SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 19279, 25 June 1924, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Hawke’s Bay R.C. Winter meeting opens to-day. Sprinter Rational is being spelled until next season. Hawke’s Bay Winter meeting will conclude on Thursday. Veteran jockey L. G. King was riding at j the Ashburton gathering. Maoriland galloping stakes for the past season made a total of £431,044. Radial is reported to have been sore after scoring at Ashburton races. Wanda Steeplechase, won by Chrysostum, on Saturday last, was worth £7OO. Guncase is stated to have raced badly at Ashburton on Saturday last. The success of Tenterfield at Napier Park was anticipated by the public. If Admiral Codrington races over the battens at Trentham he will be backed stoutly. Golden Prince was lame after blundering at Ashburton and may not train on again. Despite the fact that she was beaten at Ashburton, Dancing Days ran very attractively.

The Napier Park winner, Mahuru, is prepared by the same trainer as Sir Rosebery over country.

Should Killochra go to Sydney R. S. Bagby will ride last year’s two-year-old in his classic engagements.

That good horse Surveyor will not be raced next season, as he is to serve a limited number of mares.

J. T. Jamieson is now preparing the speedy Auckland gelding Spoony at Papakura for the northern owner, Mr F. Earl.

It is claimed that Boomerday is likely to develop into one of the best hurdlers in the land when the tracks become firm.

King Abbey did not race as well as was expected at the Auckland meeting, but he is said to have more speed than the average jumper and fences well.

A considerable amount of interest will attach to the appearance of the progeny of Arrowsmith on the racecourse as youngsters next season.

The Wellington R.C’s. Winter meeting will fit in with the Winter Show dates, the latter attraction being a new departure as far as the capital is concerned.

Mr Kemball owns a smart rising two-year-old called Standard, by Absurd from Peroneal (a full-sister to Peronilla, dam of the useful Boadicea).

The three-year-old pacing gelding Generator, by Russell Patch —Violet M., who displayed useful form at Ashburton, is a halfbrother to the crack mare Vilo.

Two prominent officials of the Metropolitan T.C. (Christchurch), Messrs J. C. Clarkson and F. E. Graham, will leave New Zealand early next month on an extended trip to America.

It is evident that Red Kriss was expected to race well over the light sticks at Ashburton, as there was backing for him in Wellington on the opening day of the meeting.

Heavy taxation and the cost of travelling have led New Zealand owners to turn their eyes owards Australia, with its fat stakes and ita buyers, who are prepared to pay four figures for a fashionably-bred youngster, say.- a Sydney scribe. This statement was made in the light of recent reports as to the number of Maoriland horses likely .o be racing in the Commonwealth during the spring campaign.

The New Brighton light harness mentor W. Warren, who has prepared some good winners in his time, including Nancy Stair and that perfect pacer Gleaming, has been appointed private trainer to Mr C. Channing in succession to T. W. Price. Warren’s new employer owns Agar bos and other horses. It is understood (says Christchurch Press) that the Cathedral Chimes—Soda gelding will still remain under the care of the ex-New Brighton trainer. The youngster has been showing improved form of late, and may yet repay the time and attention bestowed upon him.

If associations count for anything (says a North Island writer), Lady of Clare, a two-year-old filly, by Clarenceux (imp.) from Vanna, should win her share of races. When it was decided to take the champion gelding Rapine ro Sydney for the Autumn meeting, J. H. Jefferd, his trainer, thought it would be be as well to provide him with a travelling companion. So Lady of Clare, who had never raced, was brought in from the paddocks, and shipped to Sydney. Lady of Clare was not brought back to New Zealand, and at Chisholm’s sale at Sydney last week, was sold to R. Skelton for 45gns.

The Winter Oats Handicap (7f.), decided at the Napier Park R.C. meeting on Saturday, the result of which did not reach Invercargill per medium of the Press wire, was won by Pitch, by Merry Moment— Shona May, with Arch Salute and Koodoo in the places. The other starters were: Barrier, Diamond Ring, Haurangi, Merry Singer, Valley Rose, Happy Days, Polonett, Avonlea, Whariti, Blissfulness and March On. Merry Moment, the sire of the winner, was easily the most successful sire at the fixture.

