ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 818, 16 May 1910, Page 7

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

v FOOTBALL. % : * ■ ..',;■ iTHE RUGBY TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. r . ITS STRENGTH AND POINTS.. TJnusual interest was manifested on ■Saturday evening in connection with tho eelection of the Rugby team to represent r New , Zealand in Australia next mouth. Altogether there were eighty-four players . v nominated for positions in tho team, so it will bo seen that tho selectors—Messrs. Harris (Dunedin), Wilson (Christchurch), and Gallaher (Auckland)—had no light task.. Exactly what was tho guiding 1 principle in connection with the selection of the team has not transpired, but as only a few games havo so far been ; played this year it is evident that great reliance must have been placed on the , form shown by nominees last season. XFpon the whole the selectors have chosen .' -a powerful combination in every regard, .-.. . excepting the five-eighths division. A ' pleasing feature in connection with its i composition is the introduction of,: some new blood, but it is doubtful if the 'selectors have gone far enough in this , direction. ■■. List of Nominations. Following were the nominations from the : different unions:— Wellington.—F. Roberts, F. Mitchinson, 'A. Evenson, H. M'Leod, , Matheson, Jas. Eyan, T. Walsh (backs); J. Tannahill, . "Banji" Wilson, T. Rapson, J. Moffatt, S. Avery, G. ITKellar, Elliott (of iPoneke), (forwards). Auckland.-F.. Wilson, J. ' O'Leary, G. Murray, E. Morse (backs); Francis, Cunningham, Herring, Tyler, Hayward, IJl'Guire, and Nicholson (forwards). - South Auckland—L.-Smith, S. Darby ((backs); J. Truseott (wing-forward); G. {Alexander and D. Turner (forwards). ; ,- Taranaki.—B. Dive, D. Cameron, L. B. (Stohr, H. Mynott (backs); J. CnVwley, ,Tamu, and Pini (forwards). Wanganui.—L. Meuli (back) and W. tDnstin (forward). ' i Manawatu.—W. Winiata and M. Carroll. ' Hawko's Bay.—H. Smith, G. Lewis, W. JKenyon, and W. M'Ewan (backs); D. . i-Evans, P. ,Soullin, J. Downing, and W. . iXhrow (forwards). |. Horowhenua.—W. C. Coote (fiveteighths). ■ ■ ' . Wairarapa.—R. M'Eenzie (forward); N. tM/Kenzie (back).- • , Bush District.— J. J. Robinson (forward). Marlboro'ugh.—C; Manning and J. O'Brien (backs); H. Webster and R. 1 (Forbes (forwards). Buller.—Corbett, Todd, Nolan (for- ■..---. wards); Green, late of Petone (half), Colvin (three-qnarter). West Coast.-L. Bligh and W. Sotheran (forwards). Canterbury.—Fryer, Fuller, Mitchell, Cleary, Gray, Burns, Weston (backs); ' llenzies"and Bain (forwards). s South Canterbury—D. Scott (full- ■ back), G. Bradley (three-quarter), Roger (wing-forward), A. Budd (forward). Otago.—Paton, Patterson, A. Mitchell, and Ivimey (forwards). Southland— J. Ridland, A. C. Miles, : J. M'Neece (forwards), B. M. Stead (back). '-• Selected Backs.

