SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 21089, 22 May 1930, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Acceptances for the first day of the Dunedin Jockey Club’s Winter meeting close tomorrow. Steeplechaser Lord Ranald has joined T. H. Gillett’s stable to prepare for the Grand National. L. J. Ellis will ride St.arshooter in the leading event at the Ashburton meeting on Saturday. Star Area ran a nail into his foot at Feilding meeting, hence his absence from Wanganui races. It is expected that Kiosk will be ready for real business at the Otaki Maori meeting next month. A. E. Ellis will act as pilot to Arikiwai if the gelding races at Ashburton meeting on Saturday next. Lord Ranald was prepared for steeplechasing last season at Riccarton by lady trainer Mrs Campbell. The racing over the battens at Wanganui suggested that smart jumper Elicit will improve presently. ■ Sydney racegoers will be at Moorefield on Saturday next, while Melbourne turfites will attend at Williamstown. Perle de Leon, who is not engaged at Auckland, will presently be in demand for a leading race over hurdles. Aucklander Ring Boy, who recently won at Albury, will in future be found racing on the leading tracks in Sydney. At the Ashburton meeting on Saturday Arikiwai, Audience, Airplane and Fortalice will be the mounts of A. E. Ellis. The well-known Hawkes Bay winner, High Court, will make his next appearance at the Otaki Maori meeting. Maorilander Moorgas recently won over ten furlongs at Tamworth (N.S.W.)in 2.5 J, ranking as a local track record. • • It is claimed that the respiratory trouble for which Goshawk was operated upon in N.Z. has now’ completely vanished. A proved tough customer when raced in New Zealand, it is hard to understand how Aussie has lost all form in Australia. It is reported from Riccarton that Arrowmir is looking well and galloping in an approach to his best form again. The two-year-old gelding Knockany, byNight Raid —Killiney, is reported to be training on well from A. McAulay’s Riccarton stable. The brilliant jumping mare, Aurora Borealis, is owned and prepared for her races by Mr F. R. Waller, a Foxton sportsman. New Zealanders recently at Randwick say that Chide went wrong behind, but declare that the trouble is not very serious. As Starshooter has been galloping well over sprint, tracks at Riccarton, he may be hard to beat as a stayer at Ashburton fixture. It will be interesting to see how Lord Ranald, a very promising steeplechaser, fares as a pupil of experienced Riccarton trainer T. 11. Gillett. The well-known Te Awamutu trainer, F. E. Loomb, who has been ill for some time, is to pay a health-recruiting trip to Hawaii next month.

In the unavoidable absence of D. O’Connor, W. Cooper may prove a fair substitute on Top Gear over the Dunedin J.C’s. crosscountry course.

As he has been schooling well at Ellerslie, Kawini 9.11 in the Great Northern Hurdles, and 10.8 in the Great Northern Steeplechase, may race prominently.

In view of the Dunedin J.C. Winter meeting, it is interesting to note that both Waterline and Full Feather have been galloping well on the tracks at Riccarton.

Audience, who will carry A. E- Ellis in her engagement at Ashburton Country R.C. meeting on Saturday,, has been galloping well at Riccarton of late.

It is claimed that the jumping of Ponjola is not spectacular, but it is very effective and he is expected to race well at Auckland.

The three-year-old pacer. Pro Rata, by Drusus, who won at Oainaru T.C. meeting, might have scored again the same day but for horses tangling in front of him.

It is now stated that the trouble which put Glenstar out of court in the Centruy Hurdles at, Wanganui, was a cold which has affected him for some time past.

The proposal to tack an Unemployment Relief meeting at Forbury Park on to Winter Show week does not read as likely to assist the Dunedin J.C. Winter fixture on earlier dates.

Pacer Terence Dillon performed well in the Enfield Handicap at the Oamaru T.C. meeting and this fact will direct attention to his chances at forthcoming winter trotting meetings.

The Ellerslie novice. batten performer, Town Bird, raced fairly well at the Wanganui Jockey Club's Winter, meeting and is expected to do better at the Auckland R.C. Winter gathering.

The winning owners’ list at the recent Wanganui meeting was headed by Mr 0. Nelson, who races Ponjola, with £375 to his credit, then came Mr F. R. Waller, owner of Aurora Borealis, £3lO.

The most successful winning horseman at the Wanganui Jockey Club’s Winter meeting was H. Gray, with three successes, and he was followed by a host of jockeys with one win each.

Ever since November last a number of Australian writers have been insisting that Phar Lap should have won the Melbourne Cup, but an interview with his rider ,(R. Lewis) published elsewhere, puts a different, complexion on the matter.

