THE WORLD OF SPORT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10683, 1 February 1913, Page 5

THE WORLD OF SPORT.

SPORTING.

Ermengarda continues to run disappointingly, and though. .-:he has been placed se"frera," times, she has not yet won a race this season. Anna Carlovna. is doing good work on tho Riccarton tracks, and she is expected t,o run weill in races over a journey before the jnd of the season. Though Labour Day failed 'n ,her Trertiham engagements, . she , should bo worth keeping in mind for a big handicap before the close of the season. • Heather Lad, a six-year-old by • Gold Medallist, won a steeplechase nt Windsor, England, last month, making his sixth success during the season. Wi'hful, who is a"mong the nominat'.ons for the Newmarket Handicap, the big Vic *otian sprint race, is a five-year-old brother to last year's winner, Desire. . Lord Durham says that Lord Newton's Bill to put down advertising by bookmakers wd tipsters in England has the approval of ivrrv member of the Jockev Club. Culprit, who formerly found six furlongs quite far enough for her, is evidently improving' in stamina, as she ran out- a mile pretty well at Trentham on Saturday. The North Island innre Blue Lake, by Royal Fusilier—Blue Hirer, has done no good For some time, and her owner is evidently tired of her, as she is in the sale list. The amount of prize-money distributed in Great Britain and Iroland last sea--on fowled £553,587 7s, which was a record, and £II,OOO more than that for the previous season. During the season 1911-12 it is calculated that the stakes paid by all the racing clubs in Australia totalled over .£450,000, and in 1912-13 the sum is expected to reach .£500,000. i*etonilla added to her reputation as one of the smartest two-vear-o'ds of the season by the style in which she disposed of the opposition in the Hopeful Stakes at Trentham SB S&turday. He committee of the Victoria Racing Club has decided that the apprenticeship of jockeys for a longer period than five years will not be. approved under the relating to allowances. Harry Jackson, formerly well-known as trainer and rider of Blazer, has been seriously ill in a northern hospital of late, but has now recovered sufficiently to return to his farm at Mcrrinsville. Pilgrim's Way appears to bo quite sound again. He is being worked over , longer courses than usual, so that his connections evidently have hopes of the son of Nautiloid improving in stamina. Soldiers' Chorus added further to his reputation by carrying Bst lllb into second place in the City Handicap at Trentham on Saturday. All journeys seem to come alike to the son of Martian.

The form shown by Pejf this season, winding up with a double at Trentham last week, places her in the front rank among 1 tlie season's hacks, r.nd ' she look 3 like paying her wv in open company later on. Undecided seems to be light out_ cf form .present, but he may improve his record during the autumn meetings. In the spring his prospects seemed very bright, but he has failed repeatedly since then. Statecraft, who. won the Steeplechase, of two miles and & half, at Fleraington on NewYear's Day, put up a new record for the course, his time, Bmin 6Jsec, displacing Nigel's previous record of smin Usee. Sir George Clifford will have Masterpiece, Heatherb'rao and Brown Owl to represent him at the Egmont Racing Club's meeting next week. This will be the first time his colours have been sported on the Hawera course. The victory gained by Masterpiece in tho Consolation Handicap at Trentham on Saturday marked his first win for the present season.- -On his day he is a good horse, but he has'too many bad days to suit most 'people. . TJi:> Wellington Racing Club's meeting last week did not bring to light any new champions' in the two-year-old department. Briar Patch was a fresh winner, but her form on the- third day showed that sho is only £. moderate. M. Hobbs's stable had a successful run at the "Wellington Racing Club's meeting last Week. With four horses the Riccarton trainer raptured five races, Peg winning a double and Mowbray, Salzburg and Crosbie each talcing: one race.

Mr Lionel Robinson, an Australian sportsman, who has been in England for a number of years, is sending a yearling to J. E. Brewer, at Caulfield. He wants it brokenin and trained for' a time, and thoq sent back to England,, ... Seatondale, who won the Summer Handicap at Trent-hem this season, was successful in the Maiton Cup on New Year's Day. He is an aged gelding by. Seaton Delaval from Innis'fail, a half-sister to Battleaxe and Pabulist, both good performers.

The Southland Racing Club is erecting a new steeplechase course. According to a report (says "Sentinel"), there will be nine jumps in a mile and a quarter circuit. This is a bit more than usual, and closely approaches a jump to the-furlong. During his career Advance started • in 31 races, and his record was as follows:—18 wins, four seconds, five' thirds, four. times unplaced. He won in stakes £6980, made up as follows:—At two years, £7O; at three years, £8251; at four years, £277-4; 'at six years, £785. Pull Rate, at one time in the front rank up. to a mile, is very much on the down grade, and, after his failures in, selling company at Trentham last week, it may be well to relegate him permanently to the show ring, where he has already taken honours as a hack.

The prediction is offered that there will be s. shortage of two-year-olds at Ellerslie next season. At this time of the year there have in the past usually been half-a-dozen or more yearlings in the training stables, but the only one in hand now is the filly by Penury— Lady Hester. Mr T. H. Lowry's cplt Soltano, the leading two-year-old of the dominion at present, is well engaged in Australian Jockey Club events, being in the Champagne Stakes, of 2000 govs,' to be decided at Easter, as. well as in next season's Derby, to which a stake of £OOO sovs is attached. Coroniform took the palm for consistency among the horses racing at Trentham last week. He took part in the principal event each day, his record being a first and two seconds. As he opened out with two good dividends he must have added substantially to the big total his connections have .netted with him this season.

Bronze, who was one of the best performers in the dominion last,season, continues to show disappointing form this season. It is <. worth remembering, however, that all her best deeds at two and three years were reserved for the autumn, so there may yet be something good in reserve before she concludes her four-year-old campaign. Amongst the buyers at the Newmarket December sales was a Mr Greenwood, who may be identical with the New Zealand sportsman of that name. He purchased a four-year-old mare named Odora, bv G-o'dfinch from Ability, and covered bv Marccvil, at COOgs, and another mare, Field Glass, by ■ "VVinkfield from' Florence Edith, at 175gs. Sir Solo, who- won the "Wellington Cup list week, was bred by the Manawatu Stud Company, and is by Sir Laddo—Wepener, by Musketry—Mistral, a sister to Euroclydon, by Gorton—Lady Gertrude. Sir Solo ihas been a useful performer in the North Island for some time, but probably few people credited him with ability to run i&Tic-n a good race as he was responsible for in the "Wellington Cup. Th 9, stewards of the Scciete des Steeplechases at Paris decided recently to disSualify two more racehorses on the ground lat they had been "doped" before the races which they had won. The decision {says the "Daily Mail's" Paris correspondent) affects the horse Anderson, 'which won the Prix de la Maurienne at St Ouen, and ■Honsieur Monestyr. the winner of the Prix Gulistan on November 13. Monsieur Monessyr. started at a long price. Heathexbrae was heavily supported in Christchurch for her Trentham engagement on January 23, but as she was scratched no harm was Idone. On Saturday, however, she again let a big crowd of backers down badly. Gladiole's form at Trentham on Saturday, when she won the City Handicap, makes her out a very smart sprinter. Her sire, St -Clements, himself a great galloper, has left quite a lot of useful performers, though he has had limited chances at the dtud. t Everybody seems to be agreed that the racing, both at Ellersha and Trentham, has been of the oleanest de-cription. There could be no more striking commentary (writes " Sir Eedivere" in the Post") on the effect of tha. presence of stipendiary stewards, and if Bjmxlar results become general the value of S'uese officials' services will have been worth Brsnv times their cost, G-rudon, the hero of the snowstorm Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase of 1901, died shortly before the last mail to hand left England. When Grudon scored at Aintree there was a heavy fall of snow lying on the ground, and enow was also falling during* the progress of the race. Despite ihis, however, the stewards decided to go with the race, and Grudon, who was ridden by A. Nightingale, was first past the Judge. Grudon had his feet well greased In order to prevent the snow from balling in his feet, and this no doubt contributed towards hi 3 success. In New Zealand it is noticed that very few trainers bother about oiling a horse's feet when about to run on bad ground. The neglect may be through Jack, of knowledge, or any other reason, but Nevertheless there is no question about the practice having its value. deferring to Lord Newton's Bill providing against the publication of betting advertisements by English, papers, . the London Sportsman" says;—"lf it i* passed, tie

TOPICS OF THE TiME.

aole rom&ining chance of tho public to distinguish between the sheep and the goats wiii havo disappeared, and from that time forth ths starting prico weishcr will incronso and multiply ten-fold. It '-vill not longer bo possible to note that the papers do not accept his advertisements, and he could claim q.-it, credit w.th the -most respectable and honest men. Lord Newton's Bi.l, as at preacni drafted, would not touch such persona at all. Their circulars may be covered by it, but if .the people who want to col.eel money from thoia cannot find thnn—and they seldom can—how can the authorities, who have much less reason for energy in the search, bu moro successful? Lord Newtan'9 Bill, to be in the least cflectivo for anything but ill, would need to introduce a regular upheaval in post office arrangements which would certain";.' not- be accepted in the present session of the House of Commons."

!.ho handicap p.llotted BobrikofF in the Wellington Cup has called forth a good deal of comment as to what'. weights have bee-, carried bv the various top-weight- have been scored in important events in this country Advance probably bears the honour of hnvin-r earned the greatest burden ever put on a. horse in an important flat race run in the dom ; nion (savs "Sentinel"). Tlr's occurro 1 in the Wanganui Cup of 19 n 8, in wlvch despite what won'd be penornHy considered nn absolutely prrhibiti**e handicap woi~ht of list 3lb, it not onlv failed to stop him from Vin - included in the field, but also saw liim start, a sound favourite, carrvine almost twice is much tnoncv as anything in the race. The fact of Advance starting favourite was a hi?h compliment to hi* prowess as a racehorse. but a still svopter rnav be seid to lay to his credit. Or'ofjf olso started, and he was sti'.l fresli from In- honour of winn'u" the "Ouned'n Cun wHh Bst lSlb: Hewitt, chief horseman for the staVa, Ivd the ride c-i Or 1 off. nnd he r?*n.-iVtroctcd bv tbo lofe Mr to stnv with A dviice untp *imfl to win in the run home. Mits awv. nnd Hewitt +hr<n" h ; <= orders and sail after the Tn twist ee'din". but Vt it too Me to catrh him and suffered a ha!r-len"-'h defeat. M* P+<!"d has nhveys be°n recogn'sed ns a presit i«d"° of and nlIhoivli his ord.em e"st the rnep. s+i'l to l o sho" r vhet. a "rent, opinion he held about the famous son of Vanguard. , NOTF^ The closing of nominations for the Dunedin Cup and Wanganui Cup meetings serves as a reminder that we are getting well on towards the autumn fixtures. Tho Dunedin Jockey Club has received an excellent response from owners for all events, and the meeting should be one of Jne best ever held at "Wingatui. Nearly all our • Canterbury stables are represented, while there is a chance of a few North Island horses, including Bronze, Mira a.nd Obligant, being on the scene. Racing has boomed in the south during the last few seasons, and there are more good horses in Otago and Southland now than there have been for some time. It is, however, still necessary to receive plenty of support from the north to ensure a successful gathering, but there are indications that visitors ■will in the future meet stronger opposition than they have been accustomed to. The programme for the approaching meeting is easily'the best put forward. since the Dunedin Jockey Club shifted to Wingatui, but the club cannot be accused of a strongly progressive policy, and unless the officials bestir themselves there is a danger of its supremacy in the south, from a facing point of view, being seriously challenged.' With a successful meeting this month, however, the club, may he induced to launch out still further in the matter of stakes. Now that it _is firmly established and free of financial worries,,, it. might well take into consideration the question of encouraging the best horses by putting on a decent weight-for-age event 'at the autumn meeting. The Wanganui Cup fixture has attracted large nominations, chiefly drawn from the North Island, though Canterbury stables have also contributed to the list. Easter falls early this year, so that there will be only a short respite after Wanganui till we- are in the thick of another round of fixtures, including those of, the Canterbury Jockey Club, Auckland Racing Club and Feilding Jockey Club, which between them can rely on attracting the best horses in commission. The autumn campaign is frequently responsible for some of the best racing of' the season. There are some valuable events in which two-year-olds can compete, and it is on the cards thatsome crack 'juveniles, will be unearthed yet to make up for the apparent weakness displayed/in this department to date.

Though he was unsuccessful in the Wellington Cup last week, having co put up with- third place, Bobrikoff has to be given crsdit for a sterling performance. From a weight-carrying: point of, view, however, he would not have established a record even had he won, as Advance carried lOst 41b when he was successful in 1903. Bobrikoff has not. paid many visits to Trentham but he has a very consistent record' there, as he has never finished out of a place. He madfc his first appearance as a four-y.ear-old. when he finished second to Provocation in the North Island Challenge Stakes, and three days later chased Sir Tristram and All Red home in the Autumn Handicap.- In the following season his only start at Trentham was in the Summer Handicap, which he won under lOst lib, running the mile in 1.391-5, a brilliant performance. He did not compete again on the course till last October, when he finished third to Equitns and Bronze in the Champion Plate, and his remaining effort was last week's third in the Wellington Cup. It seems doubtful if the black gelding will do much more racing at Trentham, or, indeed, anywhere else. I hear that he is again amiss, and as he is now getting well on in years his racing career is probably very near an end. If so, he will go into retirement with the record of being one of the greatest geldings that ever raced in the dominion. By seme people lie will always be regarded as a freak, but of his galloping ability there can he no doubt. Mr Lowry had a trip to Australia in contemplation in the autumn, but I understand it has: now almost certain to bo abandoned. He has, of course, still Labour I)av and Soltano to rely on, but with Bobrikoff out of -harness the great inducement to invade R and wick has disappeared This news will not be welcome to owners of other northern two-year-olds, as I presume Soltano will now fulfil his engagement in the Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie, a race that would have looked much more open in his absence Quite a feature of the present racing season has been the form shown by Coroniform. Bred by the late Mr 6. G. Stead in 1905, he realised 310gs as a three-year-old at the big dispersal sale at Yaldhurst. He showed signs of unsoundness before he was raced and was turned out on Mr L. G. 1). Acland's station, where he was used for a time _as a shepherd's hack. He evidently did well on .this treatment, and he showed winning form at Ashburton on a station preparation. After that he went into G. MurrayAynsley's stable at Riccarton, but very little was thought of Mm, and a very modest cheque wouid have sufficed to purchase him. As a five-year-old he _ showed useful form, his wind including the Otaio Plate and Sockburn Handicap at Riccarton afid j the Dominion and Autumn Handicaps at the Christchurch Racing Club's meetings. . Last season, though he developed into a brilliant track horse, he failed to show any form in public, and early this season he was passed on, his new owner, Mr E. H. Taylor, placing him in A. M'Aulay's hands. The change of stabler-_ soon brought a turn of luck, and during the last few months he been wonderfully consistent. He ha« won quite a number of good races, and after his three displays at Trentham last week he is entitled to rank among the best horses at present in training in the South Island. From a breeding point of view Coroniform has much to reeorn-ruc-ticl him. He is by Multiform, while his dam, Helen Faucit, is by Castor— Cissy, a sister to Trenton. th»±

apart from having two strains of Musket through highly successful branches of the family,, ho is bred on groat staying linos. Corouii'orm has moro than once beori under suspicion for unsoundness but he seems quite right in that respect now, and ho is likely to add still further to his record before long.

TROTTING. The rules that govern tho question of amateur riders 'and drivers have totally failed to accomplish tho work for which they were framed. As tho sport made such rapid progress, owing to the increased interest shown by the public, clubs wore enabled to give good .stakes, and this naturally brought men into the sport who discovered a good means of livelihood by the training, riding and driving of hordes. These devoted their whole time to the work, and it was soon apparent that it was. almost impossible for the owner who merely trained, rodo, or drove his horse to hope for much success against them. To provide races in which owners could race when not opposed to thp cart who made his actual iiving at the game, a set of rules was drawn up to protect him and the amateur rules (so called) came in force. To prove that the rules were needed to protect the home-train-ed horse, vJk: following table will show the great strides that have been made, in the licensing of amateur riders, drivers and trainers; — .

In perusing the . table, it must bo taken into .account that in the season I'JiO-ll there was a large curtailment of race meetings, chiefly owing to the abolition of the bookmakers, whilst last season the .New Zealand Trotting Association decided to increase the fees,, which naturally brought about a further decrease. At the same time the preponderance of amateurs holding licenses over professionals is very marked. To such an extent is this amateur question carried that all sorts of schemes are devised to keep to the letter of the law whilst clearly breaking it in spirit. The class of race for amateurs on all programmes is naturally the slowest, and therefore usually easiest to win, and this has long been exploited in several ways. Owners holding amateur licenses engage professional trainers to prepare their horses, lease horses from professional stables, to enable theni to secure a coveted bracket and, incidentally, a. good "rake off" from the totalisator, whilst riders and drivers holding "amateur licenses take part in open company by allowing themselves to be engaged, and thus deprive the professional of his ridiiig or driving fees. The rules further provide for any professional to eventually join the amateur ranks. Now, it is quite clear the fi'amers of the rules never anticipated such cases. It soon came to the knowledge of the New Zealand Trotting Association, however, and that body, with a view to protecting the amateur and his races, has repeatedly made efforts to have, the rules altered at the Conference, hut for sonic unaccountable reason the delegates have always'refused to sanction any e Iteration. Amateur races were intended for amateurs only, and the rules should bo so altered that no professionally trained horse should be allowed to compete, amateurs should be debarred from leasing 1 horses, and riders and drivers prohibited from competing in open events, except when controlling 'their oiwn horses. In this connection the action of the Forbury 'Park Club is to be commended, as this club stipulates that no person is eligible to take part as rider or driver in an amateur event if he has ridden or driven in open events any horse other than his own. As at present constituted, the bracelet events bring_ out very large fields and usually provide the worst races on the programme. Very few of the horses are backed, and if the di.play given by most is their best form they should not bb allowed on the track. To a certain extoat the bracelet suits the professional for three reasons—(l) it affords him a chance of giving a.green horse a run in company, (2) it enables him to pnta good maiden, usually ridden or driven by the best available amateur, in a race where the time will not be so fast as in the open class; and (3) it allows of the opportunity to frequently bring off a big betting coup. At the last New Bighton meeting, so large vas the entry that it was necessary to run the race in two heats. A lot of money was locked up in the totalisator, pending the decision of the final, but the final race proced .an interesting one, and brought forth the remark that the heats should be run the day before, and onlv the final on the actual race day. This will afford some idea why the class of race has become so uninteresting from a racing point of view. Possibly the large entrance and acceptance fees are an inducement to clubs to continue having this class of race on their programmes; but I am sure if the officials heard the sinister remarks- made by the public at the conclusion of such races they would possibly take some action to make better provision for the owners and horses for which this class of events was originally intended.

For some time past the committee of the South Island Owners', Breeders' and Trainers' Association has been considering the need for a stallion tax in New Zealand, with the object of curtailing the number of useless brutes that are.at present being used as sires all over the country. Recently a letter sent to the Prime Minister, bringing the question under his notice. Mr J. H. Tompkins, secretary of the Association, has now received a reply from the Hon W. F. Maf=sey, stating that the Government will give the matter its careful consideration. This reads very much like a characteristic Government reply to a question it is not in sympathy with.- It is a matter for regret that the Government cannot see its way to do something in the matter. Owners of good horses would not object to paying a tax, after examination, while great benefit would be conferred by the proposal if it removed a- Jot of the weedy stallions now at the service of breeders. A correspondent has written me, asking for information as to the first horse in New Zealand .to trot a mile under 2.30. So far as I can discover, the honour belongs to Yum Yum, who did 2/27} on May 31, 1894. while a little later Wildwood covered the distance in 2.24. On November 8, 1895, Rita did two miles in 4.585, and was the first winner to get under smin for two miles. _ The other queries, calling for an opinion as to tbe hes + trotting rider and the best trotting driver in the dominion, open up a hip- miestion. There are many rider? and drivers in New Zealand with whom I have no acquaintance, lint- even among the?e T know I would hesitate to make a selection. Mambri"o A bdnllnh, who died in New South Wales last month, was bred in 1802 bv the late Mr H. Mace, and was by Ber'tn—Maggie L.. by Blackwood Abdullah, from a mare by the thorough-bred. Daniel O'Rourke.' He was a good performer, but it was as a sire, that be earned the greatestfame. He sired some speedy performers in New Zealand., while he had a very long list of winners in Australia. Amontr his proeenv were -Tobnston J. 2 17. Mninbrino Junior 2.174, Tant.o 2.22. Mftmbrino Princess 2.20, Duckling 2.27. Mignonette 2.27. Ponbrmo ?.2S. Mambr'"o Akabah 2.28 and Bandalero 2.28. The Stakes for trotting continue to mount up in Auckland, telegraphs the correspondent of- this paper. At a

huhu Trotting Club, lield last week, it was decided to increase the stakes by nearly £4OO for the summer meeting.