The double success of the pacer Rebel at the Ashburton County Racing Club’s meeting increased Logan Pointer’s winning total on the sires’ list to 75, which is easily a record for a trotting sire in New Zealand and Australia.

Writing in the Winton Record, “Carbine” states that Mr T. Lampert, who is now nearing the ripe age of 90 years, was present at the Winton Jockey Club and Winton Trotting Club’s ball on Friday evening, and participated in several square dances, enjoying himself immensely. Mr Lampert is a life member of the Winton Jockey Club and was present at the first race meeting held by that Club some 40 odd years ago.

C. Reed, it is stated, will be among the New Zealand jockeys who will visit Sydney during the winter season. H. Goldfinch and S. AValls will go with J. Williamson’s Auckland team, and accompanying F. D. Jones’s string for an Australian campaign will be M. McCarten, H. Burns, H. Lowe and R. Coveny.

The Wairarapa correspondent of the N.Z. Sporting Review reports that the veteran North Island owner-breeder, Mr R. Knox, who recently paid an unsuccessful visit to Wingatui with Penury Rose, has a half-brother to Sir Rosebery in work whom he will jump this winter. This is Sir Moment, a likely-looking gelding, and one who has displayed a fair amount of pace in his track essays. He will probably not be properly schooled until the tracks get firm, and will only be given a jump occasionally just now. The gelding referred to by the Musterton writer, Sir Moment, is by Merry Moment from Merrie Rose, by Merrie England —Yellow Rose, by King Cole— Rosalind, by Albany—Red Rose, by Traducer —Moss Rose (by Penury), Sir Rosebery (by Sir Knox), Rose Moment and Sir Moment, by Merry Moment.

The Sydney Referee mentions that the time put up by Chrysostom in the A.J.C. Steeplechase, distance about three miles, although a record for Randwick, does not equal the Australasian record for the distance put up by Morning. Chrysostom’s time was 6min 241ses. Chrysostom carried 11.9 when he put up the time at Randwick. In the Lincoln Steeplechase at Riccarton Morning carried 12.3, and ran the distance, about three miles, in 6min. It was a great performance from a weight-carrying point of view’, but not so good as the time put up by Omahu the first time he won the Lincoln Steeplechase. He was credited with running the distance in smin 54 4-ssecs.

The fact that Cold Steel has been engaged in the Melbourne Cup and other spring handicaps in Australia is decidedly interesting, as the five-year-old gelding by Martian has given every indication that he might train on into a very dangerous candidate for the world-famous event at Flemington. The blood of some of the most enduring families known to the Maoriland turf runs in the veins of the winner of the Taranaki Cup (14m.) and Wanganui Cup (l|m.) and his pedigree will read attractively to students of the thoroughbred-producing industry, as follows:—By New Zealand’s greatest sire of stayers of late years, viz., Martian, from Snowstell, by Clanranald—Safeguard, by Maxim (son of Musket) —Teredo, by Apremont—Nautilus, by Traducer— Waterwitch, by Camden—Mermaid (imp.). During the early part of his career Cold Steel ran somewhat disappointingly, but his Taranaki and W’anganui displays were impressive and would justify a trip to the Commonwealth if the handicappers in the Island Continent should feel inclined to treat him reasonably.

The four-year-old gelding, Rebel, who accounted for the light harness events on each day of the Ashburton County Racing Club’s Winter meeting, is evidently a pacer of more than average merit. W. J. Tomkinson’s entrant is a son of the defunct Logan Pointer (imp.) from Feudal Chimes, by Lord Chancellor —Curfew Bell, by Wildwood (imp.)—Bonnie Belle, by Lincoln Yet —Arab mare. Under the circumstances, it would not be at all surprising if Rebel should develop into a gelding of the best class and he is certainly in good hands to extract the best that is in him, as ownertrainer Tomkinson is a real expert with horses that have gravitated from the juvenile ranks displaying ability.

