AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 190, 19 August 1901, Page 2

AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

WI PERE. (Special to Times.)

Auckland, last night. Wi Pore, who lias been seriously indisposed at Rotorua, intended returning to Auckland yesterday, but being still in a weak stato ho remains at Rotorua for a few days in order that ho may regain strength. A MISSING VESSEL.

The Government schooner Countess of Ranfurly, which has sailed for the South Sea Islands, is to call at the Ivermadec Islands in order to search for survivors and wreckage from the missing brigantine Linda Weber, which disappeared while on a voyage from Gisborne to Ngunguru. A FAMOUS COMEDIAN.

(By Telephone.) Auckland, last night.

Our Auckland special telephoned last night that several Gisborne people now in Auckland had approached Mr Sheridan, asking him to play a short season in Gisborne, Our special informs us that tho company have been playing to crowded houses through the week, and that on Friday, the sixth night of “ When the Lamps aro Lighted,” tho house was packed. On Saturday night “ A Trip To Chicago ” was produced, the company getting a great reception. Mr Sheridan’s treasurer informed our special that Mr Sheridan would very much like to visit Gisborne, but that ho was afraid he could not spare tho time. However, he had not decided definitely, but was enquiring what steamer arrangements could be made. THE ISLAND BOAT. The Union Company’s steamer Taviuni is due from the Society and Cook Islands on Thursday next at Auckland. A GUES3ER.

When the case of tho young man named John Delaney, convicted of attempted pocket-picking, was before His Honor Mr Justice Connolly at the criminal sittings of the Supremo Court, Chief-Detective Grace was called as to the previous character of tiie prisoner. He described Delaney as what is known in sporting circles as a “ guosser,” a man who frequents racecourses and gives tips to credulous persons anxious to get the probable winners of tho races. The modus operandi of the “ guesser ” is to “ tip ” the whole of the horses in a race, giving each person who consults him a different horse. Thus one of tho persons advised must necessarily win, and the “ guesser ” then collects his commission from the lucky backer. His Honor said he thought this would surely only provide a very precarious livelihood for the persons designated “guessers,” but was assured by Detective Grace that quite a number made a good living out of it by attending race-meetings throughout the colony. “ GHOSTS.”

A writer in tho morning journal states : —“ In this most enlightened twentieth century civilised people are not supposed to believe in ghosts. We laugh at the Maoris, and at times even punish them, for believing in their ancient superstitions. Yet they aro honest. Thoy say they think there is something in these uncanny things ; but wo Britishers declare that we do not believe in ghosts and'such-like, yet what has happened during the last few days shows us that when a ghost comes along, or what looks like one, or pretends to be one, men run and women shriek with fright and are so upset that, in some cases, they have to take to their beds. In spite of universal education the belief in the possibility of visits from the spirit world persists among us.” NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL TEAM

There was great speculation as to the New Zealand football team, and general satisfaction was expressed in town when the news reachod here that four Aucklanders had been selected. The Northern

quartette are Smith, McGregor, Cunningham, and McKenzie, and they are all first-class players. Cunningham is a quarter-caste, and his mother resides in Gisborne. The team as a whole is a fully representative one, and can be relied upon to give a good account of itself. AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING.

Tho following nominations for the principal events at the-Avondale Jockey Club’s forthcoming spring meeting have been received :

Avondale Cup. of 300 sovs, one mile and a-quarter.—Voice, Coronet, Bedding. ton,Bosclla, Glasgow, Hohoro, Bluejacket, Cavaliero, Paul Seaton, St. Peter, St. Ursula, Formula, Nonette, Hesper, Zealous, Tukapa, Battleaxe, Winsome.

Flying Stakes of 150 sovs, 6 furlongs.— Picklock, Lady Avon, Val Rosa, Maroon and Gold, St. Olga, Rosella, Lretitia, Solo, Balbirnie, Nonette, Ilissaline, Landlock, Despatch, Tukapa, Highlander, Battleaxe’, Winsome, Hikipene. Plumpton Handicap of 150 sovs, 1 mile. —Volee, Val Rosa, Maroon and Gold, Coronet, St. Olga, Rosella, Lretitia, Beddington, Hohoro, Bluejacket, Cavaliero, Balbirnie, Paul Seaton, St. Ursula, Formula, Kissalino, Gateloek, Zealous, Tukapa, Highlander, Battleaxe, Winsome. ENGLISH BILLIARD CHAMPION.

1 Tho English billiard champion, .John Roberts, now on a torn C- f' 1c ' w ea ’ ail( L played a friendly match with a leading local player at Tattersall’s Club on Friday evening, conceding tho Auckland player a start of 600 points in 1000, The game occupied an hour and a half, the champion then running out with an unfinished break, while his opponent’s figures were 806, from which it may bo seen that ho onlj- succeeded in getting together 206 points, while the famous visitor compiled ills 1000. The champion’s principal runs were 183 (compiled in eight minutes), 180, 125, 70, 67, 66, 65, 5-1, and 10, while the best efforts of the local player were 47, 25, and 16, with other smaller breaks over the double figure, I