FOR THE BELGIANS (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 23. The .Metropolitan Trotting Club bus derided to git© the net profits derived from lotaUsaior inv-.straents on the Autumn

Handicap of the first day of the approaching meeting to the Belgian relief fund.

the totaxisatob commission. THE CLIFDEN H.K.C.’s APPLICATION The Totallsator Commission (Messrs O. Hunter, M.8., and H. Davey, with Mr J. Gray, secretary to the Commission), visited Walau last, week, and were met by the officials of the Cllfden Hack Racing Club. Air Jules Tapper (president) spoke in. support of the club’s application for a totallsator permit, the arguments advanced being that the club had raced annually for a period of over 30 years. That it was the only Hack Racing Club lit Otago to possess a. racecourse of its own. while the takings of the gate at their meeting almost doubled those of any two other hack meetings held in Southland. Mr Hunter's Gaming Rill had advocated permits being granted to hack-blocks clubs, and in which relation Cllfden was situated, it being many miles from a railway terminus. The club had always been liberally patronised by owners of horses and had been ttie means of unearthing good horses that had performed creditable on Metropolitan courses, while the type of horses liad greatly Improved within recent years. If the totallsator were granted the club were prepared to at once place most liberal stakes on their programme. Mr Hunter, in replying, said although the club was situated in tho back-blocks their claim for a permit would not bo overlooked as their eluim for consideration was a strong one. and that it was not his intention of making hack-hiocks go into Metropolitan courses to see racing. The Commission would consider tiie representations made to them when submitting lltclr report to the Minister of Internal Affairs, and lie iMr Hunter) could assure the members of the Cllfden Club that they would have a square deal. The Commissioners were afterwards entertained hy tho club with light refreshments. In proposing their health Mr Tapper suggested that Mr Hunter should again frame another Bill for a further supply of totallsator permits for those clubs unsuccessful in obtaining them on this occasion. Mr Tapper also asked for the favourable consideration hy the Commission of tiie request of the Birch wood Hunt Club for a permit, as it was owing to the Hunt Club that the steepleehasing throughout Southland had become such a prominent feature. Mr Hunter, in reply. thanked the members of tiie Clifden Club lor the manner they hail toasted his health. He would do It is host for furthei Stiff racing throughout New Zealand. During ills present tour around New Zealand he had met with many “sports.'' and in ail cases the sports had been tho host and most influential persons in tho district. The Clifden "sports" in front of him that day appeared to be no exception to the rule. Air Davey also returned thanks. On mounting their motor car on their return to Invercargill the Commission wore given three rousing cheers. BICCABTON TBAININQ NOTES. (Special to the Times). CHRISTCHURCH. March 23. At Ricoarton tills morning Battle Eve and Flying Start were first out. but the gallop which was to have been in company over six furlongs was spoilt by ttie .Martian colt breaking away before tho mark was reached. He rased up over the first furlong to allow his companion to get on terms but the last five furlongs were cut out at a merry clip. 'Tile full distance took Imin. 21.sec. Emperador. Nones and Exattthos finished in that order at the end of five furlongs in Imin. 5 4-fsees. Autumnus. in a run over a mile, left the last seven furlongs behind in Imin. 3 (sees. Gowanbrjjo and San Sebastian, easing up over the last furlong, ran half a mile up tho hack in 5 2Visees. Somnambulist ami Adjutant were together at the end of five furlongs run in imin. tisecs. Nightwatch. alone, was responsible for an excellent mile, covering the distance resolutely in Imin. Usees. Don Francisco was not extended, his task being a working gallop over eight furlongs. Bimeter, going comfortably, got to the end of live furlongs in Imin. 6'~secs, and liis stable companions, Mollegard and Camutu.s, accomplished a similar tusk. Reval and (Tarmilla were together at the end of a mile run in imin. 57 *3secs, and on pulling up the son of Finland and Lady Symons was lame in the. near foreleg. Banksia (Clarke) was ridden out in a spin over seven furlongs and the Achilles filly got through her work well in imin. 30 3-3secs. Ardenvhor and Blitz covered five furlongs in a leisurely manner. Honesty and Scotch Melody were associated in a gallop over about a mile and a quarter, the last eight furlongs of which were run in 2min. ssecs. Down. Beg and I'orrie finished in the order named at die end of seven furlongs which occupied Imin. 35socs. Randy, looking well, was sent out alone and finished strongly at the end of seven furlongs in Jrnln. 