LAWNS & LINKS

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XVII, 25 April 1896, Page 472

LAWNS & LINKS

rOHE winners of the much coveted Saville Cup require no encomiums from us By their photos one can tell at a glance that they are fellows of fine physique, and their dash, judgment and skill ir horsemanship at the late polo tournament at Palmerston North are already matters of history among all who take an interest in polo. They have got their ponies under splendid command, and their hitting is as clean and strong as any we have witnessed.

Among the many clever ponies which distinguished themselves at the Palmerston North Polo Sports none was a greater favourite than Mr R S. Abraham’s Princess May, who won the cup. She is a bright and intelligent animal with no end of work in her.

A London paper tells of a group of hungry golfers who arranged for dinner in a North of Ireland hotel. They were told they would get chops, with an apple dumpling to top off with. In due time they sat down to the chops, and these all disappeared, leaving room, however, for the coming dumpling. A quarter ot an hour elapsed, and then the cook stuck her head in at the room door, and said —‘ Gentlemen, the puddin’ have failed '.’

WELLINGTON. So incessant has been the rain for the last fortnight that the proposed croquet tournament between six Hutt and six Wellington ladies, to be played on Easter Monday, was thought hopeless, and not without cause, for on Saturday the lawns presented the appearance of shallow lakes The bowling team were also disappointed at having to forego their combat with the Nelson players, where the elements did not behave more kindiv.

The new Athletic Park on the Island Bay Road has been opened, and will no doubt be much appreciated bv our footballers during the coming season, as there are few grounds within easy distance of town.

TENNIS AT HAMILTON. The Mount Albert team, comprising Misses Sellers (two), Mrs Woodroffe, and Messrs Battley, P. Dawson, and Harbutt (two), and Parnell team, comprising Misses Gorrie (two), Atkinson (two), and Davie, and Messrs Pollen, Thomas, and Andrews, arrived in Hamilton on Good Friday at 11 a.m. to find nothing but rain, so all thought of tennis had to be given up until Saturdav about 11 o'clock, when it cleared up and remained fine to the end of the campaign. Mesdames Beale and Woodroffe acted as chaperones for the two teams. On Good Friday Messrs Cooke and Goldie from the West End Club arrived by the train to spend the day in Hamilton, contemplating a game of tennis, no doubt. On Saturday morning several of the players were engaged in practice, as it takes some time to get used to the sand courts. Most of the visitors, I hear, found that the courts seemed so short after the grass, therefore they were rather at a disadvantage. On Saturday afternoon Misses Sellers ( Mount Albert) met Miss A. Jolly and Miss A. Sands (Hamilton), the latter winning 6— 0, 6— 1. Ist Men : Von Sturmer and Edgecumbe v. P. Dawson and P. F. Battley 6—2, 6—5, 6—5. 2nd Men : W. Hume and Stevens v. Harbutt Bros. 6—3, 4 —6, 4 —6, 6—3, 6— 2. This was a very good contest, Harbutt Bros, earning the match well. Ist Court : Miss Jolly and W. Von Sturmer v. Miss M. Sellers and P. Dawson, the former winning 6—0,6 —3. 2nd Court: Miss Newell and Edgecumbe v. Miss Sellers and P. F. Battley, 6— 2, 6—l. Afternoon tea was very much appreciated, Mrs Hume, Miss Hume, and Miss Sands officiating.

Monday afternoon, the Parnell day, was splendid as far as the weather was concerned, the light being very good for playing on the sand courts. Misses Gorrie and Davie (P) were defeated by Misses A. Jolly and A. Sands (H) 6—5, 6—3. Messrs Pollen and Thomas (P) v. Von Sturmer and Edgecumbe (H), the latter winning after a well-contested game, great excitement prevailing, the result being 4 —6, 2—6, 6—5, 6—4, 6—4. Gentlemen and Ladies Combined : Miss Atkinson and Andrews (P) v. Miss Jolly and W. Hume (H), the latter w-inning, 6—3, 3—6, 6—5.

In the morning a game was played between Mount Albert and Parnell, in which the latter club proved victorious, Messrs lollen and Thomas defeating Messrs Harbutt Bros., B—6. Mount Albert v. Devonport : The representatives of these two clubs also played a game, in which Messrs Harbutt Bros, defeated Messrs Mason and Fraser by B—6, 6—4.