OXeary (Auckland), Wairarapa,. Auckland, and North, Island representative. Cameron (Taranaki), Taranaki, North Island and New .Zealand representative. Hitchinson (Wellington), Wellington, North Island, and ; New Zealand representative. . Fryer (Canterbury), Canterbury, South Island, and New Zealand representative. Fuller (Canterbury), Canterbury and South Island representative.' Mynott (Taranaki), Taranaki, North Island, and New Zealand representative, and original "AH Black." ■ E-oberts (Wellington), WellingtonsNorth Island, New Zealand representative, and original. "All Black." Eyan, Jas.. (Wellington), Wellington representative... ..... , .... Burns (Canterbury), Canterbury, South Island, and New Zealand representative. Selected Forwards. / Herring (Auckland), Auckland , and North Island representative. Patbn (Otago), Otago and South Island representative , . . . ' Kidland , (Southland), Southland and South Island representative. M'Guire (Auckland), Auckland representative. Blyth (West Coast), West Coast and Buller and South Island representative. Francis (Auckland), Auckland, North Island, and New Zealand representative. . Patterson (Otago), Otago, South Island, and ( New Zealand representative. Ivimey (Otago). Otago representative. •Mitchell (Otago). Otago representative. Wilson, "Eanji" (Wellington), Wellington and New Zealand representative. Hay ward (Auckland), Auckland and New Zealand representative. A Glance at the Backs. It will be seen that the leading active backs of to-day have been included in the team: To many, the chief surpriseirill be that Mynott has been, given a place. One great fault about the Taraaaki "All Black" is that',be is not keen ibout going down to rushes—an' essential qualification in the case of a five-eighth. If ho had been overlooked and a smart ( back like his colleague Stohr picked it would surely have been an improvement. Mynott, it will be remembered, was not selected for any of the three "tests" against the Anglo-Welsh team in 1908, nor had he a place in the inter-Island contest last season. What has ho sincedone that his claims should be favoured ? None of the players seem to have be«n specially chosen for the position of fullback, although more than one is well Qualified to act in that canacity. In this connection it may be mentioned that .many were of opinion that O'Brien, of Marlborough, would be the successful aspirant for that position. If rumour bn correct that O'lcary' is somewhat "off colour" his place might have been given to Evenson, who ■ could be relied upon to justify his selection in th« position of full-back. No complaint can be found in regard to the. three-quarter-line, which should prove especially strong in the attack. Cameron, Fuller, and Fryer are. a powerful trio, but the probabilities are that Fuller will ba played at five-eighths ' and Mitchinson-put at centre. Of the fiveeighths Mynott has already passed under review and there remains O'Leary who ;s not suited for the position, and Jas. Eyan who would make a better full-back. It would probably prove the strongest combination if Burns were played at half and Roberts and Fuller played at fiveeighths in front of Cameron, Mitchinson, ■ and Fryer on the three-quarter line, and Eyan at full-back. Eugbyites will be especially glad to see Eoberts again representing New Zealand. In Burns the team possesses another fine half-back, but he lacks the same variety of play. Fine Set of Forwards. Turning to the forwards one will see that the Otago contingent of nominees have all been selected. And every one is well worthy of a place! There are Patterson and Paton who could not posaibly have been overlooked, together with Ivimey, who is a slashing wing-forward, and Mitchell who is reported to be a good all-round forward. Auckland also has four representatives in this division, but also they include no "All Blacks," which may be a good thing—for New Zealand Ilugby. Tyler, Cunningham, and Nicholson, three members of the famous team which visited the Homeland in 1905, were nominated, but the selectors nave, favoured younger players. Of the Auckland contingent Francis is the "star" and if he is in form he should considerably enhance his fine reputation. Hayward represented New Zealand against the Anglo-Welsh team in the third "test," whilst Herring is a fair frontranker, who played in the inter-island contest , last season, and M'Gniro is the burly forward who mode such a grand impression in the Auckland-Wellington hattie Inst year. Wellington was successful trith only one of its nominations in the forward division. The lucky player is "Eanji" Wilson who has done nothing wonderful so far this season, but is exFctod to play himself into top'form* this regard it may be mentioned that great deal of comment was occasioned

