SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Southland Racing Club’s Winter fixture opens to-morrow —first race at 11.35 a.m. Locally-bred pacing mare Gold Tinge will be racing at Oamaru on Saturday. Marlborough Racing Club’s meeting opens to-morrow and concludes on Saturday. Sure and Peter Mitchell are Southlanders due to compete at Oamaru T.C. fixture. Jumpers Landmark and Make Up raced across the flat at the recent Nelson meeting. Copey’s form at Egmont was pleasing in view of his Great Northern big fence task at 10.3. Fleeting Glance raced badly at Amberley, but may do better under winter conditions. The Smuggler and Sailing Home have built up to race well on current holding tracks. Light harness mentor C. S. Donald will have Automatic and Morning Sun at Oamaru. Semper Paratus (10.5) has real weight to carry over seven furlongs at Marlborough meeting. Stout little Jack A Dandy was not seen at his best at Riverton, but he has picked up again. His appearance creates the impression that Red Boa did not suffer a relapse at Riverton. Southland-bred square trotter, Coreopsis is to race at Oamaru T.C. meeting on Saturday. Despite her hampered action, local mare, Red Sunset, shapes well in the heavy ground. Although beaten over country by Fine Acre at Egmont, Jayson may become a valuable 'chaser. Egmont juvenile gelding winner, Slippery, reported smart, is by Hunting Song—Royal Moment. The pacer William Tell was not raced at Forbury last week, but he and Peter Mitchell appeal at Oamaru. It is reported that Wingatui mentor F. Shaw is taking the aged jumper Kapuna up again. On Friday last, at Wingatui, W. Cooper schooled All Comment over the fences with some success. The aged gelding All Comment, who is joining the leaping brigade, is by Solferino from Flying Past. At the Oamaru Jockey Club’s meeting on July 1 a brush steeplechase will be on the card. Handicaps for the Ashburton County J.C.’s meeting are due on Monday and acceptances on Tuesday. Recent rains experienced at Riccarton will enable several trainers to have their jumpers schooled. Local gallopers Toreador, Miss Redowa and Clara Bow move well in deep ground. The timing of local horses at present is a farce, but ability to handle rough stuff is instructive. Her careful owner has been sending Enwood along in holding turf of late and she is iniproving. Veteran Riccarton trainer, R. Longley, has three promising pupils—Cranford, High Tor and Jacobin. Young Sentinel has been displaying dislike to heavy going of late, but he galloped freely yesterday. Official records show that the name of Glentruin’s Daughter has been claimed for Lochlaggan’s two-year-old full sister. Brood mare Toti dal Monte, dam of Rebel Song (Robespierre) and Silvox (Silverado) is in foal to Hoylake (imp.) The southern pacing representative, Suncross, may race at Oamaru on Saturday under trainer 0. E. Hooper. J. W. Pankhurst has two Australianbred gallopers in his string at Washdyke in Air Pocket and Donalda, both four-year-old mares. Quite Soon, a juvenile filly in A. S. Ellis's stable at Riccarton, is a daughter of Shambles (imp.) from Dame Straitlace, by Kilbroney. The novice Quite Soon will not be the first descendant of Shambles prepared by A. S. Ellis, as he was successful with Rioter on the S.R.C. tracks. After the Rous Handicap at the recent A.J.C. meeting the club’s veterinary surgeon recommended that N.E.F.’s nomination be refused for three months on account of his bleeding. His ownertrainer subsequently appeared before the A.J.C. Committee, when it was decided to give the horse another chance before applying the ban. After holding tickets in over 200 lotteries, to win minor prizes of £lO and £5, a Sydneyite recently landed £5OOO. The scoring ticket was held by a syndicate of three, and, in the words of the veteran and principal investor, “The money was greatly needed.” The local mare Sea Mist was handicapped for the New River Trot, class 3.42 (one mile and a half) on 3.39 at the Southland R.C.’s meeting to-mor-row, but as she was reassessed in the meantime on 3.38 prior to the appearance of the adjustments an alteration has been found necessary. As a result of this readjustment Sea Mist is placed to start off 48yds at the S.R.C. meeting to-morrow and not 36yds, as appears in the race-book. A N.Z. Racing Conference official inspection of local trainers’ establishments and indentured jockeys’ hiring conditions took place during the current week, and it is safe to say that all were found equal to regulation requirements. Very few racegoers are aware that periodical inspections of this character are conducted on behalf of the ruling body, and rightly so. The welfare of the budding horsemen of to-day is studied in a fashion that might with decided advantage have been enforced some years ago. The galloping novice Double Shot, who made a modest debut at the Amberley R.C. meeting last week, is bred on interesting lines. He is racing as a three-year-old son of Agrion (son of Limond) from Half-a-Brace (imp.) by Bachelor’s Double from Duegna, by Watchmaker, and he is returned as having been bred by Mr J. H. Prosser, owner of Great Star, Grand Review and other horses. At Kensington (Sydney) recently jockey R. Shelton was riding Mountain Rose when the bit broke. Uncontrolled, the mare galloped about a furlong be-

fore hitting a hurdle. Shelton was flung heavily to the ground, where he lay for some minutes. In the half-light Shelton’s predicament was not noticed until another horse and rider w> re on top of him. Semi-conscious, he rolled away, but was not quick enough, and was struck by the hoofs. Besides being badly bruised and shaken, Sheltcn had his left wrist broken. He was later admitted to hospital quarters.