The opinion of R. Lewis as to Phar Lap’s defeat in the Melbourne Cup must be respected, as he is one of the most experienced and straightforward horsemen riding in Australia to-day, a jockey who is not afraid to say what he thinks.

For the convenience of owners and trainers, the Auckland Trotting Club’s Winter fixture is to be held on Saturday and Monday, instead of Saturday and Wednesday as has previously been the custom. Lengthy intervals between racing days are expensive and unfair.

At Riccarton on Tuesday Gala Day (I. Tilson) gave a good display (says Christchurch Press), in jumping seven of the steeplechase fences, and Hyperion (E. Shaw) negotiated a round of the country in pleasing style!

Limerick’s brother, Dunraven, has furnished out to a marked degree during his recent spell (remarks The Press) and is much more robust in appearance. He is to be kept moving from now onwards with a view to early spring racing.

The result of the Two Thousand Guineas, the first of the season’s classic races in England (remarks Wellington Dominion), would be specially pleasing to Mr J. Donald, of the Westmere Stud, Wanganui. The winner, Diolite, is by Diophon, the first of

the progeny of the Derby winner, Grand Parade, to go to the stud. The first son of Grand Parade to take up stud life in New Zealand is the Westmere stallion, Grand Knight, who will be represented by several yearlings at Trentham in January. Another coincidence in connection /with the breeding of Diophon is that his, dam, Donnetta, also produced Diadumenos, the sire of Diacquenod, another of the Westmere Stud stallions.

At the Canning Ij’ark Turf Club’s meeting at Perth on May 10 the Canning Purse, seven furlongs, was" run in two divisions, and in each event a New Zealander was the winner. The first division went to Chips (Paper Money—Killen a), by two lengths and a-half in Imin 2S 2-ssec, and the second winner was Insurgent (Kilbroney—Zia) by half a length in Imin 28 4-osec. Chips was favourite and Insurgent second favourite. Insurgent is a younger full brother to the local gelding Zelanian in G. Hope’s stable, and a haltbrother to Solzia, by Solferino, with whom Hope won races last reason. On the same day Sir Lucullus finished second in the hurdles, two miles, and Anticipate third in the Canning Park Handicap, one mile and a quarter.

While any attempt by the authorities to make racing as clean as possible must be commended (remarks the Wellington, Dominion), I think that D. O'Connor was unlucky at Wanganui on Saturday, and under the circumstances a month’s sentence was a bit severe. 'What interference there was did not affect the result of the race, and there was the additional confusion caused by the riderless Airforce. It is more than likely that O’Connor shifted his ground to avoid Airforce as much as anything else. Those who watched the running of the Grandstand Steeplechase closely saw a much more obvious case to merit inquiry and punishment in the trouble that Red Bank encountered. This incident is similar to many that occur in jumping races down the back of courses.

Mr J. S. Edge, one of the most notable cross-country riders of the eighties, who now conducts a dairy farm about six or seven miles from Warrnambool (says Melbourne Sporting Globe) has a skull cap, which, he says, was the first used in races in Victoria. A hatter friend of his in Melbourne, Mr Edge claims, suggested the idea, of the cap, and made one for him, which he used on many occasions and found to be of great service. Nowadays, riders are compelled to wear skull caps. Mr Edge has a prosperous business in the Western District and has lost practically all active interest in racing. He rarely sees a meeting, his cows claiming most of his time. At district gymkhanas in recent years he has donned silk and won two draught horse races. He won the Grand National Steeple on Fearless 11. in 1890, and rode his last race in 1901.

Racing people in England do not hesitate when called on for donations toward the alleviation of distress caused by racecourse accidents or other misfortune. This is very marked in regard to jockeys, and is really surprising, for a liberal allowance is made under the accident funds of both Jockey Club and National Hunt races. The Hat race jockeys are in much the better position, for in the event of death the maximum amount for the widow or dependants is £2OOO, while permanent disablement means £2OOO, and temporary disablement £l2 a week for fifty-two weeks for a jockey and £6 for an apprentice jockey. Under National Hunt rules the major amount is £lOOO, but for temporary disablement a jockey receives onlv £3 a week for twenty-six weeks. This may account for a subscription opened for the steeplechase jockey, L. B. Rees, about the time the last mail left, which in a few days reached nearly £3OO. Rees at Cheltenham had an elbow splintered, and a leg badly broken.