when.it was learned that Bruce hp.rt not been nominated. Some-may think that Wellington has been badly treated in regard to the selection of tho vanguard, but the fact remains that none of tho other local forwards are anything bettor than any of tho successful aspirants for positions in the team. Of the other members of the combination there is Ridland, of Southland, who is a promising frontranker, and Blyth, of the West Coast, who lias already earned considerable distinction in the snmo'capacity. If the New Zealand' forwards do not acquit themselves well it will come as a great surprise. Programme in Australia. As far as can be gathered the matches which will be played by the New Zcalanders in Australia are as under: June 11—New Zealand v. New South Wales. June 15—New Zealand v. New South Wales. June 18—New Zealand v. Queensland. June 22—New Zealand v. Queensland. June-25—New Zealand v. Australia. B CITY MATCHES POSTPONED. Bleak wintry weather, accompanied by rain, swept tho city on Saturday forenoon, and both the Rugby and Association executives, seeing no chance of the elements abating in violence, were reluctantly obliged to declare all matches "off" for the day. IN OTHEfI CENTRES. (By TcleirrapK—Press Association.) Dunedin, May 14. The Rugby football seasun was opened to-day in typical winter weather, a keen south-west wind blowing with frequent rain squalls. The results are closer than have been known for some time in local Rugby circles.i In thp senior grade City beat Grafton by 9 points to nil, the points being scored by R. Magee, who kicked a penalty goal, and Montgomery, and Estall, who scored tries. Marist Bros, beat University by 6 points to 5. Tobin and M'Donald scored tries for tho Marist Bros., and Wilson scored and converted a try for University. Pousonby beat Parnell on . the call of time by G points to 3. For Ponsonby, M'Gregor and M'Donald scored tries, while for Parnell Hardwick got across. Dunedin, Afay 14. Senior Rugby football matches were played this afternoon in almost incessant rain:—Alhambra, 3 points, beat UniveTsity, nil; Southern, 22, beat Union, nil; Kaikorai, 11, beat Pjrates, 3; ZingariRichmond, 7, bent Dunedin, nil; Port Chalmers drew with Taieri Rovers, S points' each. Wanganui, May M. In the Kaierau-Pirate senior game, -Pirates won by 5 points to 3. Pirate juniors beat Kaierau by 15 to 5,. and Kahganui juniors defeated Matariki by 9 to 3. The senior, game Wanganui y. Eastern resulted in a.win for the former by 18 points to 3 (6 tries to 1). Eastern had sligliily the best of things in the first spell, scoring a try to nil, but early in the second half they lost the services of' ono player, and thereafter went to pieces. W. Dowe, a Kaierau player, had a leg broken. Christchurch, May 14. No football or hookey matches were played this afternoon, the authorities having decided to suspend competitions till after the funeral of Edward VII. MANAWATTJ MATCHES. GOOD GAME BY KIA TOA. (By Telecrauh.—fioecial UorrcßDondenM Pa|merstoh North, May lb. The Rugby Union's championship competitions were continued on the Show Grounds on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large-number of spectators. Interest centred in the senior match between Feilding and Kia Toa (Palmerston). On the previous Saturday, Feilding had beaten the Palmerston Club by six points to throe, and it was generally thought that Kia Toa would also easily go down before the redoubtable Yellows. The Blacks, however, put up a fight that surprised their most sanguine supporters, and the game ended in a draw, each side scoring a try and a penalty goal. Tho game was fast right through, and there was some quite brilliant play, both combined and individual. Feilding was much heavier forward than their opponents, but Kia Toa held them well, and secured the ball just as often from the pack. The latter's passing was better than that of l"cilding, but the Yellow backs kicked with more judgment, and saved their forwards a considerable amount of hard work. Taken all through Kia Toa had rather the better of the game. Pirani scored the try for Feilding from a rebound off a high kick, and M'Ewen secured tho Blacks' only try from a scrum close on the Feilding line. Thr- other senior match, Palmcrstnn ngainst Old Boys; resulted in an easy win for Palmerston by 21 ijoints to nil. Old Boys have had some difficulty in getting a senior team together and, considering that this was the first game for most of their players, they made a fairly good stand.

In the junior division Pnlmcrston second disposed of Linton by 33 points to 3, but' the ganip was not by any means so one-sided as the score would' indicate. The country players at times made things rather warm for the opposing side. With a littlo more practice and combination the Linton team will give a good account of themselves before the competitions are through. Kin Toa second beat Old Boys second by eleven points to three. WAIRARAPA EVENTS. (By TelceraDh.—Special Corresnondem.' Carterton, May 15. The Wairarapa Rugby Union championshin fixtures opened yesterday. Carterton seniors met Gladstone on the Show Grounds here and. after a fairly even contest, won by the narrow lnnrgin of thres points. The try was obtainen within a few minutes of the call of time from a splendid pass by Groube to N. MTvenaio, who scrambled over the line followed by thi> onposing players. The win is described as a lucky one, for ifKenzie was running close to tho line all tho time, nnd was keeping off opposing players. Mr. E. M'Kenzie was referee. In the junior championship Daleiield had an easy u-in against Cnrtorton on tho local ground by 6 points to nil. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. (By TcleEraph-PrcFa Association.! Dunedin, May 14. Association results to-day:—Northern 3, City nil; Rnvensbourne 4, Roslyn Waikari 1; Mornington 2, Maori Hill nil.