The story emanating from Christchurch to the effect that R. Beale has taken service with F. Trilford, at Washdyke, is incorrect, as the Otago cross-country horseman is still at Wingatui where his prospects are more favourable. Beale is principally concerned at present with the schooling of Mr L. C. Hazlett’s cross-country candidates.

The breeding of a novice, engaged at the Ashburton County Racing Club’s meeting on May 20, is of some interest in Southland. The stranger referred to is a three-year-old gelding called Marquillo, a son of Panmure (imp.) from Bran Pie, by Buckwheat (imp.) from Eager Eyes (imp. America). The novice’s dam, Bran Pie, was bred by Mr E. M. Russell, of Invercargill, and subsequently passed on to other ownership. His many racing friends in Southland and elsewhere will be pleased to learn, by the way, that Mr Eric Russell, the local breeder of Bran Pie, is making satisfactory progress in hospital quarters, following on a serious illness.

The flags are flying on the steeplechase obstacles on the local racecourse and the flat-racing track is heavy, but otherwise in good condition for the Southland Racing Club’s Winter fixture on Friday and Saturday. A welcome break yesterday in a lengthy spell of inclement weather gave the competition path a chance to drain off and improve, and it was drying well when inspected during the Wednesday’s early working hours.

A Christchurch Times expert, in commenting on the recent Forbury Park T.C. meeting, remarks of an Invercargill square-gaited performer:— “Paul Bingen is just a plodder, who will pick up a stake when the more select trotters make serious mistakes. He is by Nelson Bingen from Genobia, by Franz from Polly, by Sacramento, and is trained by G. B. Matheson at Invercargill.” The foregoing is correct as far as it extends, but Paul Bingen is a very consistent and honest mover and as he is only a six-year-old—-youthful as trotters go—there is every hope that this sound stepper will develop speed in addition to his proved staying powers.

The Victorian hurdler Comic Prince, while schooling recently, stood off too far and broke a fore leg below the knee through landing on top of the hurdle. The force with which Comic Prince Struck can be gathered from the fact that a piece of bone about four inches long was knocked out of the leg and picked up twenty feet away.

The 13-year-old hurdler Boomlet was running in a race at Worcester, England. He blundered at one fence and jumped the remaining two badly and finished on three legs. He had won, but collapsed with a broken hind leg and was destroyed, almost amid the cheers which acclaimed his victory. A veterinary surgeon says that a horse, like a human being, might be so keen to win that it did not realize its pain.

Obviously branded for entry into Australia and all looking well, Paris, Ruling Light, Irish Chieftain, Shining Light, Gold Ray, Dazzling Raid, Sir Simper and Kindly Light are at present awaiting transports across the Tasman Sea. It is disconcerting for local trainer F. J. McKay to be halted by shipping troubles at this stage of the game, but from accounts to hand as to rough trips experienced by intercolonial steamers during the past few days he may to some extent be fortunate. A rough sea voyage at this period of the year might easily upset Mr W. T. Hazlett’s three nice youngster representatives, Dazzling Raid, Sir Simper and Kindly Light, each of whom has been furnishing the right way of late. The last-named is a particularly easy-going filly, likely to travel well by land or sea, but her two colt companions are at a critical stage of their respective careers.

Considerable criticism was voiced bj’ owners and trainers in a number of instances in connection with the second day’s handicaps—the penalties of the first day’s winners, at the recent Forbury Park Trotting Club's Winter meeting, writes “Stopwatch” from Winton, and although as far as the handicapper, Mr Fogg, was concerned, he was quite within his rights, there is no doubt that in some cases his discretion could have been used to better advantage. It was pointed out that Olson won the Bayfield Handicap (a 3.48 mile and a half for unhoppled trotters) as he liked, on the first day off 12 yards, while Teviot Downs (off 84 yards) filled the role of runner-up and Golden Bingen (72 yards) was third. On the second day in the same class and type of race Olson was penalized only 24 yards for his success, while the backmarker Teviot Downs also received a penalty of 12 yards for his second. In his winning essay Olson no doubt spreadeagled the field and the chances of Teviot Downs in meeting him on only 12 yards better terms were not greatly favoured. The leniency of his handicap was borne out on the second day when Olson won just as easily again, while Teviot Downs was not in the hunt. Those trainers and owners that hold that they had a grievance cannot be said to be wrong for the decisiveness of the win of the Canterbury gelding on the first day warranted a marked penalty so as to bring the contestants closer together, and more especially so when it is taken into consideration that in such a 3.48 class as Olson won, the handicapper has a right to penalize up to 48 yards for a win and 24yds for a second. The public also realized the lightness of the penalty meted out to Olson, for when he won on the second occasion backers investing 10/- on his chances for a place received no remuneration for their investment, while their loss on the outlay was also nil. In the St. Clair Handicap (a 3.33 mile and a half unhoppled trotters’ event) on the first day’s card, the winner Lough Guy received the maximum penalty of 24 yards.

