COURSING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 849, 14 June 1906, Page 10

COURSING.

(By “ The Judge.”) THE NORTH N.Z. COURSING CLUB’S INAUGURAL MEETING. Through the courtesy of Mr. C. R. Tapper, hon. secretary to the North New Zealand Coursing Club, I was able a few days ago to inspect the new enclosure at Otahuhu. Mr. Tapper drove me out, and then showed me over the ground. Considering that the whole thing has been done by a few enthusiasts, who have given up their holidays so that the enclosure might be formed, it is astonishing how very complete are the arrangements. Older grounds no doubt have something more elaborate to show in the matter of a grandstand, which, however, will be improved later on, but with this exception it is safe to assert there is not a betterarranged ground in the colony. Everything possible has been done to ensure good coursing, a special feature being the proper care of the hares. Judging by the number I saw on the ground and the lively way in which they travelled, it is evident the dogs will have to be very smart to do much working, let alone effect a kill, and I anticipate the mortality will be very slight. A high stand has been erected for the judge in a position which commands the whole ground, while the slipper’s box is provided wfth doors, a novel arrangement which should assist that official considerably. Plentiful escapes have been provided, and the hares schooled as to the nearest way to safety. The first meeting will be commenced on Saturday, when a special train will be run to Otahuhu, which is a minute or two’s walk from the ground, while there will be plenty of brakes out to the ground. Mr. F. W. Coombes, who has acted as judge for several years past, will again occupy that position, while Mr. Brennan will act as slipper, which means that this will be well done. In the event of fine weather there should be a capital attendance of the public, for the sport is very exciting, and there are no long waits as is the case on a racecourse. The draw did not take place until Wednesday night after we go to press, so I am unable to publish the list.

As far as I can hear, the nominators will be represented as follow: — S. Bright, of Panmure, has two maiden dogs in his kennel, a white and black dog by Springwater —Lavender Water, a second season one and a particularly nice one. His other is a 14-month-old one by Magnitude — Lady Dashward. I fancy Sam will pin his faith to the rightly-named one, Lagoon. Ex-Secretary Joe Taylor has also two strings to his bow, the black and white dog Magistrate (Crown Solicitor —Amythist), who has already failed in his two essays at Wellington. His other is a red puppy dog by his old favourite, Pedisolida. * * * * The hard-working enthusiast, George Stevens, will, I believe, be served by an importation from the Bathurst (N.S.W.) district, and will be worth watching. * * * * The nominations of Mr. W. C. Griffiths will come from his own old strain, which the astute William has had for well over twenty years, and whose kennel was a household word when his famous Caradoc and Mystery blood were in evidence. * * * * Mr. George Mills tells me both his bitches are on the accident list, but I have that before the convincing day they will be both got right for the fray, as George is quite an acquisition to the game. * * * * W. Wilson, of Sol and steeplechase fame, is, I am pleased to hear, another convert to the longtails. * * * * Mr. J. Coulson,’s maiden candidate for next Saturday is a big black dog by Puzzle out of a Forestry Lad bitch. * * * * The luck of coursing was fairly demonstrated at the late meeting held at Christchurch, when the highlypriced Diamond Aurum, who was lately purchased by that successful courser, Mr. H. W. Davies, was so easily put out in his first course by the Springwater bitch Pick-Me-Up. Diamond Aurum was heavily backed to win the stake right out, and on the night previous to the running was a 2 to 1 favourite. I may say that the

stake was won by Sockburn, a nonfancied one. Backers should always be careful of maidens, as they generally number amongst them something strong.

There is one pernicious habit prevailing amongst a few of the coursing fraternity, and that is of raising malicious rumours against dogs that are nominated by their fellow coursers, who, if he can afford it, often buys a dog with the hope of winning a stake, and, much to his disgust, finds that it is reported his purchase is a “ ring in.” The result is simply that he has enough of the maligning coursers and gives the game best.

The concluding rounds of the Waterloo Cup meeting, which terminated on Friday last at Dunedin, resulted as follows: —

WATERLOO CUP (winner £55, run-ner-up £2O and a pair of slips, third dog £lO, two at £5, four at £3 15s). — Fourth round: Erin’s Pride beat Diamond Bob, Pleasant Days beat Greenwood, Merry Boy a bye. Fifth round: Erin’s Pride beat Merry Boy, Pleasant Days a bye. Final: Messrs. Carter and Jackson’s Erin’s Pride (by Domino — Britannia) beat Mr. J. Flynn’s Pleasant Days (by Better Days—Princess May) and won the cup.

WATERLOO PURSE (winner £l5, runner-up £7, third dog £5, two at £3 each). —Third round: Gold Band beat Dentist, President beat Faugh-a-Bal-lagh, Jack of Diamonds a bye. Fourth round: President beat Jack of Diamonds, Gold Band a bye. Final: Messrs. R. H. and J. W. Price’s Gold Band (by Gold Lnk—Fanny Parnell) divided with the same owners’ President (by Megaphone—Federation). WATERLOO PLATE (winner £l5, runner-up £7). —Second round: Nine of Diamonds beat Erin, Kilty beat Brunette, Bugle Call a bye. Third round: Bugle Call beat Kilty, Nine of Diamonds a bye. Final: Mr .G. Keighery’s Nine of Diamonds (by Duke McPherson—Ace of Diamonds), beat Mr. F. Sibley’s Bugle Call (by Major Booth — Songbird II.) and won the stake.