HOCKEY.

MEN'S eSNIOK MATCHES. HEAVY DEFEAT FOR Y.M.C.A. Victoria College 10, Y.M.C.A. 2. Wesley 5, Metropolitan 3. Karori 2, Wellington 0. The Wellington Hockey Association was the only body that ventured to play their Cup matches on Saturday, and despite the fact that heavy rain fell at mid-day most of the men's events were played in fine weather, although the grounds were very slippery. After a fortnight's spell, the majority of the men were decidedly below form, and Y.M.C.A. suffered severely, chiefly owing to two of their best forwards 'being absent. They were decidedly "off colour," . and they were badly beaten by Victoria College. The form shown by them was below that exhibited in their first match this season, when tho crack United team only defeated them by 4 goals to 1.

COLLEGE, 10; Y.M.C.A., 2. This match was played on No. 2 ground, tho men finding it hard, especially the. heavy-weights, to keep their feet. . Right from the start College forced their opponents back, and, considering the state of the ground, play was fast and fairly open at first, but a lot of patchy work was indulged in after a while. Holmes, for Y.M.C.A., warded off the first attack, and his side made a dash towards tho College goal, but this was repulsed, nnd the College left-wing thereupon tried a shot, but the ball went to the left of tho goal-mouth. Collego pressed on, and this time Collie (in goal) for Y.M.C.A. was knocked over like a nincpin in trying to save. From a free-hit in Y.lf.C.A.'s favour, play returned to mid-field.

Subsequently, from a frep-lut for College, tho leather passed over tho gpnl-liiie in Y.M.C'.A. quarters. The Greens seemed anxious for n goal, mid Bogle took the ball from a scramble, but missed his shot at goal. Parton and Wheatley (Y.M.C.A.) here set up a splendid passing rush, but were beaten by Xibblewhitc and Griffiths. Shortly after, bowover, Pnrton passed to liculon, tho lallor securing a goal. I—o. Piny was nowpatchy, though slightly more open, and, oil n frec-liit by Y.M.C.A., College returned play to their opponents' 25, fienton clearing the line. At this stage Parlon was playing splendidly. Y.M.C.A. organised another combined rush, but Kibblcwliilo saved admirably. Y.M.C.A. charged once nioro, the ball passing from backs to forwards, Benton unfortunately giving "sticks" right in front of tho Coilcgo goal-mouth. College returned tlio attack, and Y.M.C.A., becoming muddled in.their defence, Beere was enabled to scoro a very simple goal. Play livened up now, and College, quickly found tho net, per medium of Beere. 2—l. From a corner, A. Parton accidentally kicked tile bnll in his own circle, and from a "bully" play was driven to College 25, the leather, however, again passing ■quickly back, Beere scoring. 3—l. From the "bully-off" in the second spell tho Greens attacked, and Bogle had a cprner-hit. Beere, who was waiting in front of the posts, received the ball, and sent in a shot. 4—l. College continued the attack and Smith shot a goal. s—l. B. Parton here had two fine sprints unsupported; and from a corner in Y.M.C.A.'s favour Hayes, the new man, scored a splendid goal. 5—2. But disaster still lurked on the heels of Y.M.C.A., and Beere shortly increased the College score. G—2. R. Parton later took the ball down field single-handed, but, /after a fine ■ run, College saved. The next incident was furnished by Bogle passing tho leather to Smith, who scored. 7—2. Both sides now attacked alternately, and, from a penalty-corner in favour of College, Smith scored, Collie falling in trying to save. 8-2. The tide of battle was now running very strongly indeed in favour of College, and G. Straclc presently added another goal to an already formidable list. 9-2. E, Parton then tested the capabilities of Taylor (College keeper) after an exciting piece of play, initiated with a splendid run. College, • how.ever, forced their opponents back, and from a free-hit against Beero for off-side play C. Strack sent in a shot, the ball bouncing off Holmes's pad into goal. 10-2. Mr. H..V. Walton.was referee. • WESLEY, 5; METROPOLITAN, 3. The match Wesley v. Metropolitan was played on No. 3 ground. Day's Bay, which at tho present time is tho best ground over there. Still, it was slippery, but, despite this fact, play was fast and open.' Wesley played their best game this season on Saturday, and had the ■advantage throughout. The second spell was decidedly the more eventful of tho two, Wesley adding three goals to Metropolitan's one, the score at half-time reading 2-2. From the "bully-off" Wrigloy' ("Mets.") endeavoured to find the goal-mouth, his shot being returned. Porter, right-half, then received tho ball and scored. Metropolitan,. 1; Wesley, 0. R. Jacobsen (Wesley), inside left, was next to score, and, sliortly after. Metropolitan (Reds), per medium of Johnston, tho right-wing, scored from a very difficult shot—the ball passing into the net off the post.' 2—l. AVesley now kept up a fairly continuous fusilade on their opponents' goal, but without satisfactory results. The spell, however, ended with an additional goal being reeistered by Jacobsen—he having passed the Metropolitan goal-keeptr, Chapman, easily. There was still doubt as to which side would prove victorious. In the second half Wesley attacked frequently, their forwards combining well. Birch, Wesley's right-wing, was conspicuous, and battled hard to score; the Metropolitan goalkeeper however proving equal to all emergencies. M'Kcnzio then led the' way for Metropolitan, and passed to Johnston, the Jatter failing to score. Smith (Wesley), 'inside-right, scored a splendid goal from a corner hit. It was a sudden shot, and deserved to succeed. Wesley, 3; Metropolitan, 2. Birch, rightwing for AVesley. now made a run from half way down the field, and, after eluding the Metropolitan backs, scored. 4—2. Still another goal was credited to Wesley's side, the successful player" being Keys, who was aided by Birch, whilst, on the other hand, M'Kenzie found thp goal-mouth for Metropolitan, the fcoro at call of time reading: 5—3. Mr. Turner controlled tho game.

