Untitled

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1217, 28 August 1911, Page 6

A concession in lKi.kuo.lnnd. a littleknown Af.rir.an country, has been riven to Sir Henry Scnton-Karr, \[ho has gono to Africa on an exploring expedition, .accompanied by Dr. Leslie, the geologist and metallurgist. Jlakualaml is rich in minerals, ivory, gold (lust, ami diamonds, and can grow rubber. Sir Henry will, beside* exploring the territory, engage in elephant hunting and big gauio shootixuu

CRITICISM.

LETTERS BY CORRESPONDENTS. WAS IT SPOKTSMAXLIKE? Under the signature of •"23 to 3," « correspondent writesAs nil eve-witness of the round drubbing given' by the 'cow-country" provincial lvprca-ntativos lo Wellington province on Saturday last, before a pood attendance of apparent sports, I think one of the worst displays of bad t-att-o 0110 could well imagine was shown. There was only oho real outburst of enthusiasm—that was when Wellington's "best cliosca" managed to score "3." At all other times the almosphe.ro was most funereal. As to the bad taste of it, the match was over, bar shouting, from IMS to 5 o'clock, but by 20 minutes to five the grandstand was almost cleared by the Wellington team's admirers slink, ing awny, and a similar oxodns tool; plac« from all nronnd the field. Had Welling, ton province been in tho ascendant tho onlookers would have stayed till tho last, and cheered themselves hoarse. Now, 'J'aranaki, on their opiwnents' ow.n field, completely outclassed and outmanoeuvred (hem—figures spea.lc for themselves—2.l to 3. And only that a few of their "milk-aiid-butter" friends followed 'J'aranaki down, there would have been nobody to e.licer and throw up their hats. No doubt this 23 lo 3 drubbing will causa the North Island selectors to look at Wmljinglon through true-value spectacles. Tho stamina developed by "milk" will have to bo taken well into consideration. "Cow" has been a good friend to Tarannki, notwithstanding tho member for Lvttelton's usscrtion t.lint she is tho cauof dullness and sleepiness in schoolchildren. Saturday's representatives wcro the better spocimons of manhood, and very much' awake. THE SELECTION OF TEAMS. (i Another correspondent, signing himself "A Keen Follower of liugbv," also writes: —If Saturday's football could speak it might say: Taranaki came, saw, and con. quered. .Tust think of it! They beat us, ancl the pity of it all is that wo had material enough in tho city to extend, them. Some may say it is easy to talk after tho battle is over, but manv spoko long before it was begun. Wellington, have relied on their dcfccts of raw material as a test of their prowess. Tho Taranaki team was composed of truly representative players; Wellington was not, aud that is (ho plain, unvarnished truth. The selectors confine themselves' to a few players in the leading teams. Now, since the leading tennis arc made up of a full number of average players, they win, but weaker teams liavo very good players and lose, because these goon players have not tho all-round support necessary to finish their work. May bo the'selectors have sat in the stand and viewed the contests on" No. 1 Athlelio Park, and ignored the efforts and duality of players,. relegate,l to the snV^rtis

iii tlio Taranaki game th» visitors, had every innn fit for tlio position ho hold, and, whether it was 'attack or defence there was nn succession of blunders. Tim Wellington team, on tlio contrary, bad not the typo of player necessary for a, match of (hat description. Did Iho first line or two of defence go down to a rush? Soldom. When Tar.maki cot a passing bout on, did every player take his manf liarely. Tlio 'i'arauaki forwards possessed ''devil," tlio Wellington forwards lacked it, and thereby hangs a (ale. To prove lily arguments that outsiders may lie good in sonic departments, tako the Melrose and Southern forwards. Although light, they hnvo easily held their own against teams of superior combination. These two teams of forwards possess tho "devil" that is iicces=nry for success. Houlihan as a booker is abovo tho average, and, as a general player, ho is of tho Tyler type—a demon to como away from the line-out, a fast follower lip, mid a deadly tackier. Another hooker is to bo found 111 the Melrose team, Snl. livan. Tho two hookers who woro cuj gaged 011 Saturday as players and honk* ers should bo retired. There was no lifo in their work. Did they ever get lh« ball in the scrum 011 Saturday?

