ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1581, 26 October 1912, Page 13

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

SOME BLUNDER. MALCOLM CHAMPION'S EXPENSES. LETTERS PRODUCED. CUBIOTJS STATE OF AFFAIRS. It will bo remembered that, when the question of sending Malcolm Champion to tbo Olympic; Chimes was being discussed some difficulty arose as to the payment of his expenses. First of all, the Now &aluiid Olympic Council asked Champion if lie would accept an offer to go Homo to tho Olympic tiuincs. Champion replied that he would, but stipulated certain conditions regarding his family. Upon consideration of the conditions, the council decided that they could not entertain tho matter. At this stugo tho W.i!. Olympic Council decided to procure funds i'or tlie purpose of sending Hill, of Auckland, Home, as the sole Mow Zealand representative, The necessary funds were procured, and Hill left for tho Olympic Games. Soon after Champion arrived in Wellington, with a return ticket from Wellington to London. This was after Hill had left, for-Home, Prior tu his' arrival at; Wellington it is undcr- | stood that the Auckland people had made the necessary arrangements for his family. Champion's arrival in Wellington was rather a surprise, tint!, a. few days later, ho left Wellington for Loudon.wituout having been nominated as New Zealand's representative. .When he departed, Champion had in his possession tho sum of JJIO, which tho secretary of the Olympic Council had given him. Whilo ho was on the high seas steps were taken to nominate him to the Australasian Council as New Zealand's representative. Tho N,Z. Olympic Council decided that, before they could nominate Champion, lie must pt:c up cfilOO to cover his expenses. It was consequently decided to accept the guarantee of .£IOO made by the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. Immediately this was done the secretary of tho N.Z. Olympic Council was instructed to nominate Champion to the Australasian Council.

It may be mentioned that, in Olympic Games, New Zealand and Australia rank as one nation, and any nominations go to the secretary of tho Australasian Councils, in Australia. ■ Therefore, Hill and Champion were members of the Australasian team, under the management of Mr. Vicary Horniuiau. Tho*amount deemed necessary for the expenses of Hill and Champion was forwarded by the secretary of the New Zealand Council to the secretary of the Australasian Council, and they in turn had to nominate Champion and pay his expenses out of the money sent by the New Zealand Council. As will be seen by the following letters, there has evidently been some bungle by the Australasian Council, in connection with the nomination and payment of Champion's expenses. It appears as though, had it not been for tho prompt action of Mr. W. Henry, Chief Secretary of the Royal Life Saving Society, Champion might not have appeared at tho Olympic, as ho (Mr, Henry) paid all expenses. - Up till August 26 of this year the sum of has been paid by the New Zealand Olympic Council to the secretary of tho Australasian Council in Australia, in connection with tho expenses of Hill and Champion. Taking into consideration the fact that Champion had been given a return ticket to London, tho New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association is of opinion that their offer of .£IOO was too much, and they have forwarded .£75 to the Olympic Council, asking them to accept that in settlement of their agreement to pay .£IOO.

Letter to Wellington from Christchurch. The following is a copy of a letter sent to the secretary of the Olympic Council, Wellington, by the secretary of the N.Z.A.S.A. at Christchurch:—"A meeting of the council of the N.Z.A.S.A. was held on October 1, whea..tw.oi>JeUer l from Mr. W. He'nry7"dealirtg':".'*with" the question of financing Champion, while representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games, and. tho following motion was passed: 'That a copy of Mr. Henry's letters bo forwarded to tho Olympic Council, Wellington, asking if the £15 paid by the N.Z.A.S.A., was forwarded, and, if so, at what time and to whom.' The letters following indicate that Mr. Henry had to pay out on account of Champion the sum of .£O6 19s. 2d., on or about August 2, a matter of ten weeks after the first payment of ,£SO to your council by the N.Z.A.S.A. My council is of opinion that some explanation should be made by your council, and that immediate steps should be taken to refund the money to Mr. Henry." Mr. W. Henry's First Letter. The following is a copy of Mr. W. Henry's first letter, written at London on August 1, 1912, to Mr. Goldsbury, secretary of the N.Z.A.S.A.:—"Since I wroto to you on June 5, events have succeeded each other rapidly, and I think on the whole you must be quite satisfied with the result of Mr. Champion's journey. He did well in England, and much better in Stockholm, where he swam faster than he has ever done before. It was his brilliant form as a niember of the Australasian team which helped to secure a victory for your representatives in the teams race- Every man had to do his best, and the fact that Champion beat all his own records over 222 yds. (he did tho distance under 2min. 33sec.) niado tho victory certain. In the other events lie took part in, he found some hot ones. No one seemed to have a chance against the Canadian, George Hodgson, for whenever ho had a mind to, ho beat previous world's records, and,thus won the 1500 and 400 metres events.