Mr G. N. McLean, president of the Amberley Racing Club, questioned in regard to his views of the club’s meeting held on Saturday, expressed the opinion that the sooner the centralization of racing came about the better it would be for all concerned. The result of the meeting, he said, was very disappointing, for, after responding to the call of owners for increased stakes, the club did not receive the anticipated support, and in consequence the fixture would show a considerable loss. In Mr McLean’s opinion, the days of the picnic meetings in the country are gone. Some town folk no doubt enjoy them, but their numbers are not sufficient to swell the coffers of the country clubs to enable them to eke out an existence. Years ago numbers of horses were trained in the country towns, and they created a great deal of interest amongst local people: today horses owned in North Canterbury were all trained at Riccarton. so whv should not the country clubs be allowed to race there, instead of owners being forced to rail their horses to the country under heavy cost and at some risk? “Ninety per cent, of people who go racing,” stated Mr McLean, “own motor-cars, and can reach metropolitan centres much more easily than in years back, and they would receive the

benefits of good courses and high-class racing, and also the best of accommodation'should the weather be unfavourable. It can be said that the Railways Board is playing its part towards centralization, in that it has failed to meet owners by reducing freight charges during these' difficult times. IC country clubs were granted permission by the Government and the New Zealand Racing Conference to race on metropolitan courses if they desired, provided they paid a percentage of returns to the metropolitan body concerned, it would be a great saving in the upkeep of buildings and courses, and would enable country clubs which may soon become defunct, to retain their identity, and to provide a great deal of pleasure for the people, and a living to many, as well as ensuring a large source of revenue to the Government.”

While the dolorous note sounded by the president of the Amberley Racing Club with regard to country racing in Canterbury does not apply to the operations of kindred turf institutions in Southland, there is truth and justice in his claim that country clubs should be permitted to race on -metropolitan courses if they desired, provided they paid a percentage of returns to the metropolitan bodies concerned. With regard to country clubs under the jurisdiction of the Southland District Committee, with the Southland R.C. as tho metropolitan body, it is pleasing to be in a position to point out that a more satisfactory state of affairs obtains in the home province than is apparently the experience in Canterbury. During the turf season now on the wane, the Riverton R.C., Wyndham R.C., Gore R.C., Otautau R.C. and Wairio J.C. have all held successful fixtures on their home courses, but Clifden R.C. came to Invercargill to win out —the Birchwood Hunt meeting was held in Invercargill as a marked success, but it would also have proved profitable had it been located at Riverton, and it has also to be remembered that the Hunt gathering is really an all-Southland utility fixture and as such is welcomed in the capital city of the south as lending encouragement to the development of jumpers and providing for the upkeep of the “little dogs.” FORBURY JOTTINGS. EVENTFUL WINTER MEETING. PROBATIONER’S TRACK RECORD. POOR TROTTERS’ RACES. (By Stopwatch.) (Special to the Times). Winton, May 8. Large dividends and record times were two conspicuous features of the annual winter gathering of the Forbury Park Trotting Club on Thursday and Saturday last. « The track was on the heavy side on the first day but on Saturday it was in great order and keen racing was the order throughout. Southland horses were to the fore in a number of events on the first day but followers of the local contingent did not fare too well on the second day. An increase in totalisator figures was indeed gratifying as far as the Club was concerned and the meeting must be recorded as a successful one from all points of view. Some particularly good finishes were witnessed, especially in the two mile races each day, but the trotters’ events were one sided affairs, although good clean exhibitions of trotting were given. Ex-Southlander, Probationer, gave first-class displays in both her successful essays and her record breaking performance of 3.16 4-5 for a mile and a half was full of merit. On the first day she spreadeagled the field to win as she liked while on the second day after being handily placed throughout she won narrowly but decisively. She was produced in great order by the Christchurch trainer, S. A. Edwards, who took the Wrack mare north with him when he left Winton.