At the monthly meeting of the stewards of the Mastertoil Racing Club recently the New Zealand Racing Conference brought under the notice of the Club: “The inadvisability of supplying to newspapers or their correspondents the financial results of race meetings. Under the present system of racing taxation a wrong impression may be created in the minds of certain people as to the real effect which the excessive taxation is having upon racing, especially when it is reported in the papers that a club has maae a profit over its meeting. While the actual meeting may show a profit, the balance-sheet for the year may show a loss.”—Several members expressed the opinion that it was not advisable to gag the Press, and the letter was received.

The stewards of the Masterton Racing Club are to be congratulated on their action, as explained in a previous paragraph, in refusing the request of the Racing Conference to refrain from disclosing to the newspapers the financial results of race meetings. What opponents of racing may or may not think of the disclosure of such returns does not matter, they are always opposed to the turf whether results are favourable or otherwise. What really does matter is the opinion of the people who patronise the fixtures referred to, as they naturally wish to know how’ the clubs they have supported have fared from a financial point of view, and it is only reasonable that they should be informed, as it is their money and backing that go to make or marr the existence of racing clubs. In any case, it would be interesting to know who inspired the communication to the Masterton R.C. asking that the information referred to be withheld from the Press. There is a very strong suspicion in the mind of the writer that there are several people or officials connected with the New Zealand Racing Conference who favour Star Chamber methods and would keep the public in the dark as much as possible in regard to the conduct of the sport—persons who have become autocratic in their ideas as to the management of the turf and the control of their own actions, ideas and hobbies in particular. It may be pointed out to these would-be turf autocrats that they have failed to recognise the signs of the times, and they are recommended to look around them and try to realise why several racing clubs have forfeited public favour to a great extent of late years, with its accompanying loss of revenue, public patronage, and a weakening of the support of owners of racehorses. There is nothing to be gained and a great deal to be lost by developing racing clubs as secret bodies, holding aloof from the great pleasure-seeking public who really finance them and who are quite equal to transferring their fancy for equine sport to another branch of the game if they find that they are to be treated as outsiders and unworthy of being trusted when it becomes a question of the welfare of the thcroughbred pastime. The stand taken by the stewards of the Masterton Racing Club will commend itself to the racing public of Southland, who are invariably taken into the confidence of clubs in the home province with regard to the financial results of specific fixtures and by this means are induced to take a live interest and pride in success or extend a helping hand in the case of failure under oppressive turf taxation or any set of unfortunate circumstances likely to arise from time to time in all communities. found DROWNED. HORSE TRAINER’S DEATH, THE CORONER’S INQUIRY. A verdict that deceased was found drowned was returned by the coroner (Mr J. S. Barton, SMj, at Hawera last week, after an inquiry into the cause of the death of Percy Coffey, who was found in the Waingongoro River, near Normanby, on the 13th inst. The coroner said he would not be justified in adding anything to the formal finding, but the circumstances seemed to point that Coffey left his haunts during a time of financial trouble.

In opening the inquiry, Sergeant J. Henry said that Coffey was living at the Normanby Hotel He had been in financial difficulties for some time, and had expressed the opinion that life was not worth living. Dr R. B. Sinclair, who examined the body at the morgue, said that the wounds were consistent with deceased having dived or fallen from some high rocks. He was net prepared to say that the neck was broken. Olive Coffey, wife of deceased, said that Coffey had been living at Normanby for about seven months, following the occupation of a horse trainer. She was living apart from him temporarily owing to financial difficulties, and because the children were not wanted at the hotel. He used to visit her at Tonga O’Carroll’s place, where she was living.

