SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 22041, 14 June 1933, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Birchwood Hunt will meet at Winton to-day, and South Hillend Friday and Saturday. A dozen horses are eligible for the hurdles at South Canterbury meeting on Saturday. Nelson Trotting Club’s meeting will result at Greymouth on Friday and Saturday. Useful flat racer Barndoor is now being qualified at Birchwood Hunt meets. Steeton may display a bold front in Prince Edward Handicap (11m.) at S.C.J.C. fixture.

Derby winner Hyperion is said to be the smallest and laziest three-year-old in England.

Counterplay continues to get through strong work at Randwick tracks for W. Stone (N.Z.).

Just over 15 hands in height, Derby winner Hyperion is probably a “big little racehorse.”

Gay Coat, a younger brother to Pink Coat, is a North Islander reported to be about ready.

It will be interesting to note how Deportment fares ip steeplechasing on Saturday next.

When Billy Boy ran third in recent Great Northern Steeplechase he bore 3st 41b dead-weight.

During the past few weeks Heroic has been gaining on Windbag for the ’Aussie sires’ honours.

It is highly satisfactory to note that a number of horses arc being tried out with B.H. pack.

S. Donoghue won 55 races in England last season, but is said to be doing better of late.

During the past season in England £4,017,000 passed through totalisators, an increase of £130,000.

The two-shilling totalisator ticket has proved popular on English courses with all classes.

At latest advice Sydney bookmakers were inclined to keep W. Stone’s pupil. Counterplay, on the safe side.

Maorilander George Price is second on Randwick track winning mentor’s list to F. McGrath.

Fortified by his steeplechasing experiences at Riverton Antrim Boy may now race well over hurdles.

Recovered from recent jaw trouble, Tea Garden is expected to run well at S.C.J.C. meeting.

It is encouraging to learn that Hounslow was improved by his hurdling at Wingatui recently.

The mechanical system of handicapping light harness horses is going into the discard. What next?

A system of handicapping trotters by fixed penalties is now proposed, with a central N.Z. official.

The venture is made here to the effect that trotting people will one day revert to human handicapping.

Auckland followers of thc light harness pastime are firmly of the opinion that Chancellor will prove of high class.

R. Reed has arrived in Sydney and it is announced that he will remain in Australia for the spring gatherings.

Nominations are due this (Wednesday) evening for the Oamaru Jockey Club's Winter fixture to be held on July 1.

The Nelson Trotting Club’s meeting at Greymouth on Friday and Saturday will be the last fixture in the S.I. this season.

The famous Ascot meeting is in progress in England this week and the Ascot Gold Cup, w.f.a. (2Am.) will be run to-morrow.

If track reports are any criterion, the brothers Ranelagh and Hurlingham should race well at Timaru on Saturday.

Magna Charta, who is to race over battens at Timaru this week, is prepared at New Brighton by experienced E. Shaw.

Concentrate, now retired, cost Mr R. J. Murphy, of Wellington, 800gns as a yearling and eventually won over £lO,OOO in stakes.

Prior to the recent A.J.C. Winter meeting, horses trained by F. McGrath had won £12,180 at Randwick during the fading season, of which Peter Pan put together £BlB9.

At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Racing Conference next month the Auckland Racing Club will move that the rule providing for the eightstone minimum in flat races during the winter months be abolished. The minimum was reduced from 9st to Bst two years ago. Now it is proposed to have no obligatory winter minimum.

When W. Stone set up in the North Island as a trainer last season (remarks Christchurch Press), he secured a lease of the Riccarton gelding Tautbow, by Arrowsmith, from Dame Straitlace, but never raced him. A few months back Tautbow was returned to his Christchurch owner, Mr F. Williamson, who has now leased him to Miss M. C. Wilson, of Reefton. Tautbow is an inmate of C. C. McCarthy’s stable at Riccarton, and under that young trainer’s able guidance is likely to develop into a useful performer.

It is reported from Sydney that one of George Young’s pupils, Cosmetic, recently broke a leg and had to be destroyed. However, the ex-New Zealander has had the vacant loosebox filled by Cosmetic’s yearling brother, whose education will be attended to on Randwick tracks.

It is claimed that in England the Board of Control, which has charge of totalisator legislation, and management, wasted huge sums of money in experimenting wtih various types of machines, whereas the Australian electric totalisator, which is now winning out, could have been installed from the outset.

Prospects of future invasions of Australian racecourses by Maoriland owners and horses do not display any signs of abatement, judging by recent entry lists. This state of affairs will be borne in mind in the Dominion when the time arrives to make entry for the N.Z. Cup, to result in many hack handicap performers being afforded an opportunity to make good with a view to visiting Riccarton.

During the early stages of the Great Northern Steeplechase, D. J. Burgess, rider of Billy Boy, was temporarily blinded by flying dirt and thus his mount was enabled to take charge of the field with a round to go. This took the steel blit of the crack carrying 12.7 in deep going and Billy Boy did well to struggle into third berth and secure £lOO.

Not since Weathervane (now at the stud in Southland, New Zealand) won the Royal Hunt Cup in 1923 has one of the King’s horses received such a reception as did Limelight when winning the Newbury Spring Cup last month, says a writer in Sporting Life. Limelight will make up into a grandlooking stallion should it be decided to stand the son of Pharos at Sandringham.