Sir Guy won the big race on the first day like a champion and he looks every bit the part while his second to Roddy in the sprint was also a good performance. In his winning essay he finished like a train. As it took 2.22 to cover the first mile the pace in the early stages suited him down to the ground and he had the field at his mercy a good way from home. Ngingongingo can be marked down as a likely winner - for after finishing fourth in the big race on the first day he went a great race in the big race on the second day to dead heat with Gold Tinge for second money. The Matchlight horse started off correctly but left his feet almost immediately. He was by no means well placed during the latter stages of the race but with a quarter of a mile to go he came right round the outside of the field to get up and dead heat for second, with the winner half a length away. He is a beautiful pacer, and had he been at all handily placed he would have been one of the hardest to beat. Belinda stayed on well when she won the principal race on the second day and her success was quite impressive. Gold Tinge did not appeal although at times she showed plenty of pace while the-’ class appeared to be too select for John Noble. Todd Lonzia took part in the two mile fields of both days and although he had a rather trying mission he gave really worth while exhibitions of trotting. The solidly conformed son of Lorenes Todd maintained his position with the leaders on the first day until final half mile, when he broke and finished well back. The first mile in this event was covered in round about 2.22 but on the second day his performance was more impressive when he kept with the leaders for a mile and a half, the first mile of which was covered in about five seconds faster than the first day. The trotters’ events could not be called interesting for Olson had all his own way in both 3.48 classes while in the 3.33 classes Lough Guy also won with ease. Olson (by Sonoma Harvester) is a really smart type of trotter and the Canterbury-trained gelding is one that should go on to better things. Gyrate’s form was not anything to write home about while the others were only a fair lot. In the tighter events, both of which were accounted for by Lough Guy, the Real Guy gelding won decisively and impressively. In both races he established an early lead and was never headed. In his second winning essay he went 3.24 1-5 for the mile and a half while Kolmar, who also raced well for second money, went 3.21 2-5. Gamer put up a good showing on the Thursday but she could not concede 60 yards to the winner. Belle Lorrimer performed as though she may do better in the near future. Ruin- and Lilian Bond were two well-backed fancies that had to go under to Southlander Sure on the Thursday in the Domain Handicap. Ruin, a five-year-old son of Wrack, had all the worst of the running and he looked to have a great opportunity on the second day but went down to Dollie Derby (who paid close on a century to win), and Chiming Wave. Lilian Bond, a daughter of Southland sire Worthy Bond, was considered the best of good things on Thursday and although she raced well she had to contend with the role of runnerup. to Sure. Whitstone is one that may do better among this company soon. Elite Bingen narrowly defeated Suncross in the mile on Thursday to pay a dividend of over half-a-century but neither had a show on the second day with Checkers who completely outpaced the field to cover the mile in 2.11 1-5. The form of Checkers, an-

other descendant of Worthy Bond, was particularly good while he further demonstrated his ability by running second to Probationer later in the day to record 3.18 3-5 for the mile and a half. Red Spur was in the picture on both days running third on Thursday and second on Saturday, while Childe de Oro and Gumdigger were not far from the scene. Blue Mountain Queen went out at a short price in the mile and three furlongs on the first day and after making the pace all the way and staving off every challenge she prevailed narrowly ahead of a fast finishing field, in 3.13 1-5. With a dry track Warcss greatly improved this time when the Man O’ War filly lead all the wav to win impressively in the good time of 3.5. Quita displayed good form by running second on the Thursday and fourth on the second day. In running second to Waress, Lord Leslie was responsible for a good effort, breaking the existing record of 3.3 1-5 by 1-5, while Just Shandi would have been closer up than third had he been better favoured with the running.