On the night of June 11, Coffey told witness that he had been summoned to appear at the Court on a judgment summons. He said he did not know how he was going to get the money. He said that a man would be better in his grave. Witness did not take much notice of him because he had had a drink or two, although he was not drunk. Previously, when one of his horses (Mort Avis) died, Coffey had said that he might as well be out of the world. After the death of the horse he became very despondent, repeatedly saying that he was “up against it” Before he left witness he said good-bye to the eldest boy, but he always did that. He insisted on going against her wish, and she said: “Au revoir,” but he replied: “No, good-bye." In response to her pleadings he came back for a while and had supper with Mr (YCarroll. That was the last she saw of him alive,

HOCKEY

LADIES’ ASSOCIATION. FORTNIGHTLY MEETING At last night’s meeting of the Southland Ladies’ Hockey Association the President (Mr H. Kilby) presided. A letter was received from the New Zealand Ladies’ Hockey Association stating that a meeting was to be held on July 7 to decide where this season’s tournament would be held. Applications had been received from Nelson, Poverty Bay and South Canterbury.—lt was decided to instruct the Southland delegate to vote in favour of Nelson. A further letter was received from the N.Z.L.H.A. stating that Miss V. McClure, Southland’s representative, had been reelected to the position of Vice-President. — Received. It was decided that the Dey Cup should be awarded for competition between the winning team of the Western District competition and the runners-up of the Wednesday town competition. Mr H. Ashley reported that he had inquired into the cost of lighting up the playing area on Queen’s Park for training purposes. The cost of erecting four arc lights would be approximately £6O. —It was decided to take no action. —Fixtures. — To-day’s fixtures are as follow: — Union v. Collegiate A; Winton v. College B. Both matches will be played on Queen’s Park.

—Saturday’s Fixtures. — College v. High; Rosedale v. Collegiate. HARRIERS. THE LOCAL CLUB. WEDNESDAY’S RUN A cross-country run was held last Wednesday afternoon. The course was taken from Tay street along Kelvin street through the avenue of trees by way of Gladstone to Waihopai Bridge and along North Road to Waikiwi. The return journey was made up Mud Road to the Old Retreat. A steady pace was kept up, and on reaching Thomson’s Bush, a spell was taken at the Devil’s Pool. The course followed along the banks i of the river, branching off in the direction of the Rose Gardens to town. The distance covered was about nine miles. FOOTBALL WESTERN DISTRICT SUB-UNION.. SATURDAY’S GAMES. Otautau, the leading team in the Banner Competition, lost their first match of the season on Saturday, when it went down to Orawia, who had not until then won a match.

The day was against a good exhibition of football, the nippy Otautau backs could : not get going at all, and the game was a battle between the two packs of forwards. Orawia had the heavier pack, and during the first half had the visitors on the defence most of the time, but were unable to score, although just missing on one or two occasions. For a good part of the second half Otautau attacked, but the Orawia backs were too safe, Ackers and Ferrier saving repeatedly. With about a quarter of an hour to go the home forwards carried play up-field, where Ackers had a shot at goal from a penalty. The ball failed to rise, and after good following, H. Matheson scored. The kick at goal failed. Otautau were on the attack until the fin- , ish, but were unable to score, although Ottrey narrowly missed after a good run. The whistle went with Orawia winners by i 3 points to nil. Mr D. McGibbon ably controlled the game. The following are the banner points:— Played.

WAKATIPU SUB-UNION. SATURDAY’S MEETING. (From own Correspondent). A meeting of the Wakatipu Sub-Union was held on Saturday, Mr H. G. Bruce, President, was chairman. The Queenstown Club submitted the names of Messrs D. F. Macdonald, T. Tucker and J. Olsen as referees. The same Club wrote, asking for a postponement of its cup match with Glenorchy on June 24, on account of not being able to raise a team to travel —It was resolved not to grant the request and, moreover, to make it an instruction to all clubs that no postponements would be allowed unless under adverse weather conditions.

A circular was received from Eustace Russell, chairman of a Committee set up to organise a collection amongst clubs towards a presentation to Messrs Richardson and White, Southland All Black representatives. —The secretary was instructed to send a copy of the letter to district clubs. W. N. Muirhead, of the Country Pirates Club, was granted his clearance to the Arrowtown Club.

Referee Warring reported rough play on the part of Roderique, a Pirates player, in the match against Queenstown at Arthur’s Point on June 11. —It was decided to caution the player. The delegates of the Queenstown Club reported that their Club had decided to represent the cup won by them on three occasions. Certain conditions were imposed, principally that the cup be not won outright ; that the names of the winning team in each year be engraved on the cup and that the Sub-Union obliterate the names of Glenorchy Club, which has been wrongfully placed on the cup.—Some members of the Sub-Union were inclined to favour a shield for future competition, but the matter was deferred until a fuller meeting.