It is interesting to recall the fact that the colours carried by horses representing his Majesty the King are purple jacket, gold braid, scarlet sleeves, black velvet cap with gold fringe. The King has won during the current season with Limelight and Fox-earth, but the latter colt is said to be of a lower standard of quality than Limelight.

The five-year-old gelding Speakeasy, who has been recruited for the team of A. S. Ellis at Riccarton, is described as a natural jumper and a promising customer for hurdle racing or steeplechasing later on. He was given one race as a juvenile and then put away until recently, when he was acquired by Mr J. Veitch, owner of Aladdin. Ellis’s latest jumping novice is a son of imported Night Raid, whose descendant Nightcap was recently produced in winning vein at Timaru to prevail in the Takapo Hurdles Handicap for veteran owner-trainer J. J. Lewis. Speakeasy claims as his dam Sporting Lady (producer of Gay Bird, Sporting Life, and Dan Russell), by All Red (son of Stepniak) from Merry Go Round, by Gipsy Grand from Whirlpool by St. George from Watersprite, by Traducer from Waterwitch, by Camden from Mermaid (imp.) a maternal line of breeding that will appeal to all students of the past history of the New Zealand turf. Speakeasy, who was bred by Mr A. S. Elworthy, has been clearing hurdles well at Riccarton with his trainer in the saddle.

It is a very common experience for southern followers of light harness racing to read that a pacer or trotter has “greatly improved” on being transferred from the home province to Canterbury, the imputation being that trainers in this part of Maoriland are not efficient. The real reason of the improvement of Southland horses when campaigned in the northern province is in almost every instance to be put down to the difference in tracks and climate. A glance through the times recorded at the recent Canterbury Park T.C. fixture, when the path at Addington was deep and holding will bear out this contention almost to the letter. As a matter of fact there are southern trainers who have little if anything to learn from their northern rivals in the art of developing and conditioning horses, and this has been borne out on many occasions on the common convincing ground at Forbury Park. Also, horses have travelled direct from Southland to win some of the most coveted of northern events. These remarks apply to horses, not combinations of the men who guide them in public.

When she left Invercargill for Melbourne, Ruling Light was commencing to furnish into the muscular condition which was her portion during the past season, and. in the event of this improvement having continued, the Chief Ruler mare may figure in the springtime as a dangerous candidate for one of the big handicaps—a race like the Caulfield Cup (one mile and a half) would not be beyond her compass. In the event of being retained for sprinting purposes, F. J. McKay’s pupil is also likely to distinguish herself, as she appears to race vzell both ways like many other good racehorses. The fact that she will compete as a five-year-old during the forthcoming season suggests that she will then be in her best year as gallopers go, but, of course, it does not always work out this way. Judging from the development of the daughter of Chief Ruler—Simper prior to leaving here, however, the odds are with her should she survive the necessary sterh preparation essential to staying on.

Southland will not be represented in the Pareora Steeplechase at Timaru on Saturday, and it is understood that Calham and French Fleet are still at Wingatui. The southern pair are probably being reserved for the Grand National and adjacent- fixtures in Canterbury.

With Winooka and his galloping mate Trevallion, now on the ocean on the long voyage to U.S.A., it is instructive to learn that the autumn racing season in and around New York on the Belmont Park, Jamacia, Aqueduct and Empire City tracks opens on September 4—twelve racing days at each course. Belmont Park ranks as New York’s principal course.

While a new system of handicapping light harness horses, by fixed penalties, with a chief New Zealand handicapper, assisted by deputies, may suit its sponsors, Canterbury Owners’ and Trainers’ Association, what about followers of the sport in other provincial districts? Also, it may be pertinently asked if there is a person in view already selected to act as “Chief Handicapper.” As far as Southland, one of the most important light harness provinces in Maoriland, is concerned, there are gentlemen here quite competent to handicap trotters and pacers without the aid of “systems,” “fixed penalties,” or other devices conjured up by the Canterbury Owners’ and Trainers’ Association. If there is a desire to experiment in this direction in Canterbury or elsewhere, why should “mechanical” or other systems be made obligatory on all clubs throughout New Zealand. When the “mechanical system” was initiated and inflicted upon people who did not welcome it, the writer was the first pressman to offer objections and prophesy the failure which is now well within sight, and is again prepared to oppose a new departure embracing fixed penalty handicapping by one official to rule Maoriland. By all means permit Canterbury and Christchurch experts in particular to experiment as proposed within their own boundaries, but let them command success prior to again embarking on a doubtful experiment. It it up to the trotting and racing authorities of the home province to very carefully examine any such “centralized” system before agreeing to or even countenancing its adoption.

A recent racing appeal case will be in the minds of many people when they read two remits for the Racing Conference, brought forward by the Dargaville Racing Club. One deals with the appointment of appeal judges to the effect that “at least two of the appeal judges must be men with actual experience in the control of racing.” This will find general favour. The other proposal is more far-reaching. It provides for the control of race meetings being transferred from club stewards to stipendiaries. While it has an almost overwhelming measure of reason to commend it, there does not seem a great chance of clubs agreeing to such a drastic change.

