SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 25355, 6 August 1935, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY THE CURRAGH.

McHeath is a hack sorted out in the north to add further to his laurels.

Final payments for the Grand National Steeplechase are due on Thursday.

A good sort in Fersen is reported from Hawera as looking well and ready to race early in the season.

Acceptances for the first day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting close to-day.

Imported American trotter Air Flow is likely to have a strong following if started at Addington on Saturday.

P. Gallagher is alleged to have been caught napping when Royal Palm was defeated in a pacing event at Riccarton on Saturday.

A report states that Travenna was drawn wide out in the Brabazon Handicap, was crowded out and unable to get near the leaders.

Dunmure has been causing his connections some anxiety since the Wellington meeting and has done very little serious work in the interval.

It is reported that Mr G. MurrayAynsley has handed over the training of his horses to R. H. Davis, who has been his head lad for very many years.

As a result of his win at the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s meeting, when he beat a good field, Epris is now being discussed as a Winter Cup prospect.

The most successful two-year-old in Australia last season was the Constant Sun colt Young Idea, who won £3978 in stakes. Second on the list was the Iliad colt Homer, who won £1585 in stakes.

The pacing mare Zest has been under the care of E. C. McDermott at Addington during the past two weeks, and she has shaped very smoothly in her trainin work. Zest has rhown plenty of speed in her races, and she has only to gain solidity to win more than one race.

Reports from Washdyke credit P. T. Hogan with having a two-year-old much above the average. This is the aptly-named filly, Double Gift. Her dam, Bella Lake, owned by Mr H. Brosnahan, was loaned to Hogan for the season, while the second gift came from Sir Charles Clifford, in the mating with Polazel.

A horse who has come into some favour during the last few days for the Winter Cup is the Orari-trained Epris, easy winner of the Claremont Handicap at Washdyke. As the field behind him contained Knockfin, Hunting Go, Silver Sight, Gay Crest and Argentic, it will be seen that the line to his form is one worthy of notice.

The five-year-old gelding Killadar, by Kilbroney from Abbey Day, owned by Mr W. H. Wackrow, has been sold to an Australian owner, and will be shipped to Sydney at an early date. When trained by J. F. Tutchen at Te Rapa, Killadar displayed promising form, and the bay gelding should prove i good proposition for his new owner.

Tire Ellerslie jockey H. Goldfinch was married last week to Miss Hilda Taylor, of Greenlane, whose father, T. Taylor, a noted horseman in his day, received fatal injuries when riding Pohutu in the Great Northern Guineas in 1907. The honeymoon will be spent in the south, and it is likely that Goldfinch wall ride at the Grand National meeting.

The main steeplechase fences on the course proper at Riccarton will be made available for schooling to-day, tomorrow and Thursday, and as a large number of horses are likely to be jumped over them, the week’s operations should arouse widespread interest. The outside of the course proper will also be open for galloping during the week.

The active team of H. and A. Cutts had an addition a few days ago, when Rebel Song, by Robespierre from Toti dal Monte, resumed work. He had his last race in the spring of 1933, and though he was in training again after that, he has just come back from a long spell. It is to be hoped he will stand up to a preparation, as he is a horse of good class, with speed and stamina.

The sixth number of “Winning Form” has made its prompt appearance. It is the sixth and final issue for the season, containing the results up to July 31. Racing and trotting are in separate sections, and the record of each horse is set out in handy style, making reference to the form easy. In addition to the actual results, some valuable information has been given, showing how the horse was running at the finish.

As a result of injuries received In fall from Green Linnet at Mornington, Victoria, in February, the Auckland jumping rider I. Tucker has had a lengthy spell from race riding, but he is now completely recovered, and will return to the saddle in the new season. Tucker, whose successes include the Great Northern Steeplechase on Copey and the Great Northern Hurdles on Make Up, has been riding a good deal of. work at Ellerslie lately.

R. S. Bagby, with 15 horses, has easily the largest team at Ellerslie, his charges including King March, Gay Marigold, Sir Abb, Lord Vai, and a number of young horses who have not yet been seriously tried. King March is like a two-year-old afte. his spell, and is doing splendidly, although it will take him some time to return to thorough racing condition. Gay Marigold should come to hand more quickly.

It is interesting to note that while the hack events and the open sprint at the Pakuranga Hunt fixture at Ellerslie on August 24 have the 8.0 minimum fixed, the principal flat race, the Jellicoe Handicap, run over a mile and a-quarter, still has the 7.0 minimum. This is in accordance with the new rule adopted by the Racing Conference, providing for an 8.0 minimum for flat races with the single exception of the principal flat race each day.

An inquiry was held into the riding of J. F. Kerr on Dan Russell, who was placed second in the Lawford Hunters’ Steeplechase at Riccarton on Saturday. After hearing Kerr, who stated that his stirrup leather had slipped out of the socket when he landed over the last fence, and that he thought after Witui had fallen in front of him his was the only horse left in the race, the stewards decided to issue a severe warning to Kerr in regard to his riding.

C. W. Brodie, who had a leg broken when Hystride fell in a hurdle race at Ashburton in May, has had the limb taken out of plaster, but it will be a few weeks before he is riding again. Ben Brodie, who was severely injured when Madam Pompadour fell on the flat at the Dunedin Cup meeting, is unlikely to be seen in the saddle for some time. He has made a complete recovery from his facial injury, but has not regained full use of one

arm, the nerves of which are affected.

The aged pacing gelding Girvan has joined L. A. Maiden’s stables at Ashburton. Girvan won several races about two years ago, and at that time his then trainer, R. Townley, prophesied that Girvan would reach the best class, but unsoundness interrupted the gelding’s career, and for several months he could not be trained. It is about a year since he last sported silk. Northern sportsmen affirm that Girvan’s legs have improved with the rest and treatment, and if he stands a preparation Girvan will win races.

The Te Rapa trainer J. F. Tutchen, who will be leaving for Riccarton tomorrow with Ruby Meteor and Adalene, previously won the Grand National Steeplechase with Peter Maxwell in 1926. It was the horse’s first time over the country, and his rider, R. W. McTavish, also had his first (and last) mount in a steeplechase that day. Ruby Meteor, who will be ridden by R. E. Thomson, looks to hold every bit as good a chance at Peter Maxwell did, and she will certainly not be going out as eleventh favourite.

Vintage has not made a complete recovery from his recent trouble, and he is still an absentee from the tracks at Riccarton. He has been treated daily for his suspected foot ailment, but although he does not show much sign of lameness after light exercise in the paddock, he later displays distinct soreness, so it is now thought that the seat of the trouble is in some other part than in the foot. In the meantime, Vintage is missing work, and the check will not be welcomed by his connections in view of his proposed trip to Australia.

Considerable interest was taken in Orapai’s first schooling over the hurdles at New Plymouth last Thursday. Ridden by H. Dulieu he jumped the two fences down the back twice. The first time there was no pace on, but the second time he was going at a solid half pace. Though inclined to be cautious Orapai made no attempt to shirk his task and cleared every fence safely. For a novice his display was promising, and his owner-trainer, J. O’Neill, was well pleased. All going well Orapai will have his first hurdle race on the second day of the combined hunts’ meeting.

