SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 3256, 28 July 1873, Page 2

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

Close upon 2,000 persons assembled at the Northern* Recreation Ground ou Saturday afternoon to witness the race between Fox and Drake for the championship, at distances of 150, 100, and 220 yards, k and a stake of i. 30 a-side. Admission was nominally free, but the “ gentle public ” were kindly asked to contribute something towards liquidating expenses, and judging by the number of shillings we saw dropped into the boxes something handsome was realised, and a substantial proof furnished of the willingness of the public to support liberally good amusement when it is provided. It was announced that the disc event would come off at half-past three o’clock, and the others at intervals of half-an-hour each ; and it is t ) the credit of those who had the arrangements in hand that punctuality, which is mainly the exception and not the rule on similar occasions, was observed. The ring having been cleared for the 150 yards heat, the men quickly put in an appearance, Drake being the first to show up. Fox, having the advantage of numerous friends, received a round of applause when he appeared ; Drake’s admirers contenting themselves with laying the odds, which wero slight, on their man, who had the advantage of having inside place, and, as we understood, regarded himself as a certain winner of the heat. At the stipulated signal both men toed the scratch, but Fox’s eagerness to get away led to his having to go back a yard. This forfeiture only increased his appetite for a start, and the snap of the pistol saw him make a fair Jump right in front of his opponent, and take to the running before the latter could have recovered his astonishment. It was a clear start of two yards, which Drake, though he made the running pretty hot afeerwards, and twice unsuccessfully endeavored to regain inside place, was never able to get over, Fox winning by a good six or seven feet. Time, 18secs., which is not bad, the wretched state of the ground considered. At four o’clock sharp the men appeared to run the 100 yards heat; Drake, who won the toss, having decided to take it next. Fox’s friends, elated at their man’s success in the heat which they put down as doubtful, were pretty confident that he would pull off this one; but Drake was not without backers. The race, however, was Fox’s from the start, and he wqu by a couple ot yards. Time, Ifff secs. The third event was a walk over for Fox, to satisfy the betting men, A good deal of money changed hands over the race; the “ knowing ones ” having dropped it pretty considerably on the first event.

The abominable condition of the North Dunedin Recreation Ground was tbe subject of universal comment on Saturday. The enclosure is a series of ruts, relieved by an occasional diminutive lake; and to look at it, one is apt to entertain serious doubts whether the money said to have been spent on it by the Caledonian Society, cricket and athletic clubs, was ever expended. But one point is beyond question ; it would be downright folly to spend any more money on the ground; and we believe the Caledonian Society, which is mostly interested, is impressed by the fact. They contemplate removing their stand and fixtures to a very eligible site adjacent to the Anderson’s Bay road. N egociations for the purchase of some fifteen acres belonging to a gentleman in England, are under weigh ; and if they are brought to a successful issue, the Society will have a fine property, which, within a very short time, will return the capital expended on it. It will possess the advantages of closeness to town, and easy access by rail, as the Southern Trunk Line passes within half, a-dozen yards of the ground. If the Society get it, they intend to establish a good afternoon’s amusement on Saturdays, to which the price of admission, which will include a railway ticket, will be made very reasonable. Cricketers rejoice ! Persuaded by Mr Davie’s eloquence, the Provincial Couo.

oil voted LIOO towards the formation of a cricket oval on the Southern Recreation Ground, and the committee have already in hand Ll5O, raised by public subscription. In other words, a stare can be made, as you have L 250 as good as cash. However, there are numerous guineas uncollected, and those persons, opposite whose names the word “paid” has not yet been written, would save the secretary a deal of trouble, and help matters, if they would send in their donations without delay. The Corporation have granted the clubs permission to fence in the before-mentioned oval, and we ought soon to have a really good ground for match purposes. Besides this, rumor says recent arrivals include a capital wicket keeper, and a professional bowler who hails from Surrey. The latter brings some good testimonials, including a strong recommendation from Julius Gesar, and he has done good service for his country in several matches. Both intend to join the Dunedin club next season. In short, things cricket are looking up ; and the forthcoming season promises to be one of the best we have had for many years.