ATHLETICS, ETC.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 49, 2 July 1891, Page 6

ATHLETICS, ETC.

There was a fair attendance at the Zealandia Athletic Ground on Thursday evening last, the occasion being the one hour “ go as you please” handicap, for which there were originally 17 entries only 12 of these coming to the post. Every arrangement that appeared necessary was made and the men were set going by “ Ted” O’Hare about 8.30 p.m. It was soon found to be almost impossible to keep” a record for so many competitors in one heat; so quickly did they pass the post in succession and in bunches that it reminded one of trying to count a large flock of sheep rushing through a gate, it was therefore decided by the management to stop the men and run the handicap off in two heats, the competitors having by this time covered 3 or 4 laps each, 12 of which made a mile. . For the first heat—or rather squad, for in this case no running off is . necessary—'Frost, Miles, Tidmarsh, Niccolsqn, Jones, McGuire, and McDer T mott came to the post Land were again sent away at 9.3 p.m. Nothing worthy of note occured during the first half hour, except that it was already apparent from the swinging bat the men were getting along at, that the estimated 8 miles would be more than covered, in the third quarter Jones retired after running 4f miles. The; second squad comprised Oliver, McAnteer, Wilson, Bailey, and Smith, who were sent away on their hours journey at 10.10 p.m., McAnteer and Bailey going at a rattling .pace for the first , half hour, both equalling: Wilson’s .record for that time, viz., miles, the pace seemed to find Bailey out for he only got 3 laps further when he was compelled^to “ cry a go.” This left only three contestants, and it looked anything on McAnteer winning with Wilson second; Oliver struggling along evidently beaten hopelessly with a stitch in his side, ht the last quarter after they had come within a lap of each other, McAnteer dropped and had'to be carried off the track, leaving Wilson, who had run beautifully even -.throughout and Oliver to finish, when the bell rang to notify them that they had only 5 minutes more to go. Oliver put on a tremendously strong spurt collaring Wilson and passing him 1 , led by. about 20 yards amidst exciteineni, he had “ shot his bolt ” for Wilson coming 1 again passed him, and when the pistol fired was about 50 yards in front of Oliver. Mr. Simpson carried out- the details. Mr. Linden distinguished the competitors as they passed the post,'while Mr. T. Collins and our Representative marked them down. Great Credit is due to Mr. O’Hare for bringing his men so well together in his handicap. We give below, an interesting table showing the progress •of the contest :-r-

BILLIARDS. ■ The Amateur Championship match between Mr, W. D. Courtney and Mr. A. P. Gaskill was £ brought to a close on April 17. When play commenced at . eight o’clock the score stood—Courtney 752, Gaskill 642, the former being in play. Every available space in the room! was occupied, great interest being taken f in the match by those who had determined to see two j of the. best —if not the : very best — amateurs decide who should hold the Cup—a

number were refused admission at the doors. For some time nothing was done as regards breaks, but Gaskill getting placed made eleven spots, then regaining his position by some very exact play got fairly set, and went on scoring very quickly, this time not finishing until he scored seventy-five more spots in a full break of 277—the highest ever made in the Amateur Championship match. In reply Courtney only had the chance of some small breaks, and Gaskill made another fine one of 136, including forty-three spots, the totals then being —Gaskill 1234, Courtney 874. Small scores ensued, when Courtney put in a good break of 126, including thirty-eight spots. From this point his play was unequal; while Gaskill scored medium breaks of 40 to 60, eventually running out with an unfinished break of 37, the final scores being—Gaskill 1,500, Courtney 1,188. Gaskill having won the Cup, presented by Messrs. Orme and Sons, six times, it becomes his property. The following is the record for the Champion matches : — 1888 Mr. Gaskill beat Mr. Lonsdale by 151 points 1889 Mr. Gaskill walked over 1890 Mr. Gaskill beat Mr. Fry - ~ 105 ~ 1890 Mr. Gaskill beat Mr. Defries ~ 694 „ 1890 Mr. Courtney beat Mr. Gaskill „ 89 ~ 1891 Mr. Courtney beat Mr. Gaskill ~ 529 ~ 1891 Mr. Gaskill beat Mr. Courtney „ 312 „

John Roberts’, jun., break of 690 spot stroke barred has not only been beaten but doubled by Tom Taylor. It cannot, however, be quoted as a record, as the case was most exceptionable, as the two balls got jammed in the left hand corner pocket. Taylor, playing with the greatest delicacy made 729 consecutive cannons, making a total of 1458. It must also be noticed that the game between Taylor and McNeil 600 up was over when the former was asked to continue his break to see what he could make, thus he made this big score.