"Owing to the illness of longworth, who had a very bad ear, Champion had to take his place. One time there was doubt in Mr. Honiiman's mind whether he was right in entering him (Champion), but my argument that he was making his position for the teams race more secure in case one should fall ill prevailed, and in the end it was acknowledged that I was right.

"Everything went smoothly except that Champion was much worried because no

money came for him from New Zealand, and, receiving no news when he returned from Stockholm, ho wisely decided to take tho earliest chance of returning home. He theroforo left London on July 21. I did not return direct, but took advantage of visiting Copenhagen and Hamburg on my way back, consequently I was not homo when he left, but that made no

difference to him, as ho was able to get the money he wanted Ijefore his departure, ns I had left word that ho should have

it, and I am glad to be able to stale that Mr. Champion several times thanked me for what I had done for him. (Mention is here made of tho account, being the money which Mr. Henry advanced to Mr. Champion, a sum of .£lO 12s. Od.) This is tho amount which I have paid out on your assurance, and I shall be obliged if you will favour me. with a chequo for same, this advance being made out of my private account.

"With regard to expenses tit Stockholm, T had somo conversation with Mr. Horriiuian, who gave mo to understand that ho had no money for Mr. Champion, and as, on this account, there was n likelihood of his being prevented from going to Stockholm, I told Mr. Hornimnn that ho could count on me for payment should any difficulty arise. Up till the limo of writing, I have not seen Mr. Honiinian, neither have I had an account from him, but should it como to hand I .will of course keep my word and pay it. I think I havo now told you all that has taken place, and in order that (lie New Zealand Association and the "Waiiematn. Amateur Swimming Club should know wiint has been done, and how things stand at present. I nm writing this letter in duplicate, to which I talw it Micro will be no objection, since I have Idlers from both to do my best for Mr. Champion during his stay here. "WIUJAM HENRY." Mr, Henry's Second Letter. Tho following is a copy of the second letter sent I he following day (August 2) to Mr. f.loldsbury, secretary N.Z.A.S.A., C'hi-istchurch :— "Dear sir,—Sinca writing you yesterday I linvn had a letter from Mr. V. Horniman in respect of his account relating to Mr. Champion. (Tho account is addressed to Mr. Henry, and particulars of expenrjs amounting to ,£SO 6s. 3d. nrfl givon.) Mr. Horniman then says:—'l will bo very gla<l to receivo a cheque for tho outlay. I, of course, never had any idea I would bo required to finance the trentloraan,

and tli© doing eo has loft me short. Of course, eomo contribution should haro boon made to tho exponsce of management, as it is only by an equal contribution that tho expenses of management can bo found. Victoria and i\ow South Wales paid on a scnlo of .£ls per man. I do not know that I \rill have an opportunity of seeing you, but if I do not, let mo thank you for tho very kind interest, you have taken in the team.—Vicary Hornimnn.'

"From this you will gather that I hnvo paid out n further .£SO 6s. 8(1., which, with tho J!J6 12s. Bd. already paid, mnkos a total due to me in. respect of Mr. Champion of .CGfi 19s. 2d., and I will ho glnd to have a clioquo in se!tlemeul: of same , "WILLIAN HENRY, "Chief Sec, Royal Lifo Saving Society."

TOURING BOWLERS.

COMING NEXT MONTH. Although the bowling season—if ono can conscientiously cnll it tho season—hus hardly begun, there is already talk ot louring contingents preparing to spend quite, a lot of time away from home. On this day (Saturday) fortnight, members of the New Zealand Bowling Association, to tho number of 36, selected from Christchurch, .Timoru. Oamaru, Dunedin, Gort, and InvercnrgiU Clubs aro to arrivo in Wellington from tho south, to extend the first hand of greeting to their fellowplajers in the- north. As all bo.vlors aro aware, the two associations have practically agreed to come together and form ono big association for control of bowling throughout the Doninion, an achievement which has taken years to bring to pass. Details as to how (ho annual tournament of future years are to bo managed have yet to tw discussed, and will prove a knotty point, but lowlers love a frieiullv argument. The team, which is to anivo next Saturday week, is to play in Wellington that afternoon, and on Monday will go north to Auckland, the present intention being to play there first, mid tho provincial towns afterwards, arriving in Wellington on November 22, when a stay of several days will bo made to play a scries of games against tho local clubs.

