TRADESMEN'S ATHLETIC CLUB SPORTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1479, 18 June 1879, Page 8

TRADESMEN'S ATHLETIC CLUB SPORTS.

The first sports held under Ihe auspices of tbo recent'y-formed Timnru Tradesmen's Athletic Club come off lust Saturday, on the grounds of the South Canterbuiy Amateur -thlftio Club, and notwithstanding unfavorable circumstances, they were carried out m a very satisfactory manner. It has been he'd asii well-founded axiom that every beginning is weak, but the success which crowned the lirst effort of the Tradesmen's Club sports last Saturday induces us to believe that there are exceptions even to co generally accepted a principle as this. It is now little more than a month since the idea of forming a Club was Grst promulgated hy a few enthusiasts m athletic sports. They held a n eeting and arra-iued preliminaries for establishing a club, but like most new undertakings, tbey met with difficulties m the beginning, which, however, Ihey soon overcame, and the Club was formed about tbree weeks ago. At a subsequent meeting it wa-i decided to bold sports oa the Queen's Birthday, so that tbe Club had not more than a fortnight to arrange everything necessary to the carrying out of an athletic sports programme, but notwithstanding the short time thoy had to get things ready, and the other disadvantages wbich are inseparable from a beginning, and under which they labored, there was no appearance of haste or carelessness m tbe whole affair. Thero is no doubt but that a great deal of tbe success of the sports is duo to t he very generous act of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, m giving the use of their grounds and appliances for the occasion. These grounds ore amongst the bost we have seen m Re w Zealand for athletio sports purposes, and the applian-es and other arrangements ore perfect m eyery respect. To obtain the use of these, therefore, could not have proved otherwise than a great assistance to the new Club. There was not co suitable a place to be got m the whole district, the labor, expense, and trouble of getting tbe necessary appliances for carrying out the programmo of Bports were spared, ond thus the posiiion of tbo Tradesmen's Club was rendered analogous to that of a man who, m setting up housekeeping, finds a houee already furnished to go into. This made it incomparably easier for tbe club to carry their sports to a successful issue, and m c uigratulating them on the result of their efforts, we must give "honor to who:n honor is due," and attribute a large share nf the success to the ns;is ance they thus received. They appeared to have a thorough appreciate n of this themselves, as at the dinner which was held tbe some evening, at the Queen's Hotel, nearly all the spe ike-a referred to the kindness of the Amateur Club m the most grateful terms, and the toast, of the "South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club" was drunk most enthusiastically, and with musical honors. Thus the matter is aleo calculated to bring the two clubs into closer relations, and establuh between them a fraternol spirit that will induce them to co-operate with eacb other m the promotion of athletio Bports m the district. Cjming to the day's sports, we may mention that they were greatly marred by tlie unfavorable sfcite of the weather, which was the more vexatious as up to the previous evening the weather was delightful , and tbe sudden change was most unexpected. Tbe Clerk of the Weather, however, is such an erratic functionary, lhat it ie almost useless to place any dependence on him, more especially on occasions when people have made arrangements to enjoy themselves. He seems to ha«re a particular penchant for spoiling the sports of tbe inhabitants of Hub terrestrial planet, who ore so dependent on his caprices, and on this occasion he indulged xa this peculiar proclivity of hia to a degree that did not altogether prevent the sports being carried out, but marred their success by giving euch weaher as deterred the bulk of the people from being present to witness them. The morning broke with drizzling rain, which lasted intermittently the whole of tbe forenoon This, of course, damped the ardor of those who had made up their minds to te present. Tbe roads were almost impassable with mire ; to walk to the grounds was a task w ich few would undertake, and it was only real enthusiasts whe conld not feel the fireside the most enjoyable plaoe m whiob