Though wet weather on Friday prevented the air flight from Christchurch to Blenheim of the two-young horsemen, A. E. and L. J. Ellis, who had engagements at the local meetings (reports the Blenheim correspondent of 1 Christchurch- Star), they made the trip on Saturday in one of the Marlborough Club's Moths, which Captain Chandler took to Christchurch to meet them. The weather on Saturday morning was overcast in Christchurch, but appeared to be improving; so the machine took off at 9 o’clock, the two jockeys squeezing into the seat usually occupied by one passenger. The trip was. a bit patchy, with a good deal of thick clouds about, so that when over the Clarence Bridge Captain Chandler deemed it advisable to land and ascertain the conditions ahead of him. He put the machine down a few yards from the Clarence Bridge post office and was soon -in touch by telephone with Blenheim. As the report was favourable the flight was resumed at 11.5 a.m. and the machine appeared over the Waterlea racecourse at 11.45 a.m;, just as the first race was commencing. As the course appeared to be sodden Captain Chandler went on to Woodbourne Aerodrome. The two jockeys arrived on the course just at noon and were warmly welcomed. Both had rides during the afternoon, but with no success. They enjoyed their air trip immensely. NEWS FROM AUCKLAND. THE GREAT NORTHERN DOUBLE. CORNWALL HANDICAP CANDIDATES. (Special to the Times.) Auckland, May 21. Going by latest market advices, the most favoured combination in the Great Northern Hurdles and Cornwall Handicap is Star Comet and Prince of Orange. The former, after his Brighton Hurdles success would be expected near the head of quotations, and that Prince of Orange should be coupled up with him so as to make the combination a warm favourite in doubles is at least instructive. Star Comet is said to be an improved horse since his double win at Ellerslie at Easter time. When raced on the flat Star Comet did not achieve a great deal of success, but he was always noticed running on at the end. After being confined to hack sprints he was tried out over middle distances, and here he ran his best races. Going on this, and taken in conjunction with his recent dual success over the sticks, it can be expected that Star Comet will not be unduly bothered by the two and a-half miles of the Great Northern Hurdles.

Ever since he won a seven furlongs hack classic at Takapuna in the late summer, and an excellent performance it was, Prince of Orange has been steadily improving. He won over the same distance in his next start at Te Aroha and was second next time out. Probably his best performance was in the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie in which he finished an excellent fifth in first class company, this following on two impressive outings at To Rapa. At Avondale Prince of Orange had an exciting tussle with Tenakohe and defeated him narrowly. Takanini advices indicate that his trainer, E. Pope, has Prince of Orange in splendid condition for the Cornwall Handicap engagement. No official announcement has yet been made'as to his rider, but it is likely that R. S. Bagby will be in the saddle if not’ required for J. T. Jamieson’s stable. Bagby was on Prince of Orange when he won at Avondale. An interesting statement is made to-day that in the event of H. Wiggins going to ride at Otaki, Roy Reed will take over his mount in the Cornwall Handicap. This horse is Pahu, a promising handicapper. One of the most interesting items of news to hand this week so far as the Great Northern Steeplechase is concerned is that from Te Rapa which states that Rawhetu schooled brilliantly oyer the steeplechase fences. When 'raced in Australia, Rawhetu won a couple of handicap events, although several critics referred to the aged Day Comet—Miss Winsome gelding as a nonstayer. Over the very tiring Great Northern Steeplechase journey, one would consider stamina as the first requirement. Yesterday Ponjola, Maunga, Omeo and Havering put in an appearance at Ellerslie, and all except Omeo (who was not raced there) look improved bv their Wanganui outings. The first mentioned trio claim a double engagement in the Great Northerns