The rising three-year-old Galilee, one of the best of her age last season, is being sprinted at Te Awamutu and she should not be long in getting into racing condition. She will probably contest the sprint at the Pakuranga fixture at Ellerslie next month, and then, with others of A. Cook’s team, including a couple of two-year-olds, may go south to race at the spring fixtures there, winding up at Wanganui prior to competing at Avondale and the Taumarunui fixture at Paeroa. Cook’s stable may make a bold showing in the two principal flat events at Ellerslie next month with Knight of Australia and Galilee.

If yearling prices are a guide racing is on the eve of a revival in England. Last year the Newmarket First July sales realized 48,506gn5, but this year the total amounted to 86,007gn5. One session was specially interesting on account of the twelve yearlings sent up by the National Stud, which sold for an aggregate of 19,380gn5. A bay filly by Blandford—Endowment, was purchased on behalf of H.H. Aga Khan for 5000gns. This was the highest price given at this series. The next highest price was 4200gns given by Mi- J. A. Dewar for a yearling by his Derby winner Cameronian. For a halfbrother to Ankaret, who was just beaten in the Oaks and won the valuable Coronation Stakes at Ascot, Lord Nunburnholme. gave Lady Barbara Smith 3800gns. Mrs Cornette Glorney, who is a very keen owner and who took two of Ascot’s prizes, gave 4000gns for a bay filly by Foxlaw out of Dame Caution, by Friar Marcus. This filly is regarded as the best offered during the sales. Rose d’Argent, a bay colt by Solario’s son Rose en Soleil, was run up from 200gns to 2000gns and became the possession of Mr W. E. Livock.

L. J. Eilis who headed the list of winning jockeys last season at one stage appeared to have an excellent chance of topping the century, but .he had a lean time during the closing stages, finishing up with 93 wins, a total ten ahead of the figures which gave him first place a year ago. His important successes included the Harcourt Cup, New Zealand Derby and Canterbury Cup on Sporting Blood, also the Royal Stakes on Galilee, but he scored in all classes of minor events, in many of which the result was due largely to his excellent judgment. Ellis commenced race riding a little more than 10 years ago, at which period he was an apprentice in Southland, where for a long time he did a lot of riding, but latelj’ he has found Riccarton a better centre to work from, while he has travelled north instead of south. His riding record is one of steady progress. In his first season he rode six winners, and a year later he had 16, then 13. After that he jumped to 38, a total which he has exceeded in each of the last seven seasons. His winning rides to date number 517, a record of which he has reason to feel proud. The champion jockey will have his full share of rides at the Grand National meeting. A few days after it ends he and his elder brother, A. E. Ellis, will leave for Sydney, where they plan to do the spring meetings. Just how long L. J. Ellis will remain in Australia will depend on circumstances. While he has done well in New Zealand, he confesses he has a hankering to try his luck as a permanent resident of the Commonwealth, and if he has the good fortune to strike a winning vein, with prospects of his services being in request, it is probable he will remain there. Should things work out in this way, L. J. Ellis will prove another good advertisement for New Zealand, as he holds a high reputation in every way. It has been stated lately that L. J. Ellis has ideas of travelling further afield and trying himself out against the English jockeys on their own ground, but there is nothing in this report. When questioned on the subject by a Christchurch Star-Sun representative, he sajd he had never given a thought to riding in England, though he had hopes that at some time he might go there for a holiday. THE BIG FENCES DANGERS AND THRILLS. STEEPLECHASING TO-DAY AND YESTERDAY. The sensation caused by the death of Redditch as a result of a broken thigh sustained in the Victoria Grand National Steeplechase, and the discussion that has ensued regarding the whole question of the horses, the jumps and the jockeys at this great annual sporting event, lends interest to the following article in which the veteran trainer and steeplechaser, Mr James Scobie, discusses steeplechasing of to-day and yesterday, and its methods, states the Melbourne Herald.

I am now 75, and out of those years I’ve been in the racing game for over 50, and I will say this—it has been a grand life, full of thrills and excitefull of ups and downs, and wins and losses. And after half a century in the game, I suppose I know something about it—on the flat and over the sticks.

I started as a steeplechaser a good many years ago. It was in 1882, when I was a youngster of 21, and I won the Grand National Hurdles on a horse called Rhesus, belonging to Sir. Thomas

Fitzgerald. A few years later, in 1888, I followed this up by taking the Grand National Steeplechase on Ruby. So you see, my recollections of steeplechasing and hurdling go back a good many years, and I am naturally very interested in comparing what some of us old stagers call “the good old times” with the present. In the first place, the steeplechase courses were to my mind very much stiffer in those days than now. Tire big raw fences, with no nonsense about them, had posts sticking up above the rails, as you will see in any four-rail fence in the country, and a rider had to know how to negotiate them. I remember riding at a Sale meeting where the country was built up “pretty big,” as we say, and the course was a stiff one. Off we went, but before long the tail began to string out, riders dropping one after the other. Before the end came every horse was out except mine! That’s all right, you may say, but at the last fence mine fell, too! He broke his fetlock, but he was a game animal, struggled to his feet, and wobbled to the post with me still up, a winner on three legs. I weighed in all right, and was given the race, but it is not a race I like to remember. This example illustrates what I want to say—that the mode of riding has changed since those days. The steeplechase courses were much stiffer, but the horses were real ’chasers, the riders rode in a different style, and though the fences were stronger, bigger and more open than now, they were closer together.

Now this fact had a pronounced effect on the race itself and on the mode of riding the race. It slowed down the race compared with nowadays; times were not perhaps so fast, but it had this effect —riders and horses had to gather themselves together for the next jump. It was a more deliberate manner of taking the fences, and instead of the horses taking the jumps at pellmell, as now, they and their riders, having taken one jump, were immediately obliged to get themselves together for the next. In short you saw an exhibition of jumping thrills in which the best steeplechasers showed up.

I would like to see more uniform fences, with leads up to them, and brush in front, for the size, shape, location and make of the fences are allimportant factors, and if properly and rationally done, we should have no trouble at all.

Now there’s another thing. In the good old days, men rode long; they sat well back and when it came to a stiff fence and a balking horse, there was every chance that the rider would still be up. But then came Tod Sloan with his phenomenal successes, riding very short. Sloan revolutionized riding fashion, and his influence still prevails, and you will find men riding short, too short, crouched up over the horse’s head.

It is all very well for the shortlegged ones, but it does not suit any but these, and I believe that if the present-day jockeys were to tackle the courses similar to those we knew riding as they do now, few of them would survive, and the horses would all come home with empty saddles. Look at the pictures of the riding at the Grand National in England, where the fences are far stiffer- than at Flemington. You will see the riders sitting well back, going over Becher’s Brook and other big obstacles. And there’s another thing. It is the trained ’chaser that comes, home. I have heard it said that some horses never jump so well as the first time they see the fences; later on, experience tells thm that the course is much worse than they thought it would be. That is why the horse should be trained over low fences at first, and gradually educated, until he can negotiate the big ones in good style. There are natural jumpers among horses, genuine steeplechasers, and there are others that will never do well over the sticks.

And there are born steeplechase jockeys too. Among them, the one who stands out in my memory, is Tommy Corrigan, an Irishman—and the Irish, in this matter, are pre-eminent, though I’m a Scot who says it. Corrigan was the greatest horseman I have ever seen or known. He could get a horse over a fence in a way that no other horseman could, and he succeeded where all others failed. But he would nurse and coax his horse over —not fly at the jumps, like some of them do nowadays.

And along with Tom Corrigan I remember Bob Batty, Joe Kilduff, Jimmy King and Mr W. Glasscock and Mr W. S. Cox, the last two amateur riders. None of them are here now, and I often wonder what they would think of steeplechasing to-day.