, "Jianji" Wilson was out of his plnoo as a. winger. What else could be expected? The man has never played there I;c----foro in his life. Campbell is a big and fast winger that has worried his opponents' backs all the season, and, with a few hints 011 protecting his half, would easily take Walshe's place in that capacity. A man must be accustomed to tho position to play it, and to do it justice. For tho backs it is hard to select, sines the club sentiment predominates. TII9 backs should have been placed as follow: —Roberts. K'Lcod, Bradley, Xlitehinson. This combination could not be beaten e'tlier in attack or defence, Bradley, after Koberts, is our best defensivo back, his line-kicking is superb, and lie is just tho player nippy enough to seizo opportunities. No player who has played pgainst him would deny him a place in any representative team. Kinvig would bo useful at full-back. J. Kyau would do more at wing-threo-riuarter. Ho is too hard to follow playing inside at fiveeighths, and ho does not givo his outsiders the ball early enough to race with,- in an open lield. Evensou would do better as wing-three-quarter, as lie is fast and can tackle and find tho line. Ccok can run (but not far), but cannot: defend. Ho is not a representative foot* bailer.

in the forwards a Dent or Gillespie, or soma tall man who can feed the back* from tho line-out, might improve mat* tors. Among tho forwards J think ai little more "devil" would put matters right. Tlicy do not get their heads down, and dive. In a word, they did not piny football on Saturday, but merely went about their work in a half-hearted manner.

\Ve have here in Wcllinffion the players. Just let us combino fifteen players whn possess defensivo and offensive tactics, and leave out ttio players who CO like a iinsVi in one department and sicken _ in all others. I could go on ad infinitum and prove that wo have tho players, if they are only placed, but perhaps those whoso duty it is to control thesa matters havn taken in the position, and concluded that sonic (lint were tried have been found wantinc, ■ niitl tho moral is obvious, t havo picked a (earn (hat 1 think would hold its own with any team that wna put before it: ■ Full-back, Kim-is; llirop-qiinrlers, ,1. Hvan, F. llitchinfon. Kvrnjon; liv(v eighths, G. Bradley 2nd. H. Jl Leod, lstj half, F. Roberts; wins. Campbell or AshIon; hookers, Houlihan, Sullivan (Melro^e; lock, Sullivan; supports, llolhtt, R. Wilson. Perry. Kins; cineri;eiicies, ,T. 1\ Rvan. Fair?, Gillespie, Bell, Dopt, or M'acfarlnno. Trusting X liavo not cncronchcJ too lnueli on your valuable space.

ELSEWHERE

FORTUNES OF THE MAORI MEN. OTAGO DOWNS TEEM. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Duncdin, August 20. Tho Maori team met Olago at. Ill# Carisbronk ground 10-i!ay bel'oro an at> tendance of about 1000. Tho Maori team at once invaded I ho Blues' quarter?, Iluria failing to kick ft goal from a mark. Macdonald and Cock> rol't were instrumental in taking play to the Maori line, where Patterson dropped over from n line-out Otago, 3—o. Coelu-oft, Millard, and M'Ponald then put in a dashing piece of passing, tho last-named being thrown out at tho corner. Patterson was next in front ol a dangerous rush and struggled over. Kckhold goalcd. 8-0. Subsequently from a frce-kick the Ulues [Hit over a good goal, and tlio first spell ended with Otago attacking. Otago, 11 points; Maoris, nil. Tho second spell opened with splendid passing by tlio Otago backs, M'Pouald racing round and scoring, but, as li» knocked over the corner ting, the try did not count. Nukn now took pluv single-handed to the Pines' line, but bac passing prevented the Maoris troin siw ing, Shortly after Nuiiu and Takaraugi again did some good parsing, and then ljllispn dived over fioni a scramble, Oln"o, U--:!. Assistcd by tlio wind tlio Maoris were nun playing wit-li milch greater dash, hut the Otago forwards were more than- holding their own, and Sutherland passed from Hie scrum to Kckhold, who went over unopposed. Otago, 11-: l. Scott, the linme full-back, was"injured about this lime, and had »r leave I Sin Held, air! Kuip-u-a nl<o had It go off, Peroliiwi hiUligt.helatir's plan and Syniiiiids the lormcrV. The Olago forwards gradually look play lo tho Maori line, and Kckhold shot acress ami scored IT—3. The Hlucs still pressed, alid Molley picked up from a loose rush ami si niggled over. 2W--.1. The Maoris now took a turn at attacking, and Kuku, sunppiuK up tho ball at tho enntro flag,