The manner in which Master Roy hung on over the final stages of the Winter Handicap at Ashburton (remarks Christchurch Times), was a surprise to a majority of enthusiasts who have regarded the son of Waverley and Queen’s Drive more as a quitter than a fighter. In a mile race at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s recent meeting, Master Roy finished better than usual to wim but it was just a short snappy finish That provided no test of courage. At Ashburton on Saturday the gelding was among a forest of pacers from the word “go,” and had to be hard driven all down the straight to beat Tactless and several other opponents for second place.

Master Roy has improved considerably since joining O, E. Hooper’s stable, from Southland, and he may train on to win over a distance.

The Canterbury J.C. was one of the last of the leading turf institutions of Maoriland to accept or support the innovation of win and place wagering per medium of the totalisator, and it now seeks to interfere with what has proved a success throughout Australasia—the diehards again. It is to be hoped that the C.J.C.’s proposal, which will come up for consideration at the annual meeting of the N.Z. Racing Conference next month receives short shrift, in the meantime in any case. In this connection Wellington Post remarks:—"A proposal that the rules of win-and-place betting be altered to provide for the operation of the place machine only when there are seven or more starters (instead of five or more, as at present) has been made by the Canterbury Jockey Club, and a motion for a special resolution to this effect is set down to be moved by the Canterbury delegates at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Racing Conference next month. The nature of the proposal is surprising, for one would have thought that the Dominionwide success of the win-and-place system was due mainly to its provision of as many dividends as possible.” The Canterbury notice of motion proposes to alter the rules so that there shall, be a place machine paying out on the first two places when the number of starters in any race is seven, eight, or i nine, and on the first three places only when there are ten or more starters. In other cases (that is, when there are six or fewer starters) only the win machine shall operate. Writing in Sydney Referee, “Pilot” comments as follows:—“In a recent issue of the N.Z. Sporting and Dramatic Review, Mr J. E. Henrys reiterated his opinion that Advance was New Zealand’s best racehorse. As New Zealand’s best-known handicapper, Mr Henry’s opinion is deserving of the greatest respect, but many Australian racing men are of opinion that Nightmarch’s deeds both in w.f.a. races and handicaps compare more than favourably with anything accomplished by Advance. They point out that NightMarch won w.f.a. races at various distances up to two miles, in Australia, and contend that an Epsom Handicap with 9.4, Melbourne Cup with 9.2, close ' second with 9.12 in the Metropolitan, | and a New Zealand Cup with 9.6 were . handicap performances superior to 1 those of Advance, even though the latter won an Auckland R.C Handicap with 10.5 and a Wellington Cup with 10.4. Night March was really better known in Australia than in New Zealand, and, only that he had happened to be racing at the same time as Phar Lap, would have been regarded as a phenomenally good horse.” WINTON JOCKEY CLUB. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. (From Our Correspondent.) At a meeting of the committee of the Winton Jockey Club on Saturday evening, Dr. P. Gow presided. The secretary reported that the application of W. V. Langford for a jockey’s license had been endorsed for a certificate of fitness.—Approved. The Forbury Park Trotting Club advised the dates of their Spring Meeting, as Thursday and Saturday, November 23 and 25, which fit in with the Dunedin Spring Show. It was decided to make application to the Southland District Committee for Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2, as the dates for the Winton Club’s annual fixture. Correspondence relating to long outstanding fees was read and the secretary was instructed to use every endeavour to cbtain settlements before the end of the financial year on June 30. EPSOM DERBY ECHOES. RACE IN RECORD TIME. HYPERION’S THRILLING VICTORY. ROYAL FAMILY DELIGHTED. AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY’S IMPRESSIONS. The Sydney Sun’s special correspondent furnished some interesting particulars of the Epsom Derby contest on June 1 as follows:— “It’s Derby’s Derby,” roared the crowd on Epsom Downs, as Hyperion flashed past the post a four-length winner, in record time—2min 34sec. Lord Derby himself, a towering, jovial figure, smiled broadly as he led the winner back to the paddock. Before the race his only comment had been that he hoped at least for placemoney.

The King and Queen witnessed the race. Other members of the Royal party included the Prince of Wales,, the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince George and the Princess Royal and her husband (Lord Harewood). Waving Toppers.

Lord Derby waved his hat with a flourish towards the Royal box, where the King, wearing his favourite white carnation, entered into the spirit of the fun. His Majesty smiled and waved in reply. The Princes and Lord Harewood went one better. Like Lord Derby, they waved their toppers towards Lord Derby’s box. Later a great crowd of relations surrounded Lord Derby and embraced each other like Frenchmen. Hyperion’s trainer, the Hon. G. Lambton, who injured his leg while exercising the colt, heard of the victory from a bathchair in his bedroom. He was delighted with his triumph, and struggled with his disappointment at missing the race. Even grave and reverend clerics deliberating in convocation at Canterbury could not withstand the national enthusiasm. A slip of paper bearing the result was handed to the interlocutor, who refused to read it but passed it to a number of delegates. Tactical Triumph.

It was a runaway victory. The time was two-fifths of a second better than Callboy’s classic win of 1927. The race was considered a tactical triumph for Lord Derby’s two jockeys. Steve Donoghue probably sacrificed whatever chance Thrapston possessed to ensure full play for Hyperion’s stamina. It was obviously deliberately planned that Donoghue should flash from the gate. He swung Thrapston out a trifle near Tattenham Corner, allowing Hyperion to come up on the inside. Thereafter he contented himself with a view of Hyperion’s heels. Jockey’s Story,

W. R. (“Togo”) Johnstone, rider of Melfort, and a well-known Sydney horseman now in Europe, told The Sun that it was a tremendous thrill even to ride in the Derby. It would be an unimaginable joy to ride the winner. .