while Havering is likely to figure prominently when saddled up for shorter events. Omeo is regarded in very many quarters as the most formidable to win the big jumping double. .’E-. It is unfortunate that Kauri lark has gone sore and he can be marked off as a doubtful starter at the meeting. This is hard luck for his owner-trainer, for the gelding’s win over the sticks at Avondale last month indicated that he was well forward. Kauri Park was on the tracks this morning, but was not worked seriously. Merry Mint was scratched to-day for all A.R.C. engagements next month, but it is significant that the stable still has Goshawk engaged in the Cornwall Handicap. The trotting horse Mussoline, by Wellington Direct, arrived from England to-day for F. J. Smith. The horse is a red roan and of a nuggety build. FORBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB. UNEMPLOYED RELIEF MEETING. PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED. (Special to the Times.) Dunedin, May 21. A special meeting of the I’ orbury Park Trotting Club Committee was held this afternoon to make the necessary arrangements for the totalisator meeting to be held on June 5 and 7 to raise funds for the relief of the unemployed. It was decided that the chief race on each day should be for a 4.34 class and that the stake offered should be £450. The race on the first day will be known as the Awarua Handicap and on the second day the Birthday Handicap. In the remaining races the classes are as follows: — —First Day.— BAYFIELD HANDICAP (harness) £l5O. Unhoppled trotters. Class 3.45. One and a-half miles. DOMAIN HANDICAP (harness) £175. Class 3.39. One and a-half miles. BEACH HANDICAP (saddle) £2OO. Class 2.17. One mile. WOODSIDE HANDICAP (harness) £2OO. Class 3.17. One mile and three furlongs. ,ST. CLAIR HANDICAP (harness) £2OO. Unhoppled trotters.' Class 4.49. Two’ miles. RENOWN HANDICAP (harness) £2OO. Class 3.32. One and a-half miles. FLYING HANDICAP (harness) £225. Class 2.48. One and a-quarter miles. The second day’s programme provides for similar stakes and classes to those on the first day with the exception of the Royal Handicap, the second race, which is for a 4.52 class over two miles. It was decided that nominations should close at 5 p.m. on May 28, that the handicaps should be declared on May 30, and that the acceptances should close at 5 p.m. on June 2. Subsequent to the meeting, word was received that the Trotting Conference had approved the selected dates. TAUMARUNUI RACING CLUB. DIVIDED CONTESTS. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 21. Owing to the acceptors in the Maiden Hack Handicap and the Matapuna Hack Handicap to be decided at Taumarunui on Saturday exceeding the safety number, the fields have had to be divided. The divisions are: — MAIDEN HANDICAP, £lOO. Six furlongs. —First Division. —

GREAT NORTHERN HURDLES. MANGANISCRATCHED. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 21. Mangani was scratched at 9 a.m. for the Great Northern Hurdles. PHAR LAP’S MELBOURNE CUP. HOW HE WAS DEFEATED. R. LEWIS BREAKS THE SILENCE. Adelaide, May 14.' A Sydney Sun correspondent' reporting from Adelaide gives some interesting sidelights on the race for the Melbourne Cup of the present season won by New Zealander Night March, and in which Phar Lap was beaten, as follows: To-day R. Lewis broke the long silence regarding his riding of Phar Lap in the last Melbourne Cup. For Phar Lap’s Cup failure, Lewis has come in for a lot of hostile criticism, which is wholly undeserved. Those best acquainted With Lewis gave him credit for having ridden to orders; but some critics blamed him for unwisely fighting with his mount. Before the Cup Lewis held a consultation with the owner-trainer, H. R. Telford, who expressed a desire that he should adopt waiting tactics. “If you are near the leaders half a mile from home,” remarked Telford, “nothing can take the race away from Phar Lap.” Lewis was dubious as to the wisdom of this policy, and maintained that the gelding ought to have a pacemaker, but he could not convert Telford to this way of thinking. Fought for Head. While in the mounting yard, Lewis expressed to one of the stipendiary stewards a fear that no candidate, apart from Phar Lap, would be prepared to make the running, and what happened confirmed that gloomy outlook. Trouble began at the turn out of the straight. Taisho, who was alongside of Phar Lap, ran wide, and the chestnut followed him. When straightened, Phar Lap started to fight for his head, and Lewis, conforming to the trainer’s wishes, tried to slacken his speed. His efforts were unavailing, and after the mile and a quarter post Lewis gave up struggling. “Could Not Have Won.” However, Lewis is positive that under no circumstances could Phar Lap have won the Melbourne Cup of 1929. He considers that Phar Lap was feeling the strain of his Spring racing when produced at Flemington, and that it would have been- calamitous to start him again after Melbourne Clip day. “Between the Phar Lap that raced in the Cup, and the Phar Lap that carried everything before him at the V.R.C. and

