Athletic Notes.

Manawatu Herald, 20 August 1903, Page 3

Athletic Notes.

FOOTBALL.

The N.Z. Football Team in Australia played the last of its matches yesterday, and defeated a combined : country team at Sydpey by 32 points 1 to nil. They have concluded a wonderfully successful tour—played xo matches, not been defeated once, and scoring 376 points against 13. This record beats those of previous teams. * * * The 1884 team played 8 matches, 1 winning all, and putting up 164 points against 16. The 1893 team played 10 . matches, losing the second test match : against N.S.W., and scored 183 points afSfost 22; and the' 1897 team played ' 10 matches, also losing the second match against N.S.Wv, and scored 2x6 points against 56. * * * * In presenting a banner to the N.Z. Football Team in Sydney the other evening, Sir Harry Rawson, Governor [' of N.S.W., said that he was an old i footballer himself, but had to admit ! that he had never seen such splendid , combination as that shown by the New ( Zealanders. * _« ■. • * The Taranaki representatives played Wellington yesterday, the game re- < suiting in a win for Taranaki by 5 to 3. Taranaki plays Wairarapa on Saturday, and Manawatu at Palmerston on Wednesday, a6th inst. The Manawatu team journeys to Wellington on Saturday, 29th inst., to play Wellington. . SPORTS/ ; The local Athletic Club will have a good programme of events for its next gathering, which is to be held on Nov. 9 th. The handicap will be. worth over /jo in cash and trophies. The Mofoa Estate syndicate is presenting a cup valued 1a guineas which goes into the handicap and is to be won twice in succession or 3 times at intervals. Mr Smith’s cup. valued 3 guineas also goes with the Handicap, being won outright. A Wheel race of two miles for £2O donated by Mr Gray, of the Post Qffioe Hotel, is also a gem worth capturing; It is to be hoped that the authorities will «et the track in order as soon as possible. Some weed destroyer is badly needed both on the centre track and the bicycle track. It is useless attempting to chip the grass off any more, as the surface of the bicycle track is just about through. Something must be done as the tracks are in a shocking state. It the bike track was top dressed and made into a grass track next year it would give less trouble and require less keeping in . order. At the same time it could be made larger, so as to make the turns a bit easier to negotiate. Walking races in teams seem to be coming into vogue all the world over. Why shouldn’t the volunteers challenge the civilians to a match, Post Office to Motoa and back ? The Stock Exchange . walk from London to Brