THE WORLD OF SPORT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10879, 20 September 1913, Page 3

THE WORLD OF SPORT.

SPORTING.

Mr J. H. Pollock lino been appointed handioapper lor tho summer meeting of th' Marion Joakoy Club. At a meeting hold at Maitland, New Sout!, Wales, on August 30, a rider named Mah.'i won overy raco 011 the programme. Golden Morn registered a smart perform •nee in winning tho Hack Handicap at Ashbin: ton on Thursday, and sho was running on strongly at the finish, . Gangway, by Custtft^horo —Stephanie. Jinn n Comfortable win in tho Jumpers' Flat tUco 6ijo mila and a quarter, at Sundown, jio.bourne, on August 3d. '.The winners at Sundown, Melbourne, on August SO, inoludcd Jtoriariy. an aged gelding by Merrvwce —Moira, who at one time carried Mr E. J. Watt's colours. 1 ' Speedometer, by Bezonian —Pcdomctor (not Tugola, as stated in tho book), failed to show form "at'AEhburton, but tho ground may have troubled him, as,ho is a useful sort. , At a meeting held at Moorefleld, Sydney, on AusUsl 80, tho Stewards' Mile was won by Kilniendon (ridden by C. Emerson), with -tho Multiform horse Sunburnt second, lul.mention is by Kilchomn —Couionno, by Gipsy Grand-^Coronno. ~ The stewards- of the Ashburton County Haciiiff Club held inquiries into tho ownership o{ two horses which rnced ftt tho meeting last week. In neither case, however, was' « conclusion arrived at. After tho Tinwald Handicap, the principal event at the Ashburton meeting on Friday. li, Berry, tho lidet of the winner, Mnrfcl, ..was called beforo tho stewards, who, after 'inquiry, inflicted a fin© of £5 on the jockey for crossing. ' Formnal. who won the Maidon Hack Scurry nt Ashburton on Friday, is n sister to Spocialform,.. ,by Boniform—Signal, by Banner— Foresight, by Artillery—Spec. On ■tho previous day Formnal finished second to 'jeannot in tha Trial Plate. ... Mattel,' -who' was sent out favourite for the AsKbatfori County Hwdicap on Thursday, is a three-year-old hali-brother to Danube, ■being by Charlemagne ll.—Neva. He show,qd a good turn of speed, but was in trouble .at the end of a mile,' and finished a good way back. _ , ' The veteran Sea King jumped oK in qui to his best styli) in the Spring Handicap at Ashburton on Thursday, and was never ■caught, • He has frequently shown » strong liking foT the A&bburton course, on which ho has registered some of Ilia moat noteworthy performances. , ' Winona, by Linacro —Misa Bass, 13 reported •to bo ono of tho most promising two-ye-ii-■olds at Randwick. Unfortunately," hor nomination for some of the rich events of the ■present season ia invalid, owing to _an informality. Her owner, prior to nominating, 'selected a nut that was permissible, but iieglooted to register tho filly, an oversight that was discovered too late to bo remedied. The railway arrangements in connection with last week's raco meeting at Ashburton were far from satisfactory, especially on the . first day, A long _ special "train left Christohurch in. tho morning, but it was quite inadequate to accommodate tho passengers, mnnv of whom had to be content with standing. " ; The overcrowding of tho train was even more noticeable on the return journey _ x 'Discussing the Epsom Handicap candidates, » Sydney writer says:—"The New Zealander Emperador is a smart galloper, anc l 13 understood' that if he runs in the Epsom v he will be ridden by C, EmeTson. Touching on Emerson's mounts in big tocos at the Australian Jockey Club's spring meeting reminds me that - there is a possible chance of his being on I'erdita in the Metropolitan." , , _ . Two imported mares are near the head ot the betting quotations for tho Epsom Handicap, to bo decided at the Australian Jockey Club's meeting next month. They are Bonnio Lily, by. Martagon—Cyme; and Cornell, by "William tho Third—Lindal. Cornell, who has not yet started in a race, cost 2100gs fts a ■ two-year-old in England, and her dam. with ' a foal at foot by Missel Thrush, was sold the saifie year foi 4100gs. • A case of considerable importance to racccourse executives, and of interest to the . public, was .tried at Epsom (England) Inst month. A racecourss tipster sued tho pioprletors of Barnard's Ring, Epsom, tor - damages, for alleged assault, which consisted in that person being ejected for re- ' fusing to comply with tho 1 regulations. It appears that ho was warned on tho first day of tho recent summer meeting, and subsequently ejected. Tho Court decided in favour at the defendants.

. Aboyeur, who was awarded the Epsom 'Derby on tho disqualification of Crajanour, iwaa beaten at Liverpool in July, aid a week later could only finish second in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Tho winner, Augur, was in receipt of 241b, but ho represented poor form. As a result of his subsequent 'running, Aboyeur is now looked on as one of the most moderate, or most ungenerous, horses enrolled among Derby winners. Not- , withstanding that opinion, however, Aboyeur was sold this month for 13,000ga, for shipment to Russia. Ladrone, tho itin*.er of the Aehburton County Handicap on Thursday, was bred by the Manawatu Stud Company, being l by Sir Laddo —Melusina, by Tasman—Nautilus. He did his eaily racing in tho colours of Mr P. Baldwin, but in the spring of last season ho was purchased by Mr J. Westerman, who placed him under tho caro of K. . Longley at Riccatton. Since then Ladrone has run a number of good races, being placed six times, but until yesterday he had not won a race for his present owner, ao that , his success was very popular. ■ At tho conclusion of the Grand National Meeting last month Coronetted was sold to the South Canterbury sportsman, Mr C. Studholme,. and he has since, been under tho care of the Timaru trainer, S. Trilford. Tho hurdle roco at Ashburton on Thursday was his first appearance in tho new interests, and he scored a oomfortabla. win, acting right up to his North Island reputation as a horse that was very partial to soft going. Coronotted is by Coronet, by Castor—Necklace, by Jlnsketr—Locket, his dam, Kau Ban, being by Gipsy King—Torori, by -Musket— Peeross, so that he combines several very successful New Zealand racing strains. It was announced recently that tht crosscountry rider, Kangi Thompson, had filed a petition in bankruptcy. The immediate cause was his arrest pursuant to a judgment of the Napier Magistrate's Court. His liabilities are set down as £283 Os Bd, and his assets nil. In his statement he said that he had only twenty-fire mounts since August, 1912, earning about £BO. Ho incurred many oi his debts because he thought he would be able to pay when his shares in certain Native lands in Waimarama and Te Aute were realised., The properties are apparently inalienable, or else nothing can bo done with them until a large sum of money, due to the Government on them, is paid. NOTES. 'Several New Zealabd Cup candidates were racing last week, some of the form being interesting. Ttirax, Tannhauser, Martel and Somniform wore seen out at, the Ashburton meeting. Tkrax was in the field for the Ashburton County Handicap, run over a , mile and a quarter. He could only finish a moderate third, but he is not partial to heavy going, and his failure need not discourage llis Oup admirers, as he will do a whole lot better next time out. provided the ground is firm: Tann-' hauser was running on at the end of sis furlongs on the first day, and in >the Tinwald Handicap, of a mile, on the second day, ho was also finishing well. In this race he covered a lot of ground and made his run too late. ; He can, too, be improved in oondition, ■go that he must be kept in mind for future events. Martel showed pace on both days, but his form suggested that ho .can be ruled right out, so far as staying is concerned, whilo I do not think he will ever be more than a moderate over any distance. He is certainly a lone way behind his half-brother, Danube. Another Cup candidate seen at Ashburton was Somniform, the three-year-old sister to Bon Reve. Sh? has grown into a fine looking filly, but her display in the Braemar Weltor Handicap was disappointing, as she was .hopelessly beaten when sho fell. So far as Ashburton is concerned, the New Zealand Cup possibilities 6eem to be reduced to Mr J. F. Buchanan's pair, Thrax and Tannhauser. Roosevelt was a winner at Dannevirke, whore he beat a moderato lot, but as ho is unsound his owner will probably prefer ft less strenuous programme than would be necessitated by a Now Zealand Cup preparation. Further afield, Air G. I). Greenwood's colours were carried by Emporador and Cherubim at Randwicl; on Saturday. These two horses will probably do a good deal of racing iu Australia before they return to Iliccarton, so they should bo well off for condition. Chorubini failed to show up In his race on Saturday, a mile welter. •This does not rend like good form, but possibly he is not quite ready yet. 1 lave a great fancy for this colt, who iUotild do well over a distanco. Emperador appears to have run a good race. To those who regarded him as oalv a sprinter, it would come ns a surprise to find him doing so well over a mile and a- quarter, but as he has been

