SPORTING

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 293, 18 December 1901, Page 3

SPORTING

AUCKLAND CUP.

At present fifteen horses remain in the big event of the A.It.C. Summer Meeting, arid a dozen at least are certain to face the starter. The topweight, Bluejacket (9.7), is still striding along in his work in a satisfactory manner, and should nothing unforeseen occur between nowand the day of the race he is sure to give a good account of himself. Battleaxe (8.7 ) is nicely treated, and as he has been well supported by his connections, there are good grounds for believing that ho has recorded a satisfactory trial over a two-mile journey. Beddington (B-d) has a large following, I but ho does not appear to have anything the best of the weights; besides, a race over a shorter course would be more to his liking. Nonette (8.0) is the popular fancy. The son of Seaton Delaval is in great buckle, fairly revelling in his work. On track form he appears at present to be the fittest horse in the race, and should he continue to train on satisfactorily he will be landed at the post in splendid fettle, and may be depended upon to bo handy when the whips are out. Ideal (7.12) is one of the best-treated horses in the race, but on her Christchurch running last month she does not appear to bo quice herself. Sho may have improved considerably in the interval, and if in anything iike the form she was in last year, should have something to say at the finish. St.

Michael (7.4) has been well supported foi the race, and is now at a very short price So far this horse has done nothing of note in public, hut his being Mr Stead’s only representative engaged probably accounts for tho strong support accorded him. The local representative, Maleroa (7.2), has nothing to complain of on tho score of weight. From the work tho mare has been doing during the past week, she appears lo be getting back to her old iortn. Should she be landed at the post lit and well, she may bring off a big surprise. To select three horses to fill the places at the present time, I like the chances of Battleaxe, Nonette, and Ideal, with Materoa as the best outsider.

We are not gonerally in favour of State interference with private enterprise, but in this matter of trado with

South A frioa, tlie State could, with propriety, take the initiative. AVo would suggest that a man of proved business capacity be engaged to go to t-outh Africa, and that he should furnish the Government with an ex-

haustive report on the prospects of trade with that country. —Whangarei Advocate.

A plague opirlornic costing 500 lives would be a cheap price to pay for thorough sanitary reform, which would prevent at least that number of deaths per year from pneumonia, typhoid, scarlet fevor, phthisis and other diseases. Providence sent to Sydney one blessing in the shape of a plague scare, but the kindly warning was little heeded. Will a second mild hint be more successful, or will common-sense be learned only through calamity?—Sydney Bulletin. Combines, and trusts, and corners are a kind of Yankee notion that New Zealand can do very well without. If the milling combination works, as it certainly makes no secret of doing, for the downfall of even an individual, and the coercing of the public, then it is the duty of the public to demand that such combination shall be broken. —Wellington Tree Lance.

A Tasmanian shearer just returned from Bourke told the writer that washing clothes is out of date in those parts. The red dust is scraped off, as all the water at hand is required to wash one’s eyes out. One day tho dust storm caused midnight darkness, and the shearers ate their midday meal by candle light.—Hobart Clipper.

Sec our Magnificent Display of Photo Frames, Albums, Cruets, Biscuit Barrels, Butter Dishes, Purses, Brush Sets, and scores of useful and dainty articles, direct rom London.—o. Rosie and Co.