In the Open Air.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13834, 20 February 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

In the Open Air.

EH5k SPOKTS AND PASTIMES. Commenting on the Boxing Day sports of the Johannesburg A.C., the local "Star"' says: —"It was expected that Pestle would make an attempt- on the time —9 2-osec —for the 100 yds put up by K. E. Walker at the Wanderers sports. However, Mr. liufe Naylor announced that Postle did not feel disposed to attempt a time that he considered absolutely impossible for Reg. Walker or any other runner to do under fair conditions. Nevertheless, lie said: Arthus Postle is prepared to mn Walker 100 yds for any part of £"2<X)O aside, and I will add a purse of £7OO for the winner.' The announcement was very well received- by the public."

"A wicket that bumps," our criticIsm of it, mild as it was. jrreatly exercised the mind of a South Canterbury cricketer, who stoutly affirmed that it did not "bump." A dictionary definition of the word is "to strike. - anvthing large or solid." The said cricketer is large, and that- he is solid, many other men against whom he has bumried know only too well. He was batting, and a hall nearly "struck or "bumped," four readers can have which they like) his head off. What onlookers saw, as the hall bumped, was a large and solid man assume the figure S and wielding his bat like a flail. Xiuckily the bat saved his head, and the ball went whistling into space to the boundary fence. It is not now safe to say to "anything large or solid," "What HoHt bumps!!"

An Australian sporting writer says: —"Otago Witness" (like the "Canterbury Times" and some other New. Zealand papers) heads its professional athletic column "Cash Athletics." In the latest "Witness" to hand the writer, "Sport," commences a par thusly—"ln athletic circles —both amateur and cash, or professional, as some people will persist in terming the latter, etc." How beastly rude it is of these* common people to persist in calling athletes who run for money "professionals." By the way, I notice one paper which seemingly bare the use of the word " profesional in athletics in the Dominion —it is " Cash Athletics " —sets ui> the heading " Australian Professional Football Team" without turning a hair. An attempt was once made to introduce the term "Cash Amateurs" in New Zealand but ridicule quickly settled it, as it will the "Cash Atheltics" absurdity.

A New York paper of December 12th savs: —A movement is under way which Pittsburgers hope will terminate in the holding of the Olympic Games m their city- in 1912. The Pittsburg Athletic Association is prepared to actively carry! on a competitive campaign to receive the hostship of the \rorlds' athletic events. The club has already appointed an athletic c ?™~ mittee of five to make every possible effort to secure the games for Pittsburg. It is understood in athletic circfes that San Francisco is contemplating a bid for the contests for 191 and Pittsburgers appear to believe that the Californian city will be their only active- competitor. The smokv city supporters, however, feel confident that they will experience little difficulty if such should prove the case, for they state the more accessible location of Pittsburg would soon settle tiie question. - # * A suggestion was made during the plav of the Interprovincial cricket match,: Canterbury v. South Cantcrburv. that during next season boutn Canterbury should try and secure the, services of the English coach, who has his headquarters in Chnstchurch. All who saw Humphreys, the expert from Home, batting and bowling at Timaru, were impressed with the fact that e tv-as just -the man to inspire, confidence in voung cricketers, and to fetch out all their best points. Keen as a razor, on the field, he is a mari whom all can approach off it. South Canterbury should be able to get lum one day a week at Timaru, preferably on a liiursdav. It is certainly well worth enquiry about, and if -the terms are not too high, a professional s services should be got for next season. What Soutli Canterbury sadly needs is "confidence" ; given this they have men who would be a credit to any province.

The Toronto "Daily Province" says: —"Eddie Durnan was quite pjcasca when heard of Arnsfc's defeat of yebb. About six weeks ago lie had a letter from the victor promising to come to Toronto to tow if he won over Webb. This match will he rowed nest bummer, Arnst to get lOOOdol. as expenses, and the race to he for 2ooodol. a-side. Eddie is making arrangements to pull this event off in July nest. Arnst is 26 years old, and has been rowing only about three vears. He is a big, powerful man, standing 6ft. high, and built in proportion. What a picnic ( sa >® Nautilus, of the Sjdney "Referee, ) this would he for Arnst! But I must confess to having my doubts about any match being as yet arranged. AMien in "Wanganui our "Special Representative" interviewed Arnst several times, both before and after the race, and the chamnion never alluded to any match with Durnan. Neither did he sav anytliing about such a. proposed race at" the settling, or at any of the "receptions" in his honour at Christchurch and elsewhere.'

ROWING NOTES. (By Sliding-seat.) A great deal of dissatisfaction is being expressed in local rowing circles at the Uilatoriness displayed by M.r Hansford in the return of the \\ aitui, which was due some time ago. The heats of the president's fours took place last Monday and Tuesday. In the first heat the crews were stroked by C. Bradley, E. Bradley and lv. Alavo. From a good start Mavo jumped away with the lead, and was never caught, C. Bradley being second, and E. Bradley third. The crews to go to the post in the next race were Avlen, Eeid and Shrimp ton. The lastnamed was indisposed, and his place was taken by E. Millichamp. Ihe race was a real good go >rom the start Millichamp getting keDt up the lead right eventually winning by a length from TRe d This win was very popular, rounds of applause meeting the winner rounus i' b kto t ij e s i ie( l. " b <s" TuSSv Biebt the third Lent » l liotween J. Morrison, -J- Nicholls rowed be ji a ben being unwell taken by E. Bradley. This race proved a real good go Nii IU eventuallv winning from MornCll °l,v about three feet. The sea was roll"!', and it took a considerable + i.»e to "get out to the starting post. Once out there they were not kept long w-iitiu< T From a good start, Morrison and Nicbolls kept well together, watchin" each other as closely as possible. Thev kept together all the way. Niciiolls having about three-quarters of a length lead at the end of the Muodv. There Morrison made his effort, and 'managed to reduce the lead to three feet. This he could not make np. and X it'll oils wou a fine race. For this race the starter was supplied with a gun, and oil talking

the crews after the race, they said tliev much preferred this. "ay ot starting" to the old way. Owing to these notes having to be in before the fiual is rowed, I will describe it next week. # The race committee arc losing no time in getting going with -the next race. Entries are now being called for the committee fours, to be roued in about three weeks time. Entries close next Thursday. , A billiard tournament will take place at the shed. Entries close to-night.