ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 9, 26 August 1908, Page 14

ATHLETICS.

American Representatives in Davis Davis Contest. The American team to play England in the preliminary tie for the Davis Cup consists of W- A. Earned, Beals Wright, J. 11. Hackett, and F. B. Alexander. W. A. Larner is the oldest and most experienced of the American players. He held the Singles Championship in 1901 and 1902, and was at one time quite invincible, but is now classed below Ward, tYright and Clothier. Beals Wright was American champion in 1905, but was easily defeated by Clothier in the challenge round in 1906. Wright is an expert at the American service, and the low ■volleying game. F. B. Alexander stands with Wright and lairner in the first class in the American handicap lists, and 11. Hackett stands with 11. D. Little (last year's Davis Cup representative) in tlass 2, to which class one owes 2—o 15. Alexander and Hackett held the Eastern Doubles Championship for 1906, but were defeated in the final for the open championship by Beals Wright and Uolcome Ward, the famous Davis Cup pair. However, a* Ward Las now definitely retired from the game. Alexander and Hackett nre probably the strongest pair in the United States. With the exception of Ward and Clothier, the team as a whole is probably Hie best that could be picked. Hackett and Alexander, it should be mentioned, were asked to play in the Davis Cup competition last year, but could not make the trip. Whangarei Chopping Match, The various chopping events wero decided In the Settlers' Hotel paddock, Whangaret, before a crowd of about ono hundred people, including many ladies. Great excitement prevailed, the partisans of the various competitors wildly cheering and encouraging their favourites. The arrangements were in the hands of Dr. Good, Messrs 1,. Johnstone and P. Mulhern ijndges). Dr. Baxter and Mr 1,. Webb (llmekeepers), Messrs P. Mulhern and L. Webb <handicappers), Mr Johnstone acting as starter. The proceedings opened with an exhibition chop. 121 n. upright log. by Maurice Griffin, of Maungakaramea (winner of the recent contest). Ills performance was greeted with loud applause. In the match lor a £3O purse, between B. O'Sullivan, of Tasmania and W. Nash, of Whangiirel, O'Sullivan conceded Nash ten seconds' Strat, quickly overhauled his opponent, and proved the winner in Imin. Slsecs. The logs were 151 n. upright. The last event was a handicap underhand lop with 13ln. horizontal logs. There were four entries, Maurice Griffin <Maungakanimen), H. O'Sullivan (Tasmania), George Mackenzie (Whaugarel). and C. Mackcsey (Whangarci). Griffin had to concede three seconds’ start to the others. The prize was £6 cash. Griffin succeeded In cutting his log through lirst, in 55 S-ssecs. He received a great ovation on this splendid performance. The others finished In the • order named: O'Sullivan 2. Msekesey 3, Mackenzie 4. PAK'JKANGA HUNT CLUB. The Vakuranga Hirnt <. ,:<!• met on Saturday at Pigeon Mountain, Pnkuranga, when there was a fair attendance of followers. The hounds were thrown oft on Mr John Fitzpatrick's property, mid soon put up a hare, which after a good run. In which Messrs Campbell. Roberts, Gills, and other properties were traversed, a kill was registered. Two other tins were also had, the last being easily the best of the day, lasting for three-quarters of an hour. Amongst those present were:—Mrs B. D. O'Rbrke, Misses It. Gorrie, West, MeSSrs I*l. D Q'Rorkc, J. Dalton. Jack Fitzpatrick, Alf. Hathaway, W. Dalton, Virtue, Roy Harris. <?. Wilson, Ben Myers, it. I’. Kinloch, C. Wallace, 11. Nolan. A. Selby Gorrie, Harris, Cam. Selby (acting huntsman), Frank Selby Inane Gray. Grant, Cam. Selby (actlnghua'sman), Frank Selby (whip).