Door Sports

Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 925, 3 October 1896, Page 9

Door Sports

By { Haekier. 1

.COMING EVENTS. Australian Eleven in New Zealand. Noveiibeb. 6, 7 & 9— v. Auckland 11, 12 & 13— v. Wellington 18, 19 & 2- I—v.1 — v. Southland 21, 23 & 24— v. Otago 27, 28 & 30— v. Canterbury Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & 2— v. New Zealand at Wellington.

Although we hq,vehad a very lengthly football season this year, it was plainly apparent on Saturday last that the Auckland public have not even yet had a surfeit of the good old winter game. Considering the state of the weather, an attendance of close on 2000 spectators (including a large number of ladies), at the City-Newton match, ranks quite on an equality, as an indiction of public interest in the game, with the record gate at the Parnell- Newton match, a fortnight previously. It was generally anticipated that Newton would defeat City, especially as the latter were without the services of Surman, Creagh and Major, but when time was called, City had carried the day and won by three points (a goal from a penalty kick and a try) to nil. Although rain fell throughout the afternoon, the turf was in very fair condition, and the gams was a most interesting and exciting one, and those who journeyed out on such a day were glad they had not missed the go. Although City won, I cannot say they had the best of the deal, for, on the whole, the Newtonites did the most attacking, but were unable to get there. The forwards on each side plajed with great dash and determination, while the opposing backs were also busy. The Newton backs frequently tried their passing tactics, but the strong defence of the Cityites frustrated all their attempts. The aquatic season is again coming round; and the western suburbs club held its annual meeting last Saturday, the captain, Mr J. Clark, in the chair. This club had a most successful season, and wind up with a credit balance of £13. A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to the honorary officers who had so liberally supported the clnb during the past season. The election of officers — both honorary and active — clearly proved that the members appreciated the efforts of the gentlemen, who conducted their affairs last year, the same gentlemen being re-elected with only two exceptions — and these were unable to accept office. It is proposed to increase the clab premisee, spending £200 on improvements. The club officials deserve credit for their efforts to render the institution worthy of Auckland The president of the club, Mr N. McLean, has donated a cheque for £5 for trophies, Professor Carrollo and Mr A. Kohn have each promised a set, and an old member of the club, Mr T. U. Wells, now of Ngarawahia, sent a cheque for £1 Is as a remembrance of the pleasant clays he had spent in the club, while promises of support towards the extension have been very numerous and epontaneouß.

Siddlc playeJ a strong defensive game and pissed well. Mr F. J. Ohlson gave every satisfaction as referee last week. Wilson played a sterling forward game for Newton last week. The brothers A. H. and C. Freeman and Siddle were the best of Newton's backs. ('aradus made his first appearance on Saturday last, but did not shine to any extent. Young Corles played a safe game behind the City pack. He stopped rushes in fine style. The gate at Epsom on Saturday last was £20. What wonld it have been on a fine day ? Oliphant showe-1 plenty of dash and made several fine dribbles. I fancy Oliphant is seen to better advantage on a wet day.