The crowd couldn’t understand the experience and dbuldn’t credit the electrifying effect that the cheers and shouts had on the horses and jockeys, said Johnstone.

“It was my first experience at Epsom, which provides both horses and men with an infinitely stiffer task than any Australian course,” he said. “Perhaps it is the hardest mile and a half in the world, because it sharply rises between the four and five furlongs, and then dips abruptly turning at Tattenham acutely into the straight. A colt capable of overcoming all these difficulties must possess class and stamina, and the winner fully earns his vic-

tory. The Derby cannot be fluked. “Melfort began nicely, but was caught in a kind of traffic jam before he surmounted the hill. Then he became unbalanced downhill, and turned into the straight in the ruck without a chance. “Consequently, my eye saw only the cavalcade ahead, and I heard only their clattering hoofs on the track, which though inordinately hard for Epsom, would be regarded as ideal in Sydney or Melbourne. Tommy Weston, who rode the winner, told us he saw only three or four horses in the race. It was the cleanest possible race.” - superior Horses. Johnstone went on to say that the English horses were superior to the Australian, and even Phar Lap would find redoubtable opponents among gallopers of the Mannamead type. The English jockeys are highly proficient, but modest, and treated him with the utmost kindness. They even proffered advice, knowing his unfamiliarty with the course. Steve Donoghue, though a winner of six Derbies, was like a father to the younger men. Johnstone goes to Australia at Christmas time for a holiday, but is unlikely to ride there. An early return to France is imperative. Mr Colin Stephen, chairman of the A.J.C. said that it was a wonderful day, and the scene was unparalleled, though thousands couldn’t have seen the race. Hyperion was a grand animal, but a bit on the small side. He was a generous galloper, and won very easily, despite his four white feet. Mr Stephen had known one or two quite good white-footed horses, and he believed Positano was thus distinguished. Four White Legs. One Buy, Two Try, Three Doubt, Four Go Without. So ran the horse-dealers’ couplet in the years before the displacement for general utility of the horse by the motor car. Whether practical experience proved the soundness of the declaration against horses with four white legs or not, the prejudice holds until this day. But it did not prevent Hyperion from winning the classic race of the world, the Derby. The proportion of horses with four white legs js extremely small. The colour of horses’ coats has provided endless argument through the ages. No satisfactory explanation of why the product of two browns or blacks is a chestnut or bay is forthcoming even in this enlightened and scientific age. From this it appears logical that so long as the horse in himself or herself is 100 per cent, horse, it does not matter if the colour of the coat is not strictly orthodox. Which all comes back to another old adage: “They race in all shapes.” Buying young and untried horses is proved largely a game of chance by the list of great performers who went begging at bargain prices as yearlings. Of the many horses in training at Randwick this season Oro was the only horse working with four pronounced white stockings. He fell below the promise of his early days, but despite all prejudices he was no duffer. HAWKES BAY JOCKEY CLUB. ACCEPTANCES FOR FIRST DAY. > (Per United Press Association.) Hastings, June 13. The following are the acceptances for the first day of the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club meeting on June 15 and 17:— MAIDEN PLATE. £GO. Six furlongs.

THE AUSTRALIAN TURF. PARIS PLACED IN STEEPLECHASE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 9.45 p.m.) Melbourne, June 13. The New Zealand jumper Paris finished third in a handicap brush steeplechase at the Epsom races to-day. LADIES’ HOCKEY SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION. EXECUTIVE MEETING. The fortnightly meeting of the executive of the Southland Ladies’ Hockey Association was held last night, Mr D. Burrell presiding over Mesdames Sparks and Shaw, Misses P. C. Guest, M. and H. Sandri, Boyle, M. Woods, B. Thomas, B. Turner, H. Myers and Messrs L. Sparks, F. Hinton, E. J. Greenwood and H. K. Emanuel. A letter was received from the Rua-hine-Dannevirke Association advising that it had applied for the 1933 championship tournament and seeking Southland’s support to the application.

The chairman said he understood the Rotorua Association was also applying for the tournament, though no official word had been received locally on that point. In view of the financial position of the local association’s touring funds, he was in favour of Southland supporting the Ruahine-Danne-virke application. Considerable discussion took place on the question, delegates generally favouring the Dannevirke application, especially as it would mean an expenditure of some £3O odd less than would be involved should the tourney be held in Rotorua and might make all the difference between a representative team attending or not attending the fixture. Tire Union Club was granted permission to send a team to the Northern District Sub-Association’s seven-a-side tourney on June 24. Various ways and means were discussed relative to the raising of touring funds. It was resolved to immediately commence a queen carnival, tickets to be sold at one penny each. The respective delegates were instructed to advise the secretary (Miss Guest) as soon as possible of the princesses chosen. It was also resolved that the