went right through tho Blues' backs and scored a sensational try near tho posts. Hughes converted. Tho closing stages of the game saw tho Maoris doing most o£ the attacking, tho gnmo resulting:— Otago, 20 points; Maoris, 8 points. WANGANUI BEATEN. CANTERBURY'S EASY WIN, (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, August 20. The ropresentativo match between Canterbury and Wanganui resulted in a fairly easy win for tho home team by 19 points to nil.- The Canterbury forward.? had the advantage in the scrums, securing tho ball without much difficulty, but in loose work and tho line-outs tho visitors quite held their own. Tho passing of .the. Canterbury backs was not too reliable, but, when in possession, they were too fast for their oppouents. At tho start of tho game Canterbury endeavoured to open up' tho play, but good work by the Wanganui i forwards kopt them from making much headway. Eventually Gray got right to tho Wanganui line, but was held up by Phillips, and Wanganui forced. A high kick uy Doell was misfielded, and the local forwards swept down tho field, and Carroll ecorod a try. 3—o. Immediately after the kick-out a good passing-rush by tho Canterbury backs let Millar over in a good position, and Doell kicked a goal. B—o. On tho resumption of play, A. Phillips intercepted a pass, and ran Tight to tho Canterbury full-back, who, however, tackled him safely. Fast following up by the Wanganui forwards had Canterbury in trouble presently, but Millar brought off a good 6ave, a.nd then Morris followed up a "cento-kick" by Gray, and scored near tho posts, Weston kicking a goal. 13—0. Wanganui then ral-, lied, Soutor being prominent for somo good work, but the.r were unable'to sooro though, and when half-timo sounded Ciintorbury wore still defending. At tho opening of the second half a good dash by ttye Wanganui forwards took play to the Canterbury twenty-five, but combined work by Millar, Morris, and Bain put the visitors on the defensive, and, a moment later. Guthrie made a dash for the line, but was pushed out near tho corner flag. The home team kept ,up the attack, and passing between Hasell, and Carroll let tho lastnamed over near tho corner. 16—0. The Wanganui ■ forwards now put dash into their work, and W. Dustin, breaking away from a line-out, ran to the Canterbury full-back, and then passed to Batl-ey, who got across tho lino, . but merely bounced tha ball, instead of grounding it. Passing by tho Canterbury backs again put tbeir side in an attacking position, .and this was followed by a dash /by Hasell, Bain, and Morgan, tho last-named scoring alongside the posts. - Weston., lowover, missed the kick. 19--0. Following the kick-off, Guthrie obtained possession, and beat the Wanganui backs, but lost the ball. Bain, however, backs-d up, and kicked tho ball over the line, but, a* ho wai about to fall oa it, Miller (ooe of his own men) dashed up, and kicked- it away from him. and over the deadball line. In tho closing stages of tho game the Wanganui forwards played' up hard, but without result, tho Canterbury defence being sound enough to keep them (put till timo was called, AT MASTERTON. MANAWATTJ FAKE BADLY. HJy Telecranh.—Pros3 Association.) Masterton,, August 27. The representative Rugby football jnatch, - Manawatu v. AYairarapa, was played on tho old Show Grounds, and resulted in a win for tho latter by 19 'points' to 5.