Probationer’s dual success was one of the highlights of the meeting. The Wrack mare beat strong fields from a back mark on both days and nothing had a show with hei' on either day. Prairie King raced strongly for a second on the first day while Checkers performance in running second to the Wrack mare on the Saturday was impressive. Jolly Wave was a disappointment and the Waverley gelding did not appear to be at home on the going. Taxpayer did not run up to expectations but he may do better before long, as may Denver City. The sprint was a good thing for Roddy on the first day while he again exhibited good form in running second to Tactless on the final day. Morning Sun was solid on both occasions in recording two thirds. John Noble’s handicap was too much for him but Tempest and Roddy are two that can be expected to be to the fore in the near future, although the displays of the former were not of the most pleasing. OAMARU TROTTING CLUB. ADDITIONAL ACCEPTANCES. (Per United Press Association.) Oamaru, May 10. For the Oamaru Trotting Club’s Winter meeting Peter Para is an acceptor in the Innovation Handicap and the Waikaura Handicap. He is off scratch in both events. Chiming Billy (scr) is an acceptor in the Papakaio Handicap. THE AUSTRALIAN TURF. RESULT OF ADELAIDE CUP. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.5 p.m.) Adelaide, lO. The Adelaide Cup, £lOOO (one mile and five furlongs) resulted:— Infirmiere, 7.4 (Kite) 1 Eastern Star, 6.8 (Dodd) 2 Glenvarloch, 7.1 (Elliot) 3 Twenty started. Won by a length and a-half, third three-quarters of a length away. Time, 2min 46sec. RIFLE SHOOTING THE SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Southland Rifle Association was held last evening, Dr A. F. Ritchie Crawford presiding over representatives from the following clubs: Invercargill Defence, Invercargill City Guards, Gore Defence, Kaitangata, Clinton and Wakatipu. The annual report presented by the secretary and treasurer (Mr C. H. Cunningham) stated: — “The executive is to be congratulated on the way the annual prize firing was carried out under the boisterous weather conditions. The entries numbered 54 compared with 63 in 1932. As the prize money is based on 60 entries it was found necessary to curtail it accordingly. The executive is considering the advisability of reverting to Boxing Day for the annual prize firing on account of not getting the support anticipated at the New Year; also the weather has not been favourable during the period of changed dates. Riflemen were present from various parts of the South Island. Among the competitors were:—Major Mackenzie, president of the Southland Rifle Association, President A. R. Wills (Invercargill Defence Rifle Club), President W. McChesney (City Guards), Major H. V, Searle (Nelson), W. G. Smith, H. D. Sim, R. L. McLatchie (Oamaru), President W. Bannerman (Dunedin), J. C. Parcell (Cromwell), President J. Mathews (Gore), President D. Ashley (West Taieri), J. H. Frazer, W. Crowe (Kaitangata) and J. Munro (Mataura). The championship of Southland was won by W. Milne (Gore) with a score of 273 out of a possible 300, R. Ure (City Guards) being second with 271. The president’s and Walter Peak aggregates were also won by W. Milne. The tyro cup (aggregate) was won by W. Milne with a score of 273, G. Weeds, Invercargill Defence, being second with 259. The Mackenzie Cup for competitors under 21 was won by Rifleman G. Weeds (Invercargill Defence) with 259 points. R. Macdonald (West Taieri) was next with 256. Five teams competed for the Mercantile Shield, City Guards No. 1 team winning with a score of 1317. The Invercargill Defence No. 1 team was second with 1297. Six teams competed for the Wakatipu Cup. This was also won by the City Guards team (No. 1), with 461, West Taieri being second with 454. Despite adverse weather conditions the shooting was of a high standard. The ammunition 1918 Cordite and Nitor Cellouse was used at the meeting, competitors having the option of using either brand. A sweepstake was held for competitors not taking part in the teams match. The winners were: R. J. Mackenzie (Wakatipu) 92, R. L. McLatchie (Oamaru) 92, N. Jones (Kiwi, Dunedin) 89, W. Cook (Waikaia) 85. The shooting was under the capable supervision of Ser-geant-Major J. as range officer. The marking was well carried out under J. Connelly as trench officer. The association granted the Wakatipu Club permission to shoot for the MacKenzie Challenge Shield at Queenstown oh January 21. Nine teams took part: the conditions were ideal and good shooting resulted. The City Guards team was successful in winning with a score of 488, the Wakatipu A team being second with 475, and Invercargill Defence third with 471. A silver cup presented by Major Mackenzie for the country team with the highest aggregate score was won by the Cromwell Rifle Club with a score of 451. Garston had 446 and Waikaia 445. The silver cup, also presented by Major Mackenzie, for the individual with the highest aggregate, was won by Rifleman J. Ure (City Guards) with a score of 101. F. Wright, Major Mackenzie and T. E. Henshelwood each scored 99. The arrangements for the match were ably carried out by the secretary, Mr D. R. Gray, and the executive of the Wakatipu Club The visiting teams congratulated the Club on the improvements to the range. In conclusion the thanks of the association are due to the Defence Department for the use of its range and targets and to the Press for their very extensive shooting reports.” The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £l5 10/4, which was an increase of about £3 over that of the previous year. Prize money to the extent of £9O had been paid out. The Mackenzie Shield competition realized a few shillings over expenses. In moving the adoption of the an-