CRICKET-

Senior Results. —Sydenham, 386, v. Riccarton, none for eight; Linwood, 201, v. St Albans, 168 for seven; West, 229, v. East, 156 for five. Batting Honours. — W. Hayes (Sydenham), 125; D. Reese (\Yest), 69 j T. Carlton (East), 61; E. Eraser (Sydenham), 60; J. S. Barrett (St Albans), 58. Bowling Honours.—D. Sandman, six for 45; A. E. Ward, four for 37; T. Carlton, four for 66. The first matches of the second round were commenced on Saturday, and two of the games—East v. West and St Albans v. Linwood—are in a very interesting state, while the absence of the Canterbury eleven next Saturday will introduce tho novelty of uncertainty as well. Sydenham, without Bennett, batted the whole of the afternoon against Riccarton, totalling 386. They will have to depend on Wilson, Watson and M'Lelland for their attack, but should have no difficulty in beating their opponents, who will be without Caygiil. Next Saturday West will be minus Reese and Ollivier, and accordingly East has a good fighting chance of making the necessary 73 runs with five wicket? to fall. The St Albans-Lin-wood match is also in a state of uncertainty, for, even if they make the necessary 34 runs with their nmaining three wickets, the Saints will miss Sandman at the bovrling crease, while Linwood will have a full team. At Hagley Park Sydenham had quite an afternoon's picnic at the expense of the Riccarton trundlers. Hayes and Patrick started off with bright, sparkling cricket. Williams, bowling his fastest from the pavilion end, liau seven fieldsmen behind 1 the wickets for his' off-theory, but both batsmen were undismayed and showed wristy play, a couple of hot chances in tile slips off Hayes being the only mistakes made. Rix was treated with scant respect and Boulton bowled Patrick with a swinger at 66. Hayes made most of the scoring, and was fifth man out at 199, Tho surprise of the afternoon was the dogged stand by the Sydenham tail,, in fact the tail wagged just as strongly and as merrily against the tired bowling as did the bats of reputation. The Fraser-Harry partnership was responsible for 70 runs, while Fowke and Wilson for the last wicket added 74, the total finally reaching 388. Hayes was easily the hero of the afternoon with bis 125. Although the Sydenham lad has been in eye-?!?'-*' 1 '' form this season, this was not only his biggest, but iiis best innings. liioio was decidedly more vim than usual in his scoring strokes. As a rule Hayes is quick to get to the ball, but seldom punishes the bowling when driving. However, on Saturday this fault was missing, and ho put plenty of power into his drives, and 1 while Williams was bowling exhibited some pretty backcutting, which, however, was not productivo of much scoring owing to the extra fieldsmen. The sweetest shot of the lot, however, was his leg glide, which time and again entitled him to score certain boundary hits. Patrick made 25 in his best manner, scoring well all round the wicket, though at a lesser rate than his partner. In club cricket Patrick has had a very patchy season, no .doubt due to lack of practice owing .to pressure of work, which makes his success in big cricket all the more creditable. E. Fraser played the innings of his life in notching a merry 60. For the most part he scored with his favourite off-drive, putting plenty of vim into his strokes. Fraser made many uppish strokes just out of reach of the fieldsmen's hands, as well as giving one or two hot chances, but he was playing a forcing game and played it well. G. Wilson was responsible for 59 not out, a step in advance of his previous best, in which his only scoring stroke played a very important part. Wilson has a very ugly style when' batting, which needs to be rectified. He goes right out to meet a ball, and then at the last moment draws back, and suddenly he plays with a cross bat with no power behind it. All the same, the midget bowler is decidedly on the improve as a batsman, but he ought to cultivate more scoring strokes. There was a time, nearly thirty years ago, when Fowke was first man in interprovincial cricket, and as a stonewaller he could be depended on to' keep his end up bv the hour, and also make runs. Nowadays, in his sere and yellow as a cricketer, he goes in last for his club team, but every now and again he comes to light with a respectable score, and very often at a time, when runs are badly wanted. On Saturday he helped Wilson to put on 74, of which he claimed 31, made chiefly by a straight drive and clever leg hitting. Harry played nicely, although quietly, for 20, but Patterson and Woods, who have been the mainstays of the team this season, for once played disappointing cricket, and were dismissed fairy early ; • Considering the length of the innings and. the huge score, the Riccarton fielding was good, and was never demoralised. E. CaygiU fielded grandly, and was responsible for three good catches. Williams was the best of the bowlers tried. He bowled at a pace for an hour and a half witnout a spell, and bowled well with little luck, many uppish hits just missing the many fieldsmen in the slips and thereabouts. Rix was expensive, and so was Boulton, but both secured wickets. In the adjoining match St Albans had choice of innings, and, owing to the absence of Sandman next Saturday, it was decided to send Linwood in. Perrin was dismissed early, but Jones and Grant played sound cricket, and at one stage 80 for one wicket was on the board.. Grant was the more aggressive batsman of the two, evincing a special liking for Sandman. At 82 he was caught, but a further useful Gtand was made when Thomas came in, and the score was taken to 126. Sandman then bowled from the north end, and clean bowled Jones with his first ball, and then dismissed Thomas shortly aftei. Orchard and •H. Taylor again stemmed the tide, while Blackmore also hit merrily, but J the innings closed at 201. Grant was top scorer, with a capital 46. He played Sandman as well as any batsman in Senior cricket has done this season, and in his way was just as aggressive as Lusk was a couple of months back, getting some effective square cuts in while one ball off Reid landed over the square leg boundary for six. The only weak stroke in his innings was that which caused his dismissal, si mishit to point. Jones started very quietly, but opened out towards the finish, chiefly by scoring shots to leg, with one or two nice drives. He snowed good defence throughout, and it was an extra good ball which sent him back to the pavilion. Thomas was aggressive from the jump, and included some powerful on drives in his 30, with an occasional straight drive, strokes which were as full of vigour as the versatile Thomas can give. Orchard hit freely, but when Sandir.nn changed ends ana was troublesome, ihe Linwood skipper- opened his shoulders in a manner reminiscent of his Ealmy days, and lifted them high and ard to forward square leg and long on, ultimately falling a victim to Bishop, who brought off a well-judged catch in the country off a very lofty hit. Sandman was easily the best of the bowlers, getting six wickets. During the first hour his bowling presented few difficulties to the batsmen, but when ho bowled from the north end : ho recovered himself, and bowled line- j .ly, and with effect. I Atkinson, who was given a chance I with tho' ball, came to light with a couple wickets at a small cost. He j