BOXING. We have been requested to state that Donovan the pugilist who was recently arrested, is not our old resident “Barney” Donovan, and is in no way connected with him. Although Griffo is generally accepted as the champion feather-weight of the World, “ Billy” Murphy still holds the Police Gazette Belt, as the conditions set forth that it must be fought for in America. The holder leaves a deposit of 250 dollars as security for it. A complimentary benefit is being inaugurated for Mr. T. Collins secretary of the Zealandia boxing club, who is about to return to Sydney, when there is little doubt he will have a “bumper” house, as he thoroughly deserves recognition. In addition to any trophies for matches that may be fought for in the Zealandia clubs rooms, Mr. Rodwell informs us that he is prepared to offer a purse of sovereigns in addition, his condition being, that he shall have the privilege of ordering any of the contestants out of the ring, who is adjudged guilty of what is known as “ fighting a slinter,” the public will thus be assured of getting a fair “ run ” for their money on any such occasion. Abe Willis the Australian bantam, and George Dixon champion of the same class, meet at the California athletic club this month, for a purse of and the championship of the World, Griffo and Murphy are both in active training for their next meeting on the 15th inst, for a purse of and, a vicious mill is predicted. Murphy is bending all his energies to the work of preparation, and is reputed to be already in first class trim, and is very confident of his chance. Griffo is admittedly far cleverer and a better man all round than when he met Murphy before, and says he will perform on him with a heart chock full of confidence. Slavin has succeeded in knocking Kilrain fairly out in the ninth round. The fight took place at a suburb of New York for ,£l,OOO. Slavin undertook to knock his opponent out in ten rounds, and had him practically settled after the third. There is now every probability of a match being arranged between Jackson and Slavin at an early date.

We have received a telegraphic communi? cation from our special correspondent at Danevirke, stating that the fight between Robert Matthews and Ellis was won by the former in two rounds on a foul. , A boxing champion Tournament for gst 81b men and under, has been arranged by the Secretary of the Zealandia Boxing Club, to take place on Wednesday next the Sth inSt, nominations for which close with the Secretary or Mr. Rodwell tomorrow evening. The prizes are two very handsome Silver Cups for the rst and 2nd respectively, and are on view in Paltridge’s the tobacconists window. Frank Burns the champion feather-weight has been appointed instructor of boxing to the Zealandia boxing class, which is now being formed by Mr. George Rodwell the lessee of the boxing rooms. We also understand that he (Rodwell) has in contemplation the formation of a gymnasium, particularly for the instruction of club swinging, dumb bell.exercise etc. The Zealandia Athletic Hall on Monday evening was crowded in every part to witness the Grand Boxing Tournament for the benefit of Sid Barnes, champion light-weight, of New Zealand. There was some delay in making.a start, which was done by two small boys, who had a grievance to settle, and had been caught that afternoon by the manager hard at it with bare knuckles, and, persuaded by the aid of the toe of his boot, they decided to finish it with gloves. They were allowed four rounds, and a collection of 8s yd was thrown to them in the ring at the conclusion. Campbell and McKenzie then sparred four'three-minute rounds, and Percy Paltridge and Bolliver did likewise; although the latter was the most interesting bout. Mr. “ Dick ” Sandall then announced that although Frank Heath had often expressed a desire to meet Jack Nicholson in a match, and had been offered every facility in the way of stakes by him (Sandall) Heath had expressed. his pecuniary inability to bind the match, and had faithfully promised to box Nicholson six rounds for Barnes’ benefit, but had failed td put in an appearance. In Heath’s absence Campbell and Nicholson had a three round bout, and after two lads of about 14 had a turn Messrs. Sandall and Barnes made their appearance, and were greeted with a hearty round of applause. After being announced to box four rounds of three minutes, they immediately set to work. Those who had previously seen Sandall in his match with Kirby, were immediately struck with the vast improvement in the man, while they were equally pleased with the manner in which his pupil (Barnes) acquitted himself. We venture to say that such a good display of scientific boxing has seldom, if ever, been seen in Auckland, and the audience thoroughly appreciated it. Something good was expected from Sandall of course, but few expected Barnes to acquit himself so well as he did. Just before the last round Sandall announced that his party were prepared to back Barnes against any lost man in New Zealand up to The management deserve every credit for bringing to a successful issue a most deserving benefit.

FOOTBALL. i? The Vice-President of the City Club is very sanguine that his club is about the strongest. The new Grafton District Club are already taking active measures to ensure the success of their Club. Meetings have been held at Hawkins’ Queens Hotel, and Caulton’s Central Hotel, to arrange details and elect members. The Graftons should prove a strong Club. J . The Athelics won the Wellington Senior Football Championship, Petone second, and Poneke third. The Junior Cup was won bv Melrose, Pioneer second, and Selwyn third. The Gordon 11. and Native Rose Football Clubs are endeavouring to arrange another match, to be played at Potter’s next Saturday, the losers to pay for a dinner. Zealandia put the University B. down recently in Sydney, McCausland, the skipper, doing all the scoring, obtaining a try and kicking a goal from the field, making 7 points to nil- .