Prom the kick-off Wairarapa came with a rush, and wero within an aco of scoring, but a player mulled the ball. The homo forwards kept tho play-within the visitors' territory, and Manawatu very eoldom crossed the half-way line. WairaTapa got tho ball from the scrum almost every time, and Groubo reddom failed to pass-out to his hacks. Tho. latter, however, lost . opportunities- % -repeatedly making mistakes, such as bad passes, missing passes, and passing too-late-faults which cost them several tries. At Ua-st,-howe.ver, they succeeded in breaking through tho defence with the hall at their foot, and Groube thea "snapped it up, and scored a few yards outsido the posts. MKenzie -bad no trouble in adding the extra points. Wairarapa, 5; Manawatu, 0: Practically tl\e same performance was repeated shortly after, when Thompson scored in the same place. B—o. 3ianawatu then dashed down the field, and, before one could realise that the gajoe had re-commenced, Ward crossed the lino just outsido tho posts, and M'Ewan easily converted. Wairarapa,, 8; Manawatu, 5. Give-and-take play followed, but presently a kick by a homo back was taken by the Jfauawatn full-back, who ran to tha twraty-fivo line, where ho -was tackled. A- scramble followed, and, after two WaiTarapa men had mulled tho ball, Welch succeeded in passing to Thompson, who ran right in, and scored under-the.posts. H'Kenzie goale<l. A minute after this score, Wairarapa wero awarded a frockick, and Jf'Kenzie goaled.- 'Mamawatu now repeatedly attacked, but failed to add to their score, but a series of scrums eventually terminated in. Brongh scoring near tho corner. Manawatu did most of tho attacking from this stage on. Tho backs played' with better combination, and it- took Wairarapa all their time.to defend their line. Godfrey, Ford, and O'Connor wero tho most successful in tho visitors' back section, and of tho .forwards, Harkness, Ward, and Collis were the pick. ■ • WEST COAST MATCH. ■ Greymouth, August 27. -The represantativo football match, Buller v. West Coast,.was played here yesterday in beautiful weather, and bai'ore a very largo attendance. The game throughout was interesting and evenly contested, and resulted in a victory for tho West Coast by twenty points to thirteen. ' NORTHERN UNION GAME. Elthami August 2G.. A Northern Union game is to be played at Eltham on. Thursday next between a Taranaki team and tho Nelson representatives, who have challenged Auckland for the Northern Union Cup. The Taranaki team has boon greatly strengthened by. a nunibor of fast mein, and a good game is expected. The match is being played at Eltham, to introduco tho jtew game to South TaranakiAuckland, 'August 27. Tho Northern Union football representative match for the English League's Challenge Cup, which was played between. Auckland and Nelson yesterday, attracted an attendanco of fully 5000. The ground was slippery as a result of the heavy rains of tho morning, but, in spit'e of this, play was very fast, .and .the jlrst spell, which ended in Auckland's favour by 13 points to 12, was yery exciting. . Auckland ran over tho visitors in the second spell, and eventually won by .SB points to 12. Rukutni (3), Griffon,(2), Morse, Sprague, Pricker, Waters, anil Harrison scored trios for Auckland, three of which Dunning converted. Cedermau scored two tries for Nelson, and converted beth, while Mason kicked a goal. Wanganui, August 27. The Leaguo -representative match, Wa'aganui and Hawkc's Bay, i was x played here • yesterday before an attendanco of about a thousand spectators. Tho game ended in a. win for tho local men by 22 points to 3. ilawko's Bay wero very weak in the backs owing to four of tho six men being emergencies. Tho forwards, on t'ho other hand, were a splendid combination. Christchurcli, August 27. The collego football tournament opened hero this afternoon, with a game between Wellington Collego and Christ's College. A fast nnd attractive game resulted in favour of Wellington by 21 points to 1.1. The local team opened the scoring carly in tho »ame, Macfarlanc registering a try, which London converted. This was soon equalised by Child's scoring for "Wellington, and Beard kicking a goal, whilo beforo tho spell ended Bailey scored another try for Wellington, which was not converted., Half-time was called with tho eeore standing: AYellington, 8 points; Christ's College, 5 points. Early in tho second half Strang scored for Wellington, but the try was not converted. Hanson then scored for Christ's Collego,- and London kicked a goal, making tho score: Wellington, 11; Christ's College, 10. A second try by Strang (converted by Bailey) was followed by Ilicii&rds getting across for tho homo team,

and London, with a goal, made tho score: Wellington, 16 College, 15. Riqht on tho call of time Hoard scored for Wellington, and Bailey converted, making tho totals as given above. Auckland, 'August 26. The Eugbv football matches to-day resulted as follow:—Marist Old Boys beat University by 8 points to nil; I'arnell beat Newton by 12 points to nil.

ASSOCIATION.