Sydney Autumn carnivals, no comparison can be drawn,” says Lewis. Telford told Lewis, when the St. George Stakes was run at Caulfield in February, to remain behind, and not make a forward move until Amounis did so. Lewis was astounded. “Do you really mean me to ride Phar Lap like that?” he inquired. Telford left no doubt regarding his requirements, and would not be dissuaded. Obedience was yielded to, and Phar Lap was beaten into third place. After the race Lewis informed Telford that he would .never accept a mount on Phar Lap again. GOLF. Lr,ING SHIELD MATCH. QUEEN’S PARK RETAINS TROPHY. A match for the Laing Shield between the Mataura Golf Club (challengers) and Queen’s Park Club (holders), was played on the Park yesterday, under very boisterous conditions. On the day’s play the Park players retained the shield by a comfortable margin, winning all the matches. During the afternoon the president of the Queen’s Park Club, Mr W. G. Tait, welcomed the visitors, and expressed regret that the weather conditions were not as good as might have been wished. However, he hoped the Mataura players would all enjoy their games. Replying on behalf of the visitors, Mr Buchanan said that the team had came to town not with any hope of taking away the shield, but with the idea of getting experience of match play. The games had been contested in the most friendly spirit and they had, one and all, thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon’s golf. They were particularly taken with the fairways and greens, especially the latter, which compared more than favourably with those of their home course. He wished to thank the Queen’s Park Club most heartily for the hospitality extended to them. INVERCARGILL LADIES’ CLUB. DRAW FOR ECLECTIC BOGEY MATCH. Following is the draw for to-day’s match :— First’Tee: Mrs Tansley v. Miss Perrin; Mrs Pottinger v. Mrs Handyside; Miss Henderson v. Miss Oughton; Mrs McCarthy v. Mrs T. M. Macdonald, Mrs Israel v. Mrs Corkill. Fourteenth Tee: Mrs Tait v. Mrs Spencer; Mrs Broad v. Miss Masters; Mrs Tomlinson v. Miss D. McCallum; Mrs Garret t v. Miss Anderson; Miss Watson v. Miss Brodrick. Eleventh Tee: Mrs Hoyles v. Miss M. Pilcher, Mrs Palmer v. Miss Lawrence, Mrs Service v. Miss K. Wilson, Miss Douglas v. Miss Todd, Mrs T. F. Macdonald v. Mrs Rowe, Mrs A. M, Macdonald a bye. BASKETBALL. YESTERDAY’S GAMES POSTPONED. Owing to the inclement weather prevailing yesterday, all basketball matches were postponed. SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. At the fortnightly meeting of the executive of the Southland Basketball Association there were present: Mesdames R. S. 'Mclnnes, W. N. Johnston, Craig, Misses Strathern. Basstian and Mr Galloway. Apologies were received from Mrs Deaker and Misses E. B. Pay and M. Wesney. In the absence of the president, Mrs Mclnnes occupied the chair. A letter was received from the Commissioner of Public Works granting the association the use of the Post Office Square for a tournament on June 19 or any other more suitable day. The letter was referred to the Match Committee to make all arrangements with the recommendation that the tournament be on the same lines as the May Fair tournament —-nine-a-side knockout. Mr Galloway offered to present suitable plaques to the members of the winning team. The offer was accepted with thanks. The Match Committee reported that the registrations of M. Pearce, P. Pope, M. Savory, E. Yeo, E. Palmer, M. and V. Sangster to Central Methodist, M. Cook to Pirates, L. Corson to St. Peter’s, M. McDonald and D. Gazzard to H. and J. Smith’s had been received; that permission had been granted to Bluff to enter a Saturday intermediate team; that Makarewa and Pirates had been given permission to play friendly games against Kia Ora and Fire Brigade; that a game was being arranged for Lmieliills against Collegiate. This committee also reported that 24 intermediate and 15 senior teams had entered for June 3 competition and recommended that all country teams except Kia Ora, be allowed to play intermediate; that permission be given to St. Mary’s to enter one intermediate team. It further reported that there were 12 referees and eight scorers for the whole day and two for the afternoon were available. This gives two referees to each court, but the position would be relieved if at least four others could be obtained. Recommended that a charge of sixpence be made for admission except to players and officials and a charge of threepence for tea or cocoa at lunch time, and that the appointment of ground stewards be held over until the next meeting. The report was received and the recommendations agreed to. It was decided that a copy of the rules for June 3 be posted at the courts and sent to the sub-associations. It was also decided to advise clubs that late registrations were not accompanied by the addresses of the players and that the addresses be sent for all those already registered and that no future registration be accepted without the address. ■ The finance committee reported that no annual fees were outstanding; that a wrong accounts for lighting .for last year had been sent to ’Kiwi, but had now been corrected; that all accounts could now be paid; that accounts for lighting to date this year would be sent out at the end of May. The carnival committee reported- that Miss R. Henry had been appointed carnival secretary and that the draw for positions of stalls of the bazaar had resulted: Collegiate (1), Kiwi (2), H. and J. Smith’s (3), Central Methodist (4), Pirates (5), Haynco (6), St. Peter’s (7), Rata (8), St. Mary’s (9). A letter was received from the Otago Association accepting July 26 as the date for the senior match and stating that they would advise later if it was possible for them to send a second grade team also. RIFLE SHOOTING defence miniature club. Last evening there was a large* attendance of members of the Defence Miniature Rifle Club at the Drill Hall, several of whom were new members. Some good shooting took place and the shoot, for the trophy was keenly contested. The new members have made good progress and with a little more coaching will soon be among the top scorers. W. Milley and M. Sheehan tied with 77 off the rifle for the trophy and "Cock o the Walk” Shield. The shoot off was won by Milley. The following are eome of the best scores in the shoot for the trophy:—

Another fine trophy has been procured for next Monday evening’s shoot.