to spend the day. At 11 o'clock, the hour at which the Bports were advertised to commence, only about nine or ten pprsons were on the ground, and douhts were entertained as to -whether the sports would take place at all. These doubts, how ever, were dispelled on lhe arrival of th» Committee and most of the competitors half an hour later, and energetic steps were at once taken to commence the sports. The giound, notwithstanding the amount of rain whL-h had fallen during tbe night, was m good condition, due principally to lhe care and attention bestowed upon it by Mr T. Harney, to whom the Club bas given charge of it, and the arrangements were m every respect all that could be desired. The rain, however, had rendered it rather heavy for running ; the fewness of lbe nnmber of persons present- damped the spirit b of the greatest enthusiasts, and everything wore more or less an air akin to melancholy for about on Lour, or until the rain ceased ond the the prospeetß of the day became brighter. Henceforth express after express, and trap after trap came laden with living freight, until about 2 o'clock the attendance was pretty large, somewhere about. 800 persons being present. The ladieß, who always lend a charm to such events, were greatly m the minority, only a few being present, and Ihis fact of course was a great draw-back. The non-atl enrlance of tbe general public, however, wa< compen-ated for by the number of competitors, Borne of whom, despite the unpropilious appearance of the weather that morning, came trom Oamaru, and from all the Burrounding districts. Had tbe day been fine the sports would hove certainly proved one of the most successful ever held m the district, as otherwise there was nothing wanting to render them so. Tbe prizes were very valuable, and attracted a larger number of competitors than we have often seen contesting the same eve-its, as many as sixteen entering for the Publicans' 100 yards Handicap, and this rendered the competition keen, ond inti-n-ified the inteiest felt m the< resu'ts of the various races. The fact that the Club was able to obtain such aplen'lid prizes at so short a notice speaks volumes (or the interest taken m such matters m this dist net, and augurs well for its future. The officers have to be complimented on the energy and intelligence they displayed m carrying out. the Bports, the merest details being attended to as punctiliously, as matters of greater import, and order and regularity marked the whole proceedings.There wbb nota murmuragainst the judges' decisions, not a complaint against the handicappers, not an angry word duringthe day; peace, harmony, and good-fellowship being everywhere observable. In fact, we may add that we never saw a more orderly or moro agreeably carried out programme of sports, and tbis may be attributed principally to the efficiency of the officers to whom Ihey were entrusted. On the whole, notwithstanding its drawbacks, a very pleasant day waß spent, and the result of it was such as could not foil to leave agreeable lecolh-ctions of it imperishable m the memories of those who hod ney connection with the sports. It should not be forgotten that the Timaru Brass Band, of twelve instruments, was also on the ground, and during the day enlivened the proceedings by discoursing some excellent music. The sports commenced st a quorter to twelve o'clock, and the fourteen events on tbe programme were gone through very rapidly, the last being over at a quarter to five o'clock, when tho band pluyed " God Save the Queen." The compet'tion was very keen, and some excellent, running was witnessed. D. Twohi 1, wbo suff- red under tbe disadvantage of having a sore foot, ran splendidly, though he complained of not being m good form. He certainly is a magnificent shorl distance runner, but his performance m that respect was not hotter lhan McAuliffe's vaulting with the pole and running long jump. The former ran the 100 yards Handicap m lOfsec on two occasions, which, considering the stole of thn ground, was equal to the fa-test time m which it has ever been run m the colony, and the latter jumped 9ft 2in wilh the pole, and 21ft 2in on the fiat.. The laiter was n t equol to McAuliffe's jump at the laet Caledonian Sports, as he then jumped 21ft sin, but doubtless, if pushed, be would have done the came ye lerday. S Fraser's high jump of 4ft 9in was also good, and A. Ritchie, who walked two miles m 17min 35sec, must also be classed amongst ihose who most excelled, as we]l as Orgon, who ran a mile m smin 9seo. Had