JOTTINGS FROM WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 84, 3 March 1892, Page 1

JOTTINGS FROM WELLINGTON.

[By

Wire.]

Wellington, March 2, One of the finest exhibitions of swimming held in Wellington was witnessed last Saturday at the Wellington Rowing Club’s Annual Swimming Sports. The absence of wind, and the water being calm, added greatly to the success of the afternoon’s proceedings, which were watched by three hundred spectators. The members of the club served afternoon tea, an acquisition which was appreciated by the ladies. Mr. J. L. Williams was the starter, while judging was divided between Messrs. Patterson (captain J.R.CO and S. Waters. .“’The first event was the Handicap Race of 75yds.—Whitehouse, losec, 1 ; G. S. Hill, 2 ; J. Gamble, 3. Whitehouse won by half a yard. There were ten competitors. Coxswains’ Race. —D. Plunkett, 1 ; T. Dix, 2 ; C. Dix, 3. A good race ; won by a yard. The “winner swam splendidly. Headers. —W. Sim, 1 : H. Dix, 2 ; G. S. Hill, 3. The winner’s headers were perfect in every respect. Wellington Rowing Club’s Championship of 440yds.—A. Tattle, 1 ; G. S. Hill, 2 ; J. Fleming, 3. Hill took the lead from the start, but when half the distance had been rowed Tattle overhauled and passed him, winning the race by imin. Time, umin. Sea-horse Race. —Sergeant, 1 ; S. Dix, 2 ; Eales, 3. It was a long time before the competitors could understand the principles of the propelling power. Sergeant, however, was the first to get away, and won as he liked. Greasy Pole.—Gamble, 1 ; Lister, 2. The other 15 competitors were unable to remove the flag from its position. 150yds Open Race.—Hill, 1; Tattle, 2; Cooper, 3. This race was exciting and evenly contested, the competitors all reaching the water together, Hill eventually winning on the post. Long Dive. —Kilner, 1 ; Rotherham, 2. Kilner gave a fairly long dive, but did not steer a straight course. Rotherham’s dive was much admired by the spectators, and great was the surprise when it was known the judge had awarded Kilner first place. Rescue Competition.—Cales, 1 (44300) ; Rose, 2 (sisec); Hill, 3 (55sec). The competitors were placed at a distinct disadvantage owing to the dummy holding too much water. The proceedings terminated at 6 o’clock, the visitors being well pleased at the courteous manner in which they had been treated by the club

(By

“Proteus.”)

Wellington, February 27. By the crowded house which greeted the opening piece—“ Hamlet ” — of Mr. Bentley’s season, it was easily seen that the Wellington theatre-goers are not backward in appreciating good dramatic talent. Mr. Bentley is undoubtedly the best Shakespearian delineator that has visited Wellington. His representation of Hamlet left nothing to be desired. His conception of the melancholy Dane is in nearly all points a novel one. but his interpretation of the character is masterly and scholarly. From the start to the finish the audience showed their appreciation of his characteristic display

of Hamlet. At the end of the second and third acts he was recalled, and also at the end of the performance, the audience lastly giving vent to their feelings with loud cheers. The leading lady of the company is Miss Hansen, who sustained the part of Ophelia. This charming young actress created a favourable impression by her acting, which was quiet and unassuming. Miss Deorwyn, Mr. Chas. Holloway, and Mr. L. McGowan, who impersonated the respective characters of the Queen, Claudius, and Polonius, have visited Wellington before —the other members being new to Wellington play-goers. They' are all first-class actors. Mr. A. C. Greenaway' sustained the part of young Laertes admirably, and the Ghost, by Mr. C. Alderson, was a splendid representation of that gloomy object. The tragedy was well mounted, and the characters were correctly costumed. The orchestra was under the able conductorship of Mr. Frank King.

The match between the Rival and Phoenix Clubs was concluded on the Basin Reserve last Wednesday' evening. The Rival’s second innings closed for 35 runs, leaving the Phoenix victorious by' 158 runs. Virtue, of the Phoenix, was “dead on” with the leather, he alone taking five wickets for 11 runs. The Rivals cannot be complimented on their efficiency in the cricket field. Perhaps it is due to the sameness which the first eleven is noted for.

THE HAWKE’S BAY CUP.

(by OUR NAPIER CORRESPONDENT.)