TOPBCS OF THE TIME,

'nicked for tho Metropolitan Handicap, is looks as if Mason hud hopes of the .elding staying. Tho .news that he is 'ining supported for tho bit; mile and n half handicap at Randwick will bo roeoived with mixed feelings by those '.cho havo backed him for tho New Zealand Cup. A win would entail a prohibitive penalty, but ho might run noil enough at Randwick, without winning, to draw pointed attention to his chance in tho two milo race at Ricearton. In the meantime, however, I •im ranged among thoso who will not havo Emperador for a two milo journey, despite his present position near the head of tho betting quotations.

A cable message from Sydney last week contained some particulars of New Zealand horses claiming engagements at tho spring meeting of tho Australian Jockey Club next month. It, is a good list, though scarcely so notablo in flat performers as at one timo seemed probable. AVitli Midnight Sun, Emperador, Cherubim and Spl-t-ano on tho sceno, sportsmen in these parts will have a strong interest in somo of tho leading events on tho programme, but it is "in tho jumping department that tho dominion looks lileo being particularly prominent. For some years past tho hurdle and steeplechase class in New South Wales has been decidedly mediocre, and moro than onco Now Zealand owners have found Randwick a good nlnco to visit with their jumpers. Last spring there was a strong contingent on tho scone from tho dominion, Paisnno accounting for ono of tho hurdle races, and Continuance for ono of tho steeplechases. This year thero has been quite a rush in tho direction of Randwick with North Island jumpers, with tho result that Marton, Tho Loch Maben, Princo Eddio, Beacon, Whakaweira and Glemnoro aro now ready to fcako part, in tho races to bo decided next month. When ono looks into tho position, it will bo seen that there arc really too many of them, and even if they were assured of having tho contests to themselves, somo would have to come back without reward. Thwo nro a few races for them at othor fixtures, but most of tho horses havo doubtless irono over for tho two hurdle races and two steeplechases, each worth £SOO, on tho Australian Jockey Club's programme. That tho horse's which have recently gono across will havo matters all their own way neod iiot bo imagined for a moment. As a matter of fact, owners in New South Wales seem to havo suddenly taken to hurdle racing of late, doubtless encouraged by the rich prizes offered by the preinior club. But, quite apart from tho Australians, thero will bo strong opposition for the invaders in otber New Zealand horses that havo been hi tho Commonwealth for some time, these including Wimniera, Julian, £)on Quox, Kildonan and Mastor Paul. So far as our hurdlers are concerned, Marton was quit© the best wo had this _ winter, and in view of previous experiences, the handicapper is likely to giro him a good load to carry. Paisano, our best a year ago, proved himself an undoubted champion in Australia, and the handicappor will bo justified in concluding that the New Zealand crack of this winter also represents high class. _ I am afraid that is where Marton will suffer, and all tho rest of our hurdlers through him. Marton is not in tho same class as Paisano, the real fact being that our hurdlo class is decidedly moderate at present. When we turn to Wimmera, however, thero is a very different story to toll. He was a good horse on the flat, and lias since shown ■ himself to be a high-class hurdler. He raced well in big events in Victoria this winter, failing in tho Australian Hurdle Handicap because the journey was too long for him. He will be found a much more difficult proposition over two miles and two miles and a half at Randwick than over three miles and a half at Caulfield. The prospects of Glenmore and The Native in the steeplechases seem rathor better. I wish the North Island contingent good luck, but it seisms to me most of them could have done better by staying at home and racing against one another in the dominion. This invasion of Australia by our hurdle horses serves to direct attention to the position in New Zealand. At one time fields ruled very small in hurdle raoes in New South Wales, but I notice that at a meeting held at Warwick Farm early this month there was an entry of twenty-six. The popularity of this branch of racing must be ascribed largely to the increased stakes given to the jumpers by the Australian Jockey Club. A similar policy on the part of our own clubs might have correspondingly good results. During the last few years there has been a revival among the hurdlers in the South Island, due to more encouragement being given by tho clubs. At Ashburton last woek, thirteen different horses took part in tho hurdle races, but mqst of them were of moderate class. If the Canterbury Jockoy Club could bo induced to raise the stakes for the hurdle races at the New Zealand Cup meeting, much benefit might result. The programme for the November carnival is really an excellent one, the best ever issued in New Zealand for flat races. By comparison, however, the hurdlo races are poorly subsidised, with one stake of £3OO and three of £260 'each. I commend to tho notice of the committee the matter _ of giving increased attention to this department in November. With a stake of £4OO or £SOO each day, there would be some inducement to owners of good olass horses to take on the jumpincr game; which is now, so far as the South Island is concerned, confined to a poor lot.

The St Leger, the last of tho English three-year-old classic races, was decided last week, and it serves to emphasise the view, pretty generally held for some time paat, that the English- three-year-olds are decidedly moderate this season. The form has been turned upside down many times during the last few months. Craganour, now out of tho racing game, was probably an easy first up to a mile, despite his defeat by Louvois in the Two Thousand Guineas, but over longer courses nothing stands out. Aboyeur, who got the Derby when Craganour was disqualified, baa shown no form since, and is now.written down as unreliable or no good. The result of tho St Leger last week appears to have been a great surprise. The winner, Night Hawk, was badly beaten at iDerby a week earlier by Louvois, who was conceding 151b, and who, on that showing, must have been right off in the St Leger, in which ho finished last. Night Hawk is the first horse to win the St Leger in the colours of Colonel Hall Walker, who was rather unfortunate in disposing of a prospective winner, Princo Palatine, as a yearling, while ho also bred Minora, who won the late King Edward ,his third Derby,

If tha two-year-old form in England tliis season is mixed, tho same cannot bo said concerning tho two-year-olds, as The Totrarch stands out as a champion. Ho had not been be'aten when the last mail left, and ho continued his victorious career last week, when ho beat Stornaway in tho Champagno Stakes at Doncastar, making his seventh successive win. Tho (.able message says ho won in a cantor, and this has been hi.s stylo in all his races save ono, when lie was probably a bit off colour, to judge by tho manner in which lie has subsequently asserted himself. " Vigilant," of the " Sportsman," is ono of thoso with a high opinion of Tho Totrarch. After *he Goodwood meeting ho wrote: —No debutant two-year-olds of exceptional promise were among tho Goodwood winners, but at least wo saw one smashing fmo performance when Tho Totrarch treated Ambassador and Co. lileo so many hacks in the Rous Memorial Stakes, and in so