the dny been fine, and the griund dry, these eventß would d übtless have been done m less time, but as it was, we think that on the whole tbe same distances have seldom been get over m less time m the colony. The following is a report of the various events . — Maidbn Plate, 150 yards ; for all members of the Club who never before won puhlic money. Firßt prize, a cup ; second prize, a cup. J. Revling 1 J. A. Shepherd 2 A. Smith, C. Allpress, D. Smith, end J. B. Ellison also ran. All the competitors went nway with a good start. Reyling jumped into first place m the beginning, and continued to improve the advantage thus gained to the end, winning by about two yards, Shepherd being about, a yard m advance of A. Smitb, who came m third, and Ellison leading the other three clobo on his heels. Time — 18sees. Publicans' Handicap, of 100 yards; open to all comers ; post entry ; prize, a Cup valued £3. D. Twohill, scratch 1 J. Lukey, Iyd ... ... ... 2 J. A. ShephTd, 7 yds 3 There were m all sixteen competitors entered for this event, and a good dfa of difficulty was experienced m starting them, owing to the space within the ropes biing too limited to allow of bo many running together. After a short consultation it was decided lo make two halves of them, and the first eight on the list were sent olf first. The names of these and their handicaps were as follow: — D. Ross (5 yds), T. McAuliffe (4 yds), J. A. Shepherd (7 yds), A. Smith (7 yd-), M. O'Brien (7 yds), W. Briaht. ( 4 yds), D. Twobill (scratch), F. Reyling (3 yds). A splendid Btdrt wus effected, but Shepherd at once jumped away from those who started on equol terms with him, and maintained the lead for obout three quarters the distance. He had, however, to give fir»fc place lo McAuliffe, who whb running well, but short y afterwards, ot about 30 yards distance, Twohill, who had crushed his way through all the others, assumed the lead, and won by about two yards, with McAuliffe eecond, and Shepherd a good third, the others being all m a cluster close upon their heels. Time — lOJsecs. The second eight who competed were — J. Dalgleish (4 yds), A. Dalgleish (3 yds), J. Murphy (1 yd), J. Fraser (5 yds), G. Fraser (2 yds), J. L-key (1 yd), J. R. Ellieon (7 yds), C. Allpress* (7 yds). Tbe competitors all started on even terms acoording to tbe dist<nces the handicappers bad given thero, but A. Dalgleish soon cut through those who were leading him, and at about 40 yards came into third place. Lukey, who started two yards behind, had al«o got into fifth place, Ellison and Allpress being still leading, but it soon became apparent tbat they would have to give way to Duli'leish, who was coming cloßer to them at every stride. At about fifteen yards from the winning poßtDa'gleish came into first, place, closely followed by Lukey, and the former won by about two yards, all the otherß being very close on Lukey, who came m second. Time — 11 tecs. In the final heal D. Twohill (scratch), A. Dolgleish (3yde), J. Lukey (1 yd), T. MoAuliffe (?. yds), J. A, Shepherd (7yds), ond J. Dalgle:eh (4yd») started, these being the (ix competitors who took first, second v and third places m the two previous heats. Shepherd, who started with an advantage of seven yards, maintained tbe lead for some time, but it, became evident from the way Lnkey and Twohill were coming up, that he would not win the race. At half the distance Lukey and Twobill ran abreast m second place, and shortly afterwards passed Shepherd. At about ten yards from the post Twohill parted company with Lukey, and won by a good yard, with Lukey second and Shepherd third, the others being scattered over a space of ten yard* behind tbem. Time— lOfsec. RirNNTHG High Jtmp.— First prize, a cruet ; second prize, a hunting crop. S. Fra-er, 4ft 9in 1 T Sullivan, 4ft Bin 2 J. Gillies was scratched, and J. Lukey, who also competed, fell oot ot 4ft 6in. Fnaer