'Happy' Freeman's speed prevented City from scoring what looked like a certain try. Kelly, behind Newton's pack, showed great improvement on the game he played against Parnell. Although the ball was in such a greasy state, there were very few mulls in taking last Saturday. The result of last Saturday's match leaves City, Newton and Parnell a tie for the Senior championship. It was a good thing for Line-umpire Edwards or his clothes that he was not knocked over three times last Saturday. There were very few ' beg pardons ' in last Saturday's match. I wonder if we will hear a lot more about rough play. C. Stone was playing on the ' offchance ' last week, but the Referee was strict about the five yards. Charlie scored the only try. The goal which Absolum kicked for City on Saturday last was by no means an easy one. The Newtonites had two much easier chances. I must congratulate the delegates to the Cricket Association in making such a wise choice in the management committee this season. Williamson was, as usual, conspicuous for his fine work on the line, while Mills and Clarke put in a lot of nsef ul work on the wings. The Cityites played with three halves last week, and dispensed with wing forwards. Caradus, Corles, ( centre ) and Oliphant were the halves. Roberts found G. Smith a proverbial stone wall last week. Our crack hurdler tried time after time to pass Smith, but found it useless. Smith's tackling was superb. Arthur Laurie, the well-known member of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, has invented a starting machine for peda. I hear it is likely to prove a great success. Thomas, the City full-back, rose to the occasion last week, and his strong defence and fine kicking was of great assistance to his side. He found the touch line every time with his kicks. One of the features of last Saturday's match was the splendid exhibition of George Smith, the City three-quarter. Hia display was undoubtedly one of the best ever seen at Epsom, and that is saying a deal. According to a Southern writer, there are now two firms manufacturing pneumatic tyres in Christchurch. One firm nas been carrying on this business since January last, and has done a big trade. The tyres so far have given great satisfaction, and are exceedingly well made. Immediately after the kick off on Saturday last, Newton were awarded a free kick, directly, in front of City's gaol, bat Wilson failed to convert, and a few minutes afterwards the Newtonites secured a mark within easy range, which Roberts tried himself but failed ! The New South Wales Athletic Championship Meeting will be held in Sydney on Monday' next. The meeting is of special interest to Aucklanders on account of A. Brady and W. H. Martin being among the competitors. Brady is not in his best form, but Martin is fairly well. A grand costume football match takes place in the Bishop s Paddock, PonI sonby, next Saturday, 3rd inst. As the I position is a moat central one there should be a large attendance, and the afternoon's enjoyment should prove a very amusing and entertaining one for those patronising. Kick off at 3 p m. The Ponsonby Regatta Club hold their annual meeting at the Ponsonby Club Hotel on Friday evening next, when a ! large attendance of yachting and rowing enthusiasts of the district is expected. Last year's regatta proved to be the most successful yet held by the western Buburb, and the balance-sheet, which shows a substantial credit balance of about £40, speaks well for the energy displayed by the committee, and if the same energetic spirit is enthused the coming event should prove a pronounced success. The annual meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club was held on Tuesday evening, but too lato for "a report of the proceedings to appear in this issue. From the report and balance sheet prepared . for presentation to the members, however, I gather that the club is in a highly healthy and satisfactory condition. The total assets of the club amount to £'410 Is 7d, of which sum £327 iscash on fixed deposit and on current account, and the balance working plant, prizes on hand, etc., etc.

C. S. H. Mackinney as secretary to the Cricket Association is the right man in the right place. Our yachtsmen are preparing for the coming season. I notice that the Tawera is ready for cruising. In the election for the management committee of the Auckland Cricket Association Mr L. A. Cuff received every vote. I am pleased to hear that P. Murray is recovering from the accident he met with while doing some gymnasium feats. Newton missed his services last week. Prizes to the value of .£221 5s Id were given by the Amateur A. and C. Club at their two meetings last season as against £178 63 lOd during the season 1894 95. An increase of £42 18a 3d. A. E. Trott and J. Harry, the two. Victorians who had a season's engagement as ground bowlers at Lord's, left London for Melbourne last month. Our old friend A. H. Howard, formerly of the Auckland Cricket Club, won the batting trophy for last season of the Rivals Cricket Club, Wellington, with an average of 22 60 for ten innings. Bicycle makers in the South are evidently determined to foster local industry. 'Kover' in the Canterbury Times states that ' a cyclist took his machine— an imported one — into a leading Christchurch firm's shop the other day, and had it repaired The maker charged the owner just three times more than he would have charged for doing the same repairing work to a colonial made bicycle !' English papers report a curious incident arising out of the teat match at Manchester. An admirer of Richardson sent him twelve penny stamps enclosed in a letter begging him to get a drink with them, so pleased was he with ' Tom's ' brilliant bowling. The epistle, not of too high literary merit, and written in pencil, was signed ' Thomas Smith ' and posted in Manchester. Richardson is going to have the letter framed. W. G-. Grace (says an English paper) has created a useful precedent in insisting that when an injured batsman has another to run for him, the latter must wear pads. It is quite conceivable that a slight injury which prevents a batsman running, instead of being a drawback, may actually be a benefit to his side, considering that a man running without pads is able to steal a far greater number of runs than a player fully equipped with the regulation armour is possibly able to do. Club cricketers would do well to follow the example set by the champion, and make it a matler of course that when a man comes in to run for another, he wears the same number of pads a-j the player for whom he is running.