Rather an important adjustment has just made its appearance in the shape of the handicap for the Hawke’s Bay Cup, to be run here on the 17th March next. When there are forty horses engaged in an event such as. this, the task of the weight allotter is rendered somewhat difficult, and it requires more than a cursory glance over his production on the part of the turf scribe for him to be able to ascertain the inequality of the handicapping, if such exists. There are to be found hundreds of people the wide world over who glance at a handicap on its appearance and say. “ Oh ! I can pick it in twice,’’ but in the majority of instances it turns out that his selections never accept, or are conspicious in the race. Mr. Evitt’s handicap for the Hawkes’s Bay Cup requires careful study, and that says a great deal for the compiler. The winner is at present well concealed, but when a large proportion of that number are weeded out, and we have the results of the Dunedin and Wanganui Cups to go by—the former has not been run as I write this—the task of selection will in all probability be rendered more easy. I do not fancy Merrie England, St. George—Rupee, with 9st 31b up. I do not doubt his ability te stay a mile and three-quarters, but there are others with less weight to carry whom I prefer. Cynisca, Apremont —Nautilus, must have a show if she shows her partiality for such a journey in the Wanganui Cup. If she runs well in that race she will have a host of supporters, but if she wins her penalty may stop her here. Last year she couldn’t win in Wanganui, but beat Dudu at Hastings. On that occasion, however, the daughter of Somnus—Fame had to make her own running, for the pace at the

start was too slow. Orackshot, Nordenfeldt Punga were were, is not to be relied upon just now, and I think Boulanger, Grand Prix—Fleurette, is held safe by Cynisca, who has only to concede him five pounds. Cruchfield, Cadogan Puriki, I think has too much weight in Bst 71b, and if he wins at Dunedin must be put out of it by his penalty. After her win at Egmont, Whisper, Albany — Tell Tale, is bound to have a host of admirers here, but she will have to have as good a rider on her back as she had on the coast to have a show at the finish. It is just questionable whether Krina, Foul Play—Katie Fergusson, who meets her on nine pounds better terms (of course the distance is shorter than at Egmont, but Krina was going very strongly a quarter of a mile from home), and Retina, Apremont —Iris, who ran third at Egmont, have not got a better show of beating her at Hastings. Krina’s win in the Waimate Handicap in good time shows her to be a real lady. And now with regard to Retina I want to point out a peculiar piece of handicapping. Mr. Evitt allotted Mr. Martin’s mare Bst 21b in the Wanganui Cup, and after she ran third in the Egmont Handicap, in the fastest time on rcord for that course, he gives her 7st 51b at Hastings. I shouldn’t think she would start for the Wanganui Cup when she has 1 libs less to carry over the same distance in the Hawke’s Bay Cup. Mr. Martin’s mare must have a show at Hastings. Prime Warden, Apremont —Miss Kate, is well looked after in Bst 61b, but he is a good horse, and cannot be trifled with by handicappers. Although Morion, Captivator —Madcap, has improved a great deal of late, I think a mile and three quarters will find him out. Fraternite, The Dauphin —Sissie, however, is such a good colt, and runs so consistently that one cannot leave him out of his calculations. He must run a big horse—we will see how he performs at Wanganui. The distance seems rather far for Kotuku, Musket—Maid of Athol, who has won a couple of mile and a quarter races and a mile and a half at the Park, but could not get a place in the New Zealand Cup, which she started for with a postage stamp on her back. Rosefeldt, Nordenfeldt —Bose d ’Amour, will be one of the few local animals we will have to depend upon to keep the money here. She is a real good mare when well. Dolosa, Leolinus — Lure, is too uncertain, and no reliance can be placed on Recluse, Daniel O.’Rorke—Voltarina, but my opinion is that he he is coming back to form again. Free Lance, St. George—Becky Sharp, has three pounds more than when he won the big handicap at the Park, and I will have him on my side. I have no fancy for King George, St. George— Strenua ; Kulnine, Cadogan — Caprice ; Lochness, Ingomar —Albatross ; or Captain Webb. Natator —Fame; but the latter is practically an unknown quantity. Thame, Sword Dance—Lady Mersey, is not so good as Free Lance over a journey, and after the display of Patchwork, Robinson Crusoe—Patch, on the other coast, he must be passed by. We now come to Pani, Merlin—Lady Grey, who is said not to be the horse he was, but nevertheless he last season won a mile and a half race at Poverty Bay with 9st up in fair time, and was just beaten at the following meeting by Wakatipu, The Drummer — Corisande, in another mile and a half race, when he had 9st 71b in the saddle. Of course the company was not of the choicest, but as he has now only 7st 31b to cary, he is not to be despised whether he is well or not. The Dreamer will not find it a congenial task to gallop over such a long course, and I scarcely think Turehu, Ariel— Pearl, or Hakimana, Ariel — Waewaehapi, who are stable mates, good enough Huerfana, Vasco di Gama—Sydney; Pearl Powder, Captivator—Pearl Ash ; Crown Jewel, Bundoora —Miranda ; Lochnagar, The Painter —Mayfly ; Whimsical, Cadogan—Caprice ; La Petite Fille, Sou-Wester —Lady Grey ; She, Daniel O’Rorke Equation ; Link, Mute • Swiveline; and Ranne Nuna I will pass by. Maid of Lome, Lord of the Isles—Marie Antoinette, one of the best hacks we have had here, but she made a poor display when she went into better company at the Park. She won a mile and three-quarter race the other dav at Danevirke with Bst 121 b in the saddle, and consequently may be considered to have an outside show now with 6st 101 b. Seraph, Albany—Helena, won a mile and three-quarter race at Waipawa recently, and may be classed