cleared 4ft 9in easily, but Sullivan faiUd at 4fl «in. Handicap Ht/bdlb Rack, of 440 yds j over eight flightß of hurdles, 3ft 6in high.— First prize, bell cruel j second prize, concertina. T. MoAuliffe, 14 yds 1 S. Friser, 10 yds 2 D. Twohill (5 yds), T. Organ (scratch), J. Dalalei-h (9 yds), A. Dalgleish (5 yds), J Gillies (7 yds;, and M. O'Brien (20 yds) weie ecraichid. A good stort'wiiß effected, end all went over tbe first hurdle m capital style, witbout materially altering the positions m which the handicappers had placed tbem. At the second hurdle, Murphy, who hod started ot 7yd-», overtook S. Fraser, who had Btarted at 10yds, but. m taking his jump he topped the hurale and fell to the ground. Murphy then fell out, and the competition wa* left to Lukey, who had started fro n scratch, and the first and eecond winners, but no alteration toot place m the position m which ihey had started, with the exception of McAulitfe. who slightly improved the advantage he gained m the beg nning. All jumped splendidly, but Lukey appeared to be over handicapped, as he did not gain an inch m ihe whole race. Time — lmin ssecs. Vaulting with Pole.— First prize, tea eervice ; second, writing desk. T. McAuliffe, 9ft 2in 1 zss? l»* * T. Sullivan also competed, and J. Luke; woo scratched. D. Twohill and S. Fraser tied at. 9ft, and it then being left to a tOBS it was won by D. Twohill. Two Miles Handicap Walking Racb. — First prize, cake basket ; Eecond prize, an alarm clock. A. Ritchie, scratch ... ... 1 T. Clarke, 30yds 2 J. R. Ellison (120 yds) also competed, and for lhe firat two laps no material alteration took place m the distances placed between thera by the handionppere. In the third, however, the distance between Ellison and Clarke was lessening at every step, but Ritchie had gained no advantage, and when Ellison came by the Stand next time it became apparent from the heavy manner m which he was letting hiß fees drop that he would not last much longer. Clarke shortly after puton a spurt, and m about the middlo of tbe fourth lap passed bim at a splendid pace. Kitchie bad not yet gained anything on Clarke, and it was not until near the finish of the fifth lop that be pussed Ellison, who sbortly afterwards gave up tbe unequal contest. In the sixth lap he gained slightly, but the seventh was got over without any material change m their places. The excitement then became intense, and the admire s of Clarke beginning to feel thathe would beat the crack walker Cheered him vociferously, but it was only for a short time, as the eighth lap told a different tale, and the distance between the competitors began to grow less. At tlle beginning of the ninth and last lap Ritchie summoned up all his energies, and passing lo ihe front at o magnificent pace, won by about 30 yards. Time — lTmin. 35sec. Poblioanb' Handicap, of 220 yds; second event — Prize, a cup. A Dalgleish, 10 yds 1 J". Lukev, 4 yds ... 2 „ D. Twohill, ecraVh 3 M. O'Brien (11 yds), J. Shepherd (11 yds), T. MoAuliffe (7 yds), A. Smith (12 yds). D. Po.«s (lOyils), J.Dalgl i,h (8 yds), W Bright (12 ydß), J. Murphy 6 ids), and J. Fraser (10 yds), also ran. Twohill, who had the outside running, eosi y passed all but Dalg'e Bh and Lukey, who put on a good spurt some distance from the winning-post, and came m prelty close together. 'Time — 24Jsee. Tbadesmen's Handicap, of 440 yds. First prize, obelisk clock ; Becond prize, pickle jar. D. Twohill, scratch 1 T. Mc . uliffe, 12 yds 2 J. Dalgleish, 7 yds 3 S. Fraser (7 yd-),"M. O'Brien (20 yds), A. Smfth (20 yd..), J. A. Shepherd (15 yds). J. Murphy (5 yds), J. Gillies (5 yds), J. Lukey (scratch), D. Koss (12 ydß), and F. Reyling (l 2 yds), also went, Twohill gained three or four yards on sjl the others at the sound of the gun, and after a good race passed lhem one by one. A struggle took place between McAuliffe and J. Dalgleish for second place, and the former by spurting well beat the latter by about five yards ; ihe othera a good distance behind. Time — 57aen. Picking up 30 Stones, one yard apart. First prize, portmanteau ; second prize, stereoscope. G. Davis 1 D. Ross 2 J. Shappere, J. R. Ellison, M. O'Brien and Wnddel also took part m this conteßl, which caused a good deal of amusement to the spectators. Publicans' Handicap, 440 yards; third event — Prize, a cup. A. Dalgleish, 8 yds 1 . D. Twohill, scratch 2 M.'O'Brien, 15 yds 3 J. A. Shepherd (20 yds) and J. Lukey (5 yds) aleo competed. This roee was won eplendidly by Dalgleish who came m full of running, about fifteen yards ahead of Twohill, who delayed putting on a spurt till it was too late. Time — 56sec. Boys' Handicap Race, 220 yords, for boys UDder 16 years ol ege. Open to all comers. F.ret prize, silver oup ; second priz*, pencil case. J. Cullman ... 1 R. Homo 2 There w- re thirteen entries for this race, m which the competitors kept pret y well together for the greater part of the distance. Onb Milb Handicap Race. First prize, silver. watch ; Becond prize, bridle. T. Organ, scratch 1 J. Murphy, 50 yds ... * ... 