The Wellington Centre's tournament is to be held at New Year as usual. This will bo followed by the Northern Bowling Association's tournament at Auckland on January 13, and even i-hile that is in progress Wellington is to be visited by tho Aornngi contingent of bowlers'from South Canterbury and North Otago. These events, together with the local inter-club and club matches, should keep bowlers pretty active during tho season.

| Bowls is the one out-door gnmo that every man is physically capable of playing. Good bowls are essential to good play. Ayres' bowls are the best in the world. The keenest bowlers use them. UnifornPin weight, bias'and shape. They run truly mid will neither warp nor crack. Wholesale or retail from Alcock and Co., Ltd., "The Billiard People," Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin.—Advt.

SCULLING,

CHAMPIONSHIP OF AUSTRALIA. 8y Tclcgrapb.-Pr.ess Association-Oonyright Sydney, October 25. Charlie Towns, Felton, and F. Paddon have all challenged Harry Penrce to row for tho championship of Australia. Paarce is prepared to meet any one of the three, but declines the proposal to row tho winner of a series of tests amongst the challengers, particularly in view of his ;irrangement to meet Barry for the world's championship next May.

FOOTBALL.

SOUTH AFRICANS DEFEATED. By TeleeraDh-Prcjs Aesociation-C'oDrrichl (Reo. October 25, 10.10 p.m.) London, October 25. The South African footballers have defeated by Newport (Wales) by 9, points to 3. ■ . '

J "iV; RIFLE SHOOTINa.

WELLINGTON ASSOCIATION. 'The Wellington Rifle Association is being well supported. So far donations and trophies have been received from the fol-lowing:-E. W. Mills and Co., Ltd., Kaiapoi Woollen Company, G. T. White, Slewart Timber and Hardware Company, Alcock and Company, F. Grady, W. H. Tisdall, "New Zealand Times," J. B. Clarkson and Co., Walker and Hall, The Dominion, "Evening Post," A. S. Ballinger, W. H. Ballinger, Mrs. C. W. Mellor, Majors Beere and Esson, Captains J. S. Rose, J. Roache, D. J. Gibbs, and A. I'randi, Lieutenants Mellor, Hastings, Kenny, Karori Rillo' Club, Petone Riflo Club, Suburbs Rifle Club, and Highland Rifle Club, Presidents Marshall, Hobbs, Burridge, Gallichan, and Macdonald, Deputy-Presidents Judd, Graham, Newton, and Shannon. SUBURBS RIFLE CLUB.

The Suburbs Defence Rifle Club will meet again to-day for trophy shooting at ranges 500 and 600 yards, ten-shot match. On Labour Day, Monday next, teams matches will bo fired. His Majesty's Veterans will fire a match at 10 o'clock, and in the afternoon teams matches will be fired between the Presidents, DeputyPresidents, and Secretary's teams, which are as follow:—

President's team: E. Gallichan, T. Chapman, J. L. Tumor, Symonds, Fisher, Jackson, sen., Brown, Caplin, Gower, Jenkins, Dowman, Pitcher, Milrov, and R. Brady. Deputy-President's team; C. H. Graham, lenscy, Newton, Hunt, Barkle, Ross, Cook, Churchward, Snelling, Winchcombe, A._ Turner, Mitchell, Bellamore, and \volff. Secretary's team: Fcllinglmm, Isaac, Stewart, Whiteman, Smart, Flitter, Johnstone, J. W. Hornig, Lo Comoro, Oliver, Stacey, M'Lean, White, Will. Jackson. HIGHLANDERS' RIFLE CLUB. The Highlanders' Rifle Club has decided to have three series of matches during this season (four shots over different ranges), the three highest to receive trophies .in each series; also in. B class, should there be seven or more competitors. During each series, nn off day will bo set aside for inter-club matches, when it is hoped all clubs in tho Wellington district will be met. Messrs. S. C. F. .Spencer, R. Sneddon, and W.' Conibcnr were appointed teams' selectors. Ammunition prizes for possibles were allotted as follow:—3ooyds., 50 rounds; SOOvd.s., .10 rounds; COOyds., 50 rounds; 800 yds., 30 rounds; 900 yds., 00 rounds; 1000 yds., 100 rounds. Tho club champion is to win Lieutenant-Colonel C. D. Mackintosh's trophy and a gold medal. Every.encouragement is given to young shots and 'jj?rritorinls who wisli to shoot as honorarj members.