as another outsider. An animal that ought to have a good chance is Coalscuttle, by King Cole —Florence, who, with 6st 101 b in the saddle, ought to carry a lot of Auckland money, and I confess to a weakness for Major George’s nomination. Torpedo, by The Australian, will no doubt be a starter, as he has carried big weights, some times successfully, over various distances, and has now 6st 121 b to carry. It may of course be said that he is outclassed ; but then one does not know what the field may be composed of when the day arrives. Kapua, who is Rosefeldt’s stable companion, will be an acceptor, and will assist Rosefeldt in her task. Out of the forty weighted I select Cynisca, Fraternite, Retina, Krina, Pani, and Torpedo, as the most likely to supply the winner.

AUCKLAND SWIMMING CLUB.

The seventh annual aquatic gala was held in the Auckland Graving Dock on Saturday afternoon, under most favourable conditions in respect of weather, attendance, competition, and excellent management. Of course the absence of Bailey and Duthie was noticeable, but that we have other good and improving swimmers was indisputably shown by Saturday’s performances. Hunter’s Band rendered some excellent selections, one of the best being an “ extra” Schubert’s serenade.

At 2.35 p.m. ten started for the Novice 1 ooyds Handicap, a splendid field out of eleven entries. A good race resulted in a victory for O. 4sec; J. Crozier, 6sec, 2; J. Drummond, 6sec, 3. Time, imin 25sec. 2. Boys’ Race (under 12), 50yds.—All the four entered started, three being at scratch, one of whom (W. Diamond) won a close race by about two feet from E. Kenny, 2sec. Nolan and Mays a dead-heat for third place. 3. Ladies’ Bracelet, 1 ooyds, 24 competitors in 3 heats. — Ist heat : H. N. Corsar and E. S. Gittos being the only starters, swam over the course. 2nd heat: Seven started, and a fine race resulted. A. Upton, 1; J. Crozier, 2. The scratch man Bailey swam gallantly. 3rd heat: Five out of eight started, Brook, issec, winning easily. Scott, isec, swam a plucky race under the handicap, and secured second place, just beating G. A. Crozier. Final heat : The first and seconds in the three heats contested a good race for the first 60 yards, when C. J. Brook, drew away, and won easily from J. Crozier, issec; M. Scott, isec, who again swam well, 3rd. 4. Boys (under 16) 80yds Handicap.—An exciting race was won by about four feet by P. Drummond, ssec; J. Carder, izsec, 2; C. Frankham. scratch, 3.