Things were very different in those days, and being an old-timer myself, I suppose I think they were better. I remember, for example, how George Rex and I took a buggy and pair and packed it with a camp outfit, feed, and so on, and went all through the Western District—with four racehorses in tow!

Well, you don’t see that sort of thing nowadays. We used to camp at night and tie up the horses to a fence and we travelled far, through Strathmore, Narracoote, Penola and on to Mt. Gambier. We attended all the meetings at places like Hamilton, Coleraine, Casterton and most of the towns in the Western District—from meeting to meeting—and we made money.

I do not bet now, but in my riding days I used to back myself. I invested £lOOO once, on a horse called Blue Mountain, which I rode in a hurdlerace. And I won £l2OO. Short odds, yes, and we had to ride for our money then, and ride hard, too. Forty years ago, at Flemington, we had to gallop through the training ground and we did not enter the straight until the last time round. There is no denying that the fences were tremendous, and only a good jumper, well-schooled and thoroughly seasoned, could get over them. In those days, the jockey did not need instructions to let his stirrup leathers down. He let ’em down.

But the “Sloaners” of to-day are tucked up, right up on the horse’s withers, and when their mounts stumble or strike the fence, over they go, and over their heads go the jockeys, too. I wonder if there are many people alive .to-day whose memory goes back, as mine does, to such good horses as Sussex, Himalaya, Left Bower, Lone Hand, Ruby, Kangaroo, Redleap and Hans Breitman. They were stars of the ’chase, and to my mind they far outclassed their successors of the present day, not perhaps in speed, but as genuine jumpers, and jumping, after all, is the essence of the steeplechase. Another thing—the jumping is far less difficult than it used to be. I remember how, in my first steeplechase essay at Flemington, only Corrigan and myself remained in the hunt at the next to last fence. My mount fell, and Tommy went on to unchallenged victory.

The schooling fences at Flemington are too far apart in my opinion, and I would like to see three fences close together, succeeded by another three in close proximity. Then you would see, not the fast pace perhaps of to-day, but a real exposition of good jumping, the classic style of steeplechasing, with horses and riders taking their jumps in the traditional manner.

Faster times are made to-day—l grant that—and if pace and speed be everything, then I have nothing to say, but to-day, fences are lower, the ground is firmer, and the going is usually superior to what it was 40 years ago. Why, in my day we used to jump out of loose sand at Caulfield, but now there is a deep carpet of turf for the take-off. Even so, if his mount strike a fence hard to-day, the jockey will be

unseated, but half a century ago and for many years after, it was regarded as a reflection on a jockey if he did not “ride his drorse to the ground.” As a sort of guide to the past, let us take Sussex, the Grand National hero of 1881. Sussex was as fast as a Cup horse and, in addition, a great weight-carrier and jumper. I suppose he represented the peak of the period. Now go on a few years to Clan Robert, whom many will remember when I trained him for the late Mr Norman Falkiner. He won the Grand National, too, and yet, to my mind, he was not in the same class as Sussex. < Earlier still, when I rode Ruby, she was carrying 12.7, and she fought out a thrilling finish with Royal Oak (12.0) and Mernder (12.2) because all three, were “class” horses. I

Well, I expect you will be thinking that the Old Man is pining for- the past. That is not the case. Times have changed in the steeplechasing world, and I am not so sure that they have changed for the better. Times are faster, not only on the flat and over the fences, but in life itself. Nowadays, it’s the pace that kills, as always, and the modern cry is for speed, and yet more speed.

I am old-fashioned enough to think that pace it not the be-all and endall of steeplechasing. I would like to see a return to better jumping—better steeplechasing, in short. TROTTING NOTES NEWS FROM ALL PARTS. NATIVE CHIEF’S PROSPECTS. CLASSES OF WINTON J.C. FIXTURE BY STOPWATCH. A Southland visitor to the Waimate and South Canterbury Hunt fixture expressed the opinion that the class of horses that took part in the light harness events were an average lot. It is considered that if the Americanbred filly, Air Flow, does not win a race at this month’s fixture at Addington, “the game is not fair.” A two-year-old filly, referred to during the week, as by Wrack from Fortune Maid (dam of Nelson Fortune) was said to have been handled by W. Cosgrove, whereas the youngster has been handled by her owner, Mr W. Hamilton, Heddon Bush.

Although defeated recently Forbury trainer, B. Jarden's pupil, Donaida is credited with having shown very promising form. Southland mare Sure although racing in a difficult class, is expected to be seen to advantage at Addington during the N.Z.M.T.C. meeting. Private advice received from Oamaru is to the effect that the North Otago trainer, J. McLennan, who has been training at Oamaru for some years, intends taking up residence in Dunedin. A Winton mentor has in commission a four-year-old mare by Nelson Adonis from Sterling McKinney. She is a likely looking customer, but has so far done little work. Nel-

son Adonis was by Nelson Bingen from Lady Adonis (dam of Ozanam) while Sterling McKinney ranks as the first of the progeny of successful matron Misfortune. A colt by Adioo Guy from the same mare is described as a likely-looking customer. Racketeer, who is registered in the ownership of Messrs O. Turpin and J. Bryce, will have a full programme at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s August meeting, and if he can produce the form he exhibited before coming to Canterbury, he is likely to win more than one race at the meeting, (remarks Christchurch Press.) At one time there seemed a possibility of a dispute regarding the ownership of Racketeer, but evidently a Southland owner is prepared to forgo his claim to the horse. Since being brought from Westport Racketeer’s form has not been good enough to make anyone dispute his ownership. He is a very speedy pacer at his best, but whether he will perform up to expectations on the Addington track, amongst class pacers, has yet to be decided.

Native Chief is still being persevered with, although his form for seasons past would have persuaded the majority of owners, that even a one-time champion may become a very expensive racing proposition. Some years ago Native Chief defeated a real champion in Great Bingen in a mile match race, but luck played a bigger part than racing temperament, states a northern writer. It should be remembered, however, that Native Chief, amongst other races, won the Free-for-All, New Zealand Derby, and Champion Stakes at Addington and it took more than a moderate to win these races eight and nine years ago. Native Chief is now 12 years old, and any success that might come his way will not be begrudged an owner who has such faith in a standard-bred pacer.

It was started at the annual meeting of the Winton Jockey Club during the week, that the fields for two of the four trotting events on last year’s programme had been weak, from a numerical point of view, and it was considered that this matter could be remedied, if the correct classes were decided upon, as there was an abundance of horses. In a discussion on the subject Mr W. G. Clark said that as the Club was racing in February this season the difficulty met last year would not again be encountered. This alteration would make a vast difference as far as the trotting events were concerned. Previously the Club raced very early in the' year and a great number of horses were not in training. With the meeting now in February it could be expected that the Club would get the bulk of nominations of horses racing in Southland. He considered that if two maiden races were included each day—a saddle race and a harness race—good support would be accorded these classes. He instanced other racing clubs that included similar events and the strong entries received. Last year the classes were 3.43 and 3.39, and the latter did not fill at all well. In the opinion of the speaker -for a 3.43 (lAm.) harness and a 3.5 (Ijm.) saddle race each day, excellent nominations would be received, while he had the experience of other clubs to back up his contentions. Mr J. L. Lilico said that he was pleased that Mr Clark had altered his views about loose and tight classes. Last year the speaker had favoured slow classes being included, while Mr Clark had supported the view that it was wiser to include a tighter class race. Mr Clark stated that he favoured the slow class races from the Club’s point of view, as it was nominations and acceptances that were wanted, and from this section they would be assured of excellent support. There were many maiden horses in Southland at the present time. Mr J. Ledgerwood said that he would like to see a tighter class in one of the trotting events each day. No doubt the slower class races were responsible for stronger nominations, but it was always an attraction and favoured the betting to have a fairly good class of horse in a race. The suggestions as put forward were noted by the committee. Several horses to race at Addington at the coming meeting will be making their first appearance at headquarters, and amongst this number is the Well-ington-owned and trained, Supertax, a four-year-old gelding by Maxegin (a Southland owned sire) from Grace Logan. His form shows him to be a very useful performer, and one quite capable of holding his own in the class in which he is engaged, states Christchurch Press. He is handicapped on the front of the Advance Handicap, of a mile and a quarter, 2.54 class and his performances during the last six months give him at least a sporting chance of success. At the Manawatu meeting he ran third to Plutus and