BOWLS. INVERCARGILL CLUB. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Invercargill Bowling Club was held last evening when the president, Mr T. H. Robertson, presided over an attendance of about 30 members. Mr Robertson said that he was very pleased to see so many present, and he hoped that they would have a successful meeting. He thanked the club members for the way in which they had assisted him during the year. Annual Report-. The following report was presented by the executive: —. “The committee reports the membership to* stand at 53 active, 10 honorary and one life members; that of the previous year being 54 active, 10 honorary and one life, which shows that our membership is not increasing. Owing to this fact we feel that the only other alternative is to increase the subscription. The new members who come in every year only make up for those that leave and our expenses are increasing.

“The green was officially opened for play on Saturday, October 19, 1929, and closed on April 21, 1930. The weather conditions interfered somewhat with the season’s play. The thanks of the club are due to those gentlemen who assisted in top-dressing and other work on the green. The Shanks motor mower, which arrived early in the season, has given complete satisfaction. We regret to record the passing of one member in the person of Clifford Carlisle. A message of condolence was forwarded to the relatives of the deceased. Messrs T. Gilbertson and E. Battin represented the club in the Centre’s champion pairs, competition. Messrs T. Gilbertson and E. Battin, O. Grant and C. C. Munnings were the representatives in the Mayor’s Pairs. Congratulations arc extended to the players in the A and B grade, 4 rink competitions, being runners-up in both grades. The club competitions resulted as follows: Champion singles, Mr F. G. Stevenson; champion doubles, Messrs T. Gilbertson and E. Battin.

“We regret to have to report the loss through transfer, of two respected members of the club in the persons of Messrs George Withers and A. Dennison. These gentlemen were the recipients of presentations from their fellow members. A presentation was also made to Mr T. Gilbert on his retirement from office, for his untiring and valuable services to the club.

“Progressive doubles were played on Christmas Day and also on Saturday, March 29, the latter being a benefit for the Poppy Day funds, which resulted in the sum of £2 being forwarded to the Returned Soldiers’ Association. This form of competition seems to be very popular and enjoyable games are always assured. In conclusion the committee wishes to place On record its appreciation of the manner in which the Invercargill daily newspapers published names for and results of matches.” The report was adopted without discussion. Social Committee's Report. Tire secretary of the social committee reported as follows: "I have to re;>ort that we have had a satisfactory year, both from a social and financial point, as far as billiards are concerned. The usual inter-club games were held, the Southland Bowling Club coming out on top with Te Rangi as runners-up and our club amongst the also started. The club members do not patronize the billiard room as much as they might and it is left for a few who attend fairly regularly. Notwithstanding, the return from the table was £43 11/-, plus £1 4/- entrance fees for the year just ended. The club is indebted to the following persons for donations to the prize funds: president (Mr Robertson), pice-presidcnt (Mr Smith) and (Mr J. Holloway). “At a meeting of the social committee held on April 28 it was decided to allot the following prizes: A Grade —First trophy valued 25/-; second, trophy valued 15/-. B Grade —First, trophy valued 21/-; second trophy valued 15/-. Orders were supplied to the winners: A—Mr J. Reed 1, Mr A. Gutzewitz 2. B—Mr A. Mcßobie 1, Mr C. C. Munnings 2. The winners were requested to secure their trophies and have them delivered to the president or secretary for presentation at the annual meeting of the club. The prizes being provided out of the money given by the aforementioned donors together with the entrance fees all of which have been paid into the club’s bank account. We held a social evening on June 14, at which card games were played, but this was supported by only some 16 members.” The report was adopted. The hon. treasurer (Mr F. G. Stevenson) presented a balance sheet showing a debit balance of over £5O, which was adopted without discussion. Election of Officers. The following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr J. Smith; vice-president, Mr A. 0. Carman; hon. secretary, Mr C. C. Munnings; treasurer, Mr F. G. Stevenson; auditor, Mr D. Cochrane; committee, Messrs A. Derbie, W. Falconer, W. Miller, R. Hunter, C. Good and O. Grant; delegates to Centre, Messrs F. G. Stevenson and A. Derbie; selectors, Messrs F. G. Stevenson, T. 11. Robertson and A. C. Carman; social committee, Messrs J. Holloway, T. Morrison, T. Robertson, G. Walker, F. G. Stevenson, C. Good, J. Richards, J. Smith, A. Gutzewitz and W. Miller. Presentation of Prizes. Mr A. Derbie presented the trophy to the winner of the champion singles (Mr F. G. Stevenson), and in doing so congratulated Mr Stevenson on his success. He also referred to Mr Stevenson’s good qualities as an executive officer and as a player. Mr Stevenson, in reply, said that he had had a very narrow win. Mr Derbie had been a good runner-up and had only lost on the last shot. Mr O. Grant presented the trophies for the doubles championship to Mr T. Gilbertson on behalf, of Mr Gilbertson and his partner, Mr E. Battin, and congratulated them on their win. Mr Gilbertson made a suitable response. Mr T. H. Robertson presented the trophies won in the social meetings to Messrs J. Reed, A. Gutzewitz, A. Mcßobie and C. C. Munnings. General. Mr T. Gilbertson moved that the annual subscription of the club should be increased from £2 10/- to £2 15/- per annum, with the usual discount of 5/- if paid by November 30. Mr E. C. Smith seconded the motion, and said he did hot think that the increase was large enough. He was in favour of a subscription of £3, which would allow them to build up a reserve. The treasurer said that the club had not gone back, but it -had not made sufficient headway. They had bought a new lawnmower and had paid £25 off the pavilion. They were building up assets, but he was in favour of the proposed increase. Other members, including the president, spoke in support of the motion. Mr J. Reed moved an amendment that the increase should be 10/- instead of 5/and Mr T. H. Robertson seconded.