Southern Sub-Association should nominate a princess there and that the Southern players be asked to strongly support the carnival. It was also resolved to hold two hockey dances in the near future and a card evening. Saturday’s Draw. The following is the draw for Saturday:— „ A Grade—Union v. Ex-High A, No. 2 ground at 3 p.m.; Collegiate A a bye. B Grade.—Technical College v. Collegiate B, No. 1 ground at 2 pan.; ExHigh B a bye. , Practice game.—Collegiate A v. ExHigh B, No. 2 ground at 1.45 p.m. TECHNICAL v. RIVERTON HIGH. ' » The annual match between Technical College and the Riverton District High School was played at Queen’s Park yesterday afternoon, and though it resulted in a win for College by five goals to nil, play was more even than that score might seem to indicate. The Technical team showed an improvement in form and initiated several promising movements The opposing vanguard was an aggressive unit, too, but the forwards failed to take full advantage of their hard-won opportunities. The half-time score was two-nil. For the winners, D. Boyle (3) and C. McLaren (2) were the scorers. THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. (From Our Correspondent.) A general meeting of the Southern District Ladies’ Hockey Sub-Association was held at Fortrose on Monday evening, Mr R. A. Cox presiding over the following delegates.—J. Stirling, A. Mallard, T. Morton, A. Meredith, D. Livingstone, C. Leith, R. Hodge, E. Millar, F. A. Hughes, H. Golden (hon. secretary). . , . Oteramika wrote asking permission to play Miss Robertson in the A team from the B team as Miss King had left the district.—Granted. Mr Emanuel wrote stating, that the town teams were postponing their matches on July 8 for the Southern District Sub-Association’s annual seven-a-side tournament at Fortrose on July 8. , Mr Cordery also wrote thanking the sub-association for their letter of congratulation in his recent appointment and also stated that assistance would be available from town referees on July 8 at Fortrose. It was decided to play the annual Town v. Southern match at Fortrose on July 15. Considerable discussion arose regarding playing a revised draw in the second round by an A and B section, the four leading teams as A section. It was decided that as “Oteramika B” was only entered in the second round to carry on the competition as drawn and review the position after the next three , games. Officials appointed for the seven-a-side on July 8 were.—Timekeepers, Messrs Atkinson and D. Livingstone; call stewards, Messrs F. A. Hughes, T. Morton, J. Sinclair; protest committee, Messrs Cox, Hodge, Mallard, Livingstone and Hughes; gate-keepers, Messrs J. Casey and J. Stirling; referees, local and visiting; manageress of booth, Mrs W. Chisholm. The following is the draw for the second round:— June 17.—A1l matches to be played on grounds of first team mentioned. Gorge Road v. Waimahaka, referee, Mr Monteith; Fortrose v. Oteramika A, referee. Mr R. Cox; Otara v. Oteramika B, referee, Mr Buddle; Tokanui a bye. June 24.—Fortrose v. Tokanui, referee, Mr Hodge; Otara v. Gorge Road, referee, Mr Buddle: Waimahaka v. Oteramika B, referee, Mr Monteith; Oteramika A a bye.