doing scored his fifth consecutive victory. Very rarely indeed dor.-', a liorso possessed of such phenonieniil ipetxl :u> The Tetrare.h develop into a stayer, but his breeding certainly points to his ability in that respect. .So far his career has been very similar to that of Pretty Polly, who carried all before her as a two-year-old, and subsequently won the Ono Thousand Guinea',, Oaks and St Leger, a ''treble" which might reasonably bo pointed to as conclusive evidence of staying power, though when tho crucial test of stamina came in the Ascot (iold Cup «he was found wanting. That, however, if t remember rightly, was her only failure in this country, and allowances must bo made for her one defeat in Franco. Haviag regard to tho brilliant racing merit of Tho 'Petrarch, ?ir Kennedy, of tho Straffan Station Stud, may bo felicitated on having made a wrnnd deal when ho purchased privately from M Caillault his French-bred sirey sire, Roi Herodo, and I rather think he was influenced, to somo extent by the ndvico of Blr H. S. Pcrsso, who, lx> it. mentioned, purchased tho crack two-year-old as a yearling for himsolf at 1300 guineas, though later ho puisod him on to his chief patron, Mr M'Calmont. It is really wonderful tho way Tho Tetrnrch moves, taking apparently nothing out of himself, and cantering tho whilo ho has tho opposition in hopeless trouble. If allowed to run his own raco tho long-striding son of Roi Horode will not, I should say, meet with his superior for somo timo, but maybe, as with other horses of his stamp and style of galloping, any excreiso of fines-o or diplomacy, in the ndeption, for example, of waiting tactio.s, might conceivably enough havo a disastrous result. RICCARTON NOTES. [FROM UUR COUHKSI'O.NJJKXT.] Willi tho Spring mooting of tho Ashburton .Raciiiji dub, wincii eamo to a successful conclusion on fiiuay, claiming tlio attention ot practically aft tne local trainers, it wtic. only to be expocuxi that matters locally would bo very quiet during tho week. From now until tho conclusion of tlio \Voliington Kacing Club's spring meeting trainers will he travelling a good, aoai to tho various fixtures, and they will havo a busy timo in front of them. M. Hobos and H. Cults aro booked to leave for W angauui towards the end of tho week. 'Jne former will probably take up Mowbray and Ruialdo, to carry Mr J. B. field's scarlet anil white livery in the G umetis, whilo Cutts will journey with Stevedore, who will be making his first public appearance. As 1 havo previously stated, thero has not been any real opportunity for getting an accurate lino as to the real merits of tho local three-year-old division. M. Hobbs has easily the strongest team numerically, and of his lot 1 nave always held a strong preference for Mowbray. Since his autumn running tho majority have favoured liinaldo as likely to make tho best throo-year-oki, but I havo never been prepared to subscribe to that viow, md I still expect to seo tho Menschikoff—Lady Melton oolt continue to show his superiority over his stable companion. 1 havo nevei- considered Rinaldo more than a useful colt, and just why so many consider him likely to be more partial to a distance than Mowbray I cannot quite see. Ho certainly has not improved in apoarance during his winter respite, and for this reason 1 do not think ho will be found to be a much improved colt. Of Hobbs's lot the most improved ono to my mind is Salzburg, and over sprint courses he should show to advantage, while Ogier, Speedometer, and Jeannot are likely sorts, of which Jeannot may prove the best. His initial effort at Ashburton on Thursday was a praiseworthy ono, despite the weak opposition, and he is certainly a golding of great possibilities. Taken collectively, Hobbs has a strong team, which should play a prominent part in the decision or tho early classic races, for his horses may bo said to bo well forward. Tie Chokeboro stable had in Nightwatch a highly promising colt, and I should not have gone beyond him as the probable best three-year-old had he continued all right since tho autumn. Unfortunatoly, lie is under veterinary treatment, and all hopo of seeing him running at November will, I am informed, have to bo abandoned, which is a matter for regret. The loss of the son of Treadmill and Glenowlet will rob tho Chokeboro stable of what was easily its best two-year-old last year, and, unless the untried Stevedore shows good form, this stablo will bo weak in three-year-olds, for Veritas was so far behind the best of tho two-year-olds last year that his improvement, to place him amongst the first rank, would have to bo something phenomenal. War Step had a couple of nice performances to her credit last season. I have soen this young lady gallop very attractively, and it would come as no surprise to find hor well in tho running with the best of them. Martius is unquestionably a colt of much promise, and has demonstrated that ho can gallop fast. He has furnished well dnrine the winter, and is evidently a gross colt, who will require a sound preparation to fit him for a Derby course. Flora M'Donakl is a good-looking filly, and she ran a creditable race at Ashburton in the Braemar Welter Handicap, but it is, I think, -unlikely that she will ever be more than useful. The Wanganui, Hawke's Bay and Dunedin Guineas will furnish the best opportunity of arriving at an accurate estimate of the strength of our three-year-olds, which, I think, will bo found a useful lot, but I havo grave doubts whether any of them will prove themselves equal to being rated beyond that. The climatic conditions have proved favourable during the week, and, with tho regular tracks in fair order and tho trial grass available for fast work on galloping days, things have gone on smoothly. Now that tho ploughed gallop is getting into order for fast work, trainers will feel less cause for anxiety about tho tracks, but unless the custodian keeps a watchful eye upon this track it will rapidly become hard, for the soil has suffered so much from continual working that it is surprising how bard it sots. W. Murfitt, who met with an accident through being thrown from Pukerua some three weeks ago, has been discharged from the Hospital. He is, however, wearing a shield over his left eye, which was injured by the fall. He is well in every other respect, and hopes to bo able to discard tho shield in the near future. With somewhat extensive alterations and additions to various buildings and tho formation of a new drive, work at the course is brisk. Messrs E. and S. Luttrell, the club's architects and builders, have charge of the work, which will bo completed in good timo for tho Cup carnival. The custodian has also been unusually busy, and I am pleased to observe that he has put tho schooling track's in order by giving them a good harrowing and topdressing, which was badly needed after the amount of work that was carried out on them during the schooling operations for tho National mooting. Tho thanks of trainers of jumpors will gladly be extended to Mr Mitchell for having done so much on their behalf. A dispute between tho owners of Golden Morn, after her meritorious victory at Ashburton, resulted, I learn, in Mr W. J. Doyle buying Mr G. P. Payne's interest in tho daughter of Caiinie Cliiel for £l5O. I have also heard it said that Mr Doyle has since sold a half interest to someono else for *2200, but I have not had an opportunity of getting confirmation of this. Golden Morn will remain under tho care

of 11. Lone,-ley, who has tho filly in capital fettle. I'. ]''llis's win with Orion was a long overdue and fittin<JC reward for the care and trouble lie lias taken with t li«j son of Obligado, wlio ;i)i|K\ii« more sound no iv tlian over previously si wo Kilis has had him. Seeing that ho has again found winning form, Orton should he capablo of scoring again in tho near future.

Owing to one of Toviotdale'.s joints b?insr unduly enlarged after pulling up in the sprint race at Ashburton his trainer, W. M'Dona'd, was afraid he had gone amiss, but happily this proved not to be the ease, for the son of Achilles is all right. ST tin NEWS. Tho imported maro Vicella, the property of Mr 0. I). Greenwood, arrived at lliccarton on Thursday, to be mated with Danube. She is, unfortunately, troubled with an affection of the I'ooL, contracted, it is believed, on board ship, hilt sho is under the care of Mr J. R. Charlton, and a return to the normal is confidently looked for in the near future. She lias a foal, which is a handsome, well developed youngster. Mr H. Friedlander's Czarema, by Stepnink—Britomart, has foaled a filly to Martian, and will bo mated with lionilorm.

Mongonui, by Carbine—Moonga, and Ikon, by San Fran —Nymph, havo arrived at Riccarton from Hawke's Bay. to bo mated with Antagonist, by Soult —Miss Annie.

The imported horso All Black, bv Gallinulo—Vortex, will havo Tigerino (Morriwcc —Tigress), Culmination (San Francisco—Stepfehit) and California's dam Dazzle (Hotchkiss—Radiant) among liis consorts this season. Among the mares, to bo mated this season with California, by San Fran— Dazzle, .are Divinia, by Sylvia Park— Mongonui, and Mistra, by A pre mootNautilus.

Mr T. H. Lowry's three-year-old filly Landrail, by Grafton—Langrel, has been retired to the stud, and she will be mated this season with Finland. Booby, by Castor—Gannet, who .is best known to famo as tho dam of P.'iisano, has this season produced a colt to the imported sire, Gazeley.