Mr R. Hunter opposed the amendment, and said that he hoped to have a motion for the alteration of the club’s colours passed during the evening and if that was done, the 5/- increase would be sufficient. The amendment was lost and the motion was carried. Mr Hunter moved that the club should consider a new design of blazer, and in doing so said that the club’s blazer was like some books, it was out of print.. The cloth could not be obtained, and in addition to that the colours were hideous. (Hear, hear). He did not suggest any alteration in the colours; what he suggested was an alteration of the blazer. He produced a pattern to show what he meant—a cloth with a blue ground and a narrow strip of blue and white at intervals of about one inch. Mr Carman seconded the motion. Several members spoke for and against the motion.

Mr A. Derbie said he was of the opinion that any alteration in the arrangement of their colours would have to be submitted to the Centre for approval. He was not against an alteration in the blazer, but he wished to see uniformity in the club. He did not agree with the speakers who had said that the blazer was hideous; it was only striking. The motion was carried by 14 votes to 6, a number of the members present declining to vote. Mr Derbie moved that the design for the new blazers should be left to the executive with power to act. This was seconded and adopted. Mr Stevenson said that two matters were coming before the next meeting of the Southland Centre and, as the club’s representative, he wished for some guidance for himself and Mr Derbie. The first matter was the abolition of the A and B grade and the adoption of an eight-rink competition. -The other matter was the rule which prohibited substitutes in the champion of champion matches. Mr Hunter moved that the rule stand as it was for the singles, but that if one member of the pairs was sick or absent from the city, a substitute should be allowed. Mr Gilbertson seconded the motion, and it was carried. , The president spoke against any alteration in the A and B grade competitions and opinions for and against the proposal were expressed by a number of members. Mr Gilbertson moved, and Mr Carman seconded, that the delegates be instructed to support the present A and B grade championship. Mr Stevenson moved that, in the event of an application being made by’ the ladies, they should be allowed to join up with the club under the same conditions as those observed in other clubs, the subscription to be 15/- per annum. The president said that the motion was out of order, as the rules did not permit of the admission of ladies. Mr Stevenson said that he was prepared to withdraw his motion and give notice of motion. Other clubs had admitted ladies and there were no objections to them. He gave the following notice of motion: “That this club admit lady members at a subscription of 15/- per annum.” It was decided that a special meeting be held on June 4 to consider Mr Stevenson’s motion.

