WELLINGTON

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1295, 18 February 1915, Page 11

WELLINGTON

Porirua Team Probably Visit Australia—Merry Guy’s Smart Performance at New Plymouth — Katua Changes Hands—Latest Arrival at Porirua—Dannevirke R.C's. Approaching Meeting. (From our own correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Monday. Much sympathy is being expressed in sporting circles generally at the death of Mr. Walter Manning, who, for some years, has been in possession of the Family Hotel at Otaki. The deceased was a well-known sporting identity, and was very popular with all who knew him. He succumbed to a complication of internal troubles, and his death removes one of the most genial residents of the Manawatu line. He leaves a widow and family, who have the sympathy of a wide circle of acquaintances in their sad bereavement. "W. O’Halloran has deferred his return visit to Melbourne until the conclusion of the approaching Wanganui meeting, and meanwhile he is

in readiness to accept engagements for the present month’s racing. Mr. Mason, the veterinary surgeon, of Hawera, recently fired St. Luap, and the gelding is still in work under C. Millen’s guidance at Normanby. The vet’s, work was keenly appreciated by Millen, who is under the impression that the horse will be seen under favourable auspices during the present racing year. It is quite within the realms of possibility that the Porirua trainer, Mr. J. H. Prosser, will take a team to Australia in the near future. If the trip eventuates, the horses to go will be Pavlova, Gold Soult, Goldstream, and a couple of hurdlers. With such an array of galloping talent, Mr. Prosser should fare well in hj> proposed visit across the Tasman Sea.

A. McQuilkin, at Palmerston North, is fast getting Seaweed into racing trim in view of the approaching jumping season. The horse is to be a competitor in the Century Hurdles at Wanganui in May next, and if his showing warrants it, he will receive a thorough preparation for the Grand National Hurdles.

Mr. G. Hume, of the Wairarapa, is the new owner of Martian Princess

(Martian—Two Step). The mare is bred on galloping lines, and a change of training quarters may be followed by a change of luck. D. Webster, at Otaki, has Kina, Alecto and Lauderdale fast getting into racing condition. With the three horses named the genial “Dug ’ is under the impression that they will bring some prestige to his establishment during the next few weeks. C. Monk, the Feilding lightweight, is riding in excellent form this season. He has already won two cups, viz, the Stratford Cup on Sweet Van, while he steered Leapuki to victory in the Foxton Cup. As he can go to scale at the handy impost of 6.12 his services should be in keen demand by owners during the next few months. The well-known Taranaki sporting enthusiast, Mr. T . Knowles, or “Tommy,” as he is familiarly known to his small army of friends, recently suffered a severe loss through the destruction of his hotel at Opunake, together with the whole of the contents. The loss was not nearly covered by the insurance, and naturally Mr. Knowles is a very heavy loser.

He has received many messages of sympathy in the trouble that has overwhelmed him. Mr. E. G. Malley, a well-known Wellington sportsman, who is closely associated with the progress of affairs at the Hotel Cecil, won a race at the Taranaki meeting last week with Merry Guy (Merry England — Delusion), who annexed the Waitara Hack Hurdles (1% miles) in a very convincing manner. The distance was left behind in 2min 47 2-ssec, an exceedingly smart performance. In Merry Guy, the genial “Ted” has a horse that should assuredly prove useful in jumping events during the present racing reason.

During the progress of the first day at the Taranaki meeting last week the Obligado gelding Katua, belonging to Mr. W. Lisle, of Stratford, was sold very cheaply to Mr. L. Jury, of New Plymouth, for £3O. At the price Katua should prove a very payable investment.

M. McDonald, the Porirua horseman, is in receipt of a letter from the well-known rider, W. Ayre, who is now with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Egypt. In a long epistle “Bunny” states that he is having the time of his life, and he and

his co. soldiers were looking forward to a brush with the Turks. The latest arrival at Porirua is a half sister to Pavlova by Rokeby (imp.), who was bred at Mr. Reid’s stud at Elderslie, near Oamaru. The youngster is built on galloping lines, and appears assured of a prosperous career.

J. McKinnon, employed by D. Webster, the Otaki trainer, recently broke an arm through being thrown from a horse. The injured member was set at the Wellington Hospital, but some time must elapse before McKinnon will be well enough to follow his occupation. Mr. J. E. Henrys’ adjustments for the first day’s events of the Dannevirke Racing Club’s autumn meeting, which is set down for decision on March 3 and 4, appeared well up to time. Bertrada appears well treated in the Cup, as does Imarose. The two horses named are faring well in their training work at Awapuni, and they should soon be ready to give a good account of themselves. Tangihou, who is under orders for Dannevirke, is doing well under F. J. Carmont’s care at Levin. The gelding has improved out of all knowledge in his galloping powers recently.

Lady Frisco (Sir Frisco —Lady Gwynne) is fast getting into concert pitch under F. J. Carmont’s watchful eye at Levin. The writer selects

this filly to gain some prominence in the near future.

The writer last week paid a visit to Mr. J. H. Pollock’s residence, where he found the veteran handicapper being subjected to electric massage by his son, Harold. Mr. Pollock is improving in health from a nervous breakdown, but under the treatment being accorded him there is every probability of him making a complete recovery. Mr. Pollock’s many friends will welcome this intimation.