33 Usees. Tiie .Martian filly. Spangle, was not hurried in a run over half a mile which was got through in 55secs. Warstep had fhrysotis as a companion in a journey over seven furlongs. The former went easily throughout and finished in front of her companion in Imin. 3 2 I-s.sees, Fabrikoff was out soon after breakfast and from a standing start covered five furlongs in Imin. ssccs. Medallist moved freely wh'le brushing over a couple of furlongs down the straight. Martigues was indulged in. a half-mile up tho back, which she did in 52 -i-usecs. Encore did not begin quickly hut finished up a spin over four furlongs in 32 secs. Bctrosiis cantered round to tiie three furlongs mark and brushed home from there, and Mark Antony left four furlongs behind in 5 I secs. First Glance gave, perhaps, the best perforinam'e of the morning over seven furlongs, running Hie distance in Imin. ;; I sees. She was assisted over tho last half hy Mel tell ikoff. Este and C-lenowl finished together at (lie end of six furlongs, taking Imin. 2 2s ecs. Treadlire. Lady Voles and Fire Cross finished in that order after half a mile had been cast, iediind in AOVsees. Sarlorze did not look to lie at home on the going, lint covered six furlongs fairly well in Imin. ID 2-ssecs. Bonny Maiden galloped five furlongs up the hack in Imin. sser.. and Horoscope. and The Cornel and Free and Toviotdalc were put through light tasks also along the hack. Bon covered half a mile in 50 Vfcsees, and his stable companion. Atton Loch, was to have sprinted five furlongs. She stepped off at the wrong mark and left the last four furlongs behind in 51Vasecs, r b .semblance showed more pace than usual and got to the end of half a mile up the hack In Jdsecs. Two others without engagements at tho C.J.C. meeting set out with her lint were cased up after a couple of furlongs had been encompassed. I laytime skipped briskly over half a mil© in .‘Usees, and Art finished with an advantage over Twelfth Nigh*. *l. the end of six furlongs inn in D.uii. ID l-.i ATHLETICS. SdFTHLAND AMATEUR ATHLETIC championships. It has now been decided to hold the fifth annual Southland amateur athletic championships in conjunction with the i (lantaii patriotic demonstration on Wednesday, April 11. The patriotic demonstration is to extend over three days—l3th, 11th. and 15th April, and. as stated, the championships, which will tie held on the show grounds. Otautau. lake place on April 14. The usual programme of championships are down for decision, and besides there is a full programme of handicap events, so that all classes of athletes have a chance to compete. An endeavour is being mad© to get the championship events carried out on tho lines of an int.erprovincial meeting, viz., Otago versus Southland, which would greatly add to the interest. However, whether this eventuates or not the championships will be exceedingly Interesting, as in any case a good number of Otago men, and probably one or two from Canterbury will be contestants. Among the many prizes offered Is a challenge shield, which goes to the all-round champion of Southland. Entries will close for all events on Monday, April 6, and athletes are asked to hear in mind the object of the demonstration and enter liberally. The championship events are:--!M vds. 220 yds. 440 yds, half-mile, one mile, i

three mile flat. 120 yds and 440 yds hurdles, one milk walk, one mile cycle race, throwing 161b hammer, puttln 161b shot, high, broad, and hop, step and Jumps, and pole vault. From the half mile up, a handicap event will be run In conjunction with the championship. Extra handicap ©vents are: and 120 yds open handicap. POST OHALBEEBS BEOATTA. INTERPROVINCIAL FOURS. VICTORY FOR SOUTHLAND. (Special to the Times.) DUNEDIN. March 22. flood weather favoured tho Port Chalmers regatta to-day, and the events were run under ideal conditions. Tho attendance was not particularly good, but a good deni of interest centred in the events on account of tho inclusion of tho inter-provincial race for the Edmond Shield, which was Included in tho programme this year. Southland was represented by the Invercargill Railway Rowing Club's senior four. The fact that they succeeded in winning the Shield for Southland will be a source