At Glenora Park Stud, Auckland, Tauliei, by Castor—Viva ndiere, lias foalod a colt to Marble Arch. The old grey maro has left a foal in tlirco successive years to the Isinglass horse, to whom sho will go back this season. Tho following foalings aro reported from Hawke's Bay:—Etona, by 10ton Lady Walmsloy, and Manawaru, by Manaki—Tho Brook, a colt, both to Formative; Mimic, by Merriweo—Palaver, a colt; Orlav, by Royal Artillery —Orleon, a filly; and Alt Bluo, by Merriwee —Bluswater, a filly, all to Ail Black.

At the Hon J. D. Ormond's Karamu stud, Hawke's Bay, Straga (sister to the Marton hurdle winner Witched), by Birkenhead—Witehet, has foaled a colt; Intelligent, by Birkenhead—lndustry, a filly, and Vega, by Birkenhead—Lynette, a filly, all to Hymettus,, with whom tliov will again lie mated. Chant, by Tho Officer—Lullaby, has foaled a oolt, and Eon, by Medallion —Enid, a filly, both to Birkenhead, and thoy will ho mated with King Mark. Mr G. P. Donnelly's recently purchased stud horse, Demosthenes, by Desmond—Carlin, is expected to arrive this week. A. O'Dowd, studmastor at Otatara, will take charge of the horso when lie arrives at Wellington. <,Domosthenes will be limited to six outsido marcs this season. The following aro among the foalings at Mr S. Green's Shipley stud, Victoria :—Artillerie, by Royal Artillery— Nantes, filly by Comedy King; Problem, by St Hippo—Ellerslio, colt to Comedy King; Ronetta, by Bay llonald—Frasqninetta, colt to Comedy King. Mr S. Green, proprietor of Shipley stud, yictoria, has experienced more than his share of ill-luck this season, a good deal of it with New Zealand mares. Recently the yearling colt by Positano—Cross Battery was found to bo suffering from lockjaw, so ho_ was promptly shot. In god a and Watershoot, two mares purchased at the Elderslie clearing sale last year, have both been unfortunate, as _ Ingoda slipped a colt by Comedy King and Watorshoot had a dead filly by tho same sire. Indian Queen, another ofthe New Zealand mares bred to Comedy King last year, proved barren. TROTTING Tlio handicaps for tho Now Zealand Trotting Cup which reoontly appeared have again attracted attention to tho most important raco of tho year. Mr Brinkman's work has been well received ; at the same time it is understood that races of this description do not usually afford much chance for the alleged experts to find fault with tho official's work. All tho contestants are well-known performers, who cannot havo a big margin in their favour as regards their ability to improve greatly on previous efforts, consequently the handicapper's work is not so difficult as is the case when good, indifferent and bad horses have to be brought together. On an actual time basis the best handicapped liorso in tho race is Bell Metal, who is alleged to havo covered the two miles in 4min 33sec, when ho finished second to Lord Chancellor at tho Forbury Park Club's meeting somo timo back, and is now handicapped at 4min 38soc. Ravenschild, too. looks to be well treated. He finished second to Albert H. last year in the mud, apd is also favoured with the maximum start. Terra Nova, Adonis, Bellis, Bribery and Little Tib have smart mile performances to their credit; in fact, one of tho features of tho handicaps is that a large number of horsea receiving the limit havo been known to be sprinters rather than good solid two-mile performers. Tho scratch horses. King Oolu and Emmelino, are handicapped at 4min 32sec, and each has done better time, but it is doubtfui if under the conditions in which the race will bo run they can be taken as likely to havo much chance at the business end of tho race. There is no doubt but that the elianco of a good true-run raco is rather poor on account of tho large field, the presence of unruly horses at the post, the large number of horses on the limit, and the short handicap. It seems a great pity that the committee of the club did not anticipate the trouble that was likely to ensue in tho running of the raco and make provision for some better conditions. The track at the starting place for the twomile event is very narrow; at the most not more than five horses can be started in line, and with sixteen on the same mark the difficulty is both obvious and apparent. Assuming that six fail to make the final payment, there will be ten to start together off the limit. As this is an impossibility, some will have to go into a second section behind the others, aud this naturally places them in a false position before the race starts. There will be two sections lined right across the track, which may include a few well-known notorious bad starters who could easily cause bother and ruin the raco before it has hardly commenced. It is weU known that in a raco of this description position is invaluable, and I maintain that those who aro unlucky enough to have to go in tho second division have a just cause for complaint in not being allowed to start from the mark on which they were handicapped. That there will bo interference, undoubtedly accidental, seems assured, and the race rouv bo spoilt. How the rear markers are going to get any chanco, even provided thoy have the speed to do it, is also another problem that wants solving. The whole fact of the matter is, tho club fails to realise the importance of the race from a raco point of view. It is the chief trotting race of the year, should be contested for by only the very best of horses, and the conditions should be so restricted as to prevent more than ten or twelve at the outside starting. I have previously written my opinions on tlio conditions that should govern tho race. It should be confined to horses that have done a certain time, not that can

do it, and 'lniin Sfi.-.eo would bring out a field f|iiilo sufficient to provide tho be-l. of race:",. The qno-.tion of a I.*:rge field is totally beride the question. The. owners should lio considered also, and tho nomination and acceptance fees for the ram .should ho considerably reduced. In a nutshell, the race should lie for tho host two-mile horses, whose owners should have :iu opportunity of competing for a good stake for a nominal fee. Best of all would lion free for all, Init it seems too much to ask for this class of race.

If the committee continues to follow its present short-sighted policy, there is another way of providing a contest that should appeal to all. At present the New Zealand Trotting Clip, class •liuin H.-Koe, is on the first day, stake £2OOO : second day a 4min 42seo class, stake :Cf;00; hast, day a 4min 4Usee class, stake €OOO, or a total of £3IOO for the chief liaruo'S events for the threo days. Now if (he nominations wero taken for tho New Zealand Chip as usual, based on this year's conditions thero aro 2fl entries. Assuming seven fail to make Iho final payment, there would ho 22 left; these could ho divided into two sections, making eleven to compete on tho tirst day for a stake of £'looo. Tho second division could run on tho second day for a similar stake, and the first four on each day compete for £IOOO on tho last day. This would save the club on this year's basis £IOO, afford 'hreo better races because tho fields would bo smaller, with less chanco of interference and givo a horso "who might havo met with a bad run on tho first two days :i chanco of showing his worth and annexing a good stake for his owner. If, is to ho regretted that eacli year in tho past tho chief ovont has been robbed of a lot of its interest as a vaco on account of tho largo fields, and yet with this fact in front of the cominit.teo.it continues to framo conditions that'do not tend to any improvement. I do liopa tho committee will not take umbrago nb these statements, because they have Ireen written in tho hopo that the chief trotting race of the year may be made a raco in which the best horso should win and that the contest should ho an exciting one for tho spectators; but with past races as a guido it is to bo' regretted that the committee framed conditions that led to this state of affairs, in which the race will in all probability ho won by the horse lucky enough to get well away at the start of the race and profit by Tuck and interference of other contestants. Thero is just one other point, and a. most important one, the danger to the drivers. Luckily in tho past the sport has been very frw from serious accidents, to a large, extent brought about by tho ability shown by our riders and drivers, but in a race such as the Cup the ordinary risk that has to be taken by the drivers is ncoentuated tenfold by the conditions prevailing, in addition to the fact that, driver* are but human and aro more than likely to bo keyed up to n high pitch of excitement at the start of the race.