July I.—Waimahaka v. Fortrose, referee, Mr R. A. Cox; Oteramika A v. Gorge Road, referee, Mr Kearn; Tokanui v. Oteramika B, referee, Mr R. Johnston; Otara a .bye. July 22.—Oteramika B v. Gorge Road; Tokanui v. Oteramika A; Otara v. Waimahaka; Fortrose a bye. July 29.—Oteramika A v. Otara; Fortrose v. Oteramika B; Waimahaka v. Tokanui; Gorge Road a bye. August s.—Gorge Road v. Tokanui; Oteramika A v. Oteramika B; Fortrose v. Otara; Waimahaka a bye. RUGBY FOOTBALL THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. (From Our Correspondent.) Weather conditions on Saturday were not ideal for football, a cold wind blowing and a fine misty rain falling m the second half. Seaward Downs travelled to Otara, the result of the match being in doubt until the final whistle. The game on the whole was inclined to be ragged. A few fine movements were at times to be seen, but always broke down before gaining any advantage. Scrummages and line-outs were very frequent. The Otara pack had much the better of the game, play being in Seaward Downs area for the biggest part of the game. Seaward Downs won the toss. F. Morrison kicking off for Otara. Seaward Downs were called upon to defend hard, when a free kick against Otara gave much needed relief. Millar, for Otara, returning the ball again. Otara were pressing hard and when near the line R. Thwaites secured from a scramble and scored near the posts, E. Millar converting. Play still continued in Seaward Downs’ area, but an infringement by Otara gave R. Millar a chance to clear, play going down to Otara’s 25. A good movement by Seaward Downs went near to scoring when Baxter was pushed out on the comer post. From the line-out the ball went well infield to Murdock, who knocked-on near the posts. A scrum went down and T. Thwaites, Otara full-back, was caught off-side. R. Millar kicked a penalty, making the score 5 —3 against the visitors. Half-time sounded immediately. Upon resuming, Seaward Downs forced down twice in succession. From the kick-out Swain short-punted, taking play to midfield, when an infringement by Otara took play to Otara’s 25, where, from loose play, Baxter picked up and passed on to Murdock, to J. Martin, who went right through for a good try under the posts. R. Millar’s kick failed to rise. Shortly after E. Millar, Otara, had a shot from a penalty. Play went back again to Otara’s 25. and from another infringement in front of the posts R. Millar again missed. In the last ten minutes of the game Seaward Downs were defending hard. Otara being unable to equalize, the game ending 6—5 in favour of the visitors. Mr E. Fleming was referee. NIGHTCAtS v. OREPUKI JUNIORS. The junior match Nightcaps v. Orepuki was played on the local grounds on Wednesday and resulted in a draw, each side scoring an unconverted try. Nightcaps fielded a light pack, several of the regular forwards being unavailable. Though the home backs were inclined to give away possession too frequently, nevertheless they played fairly well against the bustling tactics of the visiting forwards and the return match should be an interesting one. A special feature of the game was the fine exhibition given by the diminutive Orepuki full-back, who showed a good knowledge of the position. He fielded and kicked admirably throughout, besides opening up the play at every opportunity. The local team have not been defeated in the first round and should be strong contenders for the junior banner. Following the kick off Nightcaps took play to the Orepuki line, the visitors retrieving to half-way. Orepuki forwards were going well and were continually forcing play. Grant, G. Excell and Burgess showed up well in neat passing, the movement being held up at Orepuki’s 25. Orepuki swept downfield in a vigorous rush, Amos eventually going over for a good try. The kick was unsuccessful. Orepuki 3, Nightcaps nil. Except for brief intervals, the game in the second spell was mainly a forward struggle, with Nightcaps making an improved showing against their heavier opponents. A nice movement by the home backs was completed by Burgess, who made a good run to touch down. No goal resulted. Nightcaps 3, Orepuki 3. A period of hard forward play ensued, with Orepuki getting the better of the exchanges. Time was called with no addition to the score. Mr T. Duncan was referee. RANFURLY SHIELD GAMES. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, June 13. The Otago Rugby Union decided to suggest to the New Zealand Union that all teams challenging for the Ranfurly Shield should pay their own expenses. Mr W. Pearson was nominated as a selector of the South Island team. PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ GAMES. The following is the draw for the Primary Schools’ Rugby competition matches which commence on Friday:— Senior. First Game.—Waihopai v. South, Biggar street (3); Middle v. St. George, Biggar street (1). Second Game.—Waihopai v. Middle, Biggar street (2); South v. St. George, St. George. Third Game.—Waihopai v. St. George, Biggar street (3); South v. Middle, Biggar street (2). Junior. First Game.—St. George v. Waihopai, Biggar street (2); Makarewa v. Marist, Queen’s Park (1); South v. Middle, Biggar street (5); Waikiwi v. North, Waikiwi. Second Game.—St. George v. Makarewa, Queen’s Park (1); Waihopai .v. North, Waihopai (1); South v. Marist, Biggar street (1); Waikiwi v. Middle, Tweed street. Third Game. —St. George v. South, Biggar street (1); Waihopai v. Makarewa. Waihopai (1); Waikiwi v. Marist, Waikiwi; Middle v. North, Tweed street. Fourth Game. —St. George v. Waikiwi, Queen’s Park (2); Waihopai v. South, Biggar street; Makarewa v. North, Waikiwi; Middle v. Marist, Biggar street (1). Fifth Game.—St. George v. Middle, Biggar street (1); Waihopai v. Waikiwi, Waikiwi; Makarewa v. South, Queen’s Park (2); Marist v. North. Tweed street. Sixth Game.—St. George v. Marist, Biggar street. (2); Waihopai v. Middle, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. Waikiwi, Makarewa; South v. North, Tweed street. Seventh Game.—St. George v. North, Tweed street; Waihopai v. Marist, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. Middle, Queen’s Park (2): South v. Waikiwi, Waikiwi. Midgets. First Game.—Marist B v. Waihopai A, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. St. George, Queen’s Park (2); South v. North, Biggar street (4); Waikiwi v. Marist, Tweed street; Middle v. Waihopai B, Waihopai (2). Second Game.—Marist B v. Makarewa, Queen’s Park (2); Waihopai A v. Waihopai B, Waihopai (2): South v. North, Biggar street (3); Waikiwi v. North, Waikiwi; Middle v. Marist A, Biggar street (4).

Third Game.—Marist B v. South, Biggar street (4); Waihopai A v. Makarewa, Waihopai (2); Waikiwi v. St. George, Queen’s Park (2); Middle v. North, Queen’s Park; Marist A v. Waihopai B, to be arranged. Fourth Game.—Marist B v. Waikiwi, Queen’s Park (1); Waihopai A v. South, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. Waihopai B, Waihopai (2); Middle v. St. George, Biggar street (2); Marist A v. North, Tweed street.

Fifth Game.—Marist B v. Middle, Biggar street (2); Waihopai A v. Waikiwi, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. South, Queen’s Park (1); Marist A v. St. George, Biggar street (3); North v. Waihopai B, Waihopai (2). Sixth Game.—Marist B v. Marist A, Biggar street (1); Waihopai A v. Middle, Waihopai (2); Makarewa v. Waikiwi, Makarewa; South v. Waihopai B, Queen’s Park (2); North v. St. George, Queen’s Park (1). Seventh Game.—Marist B v. North, Biggar street (3); Waihopai A v. Marist A, Waihopai (2); v. Middle, Queen’s Park (1); South v. Waikiwi,’Biggar street (1); St. George v. Waihopai B, Biggar street (2). Eighth Game.—Marist B v._ St, George, Biggar street (1); Waihopai Av. North, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. Marist A, Queen’s Park; South v. Middle, Tweed street; Waihopai B v. Waikiwi, Waikiwi. Ninth Game.—Marist B v. Waihopai B, Waihopai (1); Makarewa v. North, Waikiwi; Waikiwi v. Middle, Queen’s Park (1); Waihopai A v. St. George, Queen’s Park (2); South v. Marist A, Tweed street