1 Wrackless in the Longburn Handicap I and then won the Improvers’ Handicap I defeating Derby Thorpe, Happi and others. At the Hawera meeting at ; Easter Supertax won the Stratford i Handicap, of one mile and a half in ; 3.27 3-5, was second to Insolvent in the ; Kaponga Handicap in 3.25 4-5, and won , the Hawera Handicap, of one mile and a quarter, in 2.51. At the Auckland June meeting he won the Marconi ■ Handicap, of a mile and a half, in holding going in 3.49 3-5, defeating a very useful field including King’s Warrior and Silver Watch. Supertax ;s by the ’, imported sire Maxegin, a son of Judge ‘ Maxey (by Axworthy) from Rhein Lass, by Bingen. Grace Logan, the ’ dam of Supertax, is by Logan Pointer from Bold Maid, a mare that was raced l with some success by L. O. Thomas. ! RACING IN AUSTRALIA ' THE ROSEBERY MEETING. ■ (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) ' (Rec. 9.55 p.m.) Sydney, August 5. 1 At the Rosebery races to-day Palm I was unplaced in the second division of i the Accountants’ Flying Handicap. I Limbohm was unplaced in the Bank I Holiday Handicap. Limoux was third in j the Bank Tellers’ Welter of one mile. | Jutland was unplaced. GOLF QUEEN’S PARK LADIES’ CLUB. The following is the draw for an L.G.U. match to be played to-day at Queen’s Park commencing at 1 p.m.— To start at Renown. —Mrs Macgregor v. Miss Whyte; Mrs Miller v. Mrs Torrance; Miss Guest v. Mrs Treeby; Mrs Stalker v. Mrs Clow; Mrs Earl v. Mrs Glennie. Bonnie Jean. —Miss McDowall v. Miss Roscow; Mrs Inglis v. Mrs Brown; Mrs Aitken v. Mrs Sutherland. Lang’s Nek.—Mrs McEachran v. Miss Thom; Mrs Smith v. Mrs Morgan; Mrs Clark v. Mrs Wish; Mrs Halder v. Mrs Alexander; Mrs Cowie v. Mrs Smart. Waihopai.—Mrs Dickens v. Mrs Halliday; Mrs Carter v. Mrs Francis; Mrs Harris v. Mrs Watson; Mrs Kingsland v. Mrs Boyce; Mrs Pedlar a bye. C OS y—Mrs Walker v. Miss Crawford; Mrs Vickery v. Miss Cutt; Mrs Mackintosh v. Miss Miller. Blighty.—Mrs Dow v. Mrs Longuet; Mrs McKenzie v. Mrs Pittaway. INVERCARGILL LADIES’ CLUB. I The following is the draw for the | final round for the captain’s prize to I be played to-day at Otatara:— I First Tee—Mrs C. F. A. Jones v. Mrs 1 Dixon; Mrs Tansley v. Mrs A. E. Smith; Miss Pilcher v. Mrs Dawson; Mrs Anderson v. Miss L. Stout; Mrs Chapman v. Miss D. McCallum. Sixth Tee.—Miss Hughes v. Mrs Blaxall; Mrs Garrett v. Miss E. L. Jones; Miss D. Stout v. Miss L. Douglas; Mrs Ford v. Miss M. McCallum. * Sixteenth Tee—Mrs Hall-Jones v. Mrs Gilmour; Miss C. Smith v. Miss N. Gilkison; Miss M. Stout v. Mrs Sturman; Mrs Colquhoun v. Mrs Chilwell; Mrs Corkill v. Mrs Broad; Miss Hamilton v. Mrs Dundas. Thirteenth Tee.—Mrs Dunlop v. Mrs T. Wray Wilson; Mrs H. Macalister v. Miss B. Mitchel; Mrs Keddell a bye.

THE OTAUTAU CLUB. (From Our Correspondent.) The ladies’ championships, of the Otautau Golf Club have provided some interesting games, the finals of both the A and B grade being completed during the week. After a close game Miss Porteous defeated Mrs Leckie, 1 I up, in the A grade, while Miss Finnegan I beat Mrs White in the B grade, 9 and | 8 ‘ | FERRIER’S RECORD ROUND. : 66 AT KENSINGTON. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.5 p.m.) Sydney, August 5. The golfer Jim Ferrier created a course record at Kensington to-day with a score of 66, which is five under i par and three strokes better than his ■ own previous record shared with T. ! Howard. Ferrier was out in 34 and home in 32. He had a round of 69 on Saturday.

WRESTLING TO-NIGHT’S CONTEST. GEORGE HOPKINS AND KING ELLIOTT.

The Southland Wrestling Association has been fortunate in securing for tonight’s contest two such popular matmen as George Hopkins and King Elliott. The leading three wrestlers working in New Zealand at the present time arc Earl McCready, Glenn Wade and George Hopkins, and those who have been following the various matches throughout the country will i know- that Hopkins has been a wonderi ful draw-card because of his exciting ; contests with McCready and Wade. In . Wellington Hopkins wrestled McCready I and the British Empire champion only | defeated him in the last round. Hopkins is a man of phenomenal strength and scales 16st. 101 b. His opponent, King Elliott, is a New Zealander, who during the last two years has developed into an experienced wrestler and one who commands the respect of all his opponents. Elliott has wrestled in America and Australia and is now at : the top of his form. His weight is ‘ 15st. 41b, and he is an exceptionally i fast man for his size. Beautifully built, Ihe combines grace and speed. Elliott I wrestled Billy Meeske it. Invercargill I four years ago and Meeske predicted a I great future for this young man. Eli liott has everything in his kit—cradle | splits, leg-locks, head-locks, Boston | crabs, reverse wrist-locks, flying | tackles, head scissors, figure four scisi sors, and a crucifix, so Hopkins will have to avail himself of his exceptional strength to keep the New Zealander I from taking the honours. These two

men are clean, clever and colourful, and patrons will’witness a trial of tactics and strength, interspersed with flying tackles. Reserves are at Begg’s, Esk street. MATCH AT WELLINGTON. McCREADY BEATS WADE. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, August 5. Earl McCready beat Glen Wade in a wrestling match to-night by a fall in the seventh round, Wade submitting to a ferocious new hold known as the octupus death lock. The contest was clean and most vigorous throughout. UNUSUAL SPECTACLE. BOUT AT DUNEDIN. Dunedin, August 5. The unusual spectacle of the winner and loser both lying on the mat at the end of the last round was presented at the final of a bout to-night between Ole Andreson and George Hopkins. The final touch was added when they staggered to their feet, threw their arms around each other’s shoulders and tottered to Andreson’s corner. The effort, however, was too much for Hopkins who then resumed his position on the mat.