Mr Smith proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring president and Mr Stevenson proposed a similar vote of thanks to the Press, and in doing so moved that. the club should accord honorary membership -to the Press representative. The motion was seconded and carried. RUGBY FOOTBALL. WEDNESDAY GAMES POSTPONED. Owing to the inclement weather conditions yesterday all Wednesday matches were postponed for a week. ATHLETICS. R. 0. JOHNSON TO COMPETE. Dunedin, May 21. R. O. Johnson, the Otago hop, step and jump champion, will be a member of the New Zealand team at the British Empire Games, the New Zealand Council having granted him permission to compete, providhe pays his own expenses. SWIMMER UNABLE TO ATTEND. Christchurch, May 21. Mr. L. J. Moorehouse, the Canterbury Swimmer, has decided not to go to the Empire games for business reasons. THE EMPIRE GAMES. Melbourne, May 21. Alf Watson, the Australian champion hurdler, announces that he will be unable to represent Australia at the Empire Games in Canada in August. PAYMENT FOR BROKEN TIME. PROPOSAL REJECTED. Berlin, May 20. Britain’s defence of amateur sport _ triumphed at a meeting of the International Amateur Athletic Federation when a Finnish and Swedish motion seeking to establish the principle for broken time payment was rejected by 18 votes to four. Mr. Barnard on behalf of Britain, said he would withdraw from the Federation if the proposals were carried. Sport must be conducted for sports’ sake, not allowing for the payment of any Olympic member or international competitor for the loss of time and wages. VISITING ATHLETES. PELTZER, LERMOND, GOLDING and EMTON all use ELLIMAN’S EMBROCATION. Invigorating for Massage—it relieves all aches and pains. USE THE EMBROCATION PREFERRED BY WORLD'S CHAMPIONS.—(Advt.) BOXING. DONOVAN AND GRIME MATCHED. Hawera, May 21. The Hawera Boxing Association last night approved a contract for a return bout at Hawera on June 6 between Tommy Donovan and Billy Grime, who met previously on April 24, when Donovan won on a foul. Mr. Earl Stewart has been requested to again act as referee. LIBEL ACTION SETTLED. Eltham, May 21. The threatened action against the Eltham Argus at the suit of Pete Sarron claiming £3OO damages for alleged libel in that newspaper’s report of the Sarron—Donovan fight at New Plymouth will not reach the Court, defendants having paid £25 into Court which Sarron’s solicitors have accepted in full satisfaction. PHIL SCOTT’S CHALLENGE. New York, May 20. Phil Scott to-day filed a challenge to meet the winner of the Sharkey-Schmelling championship bout. The State Athletic Commission placed the document on the file without comment.

Land Measure 9 0 Vai Simmon . 8 0 Stonehenge 8 7 Kiri .... 8 0 Whenuatonga 8 4 War Ace . . 8 0 Royal Visitor 8 3 Arch Eagle . 8 0 Wild Country 8 1 Principal Boy 8 0 Gay Caballero 8 0 Silver Division 8 0 —Second Division. — Sister White . 8 11 Star Lupin . . 8 0 New Boy . . 8 5 Ruby Dawn . 8 0 Queenstown . 8 3 Arcadian . . 8 0 Derry Bell . . S 1 Muriel Latour 8 0 Benighted . . 8 0 Maunga King 8 0 Huhana . . . 8 0 Shine On . . 8 0 Wee Prince . 8 0 MATAPUNA HACK HANDICAP, £100. Five furlongs. —First Division.— Archeval . . . 9 0 Valorient . . 7. 0 Sir Kay . . . 8 9 Wee Prince . 7 0 Taurimu . . . 8 3 Te Kamonga . 7 0 Norval Tea 8 0 Kiri .... 7 0 Rose Lupin . 7 19 Arch Eagle . 7 0 The Jack Principal Boy 7 0 Jumper 7 4 Shine On . . 7 0 Kiwinui . . . 7 4 Land Measure 7 0 —Second Division. — Mauriaena . . 8 9 Hahuna ... 7 0 Abbey Queen 8 3 Vai Simon . 7 0 Ruling Chief . 8 3 Ruby Dawn . 7 0 Te Waitai . . 7 12 Derry Belle . 7 0 •Foreign Fancy 7 10 Maunga King 7 0 Vital .... 7 4 Wild Country 7 0 Golden New Boy . . 7 0 Pennant 7 4 Day Form . . 7 0

Score. Hn’cp. Tt. M. Sheehan .. .. . . .. 77 — 77 W. Miliey . .. 77 77 G. H. Smith .. 76 —• 76 J. T. Newell .. .. .. .. 76 —~ 76 G. Kelly . .. 75 1 76 S. Yates . .. 74 2 76 A. R. Wills . .. 74 2 76 A. Winder . .. 69 7 76 Miss Miliey .. ». . . .. 69 7 76 J. Morrison . .. 74 1 75 C. Cunningham .. . . .. 72 1 73 Mrs Maher . .. 68 5 73 S. D. Stewart .. . . .. .70 1 71 Mrs Newell . .. 68 2 70 S. Cunningham . .. 60 10 70 J. McAnelley . .. 61 5 66