of infinite satisfaction to the members of their club, while oarsmen throughout Southland will bo ready to congratulate tho crew upon their performance in tho retention of the Shield. The results of events in which Southland Clubs were represented, were as follow: Inter-provincial Four-oared Championship. Southland: 1,. L. Padgct (st.), J. Sutherland (3). .1. McKillop (2), R. O. Thompson (bow), 1 Otago; .1. I’. Kerr (st.). J. W. Smeaton (3). E. V. Fairbairn (2), J. A. Hogg (bow) 2, This was one of the closest races seen for some time in tho competitions for the honour of holding the Edmond Shield. Owing to circumstances the crews went over the course twice, but in the final stage of the race full honour has to he conceded to Kerr and his crew for the splendid race they rowed, and lost by a margin that was small enough to leave them with the conviction that their Southern rivals were foemen worthy of their steel. Over tho first half mile there was nothing between the crews, but shortly afterwards Otago were able to gain a slight advantage which caused Padget to increase his stroke from about 2S to 32 a minute. This did not, however, improve his position, as Kerr was also increasing his stroke, and when threequarters of a mile from the finish both crews wore maintaining the good average of thirty-two. The length advantage gained by Otago early in tho race was not materially reduced until Padget put on his final sprint, and tho plucky effort was rewarded when the boats shot across the lino with an advantage of about five feet to Southland. Otago lost something on account of erratic steering, but it was quite apparent that ttie Southland crew were more eager to make good in their first opportunity to gain fame as provincial representatives. The rowing conditions were ideal, there being no wind, a slack tide, and smootli water, and tho two miles were done in flmin 35seos. The circumstances under which the draws came to traverse tit© distance twice were as follows:—At tho appointed time of starting both crews were level up and so far as could he seen with the glasses they got away evenly on the two mile journey. As soon ns it was possible to pick up tiie stroke it was seen that the Southland crew were well ahead and were steadily increasing their lead, with a rapid stroke, which averaged about :;0 a minute. Otago, on the other hand, were rowing only about 2H. and the rate was declining. Before the first mile was covered it was manifest that there was something amiss in the Otago boat, as Southland's lead of about a dozen lengths was one of all proportion with the distance covered. The officials announced no race, and ordered the crews out again. In the meantime Sutherland, who rowed 3 in the Southland boat went out in lit© .lunior Double Sculls immediately following, in which event he took this heat, the Southland boat taking the rlistances in toto. including the race. Sutherland rowed a modest nine miles. The cause of tho trouble in the four-oared was a broken scat in the Otago boat—a mishap that occurred on the way down. It later transpired that Southland had declined to row with their opponents at a disadvantage. It is interesting to note that out of 15 contests since the inter-provincial race was inaugurated, Southland have won 13 and Otago I. the Otago wins being recorded in IDO I and JDD9. YOUTHS' FOURS.—lnvercargill Railway; S. Shepherd (st.). .1. O. Wilson (3), L. C'ockroft (2). M. I.yttle (bow), ]; Oamaru Boating Club, 2; Otago Rowing Club, 3. The victory was secured only after a strenuous rare, in which the Railway crew were as hard pressed as they have been ibis season. After a quarter of a mile thev had it slight advantage over Oamaru, witli Otago lying a close third. At tho half-mile Railway had increased their lead to a couple of lengths, and were roving about 20 to the minute, while Oamaru were hitting' it up to 30. The latter crew brightened their stroke on entering the last quarter mile, and their threatening position put the. Railway combination to their limit, so much so that the swing was erratic and the progress, of the boat was retarded a little hv the roll. Shepherd managed to maintain his lead and shot across tho line with a lead of a canvas, with Otago a dozen lengths behind Oamaru. Time. !) min. 10 secs. Railway were later disqualified for having taken the wrong course, hut a meeting was to have been Isold at the conclusion cf tho regatta to decide this and other points. JUNIOR TOURS. —Avon Rowing Club: A. R. Nightingale (st.), F. H. Stevenson (3). A J, Fox 12), S, Clothier (bow). Invercargill Railway: S. Shepherd (st.). .1. O, Wilson (3), L. Cockloft (2). P. Padget (how), 2. North End finished third and Otago and Oamaru also started. The winners had an advantage of ©bout one and a11a I f lengths. Time, s mic. 45 secs. Wilson and Padget did not go out In the Maiden Double Sculls, and there was, therefore, no Southland representatives in the race. .1. Sutherland and S. Shepherd - took part in the Junior Double Sculls, hut were not placed. Sutherland had. Immediately before the race, rowed in the Tnter-provincial Fours contest, and the race having been declared void hy virtue of an accident In the Otago boat, he had before him the prospect of rowing again immediately afterwards. Another disadvantage from which Railway suffered as I lie result of disorganisation in the inter-provincial race was that Padget s Maiden Four was unable to compete because their boat was at the moment being used by the Railway Senior crew for the inter-provincial race. SENIOR FOURS.—Otago Railway flub: J. R. Kerr (st.), J. W. Smeaton CD. K. V. Fairbairn (2), J. A. Hogg (howi. I: Invercargill Railway: F. L. Padget (st.). J. Sutherland (3). F. McKillop (2). R. O. Thomson (how), 2, Port Chalmers finished third, and Oamaru fourth. Otago went awa> to the front in the early stages of the race ami were able to maintain their lead to the finish. Railway come up briskly in the last quarter of a mile, but were too late with their sprint and Otago claimed the victory in the good lime of 7 min. .'{.") S PCS. YOUTHS’ PAIRS. Otago Rowing null. I; Oamaru Boating Club. 2; Invercargill Railway, S. Shepherd (st.), and M. Evttle (bow), 3. North End and Port fhaimers also started. The rare was done in s min. 15 secs, and the Otago representatives made the pace 100 warm for the bulk of the field. They did not. however, succeed in shaking off either the Oamaru nr Railway crews, which were in close attendance when the line was crossed. BOZZNCt. BASHAM BEATS WELLS, ' LONDON, March 23. Private Basham beat Matt Wells on points in fifteen rounds at Opera House, for the welter-weight championship. HOBSE DWEEBS’ DEATH. MELBOURNE. March 23. Mr T. Uphill, a well-known horse owner, shipper and trader of horses for India, is dead. TENNIS. The following team will represent the Invercargill Tennis Club in a match against the Y.M.C.A. No. 1 team, to be played on Invercargill Club’s courts today, commencing at 2.30 p.m.—T. Royds, A. .1. Brass. E. Scandrett. T. W. Brandford, H. W. Macdonald, Q. Christophers; Mrs A. S, Brown. .Miss K'. Macdonald, Miss D. Moffett, Miss I. Logan.

The following will represent Y.M.C.A. In the final round of fixtures to-day:— No. L team v. Invercargill, on Invercargill Courts (2.30 p.m):—Clothier, Wilcox, McNatty, Ashley. Bum, MacKay, Misses I. Wilson. G. Stevenson. M, Wilson, Mrs Clothier. No. 2 team v. Bluff (1.48 p.m train):— Bradshaw, Doust. W. Anderson, McDonald; Misses D. Stevenson, Howie, A. Storrie, M. Storrle. BOWLING. INVERCARGILL V. TE RANG!. The following players will represent the Invercargill Bowling Club in their matcli with To Rangi Club, on Invercargill green, to-day, at 2.30 p.m. .-—Holmes, McLean, Strang, Jenkins. Rallinshaw, Bremner, W. Wilson, Cowie, AlcKillop. Denton, Meyrlck, Lambeth, Manson, Gilbertson, Cochrane, .las. Walker, R. Sillier, J. L. Wilson, Stead, and AV. AHUat. Tc Rangi team ; J. Bewley, R. Dunlop, A. S. Froggatt, F. Ayllng (s); S. Stephens. J. G. Ford, 11. J. Jefcoate, J. Waugh (s); R. R. Roscow, A. H. Stott. R. S. Ale Naught. AV. Smith (s); D. Robertson. H. Marshall, B. Brooks, J. H. Kissell (s); J. Peterson. T. A. Henry, AL AlcCallum, J. K. Hannah (s). The innovation, "two feet on the mat." which was introduced into New Zealand bowling this year, has been tiie subject of a circular from the dominion Association. The Association asks for an expression of opinion from the various clubs to be sent in before 31st inst. Northern! Club is holding a meeting tonight at the conclusion of their match with Southland, when members will have an opportunity of expressing their own opinions on the matter. BILLIABBS. LONDON, March 22. in the billiard match Gray has made 10.25S and Stevenson 10,212. CRICKET TO-DAY'S GAM ES, The Southland cricket season will ho concluded to-day at Rugby Park, when a tram from tho Eastern District "01 try conclusions witli Hie Southland team. At time of writing the weather is lavourahle. and if it continues the surface of tiie Park should he in good playing order. Play will commence at 10.30 am with an adjournment at 12.30 for an hour's lunch, play then continuing until 6 o'clock. The following team will represent