BOYS' REPRESENTATIVE GAME. LOCALS BEAT AUCKLAND. Wellington fourth division representatives defeated Auckland by 2 goals to 1 on the Basin Reserve on Saturday. The crowd numbered aboiit_ 10(10. This is tho first occasion on which' a boys' representative game has been witnessed m Wellington, and, to say tho least of it, tho game was an excellent exhibition. It was in fact a revelation to both spectators and older players alike, and it was certainly an object lesson to some of our seniors.. Following,are the teams:— Auckland (bluo and white)— Goal, R. Champtaloup; backs, C. Kent and A. Ncwcomb; halves, S. Wynyard, L. Bennett, and 11. Douglas: forwards, A. Fowler, W. Chatteris, G. Stewart, D. M'Pherson, and J. Parker. Wellington (black and gold)— Goal. C. Bidmcad; backs, B. Bell and W. Wilkins; halves, E. Boshor, P. Baldwin, and A. J.lacintyro; forwards,. A. Kellaway, C. Temporton, H. Liversedgc, R. Parkin, and E. Guise. ' ■ Mr. H. L. Godber was referee; Game, Described. Immediately after the kick-off Wellington commenced to press, and Guise initiated a pretty passing rush, which resulted in a corner kick, Tho visitors presently transferred play to tho opposite end, but Wellington were not to be denied, and their forwards, combining nicely, immediately rushed tho leather back, and Temperton gave tho Auckland keeper an opportunity to show his skill in saving." The Yellow and Blacks kept up tho attack, but Ncwcomb cleared his goal. Give-and-tako business ensued, birt at length (tho ball being in the vicinity of Wellington goal), Charteris, inside-right for Auckland, put in a good shot, which was followed by two more in quick succession. Bidmead, tho home team's keeper, was, however, equal to tha demands made upon him; At this stago play was fast, and soon Wellington again attacked strongly, and another "corner" resulted. Kellaway, outside-right for Wellington, put in a good shot, and this was followed by ono from Parkin, but both wero without result. Then Wellington wero given • a,' penalty, and Liveisedge put in an exceptionally hot straight one, but Champtaloup, Auckland's goal-keeper, brought off an excellent "save" amidst applause. Up till now Wellington had had much the best of. the game, and still kept their opponents on tho move, but presently from a concerted action on the part of tho visitor's forwards, Charteris enabled to put in an easy shot, which Bidmead should liavo saved, but ho allowed tho ball to enter tho net. Auckland, 1; Wellington, 0. This reverse put now life into tho Wellington team,- and they attacked more strongly than ever. Livorscdge put in a beautiful centre from the • right-wine, which tho forwards should have taken advantage of, but the opportunity was lost, and shortly afterwards hnlf-tima was called with tho, score unaltered.