Thpro is no donbt that the time is ripe for a deckled change in tho conditions governing most of the racos oil trotting clubs' programmes. Year after year, meeting after meeting, the same conditions practically obtain; and. although in some cases tho value of _ the raco is increased and the time limit shortened, for the most part the races remain .the same. Now. the sroort has progressed throughout the land in a surprising manner; better horses are seen racing, more conveniences are provided for tlio ptiblio in the shano of grandstands and general appointments, and the tracks are now worthy the name in most cases. And yet the races remain t.he same, and those responsible for framing the conditions seem diffident or afrnid to depart from the ideas of their predecessors. Owners, trainers, riaers and drivers, individually and in a few cases collectively, tirgo improvements, but their efforts,are seldom put forth in the best passible manner, and usually they prove ineffective. It is true that a few years ago th© New Zealand Metropolitan Club tried a two-year-old Futurity, which for various reasons, easily explained, was not n, success, and tlio question of class racing was soon dropped. I havo never been an advocate of two-vear-old racing, but I ain a staunch believor in class racing, and would urgo npon the clubs to nrive this most important part of the sport its proper place. Tlio successful club is tho one that caters for the best horses by giving tho best stakes. Good stakes bring out the best horses, and to see the best horses the crowd attends. Unfortunately, ft largo number of clubs in tho dominion are not yot on a sound financial basis, but are rapidly arriving at that much desired distinction, and therefore they are not at presont i" » position to take risks by a somewhat experimental race. All tho same, I am of opinion that tho first club that strikes away from the beaten track and institutes a race, say, for three-year-olds, of £3OO or £4OO will find it one of its most profitable races, besides doing a benefit to tho 6port which will be incalculable. Two of the most progressive clubs in the dominion are Forbury and Auckland, and I would commend the suggestion to either or both. A race run about November or New Yenr for threo-year-olda would, indeed, give the sport such a boom that it would in itself be one of the very best of advertisements. Nominations could bo made nominal, say £l, to bo made in August, when horses were two-year-olds. ■ There would bo sure to bo an entry of at least seventy-five to ono hundred. A further payment of £1 could be inado a year later, with a final payment for the same amount on general entry day. On these conditions alone, quite half the amount of the stake would bo received by owners who, I am sure, would patroniso a classio race. The breeding of our trotting horses is becoming more and more an art, and the progeny from a wiuner of an assured classic race would command a good figure in the sale ring. Tins in itself would induco stud owners, besides those large numbers who only breed for themselves, to enter young animals on the chance of developing speed enough to win a classic raco, and thus in one way improve the value of tho stallion or mare. Hero is a chance for a progressive club to give tho idea a good start by inaugurating such a raco. There was nothing wildly exciting about either of the trotting events at the Ashburton County Racing Club's meeting last week. In the Longbeach Handicap, on tho first day, Lyndhurst and Quincey Maid cleared right away from the rest of the field and fought out a duel most of the way, many of the other starters being so far back that they could not havo even soon much of the struggle in front. Lyndhurst had a slight advantage at tho home turn, whore ha left his feet. This left Quincey Maid to win easily, and when Lyndhurst broke again in the straight, Alice Huon was enabled to gain second placo. Some of the starters were in no hurry when they saw the break Lyndhurst'and Quincey Maid got early, but tho leaders slowed down a lot over the last lialf-milo, and the result of tho race might havo been different had all tho competitors pegged along all the way. Quincey Maid is a good cut of a mare by Quincey, and though her time was not fast, the state of the track made it a useful effort. Alice Huon, who hails from New Brighton, is by Franz from Elsa Huon, a little mare that looks like making a liamo at the stud. Lyndhurst, who filled third place, showed a lot of pace till he broke, but I should class him as a non-stayor. He is by Kerrwood, a brother to Lancowood 11., Woodlander and Goodwood, by "Wildwood Rosewood', by Ulaekwood Abdallah. Among the well-backed failures in the raco wad Sweet Agnes by Rothschild—Wild Agnes, by Wildwood—Lady Agnes. She went off on a break and failed to show any pace. On the second day, in the Winchmore Handicap, backers were divided in their opinions between Koimeline's three-year-old sister Evelyn. Jjora M'Kinney (Voting M'Kinnc.y—Dora M.) and Alice Huon. The result was disastrous. as they nil failed badly. Treasure Seeker went off in rare style, and, trotting very evenly, lasted' long enough to win by six lengths from Kelso, who showed a great turn of speed, but put in a few breaks. Tho

others were a long way hack, Evelyn just landing in third place on the. post, hut there appeared to ho a general desire to escape tho barren place honour. Tho .Voir Zealand Trotting Cup candidate, (Jlendalouiih. was a starter in the Lnugbeiich Handicap at Ashburton last Thursday. Sho camo up in leisurely style, and was a long way after hor bell, whilo even then sho did not go off smoothly. I heard, unofficially, that her driver was lined for dilatoriness at tho start, and thero was certainly justification for some such action.

Tho Whip, who was among the winners at the last meeting of tho Metropolitan (Hub, has been cased in his work", owing to a severely ricked fetlock.

Hannah M., having developed a bad attack of influenza, has been thrown out of work for the time, being. Sho is being treated by the now serum therapy method by Mr J. R. Charlton, and her connections are sanguino of a speedy recovery. ' Mr .T. Conway, an American breeder, was a passenger to New Zealand by tho Tahiti, which' arrived in Wellington from San Francisco last week. He has threo trotters, which ho intends to bring on to Christchurch. Tho first foal bv the American sire, Petereta, has made its appearance, Mr J. Preeco's Pansy, by Huon PrincoVerbena, having produced a colt. She will bo mated with Petereta again this season,

Mr W. J. Morln.nd's Aunt Sally, by General Lyons—Virginia, lias foaled a filly to Lord Chancellor. Annt Sally is a, half-sister to Hollis H., Cronjo and Electrician.

Mrs R. O. Duncan's Sal Tasker, by Rothschild—Jessie, has foaled a colt to Harold Dillon. Though nothing definite has been arranged yet, she may bo mated this season with Huia Dillon, by Harold Dillon—Gratanette. T understand that Treasuro Seeker was sold prior to winning at Ashburbon last week. Tho dam of Persuader has foaled a colt to Wildwood .Tunr, and will visit tho same horso again, as will that smart mare Royal Vesta. The imported American stallion Marvin Wiikes, who was located in Christchurch, threo seasons ago and subsequently went to Queensland, has been sold to Messrs Mitchell and O'Brien, of Oamam, and will return to Now Zealand.

_W. Lawson, who had charge of Marvin Wilkes during that 6tallion's stay here, and who also drove in a few rnco3, intends starting as a public trainer in Sydney. He already has two Now Zealand-bred horses in his stablo, 0110 by Marvin Wilkes from Vanquish, and another by tho same liorso from Runaway, a ma.ro by Rothschild from Vanquish. It is probable that Mr J. A. Buckland. tlio well-known Australian enthusiast, will soon bo represented again on New Zealand trotting tracks. He has some promising stock by California and Vendetta, and. some or them may bo sent shortly to tho dominion, to be trained by C. H. Piper. Mr Buckland has a highly promising horso named Cuba, with splendid action and plenty of paoo, and Piper has expressed tho opinion that lie is tho best trotter in Australasia. If this is the case, wo will welcome his appearance at local meetings. Tho Forbury Park Trotting Club is giving £2200 in stakes for its spring meeting, an increaso of £l6O. Mr H. Brinkman has been appointed handicapper, and it was decided to invito applications for tlio position of judgo at £5 5s a day. AMERICAN NOTES. Another £2OOO stake for Tenara, and ft new record of 2.5$ to boot. It is Cheeny 2.4} now. Sho can fly. Willie: Paw, what is a stablo government? Paw: When the party in power displays horso sense. The granddam of the unbeaten pacer Del Roy 2.01 is Carrolla, also dam of the pacer Ben F. 2.07-2, by Steinway, 3, 2.25?. , It is reported that the champion yearling pacer, Frank Perry 2.15, now three, recently worked a half at Pleasanton, Cal., in 1.11. There is persistent gossip along the lino" that a certain prominent two-year-old futurity candidate is really a chree-y ear-old. One fiftv-nino and three-quarters for Ohlan at "Grand Rapids, a new Michigan State record. Longworth B. 2.2} in a third heat. He is the fastest of Ohio-bred pacers. We think that Tenara 2.5} is tho first lame trotter to win two £2OOO events in two weeks. Judson Girl 2.11 is surely a splendid four-year-old—beaten but a neck in 2-063. . , Uhlan 1.58 is to bo seen m the West at last. He will appear at tho coming Minnesota State Fair in September, at Hamline. This will bo good news to many thousands of Western trotting enthusiasts who have been longing for a chance to see the world's champion trottG" Tlio largest crowd that over witnessed a race in Kalamazoo passed through tho gates of tho raco track there "last Wednesday." This is only ,ono of m/iny instances which proves that the interest in light harness horseracing throughout the East is ing. What will tho attendance be when Poter Volo holds the world's championship record for two-year-old trotters, 2.9. Ho made this in tlio first heat of the Horseman Futurity Stake, £6OO, wliich he won at Kalamazoo, Michigan. Peter Volo held a yearling record of 2.19 and is a product of tho Patchen Wilkes Stock Farm, Lexington, Kentucky. Ho was sired by Peter, tho Great (4) 2.7! d, out of Nervolo Bello (dam of Donna Volo 2.28) by Nervolo (p) 2.4J (son of Colbert 2.7$ and Nelly D., by Allie Gaines 2380), second dam Josephine Knight, by Betterton. Adbella Watts, that held a yearling record of 2.251, came in a good second in this remarkable heat. She was sired by General Watts (3) 2.63 out of Proxy Bell by the one-time champion yearling' Adbell 2.23. Lady Wanetka, another precocious trotter that as a yearling got a record of 2.23}, got third money, coming in second in the deciding heat, which was made in 2.101. She is by Peter tho Great (4) 2.71, out of Baron Lassie (dam of Peter Billiken 2.163), by Baron Wilkes 2.18, granddam Annie Sharp by Nutwood 2.183. A wonderful trio of baby trotters 1