Andreson was the winner, securing the only fall of the bout in the last round with a figure four scissors on the body. The crowd started counting both men out during the third round and a section of the spectators kept this up till the wrestlers left the ring

WOMEN'S HOCKEY MATCHES FOR SATURDAY. The following women’s hockey matches will be played next Saturday: Union v. Tokanui (Dey Cup final) at 1.45 p.m. (No. 2 ground); Collegiate v. Technical at 1.45 p.m. (No. 1 ground). DOMINION TOURNAMENT. DRAW ANNOUNCED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, August 5. Entries for the Dominon Tournament of the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association, which begins at Gisborne on August 30, have been received from the following asociations: Auckland, Poverty Bay (two teams), Ruahine, Akitio, Bush, Wairarapa, Wellington. Marlborough, Canterbury, Ashburton, South Otago, Eastern Southland and Southland. The draw for the first day’s matches is as follows.— /X section: Poverty Bay v. Eastern; Canterbury v. Southland; Marlborough v. Auckland; Bush a Bye. B section: Wairarapa v. Ruahine; Wellington v. Ashburton; South Otago v. Poverty Bay B; Akitio a bye. RUGBY LEAGUE NORTH v. SOUTH. SOUTH ISLAND TEAM CHOSEN. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, August 5. The following League team has been selected by the sole selector (Mr C. Hall) to represent the South Island against the'North Island at Auckland on Saturday:— Full-back: M. Standeven. Three-quarters: E. Logie, H. Knight, H. Morris. Five-eighths: J. Amos, L. Young. Half-back: J. McCarthy. Forwards: J. Calder, R. Ward, W. McNeight, J. Anderson, P. Serra and W. Glynn.

The two emergencies will be selected later.

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTHLAND UNION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. The Management Committee of the Southland Rugby Football Union met last evening Mr H. S. Strang (president) presiding over the following members: Messrs J. L. Oughton, H. J. Brown, W. Baird, W. A. Oliver, R. T. Meredith, J. F. Ewart, T. R. Pryde, A. J. Geddes, A. H. Courtis, R. G. Kitto, A. H. Mitchell, L. R. Lopdell and N. R. Brown. The chairman welcomed Mr Baird back to the union after his visit to Australia.

The chairman reported that as the result of a conference with ' Otago Rugby Union officials at Dunedin on Saturday, it was probable that the proposed Otago-Southland junior representative game would be played at Invercargill on the date suggested by the Southland Union, August 31. Advice would be received from Otago later in the week.

A request from the Clifton Club to withdraw its fourth grade team from the competition was agreed to. Sickness was stated as the cause of previous defaults. A letter was received from Mr D. C. Hardy, secretary of the Northern District Sub-Union, in explanation of Northern’s inability to agree to playing for the Fleming Cup on August 3. He stated that his sub-union was desirous of playing the match on a suitable date to both teams concerned.

Members spoke of the futility of carrying on with the match and a suggestion was made that the cup be awarded for some other competition. Owing to inability of arranging a suitable date for the playing of the match, it was decided to abandon the fixture for the present season. It was stated that probably a recommendation would be made next year to award the cup for another competition.

An application for a ground for a match between the mercantile teams of Dunedin and Invercargill on Saturday morning was received from Mr C. McKenzie, Invercargill. The Tweed street ground was allotted. A request from the Southland Cricket Association for the use of Rugby Park to prepare a wicket for the M.C.C. -—Southland cricket match on January 4 and 6, 1936, was referred to the grounds committee.

Mr Meredith outlined the requirements of the Cricket Association and stated that any expense would be borne by the Association. If the request were granted the ground would be required as soon as the Rugby season was concluded to enable initial preparatory work to be carried out.

The Tweed street ground was grante dto the Methodist and Presbyterian Bible Classes for the annual game on Saturday afternoon next. Mr H. J. Brown, manager of the Town team which journeyed to Queenstown during the week-end, reported on the game with Wakatipu, and said that the fixture would have a beneficial effect on Rugby in the lakes district. The team had been hospitably entertained and the conduct of the party was exemplary. It was probable that a Wakatipu team would take part in the Country Day fixtures next June.

It was decided to send a letter of thanks to the officials of the Wakatipu Sub-Union.

The use of Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon was granted the Star Club for an open-air church parade being conducted in conjunction with the forthcoming jubilee celebrations. Mr Oughton, chairman of the flag committee, reported that as the result of the fifth grade game, played last Saturday as a final between High School and Invercargill, the two teams were now level and a play-off would

be necessary. It was decided to play the game as a curtain-raiser to the Southland-Wan-ganui representative game on August 17.

The secretary reported that the arrangements in connection with the Southland-Otago game at Invercargill next Saturday were well in hand. The gates would be opened at 12.15 p.m., two bands would be in attendance, and a curtain-raiser had been arranged between the South and Marist schools’ junior teams. The curtain-raiser would be commenced at 1.30 p.m. and the main game at 2.45 p.m. It was reported by Mr Geddes that while in Dunedin during the week-end he had learned 'that there would be two special trains of Dunedinites attending the game. Never before had such interest been manifest by Dunedin people in the Otago—Southland game at Invercargill. MITCHELL CUP MATCH. OREPUKI DEFEAT CENTRAL STAR. (From Our Correspondent.) The Central Star team, premiers of the Central District, travelled to Orepuki on Saturday to play the home team, winners of the Western District banner, for the Mitchell Cup, Orepuki winning by 12 points to 8. This cup was presented by Mr S. Mitchell, of Drummond, for annual competition between the premier teams of the Central and Western Districts. Originally the games were to be played at Drummond and Otautau alternately, but a modification was made whereby the games could be played on the ground of the winning team. Last year the game was played at Drummond between Winton and Orepuki, the former winning by a last minute try. Saturday’s game was played in fine weather with a fair breeze blowing across the field. A large crowd of spectators was treated to a fast, open and exciting game. Both teams endeavoured to open up the play at every stage and although their efforts did not always meet w'ith success their attempts were appreciated by the onlookers. Orepuki show'ed much better combination among the backs and this really represented the difference in points. Orepuki scored four tries, none of which was converted, Central Star scoring one try which Robb converted. The teams lined out as follows:— Central Star.—Robb, Leonard, South, King, Dempster, Hardy, O’Connor, Eggleton, McLeod, Mcßae, Thomas, McLeod, Norton, Proctor, Anderson.

Orepuki.—Gilian, Kini, Harding, D. Smith, R. H. Pickering, R. F. Pickering, Dudfield, Murphy, Coote, Porter, G. Purdue, C. Smith, Suddaby, S. Purdue, Brown.