Southland: —Bannerrnaii, Driscoll (captain), Doig, Fogo. Jas. Gilbertson (wicket-keeper), J. Hamilton, A. Hamilton. Kavanagh, Kemnitz, Poole, Tapley: emergencies—C'ockroft, Joint Hamilton. BRIGHTENING THE GAME. EIGHT BALLS TO THE OVER. SYDNEY, March 23. The Cricket Aassoeiatinn, in discussing the question of brightening tiie game, has decided that an over shall consist of eight halls instead of six, provided the other States agree. FOOTBALL . ANNUAL MFETIN'GS. INVERCARGILL. The forty-first annual meeting of’ the Invercargill Football Club was held hist evening in tho Y.M.C.A. rooms. There was an attendance of about twenty members, presided over by Mr V. R. Campbell. In presenting the annual report, which has already heen published, the chairman commented on the financial position of the club, which reflected great credit upon the treasurer. He also said that the largo attendance of young members that evening augured well for the coming season, and ho was sure that although the ranks of the active members of the club had been thinned to a considerable extent that they would he able to hold their own. He also mentioned that tho clubs were indebted to tho Referees’ Association, a worthy body, which should receive loyal support. The work of tlie secretary (Mr AA‘. McKenzie), was also highly commended hy the chairman. and liis remarks were endorsed hy several members. He moved that ill© annual report and balance-sheet. be accepted. Air A. Townsend seconded the motion, and on being put to tlie meeting this was carried unanimously. The Southland Rugby Union forwarded a copy of the annual report, which is to ho presented at the annual mooting on Fridav, March 2G. Notices of motion hy Alessrs Gillcr and Lillhurnc wore also enclosed, —The correspondence was rcceived. Several new members were accepted, and two new honorary members were appointed. thes" being Messrs A. A. (. rammoml and B. D. Isaacs. The following office-hearers for the season were elected;— President. Mr D. K. Campbell (re-elected); vice-presi-dents. Messrs A. F. Hawke. R. D. Isaacs, A. A. Cramniond, J. E AA’atson, A. McGavoek. J. R. Martin, H. AV. Royds. D. Atorton. and A. Christophers; club captain. Mr J. Dalglcish; delegates to S.R.U.. Messrs Isaacs, Henderson. A. AfeGavock: general eommittee. Alessrs A. Townsend. F. AVehh, I/. Foster, A\ . Knight, D. Hue. Stobo, Gunn, AV. Button, and AVesney: lion, auditor. Air A. MeGavock; treasurer, Mr G. Henderson; assistant treasurer, Air J. Millar; hon. secretary, Mr AA‘. McKenzie; honorary coach, Mr J, R. Martin mentioned that Air K. D. Isaacs had given his services as coach to the club. This statement was unanimously received. Air Isaacs expressed his willingness to Impart the knowledge he had of tho game to the active members of tho club. He spoke of methods of training, and playing the game during the European crisis. It was recommended that the incoming committee be instructed to acquire tho High School gymnasium at the earliest date, and also to arrange a [ match with a Gore team. Mr K. B. Foster mentioned that Mr (J. J. Afartin had left the district and that Air Tresider was about to leave. Both had been very painstaking in all things connected with the chib, and in recognition of their services th© speaker proposed that both be appointed life members. Tito chairman endorsed ’ all that had been said. Mr Marlin had been a hard worker, and he paid special reference to the work of Mr Martin during the Queen Carnival Atr Alartin had also been a good worker on tho Rugby Union and had faithfully carried out liis duties to tho club in that direction. The meeting unanimously carried the motion. The opening day was fixed for ttie second AVednesday in April. AVAIKIWI. The annual meeting of the Waikiwi Football Club was held in the AVaikiwi Hall last evening.- a fair number of players and future players being present. The president, Air Groig, occupied tho chair. in moving tho adoption of the report Air Groig said that the club was in a strong position financially and otherwise. They were fortunate in commencing the 1915 season with a balance on the right sftle. The non-success of the senior fifteen last year was due to lack of practice, and he hoped to find this year th© hail wet! patronised by players of all grades on practice nights. Ho congratulated the third fifteen on their achievement in winning the premiership in their grade, their success being due to the consistent practice they had put in last season. Air Groig touched on the death of Air Ft. Morris, their late captain, and the loss sustained by the Club as a result. He also referred to the war and tho relation sport had to it. A number of people were in favour of cancelling all sport, but he was opposed to the idea. The Club had lost a number of players who had gone to play a greater game, and it gave him great satisfaction to see the number gone from AVaikiwi. The training they had received by playing football would stand them in good stead now-, and they would worthily represent AVaikiwi. Throughout New Zealand footballers had answered the call of Empire in a most satisfactory manner. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report said that the Club had a fair season. Tiie results were as follows: —Seniors played ten games, won three, lost six, drew one. Seconds played eleven games, won two, lost eight, drew one. The Club was represented hy Alessrs E. Edginton. J. Forde. J. Sloan, A. McNeece, Jas. AlcNeece. Air Ed. Edginten captained the Boul.liland leant on several occasions. Mr J as. McNeege

represented New Zealand in Australia, and was coupled with Mr Downing, of Auckland, as tho two best forwards. Messrs Edginton, Coc.kerill, A. Broad, Ruckles, J. Duggan, Franks, McCann, J. Kelly, Knight, AVatts. Jas. Fordo, AV. Fordo, AV. Hendry, H. Neas and John Darragh volunteered for service at the front "with tho Expeditionary Force. During July a carnival was held by the Southland Rugby Union and our stall netted about f7O. Tho season had been tho most expensive year in the history of tho Club. The total expenditure is £43 Ss Cd; total receipts, £45 12s lid; credit balance to he carried forward, £2 ■is fid. 'Etc Club's assets consist of gymnastic material, £10; half-share in pavilion, £lO 3s 6d. and two footballs. Liabilities nil. —The report was adopted. The election of officers resulted ns 10lInws: —Patron, Mr Malthy; president, Air Grcig; vice-presidents, Alessrs J. Myers, S. Fraser, J. Anderson, T. Meredith, li. Edginton, J, AAA Gardiner, F. A. Price, R. If. Brodrick, J. AlcNeece. sent - ., and R. Dick; captain, Mr E. Mortimer: deputy-captain. Air B. Edginton: selection committee, Alessrs Edginton, Mortimer land another to be appointed); secretary, ATr A 4. Lovelie; treasurer, Atr G. Parser; auditor. Air H. Royds; general committee, Alessrs I’. Kaedy. T. Darragh, S. Mackie, T. Garmson, B. Kaedy and J. Friend: delegates to Rugby Union, Alessrs Groig, Hamilton and Alcredith; representative on Union. Air T. Alercdith. It was decided that Wednesday. April 14, ho the opening day of Hie Club for tho ensuing year. The question of the Club's ability 1o provide teams for both AVednesday and Saturday competitions occupied a considerable time and it was decided to leave tho matter in abeyance. ATHLETIC. The annual general meeting of the Club was- held on Monday evening and was well attended. The annual report, which was adopted, stated that the Club is in a satisfactory financial position. It entered three teams In the Wednesday competition and one in the Saturday, and all gave a creditable performance. The first grade finished third on the list with the following results.'—AFatclies played, 10: won. 6; lost, 3: drawn, 1; points for, 92; points against, 71: championship points, 13. Training during the year was fairly

I consistent but the committee (rusts that l every member will keep to training. I During the year the Club lost twentysix of its players through the war. they being: Messrs C. Barry. A. Khlwan, V. Mitchell, H. Benjamin, R. Skinner, 31. Jones, P. Joyce, Tipping, W. ICavanagh, TV. Lainge, F. Burt, A. Snodgrass, Williams, W. Warren, W. McMullen, Woods I <;t), Hughes, 31. O'Connor, T. O’Neill, W. I Maloney, T. McAuliffe, R. Aldrcd, M, j Hamilton, Beer, and W. McLean. ■ The following players represented Southland during the season: C. Barry, R. Barry, P. Scully, B. Scully, K. Kav--1 anagh, j. Roche, F. Crawford. ( The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr P. J. Scully (re-elected!; vice-presidents, Messrs J. Butler, A. Masters (Jnr.), H, Grace, W. G. Compton, Hr Collins, J. Taylor, A. Brennan, J. McMahon, J. Ferry. Bro. Anslem and M. J l ', Scully; general committee. Messrs N. Grace, 10. Horan, R. McCarthy and tho captains of each team: captain. Mr IX. Barry; depotycuptpin, Mr B, Scully; match committee, Messrs R. Barry, B. Scull*,-, and K. Kavanagh; delegates to S.R.F.Tf, Messrs P. J. Scully. W. O. Compton, and J. Butler; coach. Mr H. Grace; lion, secretary, Mr Jus. Scully; lion, auditor, Mr N. Grace. The opening day was fixed for the second Wednesday in April. The following new members were elected; Messrs W. Hislop, E. J. McKenzie. Murphy (2), Cunningham and Monteath.