Lite raco Iwtween Potor tho Great 2.71, M'Kinney 2.111 and Todd 2.14J for the 2.10 trotting sirehood supremacy is on, with the first-named stallion well in tho lead- as a result of tho developments of the first two meetings of tho Grand Circuit. Peter tho Great added one to his list at North Randall in Santos Maid 2.B*], and another at Pittsburgh' in Peter M'Connick 2.8:1, giving him sixteen 2.10 trotters, two more than his nearest competitor, M'Kinnoy 2.111, six more than Todd 2.14J, seven more than Bellini 2.13|, and nine each moro than Zornbro 2.11 and Axworthy 2.15}, tho sis mast distinguished sires of extreme speed. As Peter tho Great was foaled in 1895 and M'Kinney in 18S7, it soems reasonable to suppose that tho son of Pilot Medium will steadily forgo ahead of his rival from this season on, and that by tho time ho is as old as M'Kinuoy is now a comparison will ho absurd. M'Kinnoy has ton 2.10 pacers to somewhat even up the score, however, giving him twenty-four in the fast list at both gaits, far more than any other sire on that basis of reckoning. Todd seems likely to overtnko M'Kinnoy and may possibly pull up abreast of Peter tlio Groat, if tho rate at wliich lils list has been growing for several seasons is maintained. He has eleven performers at present, two of which wore added | last year, and it seems beyond dispute that but for his untimely dentil at nine years of age ho would have far surpassed any sire of his timo. NEWS FROM THE TRACKS. (By TEE ROVER.) Tlio Metropolitan Trotting Club is carrying out extensive alterations at

Addington. The. stand at tho north ond of tho outside enclosure is, being movod and v.'ill lie placed on ail angle, ko that tho occupants will havo an uninterrupted view of tho wholo track. This stand •will also bo enlarged, and when completed will accommodate an extra four hundred people. Trainers are busy with their charges on tho various local tracks in vioiv of tho big meeting in November. T. Kelt, tho Otago sportsman, patronises the Metropolitan track regularly with Brookboll, by Bollman. This horse is being given light, tasks at present, as ho is well forward and looks in tho bc-st of condition.

Another horso that, takes tho eye is the Auckland champion, M and crone. I saw him do several rounds tho other morning, and ho wont pleadingly. 1 noticed that his hopples ha/vo been lengthened considerably. A. J. Lawrence had tho imported filly Bonnv Jenny out last week, and she is showing plenty of condition. E. M'Dermott, who recently joined tho professional ranks, has a nico maiden filly by Mambrino King in work.

A two-year-old colt, by Marvin Wilkes—Adventuress, in T. Fox's team, is a promising one. Another likely sort in this trainer's care is a sister to Advance and Advocate, whilo Adventuress is moving nicely. Charlie M'Kinney and Mayflower, both by Galindo, are both moving freoly. and A. Cox has them in good condition. A few months ago R. Barton broke in a big thrco-ycar-old filly by Gajindo —Rita Bell, and sho received hor second lesson on tho track last week. Naturally slio was a trifle strange, hut after a round or two seemed tnsious to continue. Another three-year-old that vas being educated was a black colt by King Cole —Archangel. Tasker gave Michael Galindo steady work on tho inside of the track- last week, and ho seemed desirous to improve the paco. This colt lias cpleiidid action, and it is a great misfortune that his leg is deformed. He was fired recontly in tiro hopes that it would reduce tho swelling.^ E. Fox was exercising a likely looking trotter, who is a sister to Dorrin£cotto. Among those being exercised and doing steady work last week I noticed Little Tib, Don Ctesar, George Hard, T/ord Heathcote, I/odi, Bell Car, Mystic, Law Chimes and Derringcotte. ROUND THE STABLES. (By THE ROVER.) Tn. the six years that Mr W. E. Simes (who raced under tho name of " Mr M. Clarice") has been an owiier of trotting horses, he has had his full 6liare of success. It was in 1907 that ho secured Fritliioff, by Princo Imperial, and he won four races with him" in that season. Another of his early purchases was Laudervale, who also successfully carried his colours on many occasions. Encouraged by his success, Mr Simes erected stables in St Albans, and he has now sis horaes in training, besides seven young ones and four brood mares. The horses aro under the care of D. Warten, whose t-lrill as a trainer and driver is well known. The mainstay of the stable has been Lodi, by Rotlwhild—Bspanita. This consistent performer has a record to her credit of 2min 19sec for the milo and 4min 43sec for two miles, and she is equally at homo in saddle and harness. Bell Car, by Bellman —Carmen, is another ■well-known inmate of the stable, and has won £1177 in stakos.

Mystic, who won the Stewards' Handicap on tho first day of the recent meeting of the Metropolitan Club, is looking well, and tho same can be said of Claribel. The maiden pacer Lasca, is a weU-bred mare, being by Rothschild—Tracy Maid, by General TracyMaid of Heathcoto, tho dam of Jessie, tlio latter being tho dam of Sal Tusker. The last of the horses in training to bo inspected was the imported filly Law Chimes, by Abbey Bolls Jewel's Heiress, which was secured from th© Alland.'ile Stock Farm. Warren is keeping those sis going for the November meeting, and I saw them on the Addington track during tho week. The following is a list of tho young stock:—Bay filly, by Lord Elmo—Miss Burlington (pacer); bay filly, by Abbey Bells—Lodi (pacer); bay gelding, by Willowwood—Sunbeam (trotter); chestnut filly, by Harold Dillon—Ardzigular (pacer); chestnut filly, by Driftwood from a thoroughbred mare (trotter) ; and a bay colt, by Prince Imperial—Patchwork (full - brother to Prince Alert and Piecework). These have all been broken in and gaited, and most of them show great promise. Since inspecting them they have been turned out at Teddingtou, whoro there is plenty of spring grass. The brood marcs are grazing at Riccarton and are in good condition. Miss Burlington, by Young Burlington—Miss Harowood, is in foal to Princo Imperial, Ham, by Kentucky, is the dam of several speedy ones, including Master Ilam (4min 40sec), and she' is in foal to the recently-imported American stallion Potereta-. The other two matrons are Lettydale, by Lauderdale—Letty, and Patchwork, by Berlin, the latter being in foal to Prince Imperial. Mr Simes has decided to dispose of all his horses in consequence of being elected to the Council of tho Trotting Association. By doing this he will l» able to attend to the business of tho Association in the impartial spirit that is necessary for tho welfare of the sport. The sale will bo held during Carnival Week.