Orepuki won a line-out and tried passing, but a dropped pass saw Bob Pickering come in to save, play swinging across field. Smith was slow to follow up, allowing Leonard to find the line at Orepuki’s twenty-five. Orepuki again won the line-out, and Bob Pickering punted up-field, but Robb saved. From a scrum Orepuki secured and Ray Pickering short punted. Smith fielded the ball in his stride and set out for the line, side-stepping Robb. A try looked likely, but Leonard, who is very fast, overhauled Smith to bring him down a few yards short of the line, Star getting relief by a penalty. South failed to find the line, Ray Pickering sending Star back with a good line kick. From a penalty G. Purdue’s kick fell short and Star, headed by McLeod and Morton, carried play to neutral territory where Star received a penalty, South finding the line at Orepuki’s twenty-five. Suddaby broke clear, but Hardy sent Orepuki back with a good line kick. A free kick to Orepuki saw Ray Pickering kick up and under. Hardy fielded the ball, but failed to find the line, Gilian kicking into touch at half-way. Another penalty to Star saw South again find the line at the corner where Orepuki were awarded a penalty. Ray Pickering kicked out beyond the quarter flag. Pickering kicked up-field and when King dropped the ball Suddaby dribbled on to the Star line, but the Star for-

wards rucked clear. Orcpuki tried passing, but Star benefited by a dropped pass, only to be sent back by a great kick by Gillan. Orcpuki again tried passing. Ray Pickering cut in, but Harding delayed his pass, and was smothered when he had two men outside him and a likely chance was lost. From a scrum Bob Pickering worked the blind side to score in the corner. G. Purdue’s good kick at goal was short. Orepuki now set up a determined attack. Kini, on the left wing, and Smith, on the right, both made good runs only to be hauled down just short of their objective. From a scrum Orepuki heeled and from a good passing rush Kini scored well out. Purdue had not luck, the ball hitting an upright. Orepuki 6, Star 0. Star took a turn on attack, McLeod and Mcßae breaking away. Kini had to kick out hurriedly near the corner. Dudfield relieved with a line-finder. A free kick to Orepuki saw Ray Pickering fail to find the line and Star combined to take play back to Orepuki s twenty-five, where Smith also had to find the line in a hurry. Star tried passing, but the ball went across the field and ground was lost. Murphy and Suddaby further improved the position, but Star were not to be denied. A dangerous situation was'saved when Ray Pickering marked. The Orepuki forwards combined to carry play upfield and Robb, hard pressed, passed back to McLeod who jinked several men and kicked up-field. Orepuki attacked and from a scrum Dempster found the line beyond half-way. G. Purdue broke away, Suddaby, Porter and Murphy carrying on with a gooct dribbling rush to half-way. Once again Orepuki passing broke down, Kini speculating to the line. Orepuki heeled from a scrum and Smith, taking a difficult pass, set off for the line, but Leonard proved too fast and collared him. Orepuki fried the other wing, but King tackled Kini and Star broke clear. The Star forwards combined in a loose rush to the Orepuki twenty-five where South fielded smartly to bump off Gillan and score beside the posts just as S. Purdue got him. Robb converted. Orepuki 6, Central Star 5. There was no further score before half-time.

Both sides took time to settle down upon resumption, Star being first to attack. Gillan was making no mistakes and with a left-footer found the line beyond the twenty-five. Orepuki were awarded a free kick and G. Purdue attempted to goal, but again his kick was short and O’Conner found touch at the corner. Star rucked clear, but the Purdue brothers sent them back. Robb was hurt in stopping a rush, but carried on. A penalty to Star brought relief, Morton and Mcßae further improving the position. Two penalties against Star allowed Orepuki to get beyond half-way. G. Purdue broke clear and dribbled to the twenty-five where the ball rolled out. Dudfield worked the blind side, but was unsupported. Dempster clearing to half-way. Give and take play followed round the halfway mark until G. Purdue and C. Smith combined to take play to the Star line, where Robb beat Smith to force. /X bout of long kicking ended in Star s favour. Orepuki attacked but Leonard relieved with a line-finder. Suddaby and C. Smith led Orepuki back and a penalty to Orepuki saw G. Purdue’s kick again fail, the wind carrying the ball just outside the posts. Harding, Kini and G. Purdue were responsible for keeping Star penned in their own twenty-five, and a knock-on spoilt a likely looking movement. Once again Smith kicked over the line, but Robb got back quickly to force. Orepuki were trying hard to score, no doubt realizing that their position was far from secure, but Star gave the Orepuki backs little chance of getting into their stride. A misunderstanding on Orepuki’s part let Star clear to halfway. Porter and Smith led a forward rush right over the Star line, but South got there first to force. Orepuki were still striving hard to increase their score. G. Purdue broke clear with the ball at his toes, Smith and Cooke joining him to carry play to the Star line, where from a melee Dudfield flung out a long pass to Kini who handed it on to Harding, who scored well out. Once again Purdue had no trouble in failing to goal,- Orepuki 9, Star 5. The pace was now considerably slower, both sides apparently taking a breather. Star set up an attack, offside play let Orepuki clear. However, injudicious kicking by Orepuki enabled Star to get right back, and from a penalty Robb had a shot, but missed. Two penalties in quick succession to Orepuki relieved the position. Bob Pickering broke clear and kicked, Smith tackling Robb before he could get in his kick. S. Purdue carried on over the line, but South got back very smartly to force. Star appeared to be the fresher side and kept the home team on defence. It appeared only a matter of time before they crossed, and so it proved. From a penalty Pickering kicked high and Star, swinging to the open, started a passing rush, Leonard topping it off with a good try in the corner. Poor tackling on Orepuki’s part contributed towards the try. Robb’s kick missed. Orepuki 9, Star 8. Both sides now realizing that a try would probably mean success for either team set to with a will but Orepuki gradually worked their way to the Star twenty-five, Suddaby and Brown leading the attack. From a scrum Orepuki secured possession, Dudfield sending a high pass to Bob ' Pickering who hesitated before moving up and found himself clear. He set out for the line and just got there as Robb tackled him. This was an opportunist’s try as the attack appeared to go for the outside men. Gillan kicked a poster. Orepuki 12. Star 8. n From a penalty G. Purdue had a final attempt to goal, but could not manage it. Time was then called. For the visitors South and Dempster were the pick of the backs. Morton and McLeod and Mcßae played fine games in the forwards. For the home team Gillan, Pickering (2) and Smith m the backs and the Purdue brothers, Smith, Porter, Coote and Suddaby worked hard. Murphy, playing as hooker, secured a big share of the ball. Mr H. Gaitt was the referee. After the teams had partaken of their tea a short function was held when the Mitchell Cup was handed over to G. Purdue, captain of the Orepuki team, by Mr Hardy, who congratulated Orepuki on their win and apologized for the absence of Mr Mitchell and Mr Clark, who could not accompany the team. G. Purdue suitably replied. OTAUTAU v. OREPUKI JUNIORS. The game between Otautau and Orepuki juniors was played at Orcpuki on Saturday afternoon as a curtain-raiser to the Central Star-Orepuki senior game. The game was played under ideal weather conditions and resulted in a win for the home team by 11 points (three tries, one converted) to five (a converted try). The teams were as follows: Otautau.—Miller, Hope (2), Daly (2), Chilton (3), White, Muir, Walker. Stewart, Mannix, Pulley, . Orepuki.—Suddaby, McPherson, Henderson, Smith, Dillon, Linton, Millard, Barry, McKenzie, Lyons, Haslam, Neilson, Popham, Ferguson, Lennon. Orepuki won the toss and Pulley kicked off, the ball being returned to half-way. From the line-out Otautau attempted passing, but a dropped pass was fielded smartly by Henderson, who short-punted and Dillon was on the ball in a flash to dribble over and score. McPherson missed. Orepuki were back again from the kick off and from a short passing rush McPherson lost the ball as he went over. From the scrum, the Otautau forwards, led by Pulley, brought play to half-way, Linton lining to save. Orepuki combined to carry play to the Otautau line and Linton cross-kicked for .South, but Otautau forced. Orepuki forwards, led by McKenzie and Barry, returned