has a quick delivery, a good length and turns a little, so that he should be mado more use of. Tho Saints found runs hard to get with Perrin and Thomas bowling, and, despite somo nice cricket by Sandman and Dwyer, four wickets were down for 61. Barrett, .however, changed tho whole aspect of the game, for ho went for tho howling, and /5 runs were added before ho was snapped up at point. In making 58 Barrett played his best innings of his career for St Albans. Going in at a time when things looked bad for his side, the Saints' .skipper was undeterred, and by playing free, forcing cricket he placed his side in a much more favourable position. He was responsible for 58 runs out of tho 75 scored while he was at the wickets, and his runs wero mado in thirty-five minutes. His batting was clean and hard, and well-placed, and contained some sweet shots to square-leg and to extra cover, as well as some fine cuts behind point. Brunton also kept the pace up while Reese stonewalled, but was dismissed four minutes before time. The Saints have lost seven wickets for 168, and are still 33 runs in arrears. Reese has only the support of Gordon, Miles and Reid, so that the chances of Linwood are especially bright, even if the Saints do load on the first innings. With Sandman an absentee and a quick-scoring side like Linwood, trouble is in store, ui]less the Saints' tail wags strongly.

Thomas bowled finely, getting Sandman and Allard with real trimmers, while Perrin gave him excellent support. At Lancaster Pork West had first strike, and after tho early dismissal of Goss the batsmen had the best of tho deal. Godfrey and Weston started off with a useful partnership, while Reese and Donnelly kept the ball rolling to some purpose. Ward then came to light, and got two wickets quickly, and then, after a useful stand by Donnelly and Crawshaw, Carlton bagged the last two wickets, and the innings ended at 229. East Christchurch started in a most promising manner also, for Carlton and Bcale batted in excellent form, and tho scoring-board showed 100 for one wicket. Both players then foolishly ran themselves out, and at call of time the score showed 156 for five wickets. East have thus 74 runs to get to win. and five wickets to fall, but as Reese will be an absentee, We.-t will have to depend on Crawshaw entirely, with Mackie and Donnelly to keep the other end going. Reese is now at tho top of his form. His 69 was full of snap and power, and he scored well all round the wicket. It is pleasing to note that nearly all the Canterbury team who batted on Saturday showed really capital form, Reese, Hayes, Patrick, Sandman and Carlton all doing well, which augurs well for Canterbury in the Auckland match. After a succession of three cyphers Crawshaw struck form, and his 36 was a good effort. This season Crawshaw has either batted well or bowled well, but never both, but on Saturday he did both, and showed something like his best form, when playing for St Albans two seasons ago. Donnelly this season has at last fulfilled his early promise as a- batsmanand his 35 against East is quite on a par with his other recent good scores. Slow in movement and quite a stonewaller, the sturdy Westerner hits with no uncertainty, and with a good defence is now a most useful bat. Weston played in his best form for 25, and young Godfrey also came out of his shell with a natty 25. _ At present he lacks strength and initiative, but with age and experience these defects will be overcome.

Ward bowled in great style, obtaining four wickets for 37. Bowling a good length fast ball, and with a slight leg break, he had the Westerners thinking, especially after Reese left. Carlton got four for 66, and Monaghan two for 30. Considering the strength of the Eastern bowling in Carlton, Ward, Monaghan and Read, it seems strange that the Easterners should be so low on tho list, but it must be admitted that the. batting, as usual, is the weak soot in the team.

Carlton was in rare batting form in compiling 61, but the value of his innings was discounted by his bad judgment in running between the wickets, and, as in the St Albans match, he was responsible for two run-outs, his own and his partner's. _ Carlton's cricket may be summed briefly in his effective leg-play. He seems to be able to play anything to fine leg, or square leg, the position, of course, where fielders are scarc-e. He has other good strokes, but they are obscured by his clever leg glide, pull or hit. Beale made 26 in good style, although lie was lucky in that he ought to have been stumped twice by Goss. JUNIOR NOTES. D. Russell 100 not- out. Nixon 94., Avling 92, S. Wilson 67, Haughey 66, Clarke 64. Haughey five for 36. Linwood took first strike against Sydenham A, and opened with Evans and England to the bowling of Dougall and Nicholson. Both batsmen played carefully and might have shown a little more enterprise. ■ The score event along to 24, when Nicholson bowled England, who was succeeded by Peters, but the incomer did not last long, and as Otley and Quartermain gave little trouble four wickets were down for 60. With the advent of Russell the rate of scoring increased, the newcomer dealing promptly with anything loose, and scoring rapidly by nice shots past cover and to leg. Evans had made a patient 23, when he was caught off Nicholson, and after Russell was bowled by O'Malley for a bright 56, Mansell (13) was the only batsman to make any stand, the venture realising 139, extras coming in at the death with 20. Tho bowling was not nearly so good as the score would indicate, and most of the Linwood batsmen showed a woeful lack of aggressiveness. Nicholson's legbreaks were very effective at the start of the innings, but his last few overs wero more expensive, and he wound up with four for 46. O'Malley took two for 13. Rudd two for 19, and Dougall two for 23. A good innings by Gasson alone saved the Sydenham team from utter rout. Going in when one wicket had fallen for 8, he played ritjlvt through the innings, and was unfortunate in getting out thr.ee minutes before time. Russell and Hollis bowled well at the start of the innings, the latter's < first seven overs resulting in five maidens and three runs. Four wickets fell for 16, but Gasson and Arnold to<"k the score to 55 before the latter was caught off Peters for 17. Stephens made JO and helped to add 23, and the seventh wicket fell at 95, but the last two wickets, one man being absent, fell at the same total, Gasson being the last man out with 47 to his credit. Russell took four wickets for 31, Hollis two for 32, Peters one for 16, and Weston one for 13.