FOOTBALL;

At tho risk of appearing ungenerous one is forced to express tlio opinion, that Wellington was lucky to beat Canterbury in tho representative match played at Lancaster Parle on Saturday last. The scores indicata their superiority, but the ran of the plav told a different tale. In the first spell, the teams were equally bad, but in ■ the second Canterbury had a slight credit balance that failed to crystallise into scores.' The penalty to Wellington that gave three of the six points scored, appeared to leave some room for doubt, and without tliat, a draw would_ have been the fairest result, in tho circumstances. It is almost a football truism that one or two cannot make a team, but there is no gainsaying tho statement that one or two good players absent from a team is like taking the ribs out of an umbrella. Canterbury felt the loss of Gray, Taylor and Sandman among the backs, and W. Cummings from the forwards. Perhaps it is local feeling that forces one to the conclusion, that given the strongest teams that both Wellington and Canterbury could put into the field, Canterbury would undoubtedly win. This, alter all, is pure speculation that cannot bo put to tho test, but Wellington's shownig on Saturday last, and Wairarapa's efforts a fortnight ago, go to prove that tho full strength of Canterbury llugby football compares more than favourably with that of the North Island associations. Canterbury was a long way below full strength on Saturday last, and against Wellington the match opened with a lean period in which football enthusiasm amongst the onlookers was slowly and painfully starved to death. By tho end of tho iirst spell the tame, spiritless and unskilful performance of these two interproviucial teams had reduced tho spectators to a state of utter indifference, or of openly-expres-sed disgust. It was tho exact antithesis of all that is expected from reprcsentativo teams. fortunately, matters livened up during the second spell, and the excitement that followed upon the opening up of the play, and tho repeated chances that offered for the local side to equal or exceed their opponents' score, to some extent redeemed the matcli from "the tameness and tho insipidity of tho first; spell. One of the best pieces ol' play dur-

iiig the gamc resulted in Canterbury's only stove. Crawshaw skilfully handled an awkward pass, and, runniiiß strongly, transferred to Fraser, who abandoned the usual tactics of making for vhc side-line, and cut infield, beating two opponents. Crawshaw, in the meanwhile, had taken tho outside position, and a well judged pass from Fraser gave him a good chance, which lie made the most of in a gritty, get-there-at-any-cost dash that carried him across. Jt was a first-class piece of work, on tho part of these two players, showing cleverness in design and skill in execution. The try scored for Wellington was moro accidental, though fully deserving tho credit duo for a fino piece of individual work. Crawshaw snapped up an almost impossible pass in great style, but his transfer was slow, and J. Ryan, intercepting, showed a fino turn of speed that left Henry, the local full-back, hull-down in a hopeless pursuit. _ Thero wero other purple patches in the second spell, but eagerness or ignoranco made them abortive in scoring results, Too many instances of foul play were thrust upon tho notice of tho spectators. Tho writer's notes show these breaches with tho names of tbo offenders attached, but, as tho season is practically finished, little good would result if the sinners were publicly pilloried. Handl ing the man on the line-out before he got tho ball was quite common, and tripping was not altogether absent. The worst feature of all was tho too liberal | application of boot to man. On one oc- j casion tbo crowd emphatically expressed their disapproval of these tactics, but there wero other cases equally glaring. A player sometimes finds difficulty in cultivating emotional discipline, an'd lie strikes an opponent. The punishment is usuallv appropriate, but the physical damage dono is nothing oompared with what- might follow from n brutal kicking while on tbo ground. There is only one way to deal with offenders of this style, and that ii to banish them from tho playing fields altogether. The game could easily do without these" players, for the dastard who would deliberately kick a man when he is down just because ho is an opponent has not even a rudimentary idea of what constitutes sportsmanlike behaviour, Other breaches that wero inoro than ordinarily conspicuous wero found in the tackling of a player whilo dribbling, and another that some of tho visiting players showed a surprising aptitude for was deliberately passing forward when in difficulties. The faults mentioned above should be below the dignity of representative players.

As full-back for Canterbury, Henry was not a success. JTc was far too deliberate, and far too slow in anticipating tlio play. A more active and a much more alert man might easily have prevented Ryan's score. G. Guthrie, on tho wing of the three-quarter line, was so profoundly troubled with stagefright or over-eagerness, that ho completely failed to .rise to the occasion. He is reported as having played excellent football when away touring on the West poast, but on Saturday at 110 stage in the gamo did ho show either tho form or the semblance of ordinary play. His handling of passes was_ wellnigh as bad as it could be, and his disinclination to take the ball on the full got him into endless trouble. In the oentre H. Watson performed creditably. He never shirked tho rough work, and his handling was distinctly good. Fuller had the remaining position in the lino for the barren first spell, having to retiro at the interval on account of an injured knee. He made one or two dashes that showed promise, and his taking of awkward passes was above the average. Ernie Fraser. took Fuller's place, and his share in Canterbury s only try has already been referred to. His efforts wore highly praiseworthy, and while over-eagerness at times tended to reduce his efficiency, still he is deserving of more than ordinary credit for his showing., Crawshaw did a lion's share of the work, and his "handling and stopping were above reproach. Bis game showed safety in defence and sldll in attack, and lie must be looked upon as distinctly unlucky this season in having two such fine players as Gray and Sandman available for the position that he usually ocupies. E. Taylor showed fine tackling and P. Burns, behind the scram, made several characteristic dashes that carried him very c'ose to the scoring line. Tho forwards worked hard, being very effective in the loose, though five of them managed on one occasion to overrun the ball when they wore quite clear, with only the opposing full-backs to beat. They lasted remarkably well, and though tho concerted play of the backs was not up to standard, little fault could be found with tho forwards for their share of tho work. ' Parker was safe at full-back for Wellington. J. llyan was a host in himj self, defending and attacking with skill of a high order. Time after time lio got his side out of serious, difficulties by his alertness and his fine executive ability. Tho other backs, with the exception of Morris, wero not convincing. He did a great amount of work in a manner that stamps him as a first-class player. The forwards laboured perseveringl.v though they did not last as well as their opponents. Tho most objectionable feature in connection with tho match was the bad manners displayed by a portion of the spectators, in hooting the referee. Mr Atkinson's honesty is above reproach, and if referees are to be subjected to. tho abuso of tho rabblo portion of the spectators there will bo some difficulty in getting anyone to take tho position. Every referee is liable to mako mistakes, and it looked at times on Saturday as if errors of judgment were present, but that is no excuse for cowardly attacking an official from tiw safe position of a crowd. Everyono who follows the game closely has feelings of irritation when he sees, what ho considers, mistakes by the referee, but to blatantly voice that feeling in open abuse is the part of a contemptible coward. J. Bain lost his pla.ee in the Canterbury team because he played one bad game. If thero had been another match, Henry should have lost his place on the same principle, and at Inst Chris Smith might have had a chance. He has played sterling games for tho last two or three seasons, and with Doeil disabled, there was an opportunity for him to show his worth in representative matches. But his luck is right out, for when by a process of elimination his turn has now como there are 110 more matches to be played. If it were worth while some of the vagaries in selecting teams in Canterbury might be pointed out, but criticism will bo willingly withheld if anyone can give any reason bearing the slightest relation to ordinary horse sense, as to why W. Menzies has been systematically ignored this season. ASSOCIATION GAME. A battlc-rov.il was wagpd 011 the Show Grounds on Saturday, when Sydenham and Burnham sought possession of tho English Cup (presented this season by Mr English, president of the Canterbury Football Association, for competition amongst tho Senior teams). Too much praise cannot be given Mr Williamson for the skilful way in which ho handled the game. It is safe to say that no other referee would havo controlled the game more satisfactorily. As tho score indicates, the teams wero very evenly matched, although Sydenham's missed some ridiculously easy goals. With ten minutes to go, and Sydenham ono in, it looked like success goinp their way. M'Mahon, however, allowed Bissett to Set a centre into Norman and he }>ut in 0110 of his very best shots, which, however, might havo been saved with a little exertion on tho part of tho Blues' custodian. Gilbert Archcy put in a niro shot towards the end of the second spell, but the wind just put it behind. Baxter put i'i a belated appearance, but there were plenty of willing workers to do ins share till ho arrived. Macfarlano is not plaving_ at all up to form, and ho is cultivating a 1):r habit of coming up ahead of liis o-.v; half-backs. With fast forwards against him, this may,prnvo rather disastrous. Dave Fuliiifton gave a very solid and