the ball to Otautau’s twenty-five, but Miller - lined nicely. Otautau further improved their position by a loose dribbling rush and had Orepuki defending. From the line-out Linton fielded smartly and passed to Dillon, who short punted for McPherson, who took the ball in his stride to show a clean pair of heels to the opposition to score behind the posts. The scorer converted. Orepuki 8, Otautau 0. The Orepuki forwards were playing a good game and kept Otautau on the defence. Dillon again tried the short punt, but Daly marked to save. Stewart broke away with the ball at his toe and shifted' play to Orepuki’s twenty-five, where Suddaby had to line in a hurry. From the line-out Otautau tried nassing. Daley cut in and sent Chilton over beside the posts. Pulley goaled. Orepuki 8, Otautau 5. A bout of even play followed until Lennon and Barry broke through with the ball at their toes. Smith, joining in, kicked over to score well out, McPherson missing with the kick. Orepuki 11, Otautau 5. From the kick-off Stewart headed another - rush to Orepuki’s territory, but Suddaby saved. A penalty to Orepuki relieved the position and half-time was called. The second half was not so fast. The lighter Orepuki forwards, who had the better of the first spell, began to feel the weight of their heavier opponents, but stuck to their guns. McPherson made a determined bid for the line, but was well tackled and, from a penalty, McPherson narrowly missed. Play was very even for the balance of the game, both sides taking a turn on attack, but were unable to increase the score. Otautau attacked hard in the dying stages of the game, but the defence held until time was called. For the visitors. Stewart, Mannix and Pulley (forwards) and Miller, Hope and Chilton (backs) played good games. For the home team, Barry, McKenzie and Popham (forwards) and Millard, Linton and McPherson played serviceable games. Smith, though small, proved a deadly tackler. Mr . Lee refereed. REPRESENTATIVE GAME. WELLINGTON DEFEAT NELSON. (Per United Press Association.) Nelson. August 5. In a Rugby match played on a sodden ground Wellington defeated Nelson by 15 points to 10. The local team, especially the forwards, put up a splendid performance against heavier and more experienced opponents, leading by 10 to 9. Early in the second spell the Wellington backs scored a try when Pollock made a brilliant opening for Fleming. Four other tries were scored for Wellington by Carter, Barry, Fleming and Pringle, each coming from a forward rush. For the home team Morris completed a dribbling rush with a try, while McKegney scored Nelsons second try. Morris converting both. The condition of the ground was against any spectacular play, good quality.

ALL SPORTS

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Mile Champions to Retire. Both W. Bonthron and Glenn Cunningham, the American mile runners, who recently raced against J. E. Lovelock in a match race in America, are retiring. This decision was reached before their recent defeat. Lovelock is expected to compete at the Olympic Games next year and to win the 1500 metres.

Twickenham Records Broken. The English Rugby Union balancesheet, presented at the annual meeting early last month, reveals that several records were broken last season. Over 73,000 people paid £15,002 to see the Twickenham match with Wales—attendance and gate receipt records—and £12,573 was taken at the game against Ireland. The union has paid over £17,000 off an overdraft of about £27,000. The position is satisfactory, as £40,000 is out on loan to clubs. The union has also purchased ground for the enlargement of the north car park at Twickenham.

Four Wickets for Four Balls

Alfred Gover, the Surrey fast bowler, accomplished the best feat of his career by taking four wickets in four balls at Worcester on June 12. He joins a select band. No one has taken more than four wickets with consecutive balls, but other Surrey bowlers to do so arc Lockwood (1891), Richardson (1893), and Peach (1924). Gover presented little difficulty to the early Worcestershire batsmen—Warne hit him for 14 in one over—but then he began a deadly spell, and took the last eight wickets in six overs for 12 runs. His full analysis was eight for 34. Gover did the “hat-trick” with his last three deliveries before lunch, getting Thorpe leg before and bowling Perks and Horton, and with his first ball following the interval ended the innings by spreadeagling Jackson’s stumps. * * * *

British Rugby Preparations. Writing in the Daily Mail of the coming All Black invasion of Britain, H. R. Macdonald, a leading critic, says: “And preparations for the visit of the team from the stronghold of Rugby football are acting as a cheery tonic on play and players alike. Such a tonic is necessary for English Rugger, which, we are told, is emerging from a stage of transition . . . Just at the moment the prospects of recruiting a vanguard equal in all respects to the reputed strength of the New Zealanders’ pack seem far from sanguine, but the discovery of some inside backs capable of fearless and effective running appears likely to save the day.”

How Boxing Judges Disagree. The task of a boxing judge is far from easy and, as most of the patrons of the sport are ever ready to announce, opinions frequently may differ. The American method of judging by the number of rounds won sounds as though it would be one on which a decision would be comparatively easy to reach, but even in this there is disappointment. A glaring example of this is obtained from the recent world’s heavyweight boxing title bout between James Braddock and Max Baer. Braddock won the title from Baer on a points decision over 15 rounds. The latest information from New York gives the official scores of the two judges and the referee. The referee, McAvoy, judged Braddock to have won nine rounds and Baer four with two even—the sixth and the eleventh; one judge, Lynch, judged Braddock to have won 11 rounds and Baer four; the other judge, Kelly, judged Braddock and Baer to have won seven rounds each, while the eleventh round he placed them even. All agreed, however, that Braddock won each of the first five rounds, and the ninth and twelfth rounds, and that Baer won each of the last two rounds.

Jesse Owens Again. This is what the New York Times says of the performance last month of Jesse Owens, the Negro youth, at the 1935 National Collegiate amateur athletic. championships held at Berkeley. California:— “University of Southern California’s powerful track and field team won the 1935 National Collegiate team championship, but Jesse Owens, lithe Negro youth from Ohio State, won the thunderous applause of 18,000 fans. In the most amazing list of individual performances ever witnessed in the Far West, Owens took first places in the 100 and 220 yards dashes, the 220yard low hurdles and the broad jump. His efforts alone accounted for 40 of

the 40 1-5 points scored by Ohio State to take second place. He beat just about the pick of the country’s athletic stars in every event he appeared in. From the time he won the 100-yard dash until he loped off the field after making one special effort to exceed the world’s broad jump record, the throngs plaudits were for Owens. No greater ovation has ever been accorded a visiting athlete. The two sprints, heralded as the races of the year, developed into a one-man affair for first place. Owens won the 100 in 9.Bsec. and the furlong in 21.55ec., unexciting when compared to his recent world records. ’ * » « *

Long Hitting at Golf. During the Melbourne Centenary golf tournament, in which various overseas stars took part, J. Thomson, the American, who won the tournament and its prize of £lOOO, showed that he is a tremendous hitter but he did not show it to the extent he did during the recent American open championship at Oakmont, Philadelphia, when with 301 he finished second to S. Parks. His best effort was to be “pin high” at the twelfth hole of 621 yards in two —a drive and a No. 3 wood. The account of that hole is worth recording. There was a slight wind favouring Thomson and a slight slope of the land down from the tee to the fairway. Even so he was the only player to make the distance in two. He hit a fierce drive and his ball was left with a hanging lie, therefore the second shot was not accomplished by a “floating” flight. The ball did not rise more than 14 feet from the ground, in fact. Thomson’s ball came to rest in a trap to the left of the flag. He chipped out, the ball coming to rest over-hanging the cup and he tapped it in for a birdie four. Thomson hit fiercely throughout the round. At the seventeenth—3o2 yards—into a three-quartei - wind, he drove to the edge of the green and just failed to sink the long putt, but secured a birdie three. He was “pin high” at the eighteenth of 473 yards, with a drive and a No. 2 iron. On the 475-yard fifteenth he played his second with a No. 7 iron and landed in the middle of the green 1 « * * * Swimmer’s European Tour.