KARORI, 2; WELLINGTON 0. Wellington, playing one man short, put nj< a good fight against Karori, on Karon Ground. The game was fairly even, and after a spell of uninteresting play, Murphy scored Karon's first goal from a penalty corner. Wellington attacked frequently (luring the second spell, but poor shooting prevented them from scoring. Karori eventually made a combined rush, Murphy winning througli for his side, and securing the second goal. Wellington then attacked, but without suc T cessful results. The Karori forwards put, up a fair fight, and probably wuuld have 6corcd oftener but for the fine defence of the Wellington men. Campbell, Putnam, and Godfrey Davies did good work for Karori, whilst Dobson, Smythe, and Morpeth (keeper) shone out on Wellington's side. Mr. W. E. Southwick was referee. - ' JUNIOR. COLLEGE (8) V. METROPOLITAN, (■!). College had the best of tho first spell, being on many occasions dangerously near scoring. Smith scored first for College, . and then the Eeds (Metropolitan), through the agency of Hitching, levelled up- the score. Brodie and Rutherford scored two other goals for Collego, whilst Collins put on another goal for Metropolitan. College did very much as they pleased during the second spell. Griffiths scored three more goals, Brodie one, and Rutherford ono for College, whilo Muldoon secured Metropolitan's third goal. Mr. Hickson was referee. Victoria College B, playing against T.M.C.A., defeated them by twelve'goals to two. Wlieatley anil Kjtps scored for the losers. College nlayed witli nine men and Y.M.C.A. with" seven. There was also no referee. Wellington defeated Petone by four goals to two. Webley and Hay scored for Petone, who played two men short. THIRD-CLASS. Wellington and Metropolitan played a drawn game, the score being eight all. Huntington (7) and King scored for Wellington, while E. Marshall (3), Jones (2), Rigg, A. Marshall, and Wright were suecessful for Metropolitan. Both teams played without full elevens. Mr. W. Irvine refereed. Government Life Insurance defeated College B by ten goals to nil. M'Clintoch (8), Scott, and Coldicutt were tho scorers. Gregg's defeated Petone by 10 goals to 1. Schulenburg (5), Lawrence (3), Fouhey and Connor, ono each, scored tor Grogg's. LADIES' GAMES POSTPONED. All ladies' hockey matches were postponed on account of the wet weather. IN OTHER CENTRES. <]3v Mecraph-Press Association.) Auckland, May 15. The hockey season, under (lie auspices of the Auckland -Association, was com-, meneed yestorday in wintry weather. A north-west wind was blowing with accompanying showers of rain. 'I. lierc were 40 men's teams and 10 ladies' teams taking part in the senior grade matches. Ponsonby beat Grafton by tlueo goals to nil. United beat St. George's, by three goals to nil. Auckland bent North Shore by nino goals lo two.

