JOTTINGS FROM WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 224, 8 November 1894, Page 9

JOTTINGS FROM WELLINGTON.

[by

PROTEUS.]

The weather at present is capital for those engaged in out-door pursuits, being warm and dry. I notice many yachtsmen busily employed in putting the finishing touches to their craft before launching them, whilst several yachts are already in commission. The Mimia, perhaps better known to old Wellingtonians as the Florence, has had several feet taken oil her mast. I am not certain whether she is to be raced this season ; if so she will require extensive alterations to be able to compete with vessels of a more modern type—such as the Rona and Maritana. Speaking of the latter reminds me of the neat little pamphlet I have just received from a member of her crew. It is an interesting account of the yacht’s cruise last February, made up from the log. The Arawa Sailing Club held its annual meeting last Thursday evening. This club is making rapid strides in the acquatic world, and before many seasons are over should possess a fine fleet. The Wellington Rowing Club’s members are training for the club’s races, which begin shortly. The wearers of the “ Pink” last year had the luck very much against them as regards regatta -winning. They expect, however, to give a good account of themselves this season. We have a swimming club now, and it is a most active institution. It’s about time something was done to encourage this fine exercise, and I hope the new club will thrive. The members of the committee are regular “ deep sea fishes,” who will make a big splash before allowing the new venture to collapse. Wellington Cyclists held a procession on Wednesday evening, the occasion being the opening of their new club room. The wheelists looked very

well as each carried a Chinese lantern on his machine. The Mayor opened the room, and in doing so congratulated the club on having secured such a neat apartment. He rubbed it into the boys about riding fast in the streets. 1 suppose they thought it fatherly advice a,.d worth listening to if not important enough to act upon. His Worship said that cyclists should always warn pedestrians and be ready to dismount. The latter remark fairh tickled the “ Safety Brigate,” they of course there and then declared they’d attend to these necessities. I haven’t seen one do so yet —I narrowly escaped being run down while turning a c .rner—the risers maxim is evidently to run one down first and dismount after. The Wellington College Athletic Sports eventuate on the college ground on the 16th inst. The green has been well looked after, and should provide a good running track.' I noticed Jack Hempton last week having his sprinting muscles. There is some talk of his going South. Whether this is his intention or not I cannot definitely say. It is almost a certainty that if leave can be obtained he will be a competitor at the Championship meeting at Napier. Physically, I consider Hempton is at present bet 1 er than he was this time last year.

L The programme for the summer meeting of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club contains ’ —looyds Maiden, 100yds Handicap, 100yds Junior Handicap, 350yds Handicap, 440yds , Handicap, Ladies’ Bracelet, Half-mile Handicap, One Mile Handicap, Three Miles Handicap, One Mile Walk, 120yds Hurdles, Handicap High ’ Jump, Handicap Long Jump, Handicap Pole, Jump, Putting the Weight (161 b Handicap, Half-mile Bicycle Handicap, also Two and Three Miles Handicaps for ciclists. The meeting promises to be the best yet held by the club, which has over 250 members mostly active, and several more are expected to join for the meeting. I . fancy Wellington will make a big bid for the banner at Napier, although Canterbury has a hungry eye on it. The Southerners are not to be despised, and whatever beats them will be indeed a strong contingent. A few months ago there was some talk of organising an Amateur Athletic Club in Blenheim, but I am informed the proposal has met with little response. Theatrical Notes. Mr Allan, the well-known caricaturist, has been commissioned by Mr Tom Pollard to go to Christchurch and prepare a litho of “ The Forty Thieves” pantomime. The Pollards’ season in Wellington resulted in very good houses being experienced, especially in the case of “ Olivette.” This opera seemed to charm the public, and it was kept on the boards two nights longer than originally intended. Miss Mitchell was in the title role. Miss Maud Beatty’s acting was the subject of favourable comment, and her a-sumption of Valentine was one of the best representations I have witnessed, considering the yomli of the performer. Her Ralph Rackstraw, in “ Pinafore,” also came in for considerable kudos. A letter received by me from Sydney the other day states that Miss May, the talented pianist, has just passed successfully through an operation for an affection of the eyes. Miss May’s New Zealand friends will be pleased to hear of her recovery.