On Tuesday morning a tennis match was played between Messrs Harbutt Bros, and Messrs J. S. Edgecumbe and W. N. Von Sturmer, the latter gentlemen winning. The scores were 6—2 and 6— 3. Most of the visitors

returned to Auckland by the afternoon express train, after having spent a most enjoyable time.

POLO AT CHRISTCHURCH. In spite of a very cold wind for driving on Saturday a good number went out to the Riccarton Racecourse to witness the polo sports, which were as immense fun as usual, the customary thread needle race for the Ladies’ Bracelet, and the same old costume race, which has been a feature of these meetings for so many pleasant years.

GOLF AT WELLINGTON. Now that polo, like the summer flowers, has perished in the autumnal rains, everyone is returning to the golf links with renewed vigour. The fine calm, balmy weather last Saturday drew large numbers of players to both the Hutt and Miramar links. The Hutt players certainly believe that the ‘early bird catches the worm,’ that is to say, the only way to ensure being in good ‘ form ’ for the competitions is by hard, steady practice at the beginning of the season. It was a great day at Miramar, as the first competitions for the season took place, Mr A. Duncan coming off victorious in the Men’s Handicap, while Miss Izard was successful amongst the ladies. The monthly competition for the Boyle Medal, which was postponed from Easter Saturday in consequence of the unfavourable weather, was played off by the ladies, and as there were a great many competitors, it was an interesting game. Miss Izard, who had agood handicap, won easily, while MrsWardron and Miss Johnston tied for second place.

Mrs Alec Crawford, who has always been one of the warmest supporters of the Club since its formation, showed her interest still further by presenting a gold golf brooch to be competed for by all ladies whose handicaps exceeded 20 or 25. Miss Izard, whose lucky star appeared to be in the ascendent on Saturday, again succeeded in carrying off the prize, with Mrs Wardrop a good second. The ladies are going to have a challenge match between teams chosen by Mrs Bell (Captain), and Miss Duncan (Secretary).

There are rumours of a New Zealand tennis team going across to Sydney to try conclusions with the pick of the Sydney players.

AUCKLAND POLO SPORTS. At Potter’s Paddock these took place last Saturday in weather which was by no means favourable, being cold and bleak, with heavy showers constantly falling. The Vice-regal party, including His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, Countess of Glasgow, the Ladies Augusta, Alice, and Dorothy Boyle, attended by Major Elliot, Captain Preston, and Captain Fielden, was present. The hurdle race was won by Mr E. Elliot’s smart pony, Ikeora, and the tandem race, which caused a great deal of amusement to the onlookers, by Mr W. Kay (Kihikihi), who had harnessed his team with clothes line ropes. Mr Wynyard’s leader, on reaching the winning post, disappeared round the course again on its own account. The Polo Cup was won by Mr O'Rorke’s Nimble, ridden by Mr Gordon. The same combination secured the Ladies’ Bracelet. In this event each competitor had to start with a ribbon, gallop round a post one furlong distant, and returning dismount at the starting point and lead the pony to a lady, who threaded the ribbon through a needle. This accomplished the riders remounted again, galloped round the post, and finished with the needle threaded. The incidents in this race were very funny, and caused screams of laughter. The steeplechase was won by Mr H. C. Tonk’s General Mite. This race was run without any accident, each pony jumping beautifully. Another very amusing race was the cigar race. The competitors had to put their coats and saddles on, light their cigars, then mount and go once round the post and finish with the cigar alight. Each rider carried an open Japanese umbrella. In the course of the race Mr Gordon and Cheviot parted company near the turning post, and Mr Tonks was knocked off his pony by one of the enthusiastic riders. The event was won by Mr Hanna's Chummy, ridden by Mr Whewell. The most amusing item of the afternoon was the tug-of-war between four Kihikihi players and four Auckland. Each competitor was mounted bare backed. There were roars of laughter from all round as some of the competitors kissed mother earth ; their antics, indeed, were strange and curious. Some looked as if they were balancing themselves on the rope, and even the riders themselves were forced to laugh. The Kihikihis came off the winners.