The Strenuous Spell,

At tho outset of tli9 second spell play was of an even character, tho ball travelling up and down tho field pretty fast. Jiiversedge looked like equalising on one occasion. lie shot the ball .across from tho left, and tho Bluo and Wh'ito "goalie" camo out with tho intention of serving, ■1 D )| s;e d hadly. Tho bpll was almost into tho net, when Newcombo came to light, and brought his side out of an awkward predicament. Wellington con r tinned to attack strongly, and three or four times in quick succession the Auckland goal was in danger. Good defensive play on tho part of- tho visitors''backs,, however, saved tha situation. . Then Auckland got going, and brought plav down -to the enemy's territory, but it was quickly transferred to tho other end, where Livorsedge made a capital opening, and Guise, being handy, took tho ball ou tn, e wing, and shot hard and equalised. Wellington, 1; Auckland, 1. Tho, game now became fast, and furious, each side straining every nervo to gain trfC advantage. Auckland was havcl pressed, and their backs had fc hot time defending. This they did well, until Liversedgo £i£ain managed to get within stri'K*. ing distance. Cliamptnloup saved the shot, but did not clear his Roal-moulh, and Parkin, inside-left, quick to seize the opportunity, landed the leather in the net. Wellington, 2; Auckland, 1. . From now until the end plav was strenuous. Auckland attacked again and again, and should have scored ou two or threo .occasions. Just oil the call of time, Stewart, their centre-forward, put in a rocket shot. The ball hit the crossbar and rebounded into tho field of play. Over-eagerness on tho part of Charteris, •however, lost 'his side a draw, and this niece of play finished "what was one of the best games of Association football seen in Wellington for many a long day. For tho winners, Liversedge and Bosher did excellent service, while Champtaloup, Kent, Newcomb,' Stewart, and Parker were tho best of a very solid team. PLAYERS AT SUPPER. On Saturday evening the visitors were entertained at snpoer bv tho physical department of the Y.M.C.A. During the course of the evening toasts were honoured and musical items rendered. The room was prettily decorated with flags and Chinese lanterns, and the tables tastefully laid out. The arrangements were in tho hands of the Physical Committee and captains of the Y.M.C.A. teams. CHARITY CUP MATCHES. Saturday afternoon saw the opening of the Charity Cup contests. The games were of an interesting character,, the following being the results of the two matches played:— Rovers 7 St. John's 0 Corinthians 3 Wanderers 1 , CORINTHIANS-WANDERERS. In the opening match of tho Charity Cup competition, Corinthians and Wanderers wero tho contesting teams, but, for a cup tie it was a very tamo exhibition, and, in fact, was perhaps the worst seen this season. Plav throughout was very patchy, and absolutely lacked combination. It was only when Ives (Corinthians) pot going that the spectators took any. lnter.est in the proceedings. This dashing centro was having a day out, and was always more or less a sourco of annoyanco to the opposing defence. The who'lo of Corinthians' score is accredited to liim—' a total of three goals.. This is the second time that_ this player has done tho "hat trick" this season. , After half-time Wanderers made one or two half-hearted efforts to score, but what litllo combination they had was effectively broken up by Corinthians' defence. Tho gajne dragged on almost to lime, with Corinthianis in tho lead with three' clear goals. At tho last minute, however, Hughes notched a point for Wanderers. Shortly afterwards the whistle blew for time, and it was a relief to seo tho field cleared for tho boys' representative game. Mr. B. L. Salmon was referee. ROVERS-ST. JOHN'S. Sadly would St. John's first, division team relate the result of their meeting Itovers on Saturday at Duppa Street. Not that the victors were by any uieans brilliant, but St. John's wero hopeless—they seemed as a team to bo unable to do anything satisfactory, and, though they had good chances, they completely failed. Seldom in the first spell did Itovcrs find much trouble in keeping their opponents hemmed in, and when half-time came St. John's had three goals'registered against them, all being "gentle' affairs which should never have beaten St. John's backs. However, they did beat them, and O'Shea (2) and Millar placed Itovcrs in a comfortablo position. The spell was not brilliant, and with tho exception of Shaw and Dick, St. John's had mado a very poor showing. Tho second term was better on bolli sides, and though Itovcrs scored four more goals they did not find their opponents h) inert as in tho first spell. But itovcrs' defence was sure, Duignan and Bradbury being instrumental in keeping Millar and O'Shea -well fed, thus enabling tliem to secure moro goals—tho former three and the Latter one, Shaw led the

way for St. .John's, but.could get litt.lo support except from Dick and Egley. Tho latter sent in one or two good "centre?," hut the other forwards were not up with the play, and so Sliaiv tried to got through alone, hut his shots proved futile, vrliilo Dick's effort struck the post, and eo St. John's opportunities came and went, Rovers winning easily by 7 goals to nil. Mr, E. Wells was referee. .OUT AFTE3 SWIFTS. LETTER FROM PONSONBY CLUB. On Saturday tho secretary of the Swifts Club, "Wellington received a. letter from tho Ponsonby Club, winners of the League championship in 1 Auckland, asking if a suitable date could bo arranged for them to visit Wellington and play our local champions. It is the intention of tho Swifts Club to apply to thoW.F.A. for permission to play tho match, and September 1G is to be tho date suggested. Oil that day Wellington play Canterbury at Christchurch. The Po'nsonby Club contains such players of reputo as tho Ritcliio Bros.. Marshall, centre-half, and Oldnall, Wellington's erstwhile representative goalkeeper. In view of the abovo facts a good game is likely. JUNIOR GAMES, Following are the results of Saturday's junior matches:— Second Division. Brooklyn defeated Y.M.C.A. by 3 goals to 1. Wadestown beat Wanderers by 2 goals to 1. Third Division. Johnsoarillo beat Prijno by 1 goal to nil for tho Henderson Memorial Cup. Schools' League, Marist B defeated To Aro by 3 goals to nil. M'Carthy ?core<l all goals. Roseneath defaulted to Marist A. Other Games. At the Hospital ground on Saturday Tea tried conclusions with Mental Hospital, tho latter winning by 6 goals to 1.