nual report and balance-sheet, the chairman extended congratulations to the executive on the year’s working. The reports were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Dr A. F. Ritchie Crawford; secretary and treasurer, Mr C. H. Cunningham; auditor, Mr A. Lyall; keeper of statistics, Mr H. Moss; executive council, two representatives of each affiliated club. A sub-committee consisting of three members of the Invercargill Defence and City Guards Clubs together with the president and secretary of the association was appointed to draw up a programme for the next championship meeting for consideration at a future meeting of the executive. The chairman expressed regret at the inability of Major P. Mackenzie to accept re-election as president and in appreciation of the valuable services he had rendered rifle shooting he was elected a life member of the association. In addition the chairman congratulated Rifleman W. Milne (Gore) on his achievement as a young shot in winning the Southland championship and congratulated Invercargill City Guards Club on its success during the past season.

The date of the championship meeting was altered to Boxing Day and the following day. It was decided to fire the Mackenzie Challenge Shield at Invercargill on the second day of the championship meeting, the Wakatipu Cup to be fired in conjunction with the shield match and to be open to all teams at the meeting. It was also decided to hold a meeting of competitors during the luncheon adjournment the second day of the meeting to enable matters of interest to be discussed.

SWIMMING F. W. SPRINGFORD S PERFORMANCE. SOUTHLAND RECORD BROKEN At the Municipal Baths last evening the one mile Southland swimming championship was held and resulted as follows: — F. W. Springford 1 A. Marshall 2 Won by five yards. Time, 26min 58 l-ssec, beating Jack McGibbon’s record for Southland of 27min 20sec. GOLF INVERCARGILL LADIES’ CLUB. The following is the draw for a bogey match to be played at Otatara to-day at 1 p.m.:— Ist Tee.—Miss Perrin v. Miss D. Stout; Mrs Dixon v. Mrs Blaxall; Mrs Smith v. Mrs Dawson; Mrs C. F. A. Jones v. Mrs W. Bews; Mrs Chapman v. Mrs Ford. 6th Tee.—Mrs Hall-Jones v. Mrs Stoddart; Miss Pilcher v. Mrs BroadMiss Henderson v. Mrs Spencer; Mrs Tansley v. Mrs A. Gilkison; Mrs Sturman v. Mrs Tomlinson; Mrs Corkill v. Mrs F. Tucker; Mrs Anderson v. Miss N. Gilkison. 16th Tee.—Mrs R. Stout v. Miss D McCallum; Miss L. Stout v. Miss Lawrence; Mrs Garrett v. Mrs Hoyles; Mrs Prain v. Mrs Dundas; Miss M. Pilcher v. Miss E. Bews; Mrs Dunlop v. Miss E. Jones. 13th Tee.—Miss Watson v. Mrs H. Macalister; Mrs Hewat v. Miss F. Russell; Mrs Keddell v. Miss M. Hoyles; Mrs S. Wilson v. Mrs Cobb; Mrs R. A. Wilson v. Mrs C. Davies. BOXING - MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT. LOWE AND McEWAN MATCHED. Advice has been received that George McEwan (Tuatapere), middleweight champion of New Zealand, and Bert Lowe have been definitely matched to fight for the title at Dunedin on Thursday, May 25. Should McEwan retain his title he will in all probability be matched with Frank Prendergast at Invercargill. LAWN TENNIS ' DAVIS CUP MATCHES. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, May 9. At Copenhagen, Rogers (Ireland) defeated Jacobsen (Denmark) 6 —l, 6—3, 6—4. Ulrich (Denmark) defeated McVeigh (Ireland) 6 —2, 6 —3, 6 —3. Ireland won the tie by three matches to two and meets Japan in the second round. At Brussels Lacroix (Belgium) defeated Artens (Austria) 6 —2, 6—2, 6 —4. Matejka (Austria) defeated Deborman (Belgium) 2—B, 6—4, 6—o, 3 —6, 6—3. Austria won by three matches to two and meets Italy in the second round. MRS MOODY TO DEFEND TITLE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) San Francisco, May 9. Mrs Helen Wills Moody has announced that she will defend the Wimbledon singles title and is leaving next week. She will not compete in other countries. BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) London, May 10. In the semi-finals of the billiards championship the scores are: Lindrum 14,234 v. Newman 13,379; Davis 13,809 v. McConachy 9813. “KAPAI!” A NEW ZEALAND WORD. HERE’S ANOTHER—“Q-TOL!” Thousands of men buy Q-TOL SHAVING CREAM, not simply because it’s a product of New Zealand enterprise and skill, but because it’s a better Shaving Cream. Look for the red, green and black striped carton. Giant tube only 1/6.—Advt.

RUGBY FOOTBALL NEW ZEALAND UNION. FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. ANNUAL MEETING TO-DAY. The annual meeting of delegates to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union will' be held in Wellington to-day, when the forty-first annual report will be presented. The report states inter alia:— In presenting the forty-first annual report and balance-sheet, the Management Committee have again to report continued progress of the Rugby game throughout the Dominion, despite the difficult times through which we are passing. Naturally, the finances of affiliated unions are reflecting to some extent the lessened spending power of the public, and the fact that the game has maintained such a high standard speaks volumes for the enthusiasm and the love of clean healthy sport, of those who willingly give their time to the administration of the game, and of the players who are enabled, week by week, to participate in the national recreation of Rugby football. Tour to Australia—A. New Zealand team paid a visit to Australia last year under the guidance of Mr W. J. Wallace (manager). The team won 9 matches (including two of the three Test matches) and lost one. By winning the rubber our team is entitled to hold the Bledisloe Cup presented by our patron, Lord Beldisloe. This magnificent trophy was presented by our Governor-General for perpetual competition in Rugby football between Australia and New Zealand. Our thanks are due to the officials and players of the various Australian Unions for the hospitality and many kindnesses extended to our team throughout the tour. School Football. The following grants were made for the encouragement of Rugby in the schools:— Bush £3O, North Auckland £3O, Auckland £2O, Thames Valley £25, Bay of Plenty £3O, Waikato £3O, King Country £3O, Taranaki £25, Wanganui £3O, Manawhenua £35, Hawke’s Bay £25, Wairarapa £25, Wellington £2O, Marlborough £25, Nelson £25, Golden Bay-Motueka £25, Canterbury £2O, Buller £3O, West Coast £3O, Ashburton £2O, North Otago £2O, Otago £2O, Southland £25, Poverty Bay £25, South Canterbury £25. In addition grants were made to the following unions for the school tournaments conducted in their territory during the season: Wanganui £4O, Wellington £4O. The committee, with a view to encouraging the manufacture of footbajls in the Dominion, thoroughly investigated the whole position and are satisfied that a good class ball is made in the Dominion and at a reasonable price. Unions were circularized during the season giving the makers of the various balls and the prices at which they can be obtained, and it is gratifying to know that several unions have placed orders for the locally made article. Australian Tour to South Africa.

An Australian team will be leaving shortly on a visit to South Africa and the tour will be followed with keen interest by all followers of the game in the Dominion. Ranfurly Shield.—The Canterbury team were successful in all the games which they played for the retention of the Ranfurly Shield during the past season. Canterbury are to be congratulated accordingly. New Zealand Team Through New Zealand.—A suggestion was made at the special general meeting that a New Zealand team should be selected and play matches throughout the Dominion. It has not been the good fortune of a very great number of our supporters to see the “All Black” team in action. The matter has received the earnest attention of the committee, but it is felt the present time is not opportune for such a tour. Invitation to South Africa.—ln response to our invitation for a South African team to visit Australia and New Zealand during the 1934 season, a reply has been received from the South African Rugby Board regretting its inability to visit us at that time, and that the question of future tours will at some future date be thoroughly investigated by the Board. Finance. The financial position of the union is very sound, although the past year resulted in an excess of expenditure over income of £944 11/11. An item which appears in the balance sheet for the first time is that for income tax, £3Ol 9/5. In the past, sports bodies have been immune from income tax, but apparently now, in their search for revenue, the Government has called upon this union as well as affiliated unions to pay income tax.