BOXING.

THE FEATnER-WEIGnTS TO-NIGHT. Followers of boxing will havo an opportunity of seeing four of the br"=t of tho Dominion's feather-weights in action at the Town Hall to-night when the special two-night tournament promoted by tho local association commences. Oil their record Ellis and "Thompson may bo ronsidered right in the front rank in (ho Ost. class. Tho former, both as nn amateur and as a professional, has won nearly every contest in which he has participated, his only defeat as a professional being at the hands of Hegarlv. tho present champion, and then onlv after a vigorous contest going tho full fifteen rounds. Thompson will bo making his first appearance ns a professional, having previously defeated nil the leading amateurs in his fila.?s. His Inst appearance was against Havill, the clever Talmerston light-weight whom ho defeated somewhat _ easily. Robinson, who now resides nfc Gisbonio, has recently relumed from a two-years' stay in Australia, mid has met mid defeated tunny of the lending exponent*. Welsh is milking his fi,. s |" „ n . pearanco here. Two amateur bouts are set down for decision and both should provide interesting cijilcslk. Wilson, the clever Bantam from I'etone meets M'Morran, and Mttrnhy. the welter champion is to try conclusions with Minilin. Patrons arc notified in this issue that owing lo Monday being a holiday the box tilnn will be on view only up lo 11 o'clock on that morning.

CRICKET.

WEDNESDAY ASSOCIATION. ANNUM, MKI7ITNG. The annual mooting of fhoWednrsdn.v Crickot Assnciation was held in tho New Henlaudor ilotol lust evening. Air. A. A. Goorgo presided ovw a largo mill ro|>r*"- > sentntivo guttiering of mid-week erieUel-ci-s. I'lio uiimial report aiitl balance-, i shoot wore prosonlocl, ami on llto inntinu • of tho chairman adopted. Annual Report. Tho report staled (hut tho senior ' chnmpionsliip for tho Simmonds owl dsborno Shield was competed for by six teams, and was again won by Hip I'niiiu Club, tho Artillery Club being the runners up. The junior chompionsliip fur tho Winder Cup brought out eight twins. I ho Union Club 'winning, with, tho Artillery second. Representative matches: Two teams visited Cliristclmrcli, tho senior team suffered defeat by ten wickots, whilo tho junior team won by 30' runs. Auckland sont down ono tenm and tho match resulted in a win for tho Wellington team by nn innings nnd 111 runs. A match was also played with tlie local Saturday Association, which resulted in a drawn game. We trust that (his match* will liccoma an annual fixture, linlance-sheot: Tho iinnncinl position is very satisfactory, (ho season's working showing a fair credit balance. Tho committee, wishes to thank Dr. Anderson and Mr. Kings-ton for donations, also Mr. Dnthio for pwonling n bat for tho highest scorer on citlier side, Mr. M'Kcnzio tor a bat for the best fieldsman, and Mr. J. C. Trickclt for n bnt for the highest scoier on the AVcllinglon side, in the match against Auckland. The Ihanks of tho association nro duo to tho N.Z.A.A.A. and tho Wellington A.A. Club for donations towards (ho improvement of tho Basin Kcscrvo. Finance, Tho balance-sheet showed a cash balanco to crodit of X'GO lCs. 2d., and tho amount of assets over liabilities was set down as JUS 9s. 7d. Vote of Thanks, A hearty voto of thanks was accorded to Sir. J. C. Cusack for the good work ho had dono ns secretary during tho year. Officers Elected, The following officers were elected:— Patron, Jlr. J. Mandel; president, Mr. T, Hush; vice-president, Dr. Anderson; lion, vice-presidents, Dr. Herbert. Messrs. C. H. Izard, L. M'Kcnzie, ,T. C. Trickott, W. Duncan, J. Duthic, T. Kingston, .1. Dawson, W. ,T. .Torgenson, N. M Jntosh; chairman, Mr. A. A. George; lion, secretary, Mr. .T. C. Cusack; lion, treasurer, Mr. J. Mulford; lion, auditor, Air. W. Rcid; senior selection committee, Messrs. Southgate, Mulford, and Crouch; junior selection committee, Messrs. Crouch, M'Kay, and Hill; ground committee, Messrs. Mulford, Crouch, and Cusack. The opening date for tho season was fixed for November G.

NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. THE SHIELD EULES EEVISED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, October 25. Tho annual meeting of delegates to the. New Zealand (Jricket Council was held last night. Tho annual report stated that it was proposed to approach tho New South Wales Association for an inter-State toam to visit New Zealand in February and March. The committee was of opinion that, if a good team were secured to tour, tho result would be a benefit to Now Zea-

land cricket. The system of challenge matches for tho Hawke Cup was not in tho best interests of cricket, and the Minor Associations' Committeo deemed it advisable to revert to the system adopted in tho first instance. This was agreed to by tho council. Arrangements are now being made to hold a tournament during

the coming season. If more interest in shield matches was engendered among schools n better system might bo adopted, but there were great difficulties in the way of arranging anything in the nature of a tournament.

The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Hon., H. D. Bell,

K.C.; vice-presidents, tho presidents of tho affiliated associations; hon. secretary, Mr. F. C. Eaphael; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. Young; hon. auditor, Mr. F. H. Labntt; management committee, Messrs. 0. F. Francis, J. H. Williams, S. Orchard, E. J. Austin, E. Vincent, J. Young, aud F. C. Raphael.

The rules of the Plunkct Shield and interprovincial matches, were amended as follow:—Matches are to be mutually arranged between the competing associations on the- understanding that Auckland and Otago meet at least once every two years, and that Canterbury and Wellington should play annual matches with each of the other main centres, excluding Hawke's Buy, with whom matches should bo mutually arranged at convenient periods' by all other first-grade associations. Failing mutual arrangement as to the duration of a match, it is to be played to a finish. The hours of play should be mutually arranged before the commencement of each match, but, failing such arrangement, the hours shall be from 11 i.m. to S p.m., with an adjournment, not exceeding one hour, for lunch. No one is to be eligible to piny in a match unless fa) ho was born within the boundaries of tho association district for which it is proposed that he should play; or (b) has been resident within such district for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the match. Tho rules for the Hawke Cup were also amended similarly to those for the P'.unket Shield. An application by the Inangnhua Cricket Association' for affiliation was accepted. That of the Motueka Association was refused. THE MELBOURNE TEAM. ITS ITINERARY. At the annual meeting of the Wednesday Cricket Association, held last evening, tho itinerary of the Melbourne cricket team, which is to tour New Zealand shortly, was announced. The following is the lour:— Sydney, Wednesday, December 11; arrive Wellington (via Auckland), Monday, December 10; leave for Masterton, December 17; play Masterton, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 18 and 19; play Wellington (Saturday' team), Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 20 (Boxing Day), 27, and 28; play Cliristchurch (Saturday team), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, December SI and January 1 and 2; Duuedin (Saturday team), Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, January 4, 0, and 7; Anshiburton, Thursday and Friday; January !) and 10; Wellington (Wednesday team), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 14, 15, and Ifi; Wellington (against combined Wednesday and Saturday team), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 21, 22, and 23. Tho Melbourne team leaves for. Melbourne (via Sydney) on Friday, January 24, and is duo back in Melbourne on January 31.

THE HOUSE ASSOCIATION. The following- are tho fixtures for next Saturday for the Warehousemen's Association:— Dominion v. Post and Telegraph Stores, nt Kclburue Park. Occidental v. Telephono Exchange nt Kolburno Park. Golliu and Co. v. N.Z. Railways, at Anderson Park.

"New Zealand Times" v. Electric Light at Newtown Park.

Levin and Co. v. Whitcombe nnd Tombs, nt Nmvtown PaTk. United C. C. v. Sanders Bros., at Wakefiplil Turk. Kernels v. Ocean and Accident, nt Wnfcoficld l'arlt.