Riccarton. B fared badly against East at Lancaster Park, and will be hard put to it to prevent the Easterner? getting a three-point win. Haft'enden and Greenlees were the opening East batsmen, but onlj 10 runs were on the board when the latter was caught by Holmes oil R. Taylor. Blank hit four boundaries and a single and helped to take the tctal to 38 before putting his leg in front. Haughey joined Hafl'enden, and a long partnership ensued, Haffenden being finally bowled by Parkinson when be had made 4-3. The score was 110 when Norman came in, and he scored 15 quickly, helping to add 30 for the fourth wicket. Dobbs was soon caught off Holmes, and at 163 the sixth wicket fell, Haughey's fine innings of 06 being terminated by Taylor, who caught him off Rix. East were not yet done with, for Rowe, who has performed well in third grade for some seasons, but lias not been very successful in his too few essays in the higher grade, at length had a good inningt. and put together a nicely-played 40 before he was stumped in attempting n big hit off Parkinson. He started rather slowly and streakiiy, hub as lie warmed up b- made some good shots,, 'including: a

I hit over the boundary. Corbett made | 25, his highest score for some time, and tho innings closed for 239. Parkinson took four wickets for 75, R. Taylor three for 55, Holmes one for 30, and Kix one for 56. As in the St_ Albans match, Haughey followed up his success with the bat by a good bowling performance, and 'most of the Riccarton batsmen were quite at sea to him. Watts seemed to find tho bowling fairly easy, and ho made 33 soundly, while Parkinson mado a dozc,n but Haifenden assisted Haughey to dispose of the others and, batting nine men, the whole side | was out for 77. Haughey took five ' for 36 and Haffenden two for 10. Following on, Riccarton did a little better, M'Quillan and Timms .putting on 23 without loss. It seems to be quite tho usual thing nowadays for teams to play shorthanded, and on Saturday St Albans, I Sydenham A and East were each a man short, .while Riccarton B had I two away. In most instances the absentees do not trouble to notify their captains of their inability to attend, and it is impossible to find any ■ excuse for such conduct. If players | will not realise that they play cricket I for their team and not solely to wh'le away an afternoon, they should be dropped without mercy. "Slackers" are of no value to anv club.

St Albans are missing Ford, their ' best bowler, who is .away on holiday, and West Christchurch, taking full advantage of a weak attack and poor fielding.* piled _up 349 runs, which should be sufficient to give them their • first victory. Shelley and Red path : opened and at once commenced to make things merry, the former doing ; most of the scoring. At 51 Redpath was run out for 11. and Eoag, who ! was making his first appearance this season, joined Shelley. Runs came apace, the newcomer hitting up quickly, and the second wicket fe!! for 100. Fourteen runs later Shelley ! was caught off Ma-cfarlane for 58. made by vigorous cricket all round .the wicket. Wilson and Haramon-d : added 18 before Macfarla-e bowlrd thi- ; latter for 10, and M'Coy made 14, 1 when be was run out. Wlson woe batting well and the St Albans bowlers were making little impre-sion. each batsman as he came in immediately | helping himself to runs. Anderson i made 20 and was caught off Macfar- ; lane, and when Norrie bowled Wilson j for 67, 215 was up for seven wickets. ■ Rolland and Byrne then had a partnership which proved productive, and 1300 was in sight when Byrne was J stumped after making a breezy 41. -.Tolly hit up 14 quickly and Godfrey ; played nicely for 15 not out at the I finish. Rolland was the last man out, S Lawrence getting him with his first ball for 48, made with bis usual stolidity. West Christchurch can hardlv claim to be a strong batting side, and the fact-that every man made double figures is an eloquent testimony to ;tho weakness of the Saints' outI cricket. Macfarlane took five wickets i for 104, Norrie two for 40, and LawIrence one for none.

Lawrence and Watson pioneered the St Albans long chase and made a good start, 53 being up without loss when stumps were drawn. Watson has been under a cloud for some time, but lie showed better form on Saturday, getting 33; while Lawrence has 18 to his credit. Biccarton A and Sydenham B, the two unbeaten teams, met at Hagley Park, and the former, winning the toss, opened with S. Smith and Nixon to the bowling of Wiltshire and Fraser. Runs came freely, but with onlj 15 on the board Smith edged one from Fraser into the slips and Winsor made a good catch. Luttrell was next, and proceeded to score rapidly, mostly with excellent strokes to the on. Nixon was also very busy, the ball travelling to the boundary on numerous occasions. When the score reached 61 Luttrell was badly beaten by a good ball from Fraser, after making 26 in fine style. With the advent of Clarkson the rate of scoring increased, both batsmen treating the bowling with scant respect. Clarkson's breeziness, however, brought about his downfall,- as m running out to Gray he missed the ball and was smartly stumped by Bellamy, who had just relieved Gray. Clarkson's score of 35, which included seven fours, was a very vigorous display, although he gave two easy chances of stumping to Gray. Falconer , helped himself to 14 and assisted Nixon to take the score to 156, when Gray bowled him round his legs. With only four wickets down Riccarton's chances for a big score looked rosy, but their success ended here, as with the exception of Nixon the remaining six, on a perfect wicket, offered feeble opposition and only added 45 runs, making the total 201. Nixon, a youthful left-hander, played a great innings for his 94. Going in first-lie played right .through the innings, and his was the last wicket to fall, he being bowled by a beautiful ball from Conradi. He had hard luck in not reaching the century, as with the exception of three or four chances at the wickets his display was as sound as it was attractive. His scoring shots all round the wicket were marked by good timing and were invariably along, the carpet, and this boy has evidently a great future. The Sydenham attack was not strong, although Wiltshire bowled steadily for two wickets at a cost of *29 runs. Fraser was too expensive, his two wickets costing 81 runs, and his captain erred in bowling him so long. The best figures were secured by Conradi, three for 14, and Gray, three for 29. Conradi bowled really well, and should be given a trial earlier. The fielding of the Sydenham team vras an improvement on previous displays, and after making allowances for coming off the slow Sydenham outfield on to the fast outfield at Hagley Park it was a creditable performance. Sydenham started their first innings with Ayling and Conradi to the bowling of Falconer and Guiney. Both batsmen made light of the Riocarton attack, and soon had it collared, the score mounting rapidly, and despite numerous changes in the bowling the pair were not oeparated till the score reached 96, Conradi putting his leg in front to Ballantyne, and at the same time walking on his wicket. Watt joined Ayling, and the run-getting continued merrily, another 100 runs being added before Ayling was caught at midoff for a well-played 92, made in his best style. Watson, the ex-Otago representative, partnered Watt, and took the score to 220 for two wickets when time was called, Watt notching 46 by dashing cricket. The Riccartnri trundling was very weak, Falcoiver alone boAvling any sort of a length, and he was watched too well to be at all dangerous. Ricearton are feeling the want of a wicket-keeper, and already thirty byes have been recorded. The Ricearton bat for the fir~t century still remains unclaimed. On Saturday it looked as if Nixon would reach the three figures, but uthough he got nearer than anyone else has yet done he' fell short of his goal by six runs. He will probably be found in the High School team after the vacation, and will help to make up for the loss of ffioknmtt. i

L. Watson, who played for Otago asainst Canterbury in the Plunket Shield match twelve months ago. has been appointed groundman at Sydenham, and was playing for the Junior B team on Saturday. "It- seems strange that in view of the difference -in strength between the two Sydenham fMtns and the promotion of M'Olelland, Watson was not plaved_ in the A team, which need=: strengthening. Probably, however, he will not be long in the lower grade.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