The iUanawatu Hockey Association has been obliged to decline- a match with tilt Jlarlboroujli Association, as there is no available dato this year. Tlio Association has grunted Hii> Pnlmerston Technical School peimission to play a match with St. Paul's on June 3, at Palmerston, if the game can be started before 12.30 p.in A challenge from tho Wansanni Association to play a. match on Juiio. 25 was ocoeood.

HARRIERS,

BROOKLYN CLUB: NOVICE EVENT. Tlio inaugural Novice Handicap of tlie Brooklyn Club, which is in its lirst year of existence, was held at the Hutt l'nrk on Saturday afternoon. Thb distance was one mile and a hnlf, and part of the park, which was very heavy throughout the whole distance, was practically under water. A noticeable feature in the race was that every competitor—then: wore ten altogether—wore mourning in respect to tlio memory of the late King. The limit man, K. Murray, HOsec, a very promising novice, held the lead for one mile, but was then passed by i'. Delaney (3sec). Entering the straight, 3(10 yards from home, (.'. Murray (scr.), who ran a well-judged race, passed Delaney, and won by a few yards. F. Delaney beat J. Don by about 20yds. for second place, the rest of the field being close up. Tlio winner, with a little more experience, promises to develop into a first-class mau. A noteworthy fact is that only two members. who entered did not turn up, a good sign for. a young club. , Afterwards the members who were not eligible for the novice event, held' a "go-as-you-please" run over a distance of about three miles of lino cross-country. F. Hodson was the first to reach home, just beating C. Murray (the winner of the Novice Handicap), while F. Delaney (second in the' novice race) triumphed over P. Wilton by a small margin for third place, the rest of the pack finishing close up, with the exception of one member, who was bogged in the mouth of the Hutt River, and had to swim for it. The run next Saturday will take place from the Karori Tearoom, at 3 p.m. On Tuesday evening a committee meeting will be- held at Mr, Philp's rooms, Willis Street.

THE WELLINGTON CLUB. Fifteen members of the Wellington Harriers took part in Saturday's run from the Thorndon Baths. Paving to the unfavourable weather, the N faying of a trail was dispensed with, and a "pack run, with A. P. White as pacemaker, was held, over a distance of about seven miles, chiefly through hilly -country in the Kaiwarra, Wadestown, and Khandallah districts. A run-in saw several changes in the leading positions, and the winner turned up in S. J. Smith, a promising' novice. P. Wilton, and B. Currio fought for second place, and the former only headed Currie at the last moment. Next Saturday, the club's novioe race (2J miles) will be held at the Hutt Park, entries for which are satisfactory. It is expected that a record field will compete.

GOLF.