2 M. O'Brien, 100 yds 3 T. McAuliffe (70 yds) and 0. Allpress (IOC yds) qlbo ran, the other entries being scratched. O'Brien led for most of the way, with Murphy second. When about, a quarter of a mile remained lo be gone over, Organ passed Murphy easily,and went up lo O'Brien, whom, after a very short struggle, he also succeeded m passing, ond he carve m a very easy winner by fully 40 yds. Allpress retired early m the race, and McAuliffe, who had been running very well, gave m at three-quarters oif the distance. Time — smin 6aeo. Official Raob, of 100 yds. First prize, biscuit box ; second prize, cup. J. Cockroft 1 P. Shappere ... 2 H. Rock 3 T. J. Kennedy also ran. Cockroft won by about four yards from Shappere. Owing to some dissatisfaction being expressed with the 6tart, Shappere, Rock and Kennedy went the distance over again, and sgain ran m the tame order. Time — 12see. Running Long Jump; open to all comers First prize, envelope case and paper case ; second prize, opera glass. T. MoAuliffe. 21fi 2in 1 8. Fraser, 18ft 4in 2 The other competitors were— J. Dalgleish, J. Gillies and T. Sullivan. The prize of £1, presented by Mr Shappere. for the best dressed competitor, was taken by P. Allpress. THE DINHKB. As a happy and appropriate wind-up to a day so agreeably spent, the members of the Club agreed to celebrate tbeir first sports' day 'oy a dinner m the Queen'e Hotel. At about 7.30 o'clock between thirty snd forty members ond guests sat down to a sumptuous spread, wbich was no less creditable for the excellent quality of the viands, than for the tasteful manner m which it was placed on the table. Mr Newbery occupied the chnir, and the vice-chairs wer« filled by Messrs P Shappere and H. Rock. Tbe good things haviDg been disposed of to everyone's satisfaction, the Chairman proposed the toast of the " Queen and Royal Family," and made a few appropriate remorke, pointing out how loyally colonists still celebrated the Queen's birthday. The toost having been duly honored, Mr Rock proposed " His Excellency the Governor, which toost was drunk with immense enthusiasm. The otber toasts which were drunk and duly responded to wer«"The Timarn Tradesmen's Athletic Club," coupled with tbe name of Mr Newbery; "The successful competitors," coupled witb tbe name of Mr T. MoAuliffe i "The unmooeesful competi-

tors," '• lbe officer.'," coupled with the name ol Mr P.Shippere; " lhe judge and starter." coupled wilb ihe names of Messrs Hume and Collins ; " The Indies." couphd with the name of Mr P. Shappere ; " lhe Press," coupled with th» names of Messrs J. M. Twnmey and A. Fisher; "The bondicavpe-s," coupled with the name of Mr P. Bell ; 'The publicans," coupled with thc mine of Mr Jones; '-The South Canterbury Amateur AMilctic Club;" "The hort and hostess ;" ond '• The Chairman." This exhausted tie list of ttasts, and the distribution of prizes was then commenced, with tbe following result : — F. Reyling (maiden plate) a cup. J. A. Shepherd (do.) a cup. D. Twohill (100 yds) cup, (440 yds handicap) obelisk cluck, (vaulting) writing desk. S. Fraser (high jump) cruet, (loDg jump) open glass. T. Sullivan (high jump) hunting crop. T. McAuliffe (410 yds hurdles) bell cruet, (vaulting) tea service, (440 yds handicap) pickle-jar. (most points) Queen's Hotel medal, (jump), envelope case and paper case. A. Ritchie (walking) cake basket. T. Clarke (do.) an alarm clock A. Dalgleish (220 yds) cup, (440 yds) cup, (most points m publican's hanaicapa) silrer salver. G. Davis (picking up Btones) a portmanteau. D. Robs (do.) steroscope. J. Cullman (boya' rae.) silver cup. R. Home (do.) pencil cue. T. Oigin (1 mile) silver watch. J. Murphy (do.) a bridle. J. Cockroft )10l) yds) biscuit basket. P. Shappere (io.) eilver cup. A eplendid i-ilver star medal, given by the proprietor of the Queen's Hotel, was awarded to T. McAuliffe for :he most points made m all the events uf the doy. borne differ* nee of op'nion arose os to whether Twohill or Dalgleish wns entitled to] the prize for the moßt points m the Publicans' three Handicaps, both having scored an equal number of points. Twohill started from scratch on a'l occasions, and it was contended that consequently he hod a right to receive the prize ; but the other having secured iwo first prizes, it va< therefore held that, according to the rules of the Club, he was entitled to tho most, points. Ultimately the prize, wbich was a Bilver salver of tbe value of £7, was awarded to Dolgleißh, who ib au Omnaru man. The patty then broke up atll o'clock, after having spent a most agreeable evening.