The Native Rose Football Club have been invited to a friendly match at Quartzopolis, and the Natives have a meeting tomorrow night, to fix a date etc. The new district football clubs comprise the City, Ponsonby, Parnell, Grafton, North Shore, and Suburbs. The following are the winners of the "Rugby Union Cups, since they were inaugurated: — SENIORS. Ponsonby 1885 Grafton 1888 Grafton 1886 Gordon 1889 Ponsonby 1887 Ponsonby 1890 Ponsonby 1891 JUNIORS. Victoria 1885 Selwyn 1888 Nelson 1886 Athletics 1889 Ponsonby 1887 Ponsonby 1890 Native Rose 1891 The City football club are practicing at the Zealandia R.ink for the forthcoming district matches. The Native Rose v. University match was played at Potters paddock last Saturday, and resulted in a win for the former by 8 points to 1, Carr (2), Farquhar, Harvey, and Tracey, (1 each) scored tries, and Golding potted a goal from the field. Amongst the forwards Richardson, Rodgers, Harvey, and Thomas, played.best, while Golding and Symon were the pick of the backs, especially the last named who’played a splendid game. While Goldie and Smith played well for University. By winning the match against University last Saturday, the Native Rose F. C. carry off the Rugby Unions Junior challenge cup and caps for 1891. During the season they have not been beaten; and their record is a very good one, they have played 7 matches, won 7, lost o, drawn o, scored 56 points, having 9 points scored against them.

MISCELLANEOUS. Ferris, the Australian bowler playing with the Marylebone Club against Nottinghamshire on June Ist at Lords, took six wickets for seven runs, the first innings for Notts closed for a total of 21. In the second innings he took five wickets for 25 runs. The Marylebone Club wbn by an innings and 37 runs. The ground was very treacherous and Ferris’ bowling was unplayable. Murdoch has been playing a little with Lord Sheffield’s team, but there is not much chance of his being permitted to play for Sussex until the two years qualification of residence has been complied with. There is however a chance of the rule being altered. We take the following condensed report from . the Sydney Referee. When Searle the gallant youthful champion of New South Wales was stricken down with death, all Australia and in fact all the English speaking community appeared to be overcome at his untimely end. Promises upon promises were made to the effect that his remains should be fitly interred, and that the memory of him should be kept evergreen by the erection of a monument. The good intentions of the hour soon died out, and the deceased was as soon forgotten. Recently a gentleman who had visited the champions last resting place wrote to the Referee strongly denouncing the untidy, disregarded, and delapitated state of the grave, sufficient time has elapsed to permit of a denial that such is the fact, but nothing has been heard of it and it therefore must be considered as true. That Searle did yoeman service for his country no one can deny, so surely those who first came forward should respond to their promises, and raise a sufficient sum to cover the expense of haying his remains hidden from the gaze of sight-seers who may be attracted to the spot out of mere curiosity. The race between T. Sullivan late of Auckland New Zealand, and Dutch, a-side, came off on the Paramatta river on June 29th. Sullivan received 5 secs start, at the mile post he was leading by three lengths, having done the distance in smin igsec, the fastest time on record, from this point Sullivan began to draw away; passing Putney in the fast time of Bmin 18 sec, at Caberita he was leading by 7 lengths and had the race at his mercy, just before passing the winning* post Sullivan eased up, finishing well within himself in iBmin 41^-sec —the astest time on record. Dutch rowed a good stern race, but never had a chance. Sullivan was favourite at 2 to 1 on him.

Miles, who finished fourth in the recent go as you please match on the Zealandia grounds, ought to have been much closer up, if he had made his run a little sooner, as he over-lapped several in the last twenty minutes. In connection with the above event we may state, that several of the competitors have called on us, and expressed a strong desire to again try their “ metal ” over the same course “go as you please ” for 1 hour, and we have arranged with Mr. Simpson to meet those who are desirous of entering into such a contest in a sweepstake, at the Zealandia Grounds on Monday evening next, to arrange details. The nominations for the Zealandia Sheffield Handicap close this (Thursday) evening at the Grounds. Between 30 and 40 competitors are expected for this event, which takes place on Monday next, it includes a number of runners who are coming out with renewed confidence in the present management, and the fairness in which the recent Sheffields have been carried out. Novice Handicaps will follow at an early date.

“ ■ Names.' til 1st 15m. Daps Covebed 2nd 15m. 3rd 15m. 4th 15m. Hdcp. Laps. Totaj Wilson ... ... 28 29 26 29J , 4 1164 Oliver ... . . ... 28 28 ,26 30 20yd. 4 116 20yd. McGuire ... 27 28 27 26 5 113 -Miles X..., ... 25 25 26 29 7 112 frost t!... ... 27 27 27 23 7 111 '■Niccolson ... 25 24 26 26 6 107 Tidmarsh ... 23 24 27 26 6 106 McDermott ... 24 S' 23 25 28 5 105 The undermentioned did not complete the hour— McAnteer ... 29 28 27 15 4 103 •Bailey ... ... 29 28 3 — 3J 63J Jones ... .:... 21 25 10 ——- 6 62 Smith ... ... 22 — — 2i 24J