PLAT AT PALMERSTON. IBy Telesranh.-Special Correspondeut.l Palinerstoh, May 15. The rough weather did not prevent Otaki golfers coming up to Palmerston for the match on Saturday, and their enterprise was rewarded as, soon after starting, tho heavy raiii stopped, and play was quite pleasant. Tho lady champion, Mrs. Bevan, had to lower her colours to Miss Wray, a lady who has only recently joined the Manawatu Club, but who has had a great deal of success in Australia. Mrs. Bovan was not at her best, and it would be a great match between, these two players when the champion is on her true game. As it was, Miss Wray won somewhat easily in 'the end. Only two ladies came up, and ten men, tho local players winning most of the matches. Results:— Mrs. Bevan, Otaki, 0j Miss Wray, Manawatu, 1. Miss Robieson, 0; Mrs. Mellsop, 1. Mr. G. Bovan, Otaki, 0; Mr. A. Barraiul, Manawatu, 1. Mr. A. Winterburn, 1; Mr. Harman, 0. Mr. R. C. Kirk, captain, 0; Mr. A. Strang, captain, 0. Mr. H. Gray, 0; Mr. H. Cooper, 0. Mr. H. G. "Bacchus, 1; Mr. A. Stedman, 0. Mr. Toniki, 0; Mr. P. M'Hardy, i. Mr. N. O'Reilly, 0; Mr. H. Young, 1. Mr. E. P. Simcox, 0; Mr. M. W. Harden, 1. Mr. A. J. Poidevin, 0; Mr. S. Tyerman, 1. Mr. H. E. Abraham, 0; Mr. L. A. Abraham, 1. Totals: Otaki, 2; Manawatu, G. : The monthly medal competition was also played. Tho best cards returned were:—Mr. C. Adams, 97, handicap 16, 81; Mr. L. A. Abraham, 97. handicap 13, Si; Mr. A. Barraud, 81, owe 2, 86. Junior: Mr. N. Waldegrave, 108, handicap 15, 93; Mr. P. Wray, 99, scr., 99. ■ MANAWATU CLUB MEETING. . At a meeting of the committee of tho Manawatu Golf Club yesterday, tho following course was decided upon for the season:—To start from what was formerly the ladies' tee to the . Colonel, thenco to Eden, Totaras, Tiritea, Flag Staff (new hole), Old Mae's, Shotover, Taipo. Butts, New Mac's (new short hole),. Strangs, Cliff View, Riverside. Manna. Monro's, Abraham's Bosom. Mr. Walter Strang, who donated a trophy- for competition, before he left for Home, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr. P. A. M'Hardy has presented a horso to the club for use on tlie links. BOXING. " THE MANAWATU ASSOCIATION. At. a'meeting of tho Manawatu Boring Association, Dr. 3. W. O'Brien (president) in the chair, it was decided to hold the New Zealand championships in the Opera House on July 27, 2S, and 29, the Manawatu open championships being fixed for Juno 29 .and 30; For the latter events medals value .£3 3s. each wil! bo given in each competition. Bantam weights were fixed at Slst, and heavy, middle, welter, light, and feather-weight, contests will be held. The rounds will bo Iwo-minuto bouts. THE BIG FIGHT: RELIGION T. DOLLARS. . By Tolecraoh-Press Assoclatlon-CoDTriunt (Rec. 'May 15, 5 p.m.) San Francisco, May 14. 'In connection with the protests of ministers and others, it is reported that the. San Francisco authorities decline to interfero with the holding of the JohnsonJeffries fight. The seats already booked amount to 230,000 dollars (,£16,000). BOOKING RECORDS BROKEN.

Some of the estimates formed as to the size of the Johnson-Jeffries gate are startling, writes W. W. M'Noughton in the Sydney "Referee." When, a few months ago, Gleuson offered 101,000 dollars for the light, somo of rhe old-timo promoters insisted that "Tex" would never get his money back. Now these samo fellows are wishing they had tried harder to'land the attraction. Coffroth, for one, believes the light will draw 200,000 dollars, whereas, at bidding time, ho did not think one half that amount would be realised. But 200,000 dollars is only n modest guess, as guesses go. I heard a San Francisco lawyer, who has been a light patron for years, give his opinion the other duy that Jeffries and Johnson would draw 250,000 dollars, and T have heard lhat still others have prophesied that half a million dollars' worth of tickets will bu hoW. The one thing made clear by these forecasts is that the whole country is (intensely interested over the July ring event. People who have never talked fight before nre talking it now, and I am wondering what kind of a ferment the public will be in when Independent(! Day moves round. As to the size of the gate, T should think that if it reaches 200,000 dollars it will bo as high as it will go. At that, of course, it would break nil records. CRICKET. A COLONIAL BOWLS WELL FOR OXFORD. Uv Tckcrnoli -Press Asmwlatinn-Rnnvrlclil London, May 13. In the cricket match Oxford versus Kent, P. R. Lo Contour, an Australian, playing (or > Oxford, took five wirkpts for 24 runs. In the- second innings lie secured fiv'o for 18.