ATHLETICS.

N.S.W. CROSS-COUNTRY EVENT. UNLUCKY WEYMAN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Bee. August 27, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, August 26. The New South Wales Cross-country olwmpionship was run at Randwick today over a five-mile course, partly around the racecourse and partly in tho open country, with vaiious fences, hurdles, and other jumps. T. J. Wood, of the East Sydney Amateur Athletic Club, who won the event last year, .was again victorious to-day. C. Weyman, of tho Botany Harriers, finished second for the fifth consecutive year.

BILLIARDS.

STEVENSON GAINING ON LINDRUM. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Rec., August 27, 5 p.m.) Sydney, August 27. In the billiard match between Stevenson and Lindrum—lß,ooo up, Lindrum receiving • 1000—tho score now stands:— Lindrum, 10,008; Stevenson,, 0000. Stevenson's breaks included runs of 399, 391, and 253.

CRICKET.

ENGLISH TEAM COMPLETE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, August 25. J. Vine (Sussex) has accepted a place in the Marylebono eleven for Australia, thia completing the team.- . ' ENGLISH AVERAGES. (Rec. August 28, 1.15 -a.m.) . London, August 27. Playing for Yorkshire against Northampton, F. Foster took fivo' wickets for IS runs. C. B. Fry heads the batting averages with 67.75 runs' per innings, Mead is second with 51.38; Kinnier third with 49.06; and F. Foster fourth with 43LG3. In the bowling Thompson leads with 15.20, P. Foster (Yorkshire) follows with 19.G7, and Rhodes is third with 23.-13.

LACROSSE.

WELLINGTON-CANTERBURY. {By Telegraph —l'ress Association.) Christchurch, August 26. Tlio first inlorprovincial lacrosso match played in Christchurch took placo this afternoon at the Shove Grounds when Canterbury played Wellington for the Proud Shield. The gamo was fait, aniV always interesting. Lacrosso is young /n. Canterbury but; in Wellington, there are some good strong clubs, so that tb& resuit' of to-day's match was regarded as a foregone conclusion. But, although in tho first spell, Canterbury was clearly .overweighted, tho team showed flashes of brilliancy and, later ou, played with more determination and accuracy. Wellington's passing throughout was good, and their line of attack was usually well' followed with good combination. Can-terbury-showed a tendency to lose posifault that landed them in difficullies very frequently. Wellington ultimately won by twelve goals to two.

LAWN TENNIS,

THE DAVIS CUP AND WILDING'S ATTITUDE.

Some weeks ago it was stated that there was a doubt as to whether Anthony Wilding, now in England, would bo able to come to Now Zealand to' represent Australasia 111 the Davis Cup contest. A confirmatory cable, stating definitely that lie would be unable to come, appeared in Saturday's papers. The news has fallen like a bomb among tennis enthusiasts who can_ scarcely understand tho action of tho New Zcalander. For over a year past Christchurch fought for the big contest to be held in the Cathedral City,' and held out as one of the chief arguments that Wilding—who would bo the solo New Zealand representative in the Australasian team—belonged to Christchurch, which gave the. city a prc-emp-tivo right to the fixture. Indeed, the argument went further—it was stated that Wilding would not come to New Zealand unless tho matches were played in Christchurch, and this, with other arguments of a commercial character, at length prevailed. Now it. turns nut that Wilding is not coming anyhow. An authority on tennis, however, holds out one hope, which leads to tho belief that the last word has not yet be?n spoken as to Wilding's intentions. It involves considerable expense for a player to make tho journey from one side of the world tn tho other to play for the Davis Cup. It is suggested that if the Australasian t/iiion were to guarantee Mr. Wilding his expenses (which would not affect liis amateur status) the New Zealandcr might yet see his way to mako tho trip. What is certain, as far as New Zealand is concerned, is that, without Mr. Wilding, the contest at tho end of December will lo«e a good deal of interest, and will mako the task of holding the cup a difficult one.

BOXING.

In the report of the Wellington Boxing Association's meeting in Saturday's issue, it was stated that, in one of tho preliminaries to the Hannan-Traey match, Gosling would meet I'arsons. As a matter of. fact, however, Gosling is to bo pitted against ltogers.