Our Sports Summary

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 36, 3 September 1924, Page 33

Our Sports Summary

DEATH OF AN OLD SPORT. A special message from Christchurch to the Dunedin Evening Star, under date August 25, states: The death occurred at Nazareth House on Sunday evening of. Mr. Patrick Butler, at one time one of the best known trainers of racehorses in New Zealand. For many years past deceased had taken little active interest in the preparation of horses fo*> the racing track, but at one time he was known from one end of New Zealand to the other as a most astute judge of horse flesh, and as a trainer of such great horses at The Agent, Manton, and Liberator. Manton was only one of the great racehorses owned by Mr. Butler. The Agent was a wonderful steeplechaser. In 1879, with 12st, and in 1880, with 12st 71b, it won the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase, and under 12st 61b in 1884 repeated the performance—a feat that has not been equalled by any horse in the history of the race. Artillery, who won the Canterbury Cup in 1886, and.Crackshot who won in 1890, were another pair who helped to set the seal on the fame of one of the greatest trainers New Zealand has ever known while the victories of the racecourse idol, Liberator, in the Grand National Hurdle Race of 1894 (under 12st 61b), the Great Northern Hurdle Race of 1895 (under 12st 91b), and the Great Northern Steeplechase of 1895 (under list 12lb) all pay tribute to the ability of the deceased sportsman. For Liberator Mr. Butler paid £soo—a very large sum in those days, but his judgment was borne out toy the gelding's subsequent form. Mr. Butler rode with success in the South Island against the leading horsemen of the day. He was also well known as an athlete many years ago, being great at the hop-step-and-jump, while he could be depended upon to rattle over 100yds in less than Usee. SCHOOL FOOTBALL IN AUCKLAND. The boys of Vermont Street Marist Brothers' School are to be highly complimented on their great victory .in the football field (writes our own correspondent, under date August 21). For the fifth successive year, they have carried off tho lightweight schools' championship—an honor which redounds greatly to the credit of the school. The other Tuesday they met Kowhai school in the final for the lightweight championship. Keen interest was centred in this match as the opposition was a formidable combination. The first half was very even, the. Vermont Street boys only secured three points. The second half sparkled with many exciting incidents and brilliant play, resulting from the splendid combination of the Marist boys which finally ended in their favor by 14 points to nil. This team has played 13 matches, won 13, scored 371 points against their opponents and did not have a point scored against them. Such a. splendid achievement is unique in the annals of Dominion football, and can be truly claimed as a wonderful performance that has not been eclipsed in Australasia. The Brothers deserve the greatest credit for such a phenomenal athletic record, and Brother Oswin must be mentioned for his studious , care and attention in achieving such outstanding results. FOOTBALL IN HAMILTON. MARIST SCHOOL'S SUCCESS. Although only established in Hamilton about two years the Marist Brothers' School has already made its presence felt not only in spiritual and scholastic spheres but on the Rugby football field (writes our own correspondent, under 1 date August 19). Under the instruction of their able coach, Rev. Brother Calixtus, the school's football fifteen proved easy winners of the Hamilton Primary Schools' Championship against the six other primary schools of town. • As the roll number in at least two of ; these institutions is about ; four times that of the Marists the winners' performance is all the more creditable. Marists still further enhanced their reputation on Saturday last when 'they" defeated the Morrinsville primary school in the final 'of ■'•the Gwynne Cup competition "for the championship of the* South Auckland district. The com-

bination and general team work of Marists was a revelation of the high standard of excellence to which, skilful coaching can bring the present day boy. Their concerted movements .would have done credit to a "senior team, and it was evident that graduating from this school future Marist old boys Rugby teams will be able to give a much better <: account of themselves than they v doing in this town at present. To digress, the present Marist old boys senior team has : simply 1 had to drop out of the competition. No less than eight players who really should be playing for Marists have been members of the City Club (the winners of the competition during the last two years) for some considerable -time. Disheartened at this lack of support the Marist men have withdrawn from the competition and are now- giving their attention' to the second grade contest. They look forward to the future, however, when the boys at present attending the Marist Brothers' School will grow up and- don the green and white jersey— none of them will go back on their old school —to represent the Marist old -boys as they are represented in the other centres. NOTES FROM .W AIM ATE. (From our own correspondent.) August 23. The football season in Waimate is nearly over, only a few "rep" games remaining to be played. A new addition of worth to football in Waimate —in the person of Mr. Boland — his debut on Thursday, playing with the Waimate representatives in their match against Kurow, his play being of a very high standard. He will be a tower of strength to the Marist team next season. An interesting match was played last Thursday on St. Patrick's school-, ground between a team from the Morven Convent school and St. Patrick's school before a large crowd of spectators. A fast "open game ensued in which both sides threw the ball about, and both gave a very bright display of football; St. Patrick's team eventually winning by 9 points to 8. The Morven Convent team has played two matches this year against the Morven public school, winning the first in fine style by 17 to nil. They also, won the return match by 12 to 0. The Marist Ladies' hockey team'journeyed to Timaru last Saturday to try conclusions with Stafford. After a fast and interesting • game in which Marist had hard luck in not scoring, the game' ended in a draw. On Thursday a match was played on Victoria Park between Marist and 1 Star, which proved very fast, Marist winning easily by 7 goals to 1. . . N A basket ball team from the Morven Convent school came to:Waimate last Thursday to play the girls from St. Patrick's school. A very interesting game ensued, resulting in a win for the local girls by 24 goals to 6. — <tfX> IRISH REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION, WELLINGTON A largely attended meeting of the Irish Republican Association was held at the rooms, 98 Manners Street, Wellington, on the 17th ult. Mr. Bray, (vice-president) occupied. the chair. A lecture was delivered on "The Truth about the Mutiny in the Free State Army." At the conclusion of the lecture a number of questions were asked and interesting discussion ensued. The chairman stated that they now had a large sum in hand for the "Save St. Enda's Fund," and urged all present to contribute.