It was decided to apply to the Southland Rugby Union for a copy of its constitution and rules governing the conduct of football matches.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

WANTED, A GROUND. DUNEDIN MEETING CONDEMNS RUGBY UNION. (Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, June 24. Mr H. A. Millard, organiser for the Rugby League, addressed an enthusiastic meeting to-night, which was presided over by Mr S. J. Douglas, deputy-Mayor. There were 100 present, and the meeting gave Mr Millard a sympathetic hearing. At the close of two hours, the meeting unanimously adopted resolutions regarding the action of the Rugy Union in not granting a ground for the League match England v. Canterbury’, and setting a Board of Control of 14 members to take immediate steps to secure a visit to Dunedin of the English team, even though forced to play on an open ground.

BOXING.

WELLINGTON TOURNEY. THE FINALS. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 24. The Wellington amateur boxing finals were fought to-night. Following are the winners:—Lightweight, P. Charles; bantam, J. Crowley; feather, P. Black; flyweight, C. Wood; paper-weight, J. Cotterill; middle, F. Renner; light-heavy, G. Ewatt; welter, J. Nelson. the whole the tournament was

GOLF.

QUEEN’S PARK CLUB, MEDAL MATCH TO-DAI. The Wednesday players in the Medal Match on the to-day, are: A. Masters and J. McCurdy; W. S. Ayson and G. Tapper; G. Myers and S. E. Wootton; W. Clark and T. F. Macdonald; P. Clulee and A. Y. Smith; C. F. A. Jones and P. Israel; C. H. Roberts and D Cochrane.

BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP. TWO COURSE RECORDS BROKEN. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Reuter’s Telegrams.) LONDON, June 23. (Received June 24, 8.50 p.m.) With a record entry of 277, the qualifying rounds for the British Open Golf Championship was opened on two courses, one half playing at Hoylake and the other half at Formby. The sections change over for the second round to-morrow. There is a formidable American contingent, including the ex-champion Hagen, Sarazen, MacDonald Smith, Jim Barnes; also two Spaniards and a half a dozen Frenchmen. George Gadd, of Roehampton, headed the list at Formby with 70 breaking the course record. MacDonald Smith was 72, Sarazen 75, Ray 76, C. Whitcombe 77, Abe Mitchell 78. At Hoylake, the veteran, J. H. Taylor, of Mid-Surrey, made a course record with 70. Havers, the holder of the title, took 72, Tolley 77, Wethered and Duncan 78, Nicholls (America) 79, Barnes 81, Hagen 83.

TENNIS

WIMBLEDOM TOURNAMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) LONDON, June 23. (Received June 24, 7.50 p.m.) At the Wimbledon Tennis tournamen* Richards (America) and Park (New Zealand), played the opening game. Park made a plucky effort but he was outclassed and unable to make any impression against the American’s break service and wonderful volleying. Richards won, 6 —-1, 6—l, 6 —o. Brookes, whose injured eye was very inflamed and made it difficult for him to time, beat H. Fisher 6—2, 6—2, 6 —3. The Dutch member of the Davis Cup team, named Timmer, beat F. M. B. Fisher 7—5, 2—6, 9—7. The contest between F. M. B. Fisher and the Dutch champion, Timmer, was most strenuous. Fisher played a splendid line game, but has was worn down by Timmer’s precision and tremendous hitting. Timmer must be counted as a strong contender in the championship. The South African, Richardson, defeated the New Zealander, Peacock, 2—6, 6 —l, 6 —l, 10 —8. (By Telegraph—Press Assu.—Copyright.) (Reuter’s Telegram.) (Received June 24, 8.30 p.m.) The weather at Wimbledon was glorious and there were ten thousand spectators. Lacoste (France) beat Okamoto (Japan). The meeting of the two leading British contestants resulted in the elimination of O. Turnbull by Gilbert, a member of the, Davis Cup team, 6—3, 6 —4, 6 —4. The American, Washburn, beat Godfree, a member of the British Davis Cup team, 6—4, 6—o, 7—5.