5. The Plunge Handicap proved a most interesting event, W. Dennison (owes 5 feet) showing grace and skill, and winning comfortably with a straight and clever plunge ; C. W. Dalton. 2 ; J. W. Gittos, 3. 6. Boys (under 14) 60yds Handicap.—All six started, and a well fought race resulted. P. J. Bailey, 4sec, 1 ; J. W. Phillips, scratch, 2 ; G. Nicholson, 2sec, 3. Time, 6osec. 8. Neat Header. —W. Dennison was facile ptinceps. g. Breast Stroke Handicap 50yds.—Seven started, J. Taylor, ssec, winning a fine race by half a yard from W. L nnison, 4sec ; F. Burgess, scratch, 5. Myers and the other scratch man also swam well, and finished close up. 10. An extra not on the programme. A fine Newfoundland dog entered the water, and caused great laughter by his antics, especially when attempting to climb over the floating spar. On his emerging from the water the crowd scattered to escape a copious sprinkling which the dog impartially dispensed. Ij. Onslow 150yds Handicap.—Decidedly the best event. There were fourteen starters, and a pretty sight it was to see the gay colours flashing through the water under the brilliant sunshine. A splendid race resulted in another victory for C. Brook, issec; J. Drummond, iBsec, 2; A. Upton, i4sec, 3. 12. Blindfold Race, 50 yards.—J. McLeod and E. Gittos were the only starters. Shortly after the plunge Gittos’ bandage came off, and in adjusting it he lost all chance of winning, J. McLeod finishing an easy first, both competitors striking the wall on opposite sides. 13. Seven started for the Back Race, which resulted : J. McLeod, 2s, 1 ; J. Pelham, ss, 2 ; and E. S. Gittos, 4s, 3.

14. Four pairs started for the Crocodile Race of 30 yards, Gittos and Carder winning a comical race, with Bow and McLeod a good

second. 15. Quarter-mile Handicap.—Seven started, and a grand race was won by H. N. Cossar, 655, beating M. Scott, 20s, who swam a magnificent race, by five yards, J. Cassidy, 435, 3. 16. The Royal Mail Race was won easily by the Ponsonby team, viz., Gittos, Warnock, Pollock and Cossar. At about 4.30 p.m. news of Bailey’s victory in the 100 yards Championship at Christchurch was received with satisfaction. Nicholson was ready to attempt to lower Baileys 75 1_ secs, but as Mr. St. Clair was absent the intention was perforce abandoned. We must award high praise to the officials and Committee for the excellent way in which this most successful meeting was managed.

COURSING CHATTER.

• By

Contango.]

The yearly meeting of the National Coursing Club was held at Dunedin on the 25th inst., when the Christchurch Plumpton Club affiliated with the Dunedin Club, which I am certain will tend to give coursing a much firmer hold than it has previously held. With two such powerful Clubs running these meetings so as not to clash with one another will give the followers of the leash a much better chance with their dogs than they have ever had yet. I am glad to see that the Dunedin Club is still to be the head centre for registration, and also that the Waterloo Cup of 1892 is to be held at Christchurch Plumpton Park grounds, the same week as the Grand National race meeting is held, when perhaps the Union S.S. Company might give the sporting public of the North the chance of an excursion trip to witness two such great sporting events. It must be gratifying to the coursing community of the South to know that they are going to have such an old patron and true lover of the longtails —Mr. D. M. Ross —as their judge, who for the last two years has not taken any active part in the coursing arena, his time being taken up in a higher sphere—namely, as having been Mayor of Timaru for the last two years. Once again has Colonel North’s canine wonder won the great blue riband of the leash of 1892. Fullerton must now be stamped the greatest greyhound ever slipped, as no other dog has ever placed themselves in such a position as to win the English Waterloo Cup three times in succession ; in fact, he has seen the end of the last four Cups. In the year 1850 Mr. Cooke’s f and w bitch Cerito, by Lingo out of Wanton, won the Cup, and again in 1852 she secured the much-coveted prize once more; also in 1853 she for the third time won the Cup. Then it is not until the year 1868 that the great Master McGrath commenced his sensational career by winning the Waterloo Cup of that year and also the Cup of 1869, and like Cerito was not placed in the following year, but in 1871 he simply romped through the Cup of that year, and no dog was ever better known than the great Irish favourite, Master McGrath. This last brilliant performance of Fullerton’s excels all his previous essays, and stamps him the greatest wonder ever seen behind a hare. The following is his pedigree :—

Fullerton, Bd. Dog.

A meeting is called for at the British Hotel this evening, at 8 o’clock, for all those interested in coursing, when it is to be hoped there will be a large attendance, to show by their presence that the lovers of the leash are not yet extinct.

At Hunter and Nolan’s sale on Friday last, the colt Lord Ravensworth was knocked down to Mr. T. Morrin for 90 guineas.

£ o • M Contango Bed of Stone M § O W « • 02 55 O cq Sir Robert H 55 ◄ Lizzie N Ptarmigan o -< g * Gallant Foe GQ <! Pm Eh 3 0 a H Countryman s Fawn and white bitch, owned by Mr. Covell, got by Willie Wylie, £ out of Miss Johnson