During the p-rst week efforts to prejudlco fT>o t bar" -'tt prominent, and the influence brought to bear to check the code hrs, unfortunately. been further expend by n misrepresentation of facts bv a lending of one of the city clubs. So far the League authorities hare tsiken the views in lb" in <V- 'hw have been placed before the public, a total inis-nto-v ivf iV: /, tliA League paint of view all tJ"«i '-a.

marks are improving the League position in public favour. Tile scurrilous remark's alleged to have been made by the chairman of the Wellington Swimming Centre place him in a position that is not creditable t-o an official in the control of any pastime, and taking the views that have been published, this gentleman belittles his opposition by inferring that his support would be given to the game if it were under entirely different management. If this gentleman is keen on improving the amateur standard tbe League neople have no objection, and his presence as a supporter will bo welcome. Without going into details, I can state with accuracy that the Auckland delegate who moved in the matter lias the entire confidence of his Centre. There is reason to congratulate tbe Swimming Council and the Canterbury Swimming Association on the action they have taken, and knowing 'the full facts of the League control neither swimming body need have any misgivings. I am, of course, basins my opinion on the local position, and the League authorities here comprise amateurs that are just as enthusiastic as those on the swimming Centres. It savours of a forlorn hope when one hears tbe mis-statements that are being circulated, and tbe latest circular that has b?on bv the captain of a local, club plainly shows that the movement is brci into existence by other support. At a meeting of the local committee last week, a member produced the following letter, which has been issued to. members of the club in question:— "Rugby is a game of love," "Not a game for gain."

"Dear Sir, —During the coming season you will undoubtedly have influence brought to bear to endeavour to get you to join the ranks of the Northern League players in our city. I trust before you take such a step you will seriously consider the position before doing anything you may be sorry for afterwards. Remember, when, you'have onco played tho League game you will nov4r be able to enter the Rugby ranks again. A sportsman always plays the game for the pleasure he gets from it, and 1 trust you are sport enough to remain loyal to your old club, and assist in keeping it In tho forefront of. the Rugby clubs m Christchurch. It has always been our aim to keep the game clean, thereby 'assisting our grand old game to prosper. I trust you will .attend the annual general meeting, of which you will be notifie din due course." Such is the dictation and appeal, to members who have already assured iheir loyalty to the. Rugby cede, and it plainly shows the club captain anticipates that the attraction of the League game .will be. too much for his members to- resist. I believe that the club captain's action was taken without the authority of the members, which suggests that the movement was started from an outside source. The heading quotation is ridiculous, and a veiled insinuation that the League players play for' money, which is totally wrong. The letter, is the consequence of lack of inflection, and '•hould never have been issued in the club's name. As a personal matter it would be quite a different action. Meetings for the purpose of discussing the adoption of the League game Tiave been arranged as follow Addington, Friday next; Sydenham, February 6; St Albans, February 13; and Liirwood the following week. _ The question of forming a city club will be arranged at the annual meeting of the League. It is probable that a New Zealand team wil ltour Australia in June. The local Centre should secure a game with the dominion representatives on their return.

Gleeson, wlio toured the dominion with the New South Wales team, lias gone to. England and joined the professional ranks. He plays for Huddersfield, in the Northern Union districts.

I SWIMSViiWG.

» ______ I The annual carnival of the Richmond (Club 011 Saturday was one of the best J yet held this season. There was - the usual large attendance of spectators, and all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon's sport. The racing all through was very interesting, the rac-es being either 25yds or 50yds, and in these distances finishes are always very,, close. Record entries were received, and there were very few scratchings. The management was all that could be desired, and every event was got off smartly and few delays were noticeable. The bath and its surroundings were again in first-class order, and they reflect freat credit on the caretaker, Mr 0. imm. The Club Race, of 25yds, produced a very keen contest. Each of the five heats were won by a touch and the times registered by each winner went to show that the club handieapper has a good grasp of the times the competitors are capable of doing. The final was a splendid race, and the winner turned up in a veteran swimmer, W. Bassett, who put up a really good time considering his age. Mr Bassett was some years ago a well-known swimmer. For some Tears he has been a vicepresident of the club, and he has been a member since its inception. Mr Bassett is a keen sport, and he is to be seen at the baths each morning, wet or fine, with three or four small boys whom he is training. His win was a very popular one. The Junior Club Handicap was also won by a Bassett, a son of Mr W. Bassett, the winner of the Dash Handicap. Young Bassett put in a splendid finish, showing a bit of the crawl • stroke. This boy is improving fast, and 1 anticipate that he will have to be reckoned with in the schoolboys' championship. The inter-club event produced a record entry, totalling eighty-two. Fourteen heats were decided, and some really close finishes were witnessed. Th 9 handieapper, Mr G. Rich, has been very successful of late, and on Saturday last his judgment was unquestionable. No fewer than thirty-two of the competitors were treated to half seconds in their handicaps. This gives a better result, as on many occasions a swimmer can beat an opponent when in receipt of a second start, but with half a second added the finish becomes much closer. The best time for this race was put up by C. Atkinson, 28 2-ssec, but he had a longer handicap in front of him in the semi-finals, and was unsuccessful in gaining a place. The winner, D. Coulter, scored ; a well-deserved success. With a handicap of 12sec, he swam very consistently, doing his heat in 38 3-ssec, semi- ' final in 33 3-ssec and final in 38 l-ssec. The final was a splendid race, and ten yards from home Coulter was not giv- ! en a chance, as Fraser and Geddes, ; particularlv the latter, were putting in a lot of da<=h, but Coulter made a great effort and won by about two feet from J. Fraser and Geddes, who swam practically a head heat. Coulter's win was bis first in inter-club events, and he was heartily congratulated. He has been swimming in inter-club events for about seven years. He has won an endless number of heats, but has always failed in the semi-finals or finals. J. Fraser, who swam for the Richmond Club some years ago, has again donned the costume, but swims now for the V/haranui Club. Eo is swimming ' about up to his old form, and on Patur- , day showed more determination than ] • have ever . ;tien from him. Gedds~ : swam well, but the last ten yards told i on lnm, and he cracked tip when he ! looked a winner. I The'start of the Obstacle R.ace cans : cd great amusement, for when Mr E ; Eldridge, one of the officials, was fix- I ing the hoop for the competitors to J swim through he overbalanced and foil into the hath. He was fully divsscd. nrd the mishap brought an outburst of laiHitP.r fr'oin the spectators. ; The Ladifs' T'nce was a'jrin unsatisfactory. For some time clubs have been . considering whether or not to put ?. ! ladies' race on their programmes, as tho.v are usually very badly support d The Richmond Club made it a condition that there had to be ei.:;:ht starters or no second prize would be .criven, and five starters or no'race. On Saturday only four ladies eame up to scratch, and in order to keep faith with the upeetatora J -iie committee decided to hold tlw