SPORT BUDGET ALL THE GAMES, (By “Onlooker.”) Don Bradman at Bowls. Latest Australian files to hand contain the interesting information that Don Bradman, wizard of the cricket bat, has taken up bowls. Don received his first lesson three weeks ago. » » * ♦ Davis Cup Dates. The third round of the Davis Cup tennis competition was to have been completed by yesterday. The fourth round has to be played by June 23, and the final round by July 17, while the inter-zone final will be played on July 21, 22 and 23, and the challenge round on July 28, 29 and 30. The Wimbledon championships are due to commence on June 20. » » » » A Rugby Founder. The death is announced of Mr L. J. Maton, who in 1871 was one of the founders of the English Rugby Football Union. He helped to draw up the first set of laws of the game and was president of the Rugby Union in 1875-6. ♦ » ♦ ♦ An Irish Champion. John Burke (Lahinch) established a record for Irish golf at Rosses Point in April, when he defeated G. O’Connor (Roscommon) by 13 up and 12 to play in the 36-holes final of the West of Ireland championship. Burke finished the first round 11 up without having lost a hole.

Belated Boxing Decision. Six weeks after fighting Jack Etienne in Brussels, Marcel Thil, the middleweight champion of the world, has been declared the victor. The decision of the Italian referee was a draw although Thil had been awarded 180 points against his rival’s 178. Thil and his manager protested that such a decision infringed the rules of the International Boxing Union and the French Boxing Federation, to whom the matter was referred, have given the decision to Thil.

Youth’s Amazing Swim. Ralph Flanagan, 16-year-old American schoolboy, did two astonishing swims at Miami last month. He covered 400 yards in. 4min 22sec and 500 yards in smin 31sec. World record claims have been made for both. The existing records, both in the name of Arne Borg, are 4.26 and 5.31 2-5. ♦ ♦ * » Swimming Records Broken.

In the recent U.S.A, national senior women’s indoor swimming championships, held at New York last month, Leonore Kight, who won the 100, 220, 300, and 500 yards free-style titles, broke two of Helene Madison’s records —2OO yards in 2.20 5-10 (as against 2.20 6-10), and 300 yards in 3.38 4-9 (world’s record), as against 3.39. In the 300 yards individual medley, Katherine Rawls reduced the world’s record from 4.16 to 4.15 4-10.

International Hockey. Miss N. Albright, the English international hockey forward, accomplished a remarkable performance for Woking Swifts, who defeated the Danish women’s touring team by six goals to none in a hockey match at Woking last month. Miss Albright, who was in the inside-right position, hit all six goals—three in each half.

New Golf Competition. A novel competition is conducted in San Francisco by the Men’s Wear Golf Association. It offers a prize for the “best-dressed golfer,” and this year’s competition for the snappiest thing in plus-fours resulted in a tie between three elegant gentlemen.

Boxing Champions Matched. Jack Peterson, of Wales, British heavyweight boxing champion, and Jack Doyle, of Ireland, have been matched for a contest at the White City (London) this month for a purse of £lO,OOO (says an exchange). Jeff Dickson. Europe’s American promoter, is staging the match, and expects an attendance of 100,000, Both contestants are youngsters and knock-out punchers. Doyle has been coached by Descamps, manager of former world’s light heavyweight champion, Georges Carpentier. Peterson is managed and trained by his father.

Larwood’s Generosity. When a shilling fund for Harold Larwood and W. Voce was started in Nottinghamshire to recognize their big share in England’s success in regaining the ashes from Australia it was decided that two-thirds of the money raised should go to Larwood and one-third to Voce. But Larwood has now asked that the money, which at latest advices amounted to £BOO, should be divided equally between him arid Voce.

Woman Golf Champion. Doris Chambers, who was the British women’s golf champion ten years ago, has been appointed captain and manager of the British women’s golf team which will tour South Africa in the English autumn of this year. A few years ago she made a golfing tour in South Africa.

Record High Jump. At the Pennsylvania athletic carnival at Philadelphia George Spitz did 6ft 53in in the high jump to dislodge a 16-year-old record for the meeting, while Brown cleared 14ft Olin in the pole vault.

Prominent Hockey Player. Miss Edith Thompson, C.8.E., has arrived in the Dominion, and though not travelling in the interests of hockey she is very interested in the game. Miss Thompson was for several years president of the All England W.H.A., and toured with quite a few English teams. While in . Wellington Miss Thompson was entertained by the N.Z.W.H.A. and was also an interested spectator at the Wellington tourney,

where she was very favourably impressed with the play. She is a passenger on the Tamaroa, which arrives in Port Chalmers to-day. • * » » New Tennis Star. Miss Margaret C. Scriven, the British girl who won the French ladies’ singles championship and partnered Jack Crawford (Australia) in the mixed doubles, first came into prominence in 1929 when she won the British jun- ; ior championship. In 1931 she reached ! the fifth round of ladies’ singles ■ championship at Wimbledon, and went within a few points of defeating Mme. Mathieu. In the final of the French championships Miss Scriven was oppose ed by Mme. Mathieu and the English girl’s greater variety of strokes enabled her to reverse her Wimbledon defeat. £30,000 Offer. Jack Sharkey, official heavyweight champion of the world, ignored an invitation of former world’s heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, to a lunch ’ given at Sharkey’s home-town in hon- , our of the old Manassa mauler. Demp- i sey stated that he had invited Sharkey in order to offer him £30,000 to defend ; his title against the winner of the Max Baer-Max Schmeling bout, decided at New York (U.S.A.) last weeek.