BOWLING

TE RANGI CLUB. ANNUAL REPORT. The report to be presented at the annual meeting of the Te Rangi Bowling Club this evening is as follows: — “I looking back over so many years, we think it should be noted that since the inception of the Club we have been fortunate in having good officers, especially in the long line of splendid sporting men who have occupied the Presidential chair.

“Thanks to the last President’s efforts, a working bee was formed, the pavilion and tool shed receiving a good coat of paint which was badly needed. We are thankful to all those who gave their time and to Mr Barham, who gave or collected from members the value of the paint. “Soon after the last annual meeting we lost by death our old friend and brother bowler, the late Mr James Wright, and a letter of condolence was sent to the bereaved family. We regret that another member in Captain Wilcox has been laid aside so long, and our sympathy has gone out to him, but we are hoping to see him on the green this coming year. “The season was opened on October 10, and was not closed until April 25, 1924, so that members had the opportunity of playing on the green for over six months and the green stood it well.

“There are now on the roll 42 active, 11 honorary and 3 playing life members, which shows the necessity of a combined effort on the part of members to induce a friend to become a member.

“The Club has not been very fortunate in the Club fixtures, although successful in the Saturday matches, winning every game but one. We also pulled off the Mayor’s Doubles, being represented by Messrs T. Brown, James Whitton, George Batchelor and A. S. Froggatt, both pairs winning in each match that they played. In the Shield Rink Competition, we were represented by Messrs R. R. Roscow, A. H. Stott, A. S. Froggatt and T. Donaldson, but they were unsuccessful, as also were our representatives in the Champion of Champion Pairs and Champion of Champion Singles Competitions.

“We are indebted to our President, F. G. Barham, Esq., to our Vice-Presidents, Messrs J. Peterson and A. R. Stott, and to Messrs J. Waugh and A. S. Froggatt, all of whom donated one guinea towards the various Club competitions, also to Mr J. Cunningham who donated two pounds towards the Club’s funds. Mr A. S. Froggatt won the Champion Singles for the fourth time, and also has the distinction in having the most wins among the skips in the Club fixtures. Mr T. Donaldson was the runner-up and had the second highest number of wins of the skips in the Club competitions. Messrs T. Brown and James Whitton are to be congratulated in winning the Champion Pairs. Messrs G. Batchelor and J. Waugh were the runners-up. The Handicap Doubles were annexed by Messrs E. Dale and J. H. Kissell, G. H. Wilson and W. Keys being the runners-up. The President and Vice-President were appointed a Committee to control and hasten on our Club matches, and we trust they gave satisfaction. “We wish to place on record our appreciation of the services rendered by our green rangers, Messrs J. Peterson and P. Milne, for the amount of time and work put in by them and also to those members who assisted them at top-dressing time. We also wish to state how pleased we haw been with the work performed by our pains-taking caretaker, Mr T. A. Varcoe. The selector, Mr A. H. Stott, gave general satisfaction in his arduous duties. The hon. treasurer, Mr G. H. Wilson, has also done well, although a very few, did not support him by paying their subscriptions promptly. ‘Thanks are due to our hon. auditor, Mr W. N. Stirling, to our hon. secretary, Mr A. S. Froggatt, and we are also indebted to our lady friends, who assisted so ably with afternoon tea on match days throughout the season.”

SWIMMING.

GWITHA SHAND IN PARIS., (Sun Special.) PARIS, June 23. (Received June 24, 7.50 p.m.) Gwitha Shand did 100 metres exhibition swim in Sosec,

Pld. W. D. L. Pts. Otautau .. . 6 a 0 1 10 Ohai .. • • 4 0 2 8 Orepuki .. 6 4 0 2 8 Nightcaps .. .. 6 3 0 3 6 Wairio .. 6 z 1 3 5 Orawia .. 6 1 0 5 2 Riverton .. .. 6 0 1 5 1