ATHLETICS, ETC.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 53, 30 July 1891, Page 8

ATHLETICS, ETC.

The committee appointed by the professional runners met at the British Hotel on Monday afternoon, the 20th inst. Mr. Simpson, junr., attended to give any information required regarding the Zealandia Athletic Grounds. Mr. P. Quinlan asked if it had been fully decided to hold the Sheffield Handicaps at the Zealandia Bink, and was informed that that was the original intention, and he withdrew from the committee in consequence, saying he considered the Domain was the proper place, and it could be had at ten guineas a day.

A match has been arranged between “Hoppy” Jackson, and “ Wobbley ” Tucker, over 100yds, for £2 aside, to take place next Monday.

The committee decided to adjourn, and refer the matter to a full meeting of the members. This was held in the same hotel on Wednesday night, when there was a large attendance of members and others. The above matter was fully discussed, and it was decided unanimously to adhere to the previous decision, to carry out the Sheffield Handicaps on the Zealandia Grounds, and have one big meeting for general events in the Domain annually. Messrs Morrison (Royal Mail Hotel), T. Foley (Shakespeare Hotel), H. Grattan (Masonic Hotel North Shore), and Wm. Houston (blacksmith), were added to the committee. A large number of influential names were handed in as members of the new club, the success of which is now fully assured.

The record for hand vaulting over a fence is 7ft. sfin., made by C. H. Atkinson, in America in 1884. Charlie Richardson, a well known and popular athlete, has arrived in Auckland from Wellington, having been transferred to the Railway Department here. He is a son of the Hon. E. Richardson, for so many years minister of Public Works. Charlie may be expected to take a prominent part in athletic matters generally. Frank Slavin is coming out in another line to relieve the monotony of boxing. He has been matched against Charles Rowell, to go-as-you-please for 200 hours.

The highest running jump on record, is 6ft. 4in., by W. B. Page America. The highest standing jump is sft. 3in., by J. W. Byrnes Australia.

The result of the last Sheffield Handicap held on the occasion of Mr. Tom Collins benefit, on the 20th inst., was unavoidably crowded out of our last issue. The first round left in Cummings, Cole, J. Roberts, Carter, Forgie, Rodwell, R. Keenan, Clark, Heath, Miles, Wilson, Pye, S. Woods, and D. Keenan. After the second round R. Keenan, Clark, S. Woods, and J. Roberts remained. Heath did not start* The final resulted : —Clark 1, R. Keenan 2, J. Roberts 3. Tom Collins was the starter, but did not appear to advantage in the role. Messrs Laxon and Burns were the judges And there were between 200 and 300 spectators present, who enjoyed themselves skating and dancing, to the strains of the Austrian string band.

In the Novice Handicap, run on Saturday evening, the final resulted: —Johnson 1, Tidmarsh and Pye a dead heat for second place, and they agreed to divide. Sammy Goodman and Wilson are both doing steady work on the Domain for their forthcoming match. Wilson particularly is going well. The second deposit is due on the 15th August, and the full amount is to be put up on the 12th September. The race takes place on the 26th September, and is already causing considerable speculation. Linden informs me he is willing to run any man in Auckland 100 yards for £zo if the match is made within a fortnight, as after that time he intends to retire from the track.

Slavin has never yet been knocked out. He fought a draw with Jack Burke in July 1889, but Slavin’s friends say he had all the best of it.

Instead of being disappointed over his defeat in the big Sheffield Handicap, Jimmy McDermott feels quite proud of his performance, especially since the unearthing of Wells, the gumdigger, who is now known to be Clark, who beat Hutchins, one of the best sprinters in the world.