The committee is of the opinion that amateur sports bodies, whose funds are used solely for the promotion of healthy sport and recreation among the young manhood of the Dominion, should not be called upon to pay this tax. By making substantial grants for the purchase of footballs for use by schools, providing copies of rules and books of instruction at no cost to the masters for their guidance in coaching the boy, it is felt we are fulfilling an important part in the education of the youth of the Dominion. The funds of the union are also utilized in providing playing fields throughout the Dominion, and this relieves local bodies of an obligation to provide open spaces on which to play games. When the grounds are not used for playing Rugby, they are used by other amateur sports bodies for the carrying on of their games. Surely it was never intended that amateur sports bodies should be called upon to pay such a tax. Every effort is being made to obtain relief from the taxation imposed and the assistance of all unions is asked in this direction. School grants account for £725. The tour of the North Island by the Maori team cost the union £484 14/7, but it must be remembered the profits, if any, were retained by the unions visited, to supplement their own funds. The loss on the Prince of Wales Cup match amounted to £174 15/-. Delegates expenses show a considerable increase over previous years; this is due to the fact that a special meeting was held during the year to consider the question of replacement of injured players. , The sum of £24 10/5 was expended in providing footballs for relief workers’ camps. The committee thinks that in providing recreation for the men in relief camps good work is being done. Obituary. It is with regret that the committee have to record the deaths of the following gentlemen who were closely associated with the game:— Mr F. Logan, who was president of this union during the 1894-1895 season and again in 1909-1910. Mr M. J. Crombie, who was a member of the executive from 1910 to 1913, and the Appeal Council in 1914. Mr B. P. Palmer, a New Zealand representative player in the years 1928, 1929 and 1932. Mr Palmer died following an injury sustained while playing. Recent advices from England conveyed the sad news of the passing away of Mr Ernest Prescott, the hon. treasurer of the Rugby Football Union (England). A message of sympathy and a wreath were forwarded from this union through our representative, Mr C. J. Wray.

CENTRAL SUB-UNION. JUNIOR SECTION RE-ARRANGED. (From Our Correspondent.) At a meeting of the executive of the Central District Rugby Football SubUnion on Tuesday evening at Winton, the president, Mr W. G. Clark (Winton), presided over the following delegates: Messrs R. S. Balch (Winton), Phillips, J. Reid (Limehills), Dyet, Crawford (Ryal Bush), South, Diamond (Hedgehope), Winter, McFetrich (Femhills), Wilson, Hardy (Hokonui), Daley, Lindsay (Drummond), Whitelaw, Price (Waianiwa), W. Moylan and A. MeLeod. , . , The Southland Rugby Union advised that it had been agreed to vote the Central Union £5 of the proceeds of Country Day of last year. The Southland Union also advised that it had been decided to accept a recommendation put forward by the Eastern Southland Sub-Union, that sub-unions be given the right to nominate players for the South Island team. It was resolved to send a Central team to Invercargill on Country Day this year. Transfers were granted as follows: L. King, Rimu to Mabel Bush; M. Forde, Hokonui to Winton; J. Smith, Waikiwi to Winton; J. Walker, Mabel Bush to Wright’s Bush; A. Jackson, Wananiwa to Wright’s Bush; J. Cavanagh, Waianiwa to Wright’s Bush; R. Robb, Hokonui to Limehills; A. C. Callam, Waikiwi to Ryal Bush; F. McManus, Hedgehope to Hokonui; J. Taylor, Hedgehope to Hokonui; D. Chilton, Drummond to Winton; A. Chilton, Drummond to Winton; E. Lines, Oteramika to Winton; E. Johnstone, Drummond to Winton; A. McDonald, Drummond to Waianiwa; C. Buxton, Drummond to Waianiwa. The question of the junior competition caused a lengthy discussion. The secretary reported that only two teams had entered in the junior B competition, but both were prepared to play in the junior A section. The two teams already entered were Limehills and Winton, but if Drummond entered a team in this section, as had been proposed, this would bring the number up to three teams, but even then it would not make a very interesting competition. There were six teams entered in the junior A section. In the event of Drummond fielding a junior A team and as Winton and Limehills juniors were prepared to play junior A, it had been suggested that the junior section comprise only one competition and not be divided into the two grades.

Mr H. Phillips (Limehills), suggested that the junior section comprise only one competition, but that the district be divided into two parts, and that the premiers of the respective sections play off at the end of the season. It was agreed after further discussion that only the one junior competition be held this year. The matter of dividing the district into two sections was brought up and finally on the motion of Mr J. Reed (Limehills), it was resolved that the district be divided into two parts —the Waianiwa, Mabel Bush, Ryal Bush and Wright’s Bush clubs to comprise one division and the Winton, Drummond, Limehills, Fernhills and Hokonui clubs the other division.