Jack Crawford’s Form. Jack Crawford added further to his laurels last week when he won the French mixed doubles championship partnered by Miss Scriven, the young English player. Crawford has numerous mixed doubles championships to his credit, one of his best performances being his victory with Miss Ryan at Wimbledon in 1930. In the final of the French championship Crawford and Miss Scriven defeated the holders of the title, Perry and Miss Nuthall, in straight sets.

Charlie Oliver’s Form. It looks as if C. J. Oliver, of Canterbury, could easily be induced to suspend his decision to retire from representative Rugby. Certainly his play for Merivale shows that the decision was premature (says the Christchurch Sun). In club matches Oliver has been playing more consistently sound football than for some years past. Instead of sandwiching moderate games between brilliant ones he has been playing excellently in every game this season, and has been admirably fitting in his individual brilliance with combined play. In short, Oliver is at present the obvious first choice for centre three-quarter in the Canterbury team.

Bert Cooke Again. The workings of high politics in the football world (not League) are often as amazing as those in the political councils of the country itself (comments the Auckland Rugby League Gazette). Were we in a position to divulge information which we have, as to the reason for A. E. Cooke not yet having been seen on Carlaw Park this season, all true sports would be amazed. Cooke, who is working near Te Aroha, himself is willing, only too willing, to play League, Richmond wants him, but yet the great 1924 “All Black” will not be seen again on Carlaw Park till he can be placed in employment in the city. Just how soon this may be it is hard to say at the moment.

“Bunny” Austin’s Shorts. The wearing of shorts by Austin, the British player, in a recent Davis Cup match against Spain has naturally caused comment in tennis circles. It has been supported in France, but it is very doubtful whether the custom would be allowed at Wimbledon, which may be considered the final arbiter of which is correct tennis costume (says an Australian writer). After all the appearance of the players on the courts is one of the most attractive features of a tennis match, and it is to be hoped that the costume of long trousers, which has been in vogue for over fifty years, will never be departed from. Certainly in the East, where climatic conditions provide for shorts being worn as regular clothing, they do not look out of place on a tennis court, but in a mild climate like England one can only regard the costume as a passing fashion craze.

st lb st lb Queen’s Bradman 8 5 Diadem 8 5 Sunstead 8 5 Hunting Star 8 5 Sir Nigel 8 5 Tudor 8 5 Cyclonic 8 5 Perimeter 8 5 Wairahia 8 5 Squeeze 8 5 Aube 8 2 Mercian King 8 5 Sunny Maid 8 2 Mint Sauce 8 5 Abbeyfaele 8 2 Margaret Rose 8 5 Rosal Solo 8 2 Asterisca 8 5 WHAKATU HURDLES. £70. One and 1-half miles. Kinsel 10 10 Miss Hastings 9 0 Kimbo 9 3 Million 9 0 Mia Stella 9 2 CORINTHIAN PLATE, £60. Gentlemen riders. One and a-quarter mile: High Falutin’ 12 2 Wine Tray 10 9 Gold Ruler 11 10 Chesham 10 9 Luna Lux 11 0 Lochaby 10 7 Mon Roi 10 9 Arabliss 10 7 JUNE STEEPLECHASE, £100. About two and a-quarter miles. Birkbeck 10 11 Hard Gold 9 3 Adventus 10 9 Jen Q 9 0 Ascervate 10 7 Kaokaoroa 9 0 Red Bank 10 4 Revel 9 0 Luna Lux 10 3 Coonoor 9 0 Fine Acre 10 0 Sir Red 9 0 WINTER HANDICAP, £80. One mile. Courtyard 10 2 Royal Dash 8 7 Princess Beil 9 7 Glen Rossie 8 7 Walton Park 9 2 Gold Ruler 8 5 Chief Bonnie Vale 8 5 Marionette 9 2 Tareha 8 2 Fondle 9 2 Bothwell 8 0 Anemometer 8 9 Granny Quex 8 0 High Grader 8 7 KIDNAPPERS’ HANDICAP, £70. Six furlongs. Royal Hunting 10 10 Aesculus 8 7 Foreign Queen . 9 8 I’m Alone 8 0 Hunting Day 9 0 Swift and Sure : 8 0 Lady Ronald 8 9 HERETAUNGA HANDICAP, £30. Six and a-half furlongs. Cylinder 10 7 Tahoma 8 8 Curie 9 10 Navaho 8 8 Huntingdon 9 10 Lady Spy 8 3 Slippery 9 1 Paleta 8 2 Chopin 9 0 Cuticle 8 2 Chrysology 9 0 False Scent 8 0 Kaihoro 8 12 Little Wonder 8 0