characteristic display. Without his oxeel lent defence Burnbatn would not ■' have been in the hunt. Norman and Bissett kept plodding on, and were ulti- ; mately rewarded with a fine goal. , The hardest grafter for Sydenham was George Metcalf, and he paid Bissett a lot of attention. Some of his clearances wore first-class, and I have never Keen him play bettor. Baxter and Mayo were on tlieir best ' ' ti, behaviour, playing very strenuously*, , Perry, in goal, did well in stopping < 0110 or two tricky ones, but 1 should havo liked to have seen him make a ,r bid to savo Norman's equaliser. Jiakcr, on the left wing, was a-, disappointment, and ho never got in a decent centre all tho afternoon. Ou Saturday's form >T. Wainscott would be worth another trial. Bert Wainscott and Baker (of the Junior team) worked liko Trojans right through, and both had very hard luck in not scoring. t ■I. Smith went well until lie got on©' in the small of tho back, and although lie was thereby put off his game to a i: great extent, ho nevertheless scored Sydenham's orphan. Ward played a strenuous game on the right wing and some beautiful centres went to waste. It seems hardly pr.ssihlo that Sydenham forwards will ioso such golden opportunities t ,next •:> Saturday if they come their way."

HOCKEY. ':-'vv'.'ftV,;

_ . Tho final match, in the First Grado competition was played at the Addington Reserve on Saturday, when Cliri&t----i church secured tho championship by , defeating Sydenham B by three goals to two. Sydenham wero without the services of i\ Beriy, and \V. Skelton was suffering from a sprained back, which somewhat weakened the Blues defence. Sydenham B made tho pace a " cracker," and before Christchureh had settled down had scored two goals in tho first ten minutes, and Holland narrowly missed adding a third one. Christchureh then took a hand in at- 1 tack, and Gleoson and And, on netted ' in quick, succession. Christchureh pressed consistently, but good defence - kept them out, half-time sounding with the scores oven. The second half was all in favour of Sydenham, their for- ' . . wards forcing, the play, Cummins and Holland getting in some fino work, while Butterfield was piny ing brilliantly in the half line. Key, for Christchurch, broke away, and coming down . • • •>' the left wing centred outside the circle. ;• Robb stopped the ball, but Hutcbings, who was following up fast, had only to push the ball in to wore, which nlti- i mately decided the game Brown, in goal for Christchureh, saved some good shots, while Zdartin 1 was tho mainstay of tlie defence, his hard hitting being . valuable .t to his , team. Cress was weak in .the first spell, but showed up better in the eecond half. Goldsbury, Ridley and Wylie all played well in defence, thouph their placing was inaccurate.™ iThe corebination of tho forwards was good, ilie short passing being suitable to the liard, ground. ' ■ff'-yi, Robb, in goal for Sydenham, was . patchy, and, though his/ stopping was ■ good, ho leaves Lis net too much,'and this match should'teach him alesson to', let the ball go over when hit outride tbo ' . circle. Stringers weakness was His fly-. «•>. ing hits, otherwise he played'-well for a ,* , • young member. Butterfield, at centre, „ l? i played n clever game, his stopping'and '.f,' feeding being first-class. Dnffiold kept,, his opposing wing very well ■ watched.Berry, on the iight, was too fJow m.' 1 clearing after stopping tlw» ball,?and was often beaten through this fault: Holland and Cummins were tho jiick of i\„ tho forwards, doing useful though their cuttine was valueless- oii-vf 1 such a fast ground,-as it only fed ■■ opposition or went over tho goal line. V Hooker and Hutehmgs played, well ia ,* the opon, but wero not so good in'circle i r.' work. Ballinger .missed several, fino ■>?:» „ openings in the first half through play- ■} ■' i" ing too_ far in, but in tho later stage? *\ . he got in some nice centies. •■'*2 The ex-Wellington player, ii). is again going to take up his-rosi<3encp\ ( 'f .■ in Christchureh, and.should bea valu'-' J able acquisition to local hockey, ; 4 ,, '■ * > LADIES' HOCKEY. To local enthusiasts interest in- this ' >* year's tournament has increased : each, Vlj day, owing to tho auspicious:; opening 1 . and subsequent success of our. roproscn-.',, . tativos. Their opening 'game provided •' >t something sensational in scoring, and the fourteen goal margin; against Tara- «~7 nald is supposed to bo a record scora " for tournament hockey. Tho.second ;' y; day tliey registered a win against a very strong team in Manawatu,'landfollowed this up by defeating Hawke's '■ ■ Bay, ono of the last year's champions. - In these two games there ;was; only a v r goal to spare in each' instance,'rnbiit < that is the difFcrenco between a win and a draw, and for ,the jjsfiposo -of - '« computing championship .poultswit is . quite sufficient. After having a day.',-,- !, oif on Friday our girls met .■.Wanganui ' on Saturday, tho home team.winning v / handsomely Dy six to one.> By ' 1 tho timo this is in print the last, games in the sections will havo been , played, • and if Canterbury is going back, Baiter' will undoubtedly give them a'good.go, becauso tho Coasters liave shewn steady, , improvement throughout: tho toiinianujnt so far. Buller started'off by losing to Manawatu by seven to .<viie; they were then beaten by Hawke's Bay by four to one, drew with Wanganui; , and defeated Taranaki by three to nib That shows consistent improvement even though thero is nothing consistent ' ~ about the general performances'of tho teams as a whole. 'Tho Canterbury team indulged in no strenuous training before going north, nor wore they given any systematic coaching, and on that aocount their performance is all the more meritorious. Tho injury to Mis 3 Burnip's hand before leaving interfered considerably with the combination in the forward line, and although Miss . Barr is an excellent centre forward, die would hardly keep her placo at left wing. i 1 Tho gamo against Manawatu was said to havo boon ono of the , finest games over seen in Wangflnui., however the tournament ends the finest ~1 s performance Canterbury will havo put up will be their defeat of Manawatu and Hawke's Bay on two successive The "Wanganui Chronicle" has the following concerning the first day's • . play : —Principal interest centred in tho ; . j,; match between Wanganui and Hawke's Bay in the A grado. Tho visitors gave a fine exhibition, by far the Ut>-t of the day, but they wero not up against ths best team in the competition. Wanganui persisted in playing without a goalkeeper, an error that led to thoir downfall moro than anything else. Hswke's Bay, on their showing, look iairly f>aie for the A section. Canterbury walked over Taranaki to the tune of r U goals . to nil. The northern girls were game and played up right to the finish, but : ,, ; they want to rush more (except vao centro halfj and their forwards shotild • keep well up.. This team will no doubt . improve considerably. Canteibury very safe in all divisions, but t-Lo guilts: was not much of a try-ouo lor ' lacks. Buller put un a «twl. lisp against Manawatu, especially m tnc earlier stages of tho gamo, when t.i.play was of a very good order, bni towards the end things dragged a lilt.?, greens having much the bett?r ot . things. The Buller team need to stuay that great essential, combination. Manawatu were very fit. and took no chances in the circle. Wairaropa, MCu * West Coast, and although they won

they did not give a very convincing. exhibition, their showing in ilia oirclft being atrocious, especially in tlio first half. West Coast, though' outclassed, played a good losing game.' "Wellington had an easy victory oyer tho "\Yanga-: nui schoolgirls, but this' much can to said, that they had to go'fer every 0110 ;i their nine goals, the little girls kedpng their elder opponents very bu'sy'iri- • Tho early stages of tW; South-aud-Eketahuna game wero very good o watch, but towards tho cud the sting amo out of tho Blues'- attack, and Southland did practically . what they liked in the last-fire minutes.