It was also decided that the division containing four clubs would play three rounds and the other section play two rounds, and that at the completion of both competitions the winning team of each section play off for the premiership. It was mentioned that the junior matches played last week would not count and that the competitions would commence on Saturday next. Whether district representative players should be regraded from senior to junior or not was a question that caused a long discussion when a number of applications for re-grades were read out. Mr A. McLeod asked if there was any ruling on the question of re-grad-ing representative players. “It is a question that has come up often,” he said, “and there has never been any definite ruling given out on it.” The chairman stated that there was no ruling on the matter, but such applications were really for the executive or a re-grading committee to deal with. It was stated that in other sub-unions a ruling was observed that once a player played a representative game he could not be regraded. Mr McLeod said that a similar ruling was observed locally some time back, but it had been overlooked. “The whole thing is not right and it is time we did something,” he said. “With so many re-grades being granted our clubs are being spoilt, and that is one of the reasons why teams cannot be held together.” Mr Clark stated that all applications would have to be treated on their merits, and subsequently the following regrades from senior to junior were granted: C. Buxton (Waianiwa), J. Brown (Waianiwa), A. McDonald (Waianiwa), G. O’Meara (Waianiwa), W. Chilton (Drummond), W. O’Meara (Drummond), T. O’Meara (Drummond), R. Blee (Drummond), R. McDonald (Drummond), J. Lindsay (Drummond), J. Taylor (Hokonui), F. McManus (Hokonui), L. McKenzie (Drummond). Mr W. Moylan referred to the difficulty that was being experienced in securing referees for matches, and said that although meetings of the Referees’ Association had been called little interest was being taken in that body. Mr Clark said that the sub-union would have to do as other unions did, and that was for the home team to supply the referee. He referred to the valuable work that had been accomplished by the Referees’ Association since he had been connected with the sport in the district, and said it was a pity that it was unable to continue. It was decided that in future the home team be made responsible for the refereeing of matches.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT SUB-UNION. FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. The secretary of the Southern SubUnion advises that the list of fixtures and referees for Saturday next, May 13, is as follows: Gorge Road v. Fortrose at Fortrose (Mr E. Fleming); Oteramika v. Waimahaka at Oteramika (Mr K. McKenzie); Tokanui v. Otara at Tokanui (Dr. Marshall). UNIVERSITIES’ MATCH. NEW ZEALAND TEAM SELECTED. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, May 10. The following team has been selected to represent New Zealand Universities against the Australian Universities at Auckland in the first Test on May 20:— R, G. Bush (Otago); W. T. Dunne (Otago), T. H. Caughey (Auckland), D. Milliken (Auckland); H. F. Fookes (Otago), C. C. Gillies (Otago); C. G. Rae (Otago); forwards: R. Diedrich (Wellington), Edwards (Wellington), J. A. Hamilton (Otago), Drake (Auckland), Anderson (Auckland), A. M. Hartnell (Canterbury), Wells (Wellington), A. H. Andrews (Canterbury). Two emergencies are still to be selected from Auckland.

LADIES’ HOCKEY SATURDAY’S DRAW. The following is the draw for the ladies hockey competition next Saturday:— Collegiate A v. Ex-High B (No. 2 ground, at 3 p.m. (Mr J. Wren). Ex-High A v. Collegiate B (No. 1 ground, at 3 p.m. (Mr F. Hinton). The match Union v. Technical College will be played at a later date owing to the Technical College holidays. CRICKET ENGLISH COUNTY GAMES. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, May 9. County cricket results were: Warwick v. Essex: Warwick, first innings 295 (Ord 77). Essex, first innings 94 (Paine, five for 27). The latter followed on and scored 195 (Paine, six for 68). Warwick won by an innings and six runs. .. Notts v. Glamorgan: Nottts, first innings 117 (Clay, five for 48). Second innings, one for 164, declared (Keeton 83). Glamorgan, first innings 125 (Staples, five for 50). Second innings, five for 91. Glamorgan won on the first innings. Surrey v. Hampshire: Surrey, first innings 333 (Sandham 169 not out. _ Boyes six for 100). Second innings, five for 128. Hampshire, first innings 294 (Brown 150 not out. Surrey won on the first innings. Worcester v. Sussex: Worcester, first innings 157 (Cornford, four for 48). Second innings 175. Sussex, first innings, nine for 337, declared (J. Landridge 80, H. Parks 75). Sussex won by an innings and five runs. Yorkshire v. Marylebone: Yorkshire, first innings 147 (Peebles, eight for 71). Second innings, eight for 248, declared. Marylebone, first innings 127 (Rhodes, five for 34). Second innings 120 (Macaulay, seven for 41). Yorkshire won by 148 runs. Gloucester v. Oxford: Gloucester, first innings 379 (Sinfield 133. Barlow six for 79). Second innings, two for 113, declared. Oxford, first innings 236 (Walker 107 not out. Second innings 132 (Goddard, six for 55). Gloucester won by 124 runs. ATHLETICS AUSTRALIAN VISITS AMERICA. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Sydney, May 10. Austin Robertson, a young Melbourne sprinter and the holder of the world’s 140 yards record, has accepted an invitation to accompany Rufe Naylor, who is taking the racehorse Winooka to America and is sailing by the Monterey on May 31. Robertson will be matched with the leading runners of America.