The champion sprint swimmer of the United States, Peter Fick, is at present touring Europe, being booked for appearances in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and France. His world’s record for 100 metres is 56 3-ssec, and his two most formidable rivals are expected to be the German Helmuth Fischer and the Hungarian Ferene Csik, who have achieved performances of 58 l-ssec and 58 3-ssec respectively. Fick returns home in time for the United States outdoor championships, the trials for the selection of a team to visit Japan next month.

Testimonial to J. E. Lovelock. An effort to have the outstanding performances of J. E. Lovelock on the athletic field officially recognized by athletes and sporting bodies throughout New Zealand is being made by the Pioneer Amateur Sports Club (Christchurch). The club passed a motion at its annual meeting last Saturday evening recommending its committee to sponsor a movement to have a testimonial taken to England and presented to Lovelock by representatives of the New Zealand Rugby Union. It suggested to the committee that a subscription list should be sent out to every amateur sports organization in the Dominion. The president, Mr C. H. Taylor, jun., said the proposal had been made to him by Mr J. K. Moloney. Lovelock had worn the fern of New Zealand in his races, and was the greatest advertisement overseas that the Dominion had had. Mr Taylor said he had already collected 28/-. RIFLE SHOOTING CITY GUARDS CLUB. There was a good muster at the Drill Hall last night for the weekly shoot of the City Guards Club. A number of visiting riflemen also fired a practice shoot in preparation for the New Zealand championship (home range shooting). All shot well up to form. The City Guards Club fired the third round of the championship, also the first for a two-night handicap trophy. The shooting was steady through the evening. F. E. Wright scored a possible, and R. G. Hawes, a novice, shot well for - 79. A. Ford is still shooting at the top of his form and had another 79, which puts him in the lead for the championship. J. Tansley is one point behind. Ford’s scores are 79, 78 and 79 and Tansley’s 79, 78 and 78.

The following were last night’s scores:—F. E. Wright 80, R. G. Hawes 79, A. A. Ford 79, J. Tansley 78, R. Ure 78, O. R. G. Harris 77, A. Wilson 77, H. Mayston 76, E. J. McLauchlan 76, R. Hazley 76, G. Nicol 76, G. Anderson 76, W. J. Murray 75,- R. J. Timpany 74, J. Buttolph 74, W. Jenkinson 74, P. Mason 73, S. Mason 73, M. G. Winter 72, J. T. Wilson 72, A. Ure 72, W. Bews 71, F. E. Wright 68, J. Caldwell 67, H. Insall 67, F. Blackmore 66, A. M. Hawes 65 ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION. THE GAME WITH OTAGO. At the weekly meeting of the Southland Football Association held last night Mr R. Smith presided. It was decided that the combined Southern and Corinthians Club meet Mosgiel in a game at the Showgrounds on August 24. It was stated that the Mosgiel club would send down its senior team which was one of the finalists for the Fletcher Cup. The secretary reported that he had handed the referees’ charts to the Referees’ Association. Arrangements for the game with Otago were finalized, the following players being chosen to travel.—H. Pay (Southern), W. Adamson (Southern), Batchelor (Central), Kerr (Corinthians), Hobbs, captain (Southern), McMurdo (Corinthians), Reddington (Corinthians), Morrison (Southern), Heenan (Corinthians), L. O’Rorke (Corinthians), Dymock (Corinthians), Heyricks (Southern). Any players not available were requested to communicate with Mr R. Smith not later than mid-day on Wednesday. Mr T. Crisp was appointed the Rover Club’s delegate to the association.

The executive thanked Messrs McMurdo and Smith for the handsome shield donated for the purpose of annual competition between the Southland and Otago Battalions of Tire Boys’ Brigade. The following ruling was received from the New Zealand Council >regarding the clearance of players:—Provided the papers are in order any association is justified in agreeing for a player to play, the council, of course, to be approached for the clearance soon after a meeting of an association has been held. The selection of the junior team to travel to Dunedin was left in the hands of Messrs O’Rorke and Crisp. It was decided to assist both the junior and senior teams financially in the matter of travelling expenses. All local games were postponed on Saturday next owing to the visit of the junior and senior teams to Dunedin. Mr O’Rorke was appointed manager of the junior team and Mr R. Smith, manager of the senior team. Mr E. D. Dyer was appointed assistant manager. The following were requested to be present at The Boys’ Brigade trial game on Saturday on the South School grounds at 2.30 p.m.:—

A team.—McDonald, Morrison, Hopgood, Bath, Cameron, Stewart, Gavin, N. Bennie, Dawson, Smith, McMillan. B team.—Dixon, Oran, Hillstead, Denton, H. Bennie, Cunningham, Ramsay, Woollett, Dicks, D. Wilson, A. Welker. Emergency: Boyd. The following six players have been added to the team to travel to Dunedin:—Donald Morrison, M. O’Rorke, Gorrie, Lang, Walsh and Anderson. The team will leave Invercargill by the, express on Saturday morning. All juniors who can travel to Dunedin on Saturday were requested to attend the showgrounds on Thursday at 4 p.m. The Southland team were requested to attend a practice at the Showgrounds at 7 p.m. on Thursday. BASKETBALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ COMPETITION. The following are the fixtures to be played to-morrow in the secondary schools’ basketball competition:— Senior.—Technical B v. St. Catherine’s A, at St. Catherine’s (4 p.m.); High School A v. High School C, at High School; High School B v. High School D, at High School. Junior.—High School A v. Technical A, at High School (4 p.m.) - , Technical C v. High School B, at Technical (3.40 p.m.); High School C v. Technical D, at Technical (3.40 p.m.); St. Catherine’s A v. High School D, at High School (3.30 p.m.); Technical E v. Technical B, at Technical: St. Catherine’s B a bye-. CENTRAL DISTRICT FIXTURES. (From Our Correspondent.) ~ The following is the draw for the basketball matches to be played in the Central District to-morrow: — Senior.—Lochiel v. Rovers (Mr McKenzie) at 3 p.m.; Ryal Bush v. Oreti (Mrs Watson) at 2.30 p.m. Junior.—Browns v. Limehills (Mi - W. Anderson) at 3.15; Spar Bush v. Winton (Mr McCulloch) at 3 p.m.; Otapiri v. Rovers (Mr R. Reid) at 2.30 p.m. The matches are to be played on the grounds of the first mentioned teams. BOXING FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST. AITKEN BEATS TAYLOR. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, August 5. The professional feather-weight boxing contest between Billy Aitken (Wellington) and Frank Taylor (Auckland) ended in the third round when the Aucklander remained on the floor for the full count. There were willing exchanges in the first round and in the second Taylor was knocked down with a. hard rightcross. He had no effective block for this type of attack and was eventually counted out in the third round. CONTEST IN SYDNEY - . BROWN DEFEATS HUMPHRIES. (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 1.10 a.m.) Sydney, August 5. At the Stadium to-night in a fifteenround contest the American Willard Brown (10.7) outpointed the Australian Dick Humphries (10.4). The winner was the better tactician and several times rattled Humphries with heavy body punches.