race, but to give 110 second prize. Miss . Ostler, who is showing signs of improvement, swam well, and won a good race. <" ' Miss Ostler will be a competitor in the Ladies' 100 yds New Zealand Championship. ' • : - The springboard diving was good, and L. Annand, who has been diving very well "lately, scored the most points. H. Hay (New South Wales) gave a splendid exhibition of high and springboard diving, which was much appreciated. Tbe Relay Race produced a record entry of twenty-three teams, comprising ninety-two competitors. East Christ- ■ church No. 3 team just won by a touch. f The Consolation Handicap of 25yds; was a very popular event, and had tho, - weather and water been a little warmer I venture to say the !a: ge entry (twenty-nine) would have been doubled. The Lytteliun Club members are do-, ; ing well this year. They have won four . inter-el ub events to date. The Water Polo Match did not pro-' •' duce the game expected. Two good teams were set down, but several of the players did not go to the mark. The game was put on to give the polo selector a last chance to select his team for the New Zealand championship, but the standard of play shown by the paltry few who turned up was very disappointing, and the game was more of a farce than a display of water polo.

BOXING.

' Jim Hagerty has agreed with the Northern Boxing Association to- box in Auckland at Easter time. His opponent will probably be Roy Standen, of - Sydney. ' ■ The Manawatu Association has matched Hagerty and Maxwell for the light-weight championship, to take place at Palmerston North on February 12. / ' _ Sid. Fifczsimmons is. prepared to- return to New Zealand if he can secure suitable 'matches. I think Sid. would,, be' well advised to remain where he' is for some tune, and gain experience at tho game. Mr J. O'-Leary,' honorary secretary . of the Timaru Boxing Association, has forwarded me a copy of the Association's annua! repnrc and balance-sheet. The latter document shows the receipts ' (including a' balance from the previous ■' season of .C 24 2s Id) to hvc been £571-„_ , 10s Id, and the expenditure £5Ol- 17a - Bd, leaving a credit balance of £69 12s sd. This must be considered a very satisfactory position in view of 'the.- \ heavy expenses''incurred. During-the ' season the Association promoted 'five competitions, which returned a pro&t of £64 7s 4d; on only one was there ' a loss, and a slight low,at'that. , • In a- letter to an Auckland friend," Alex. Pooley, ■ ex-amatear- hcvy-vrexEht champion of Australia, stme;;hat 'ho is training- steadily and' hopes to Kavo- * an engagement-at the Stadium, Syd- s • ney, shortly. Pocky has sporr<Sd with Sam Langiord on one or two occasions, and has shown excellent form.' He recently asked the Northern Boxing Association to arrange a match With any - heavy-weight' in New Zealand, but the'" , Association could not see its way clear to accept his terms. *; Negotiations are in progress with!'' Bombardier Wells for his appearance in : v Australia; , Sid. Burns, the English welterweight, is on his way put to Australia*'",', under engagement , with the Stadium management/ , , ' .. jv "Snowy" Baker, the new proprietor, of the Sydney Stadium, recently cabled , Tommy Burns asking his lowest terms*;for three matches'in Sydney, with-:the J; - , probability of Bombardier Wells beings -.; -■- one of his opponents. Jack Lester, the sturdy young Canadian whom Tommy Burns boomed as a White Hope, and who visited Aus-,, tralia under contract to the ex-chami- 'i pion, is now on his way home. His! - was not a particularly successful career., in the Common wealth. T In connection with the question of" placing boxing under the control of a legally constituted body, I came acros3 ; ■' the following in a recent issue of the ; Sydney "Sun": In the opinon of Mr R. It. Baker it is necessary in the in* ; terests of boxing in Australia that a ■' ' commission similar to that operating in New York should be established.' That commission would meet from time to time to revise the rules, as deemed ;: , necessary, and would otherwise contra 1 the laws of the game. '• ■' The following cable, dated January 16, appears in the Sydney " Sun" :

Bombardier Wells, the heavy-weight, ■ champion of Great Britain, has been matched to bos Luther M'Cart J at Madison Square Gardens, New York about the middle of February. The boat will be a ten-rounds one, and Wells is to receive 25 per cent of 'the gross receipts. It is estimate;! that the house will hold. £6OOO. Tommy Burns is anxious to meet Wells at... Calgary in April. He has -guaranteed. - the English champion £2400. The aiticles of agreement are being drafted. ' Referring to Bombardier ~Wells after his quick and decisive win over Georgo Rodel, the South African, in Londonon December 6. the "Sporting Life" says:—More than twelve months ago we expressed an opinion in this paper . < regarding Bombardier Billy Wells. " It' was that a year would make a huge difference in him, and we think that the opinion has been fully justified. ; The Bombardier of to-day is a vastly dif-' fercnt man to the one of twelve months ', ago. Were he to be matched for a' world's -ch a mpi on ship now he would gjo f into the contest with at least a fair clianco of victory. That England is nearer_ to possessing a heavy-weight champion at the moment than for years past is the view of the majority, and' * no one who saw the ex-soldier at the - King's Hall on Friday, last could help but feel proud. For Wells was fine indeed. . . . Wells to-day is a credit to his country—oil last night's showing he is distinctly one of the- finest white h£avy-weights in the world

CYCSJNG.

The Swift Cycling Club added to ifca now fairly extensive list of successful | promotions on Thursday afternoon,' when its second road race of the series was held under most favourable_ conditions. There were over eighty Btarters, which will give a fair indication of the splendid support this club is able to command. The course was from Sockburn to Lincoln and back * to the starting point, a distance of about (seventeen miles. The race was made exciting from the_ start by - the excellent sprinting put in by the majority ot those competing and this was maintained by many throughout the . whole course. The fastest time was established by A. George,' who is a promising young rider and one of the best seen on the road for some considerable time. He is already credit-'' ed with both track and road victories ' this - season, and gives every promise ' of reaching the scratch mark in the best of rompnny before he is . much • • older. The places were filled as fol-' ■ , lows:—G. Wyberg, 4n;in. 1: T. Orrm 2; It. Young, 3. The .race proved one of the mo~;t successful lv>M this season, and will ;'t an early elate be. by an " Open Derby." which the club has now in course of promotton. 'The esecuti.e of the North'C&ivter* . bury Centre wi!V hold its moht-1j1y.." ine?tiuf: on Wednesday,'. February 5, at,', which the delegate from -the Cc-'.tre *o'..cho recent conference will report '«i« > results of his mission. : .

ProSeason. fessional. Amiteur. Tutai. 10,0-7 . 1.6iG 457 2,103 1Sj7-S . 1,163 1,161 2,330 , lS/Oa-a . 1,0 63 1,417 2.4Bj luoa-io ' . 1.037 1,726 2,763 1910-11 933 1,53a 2.472 . 1911-12 SC6 1,283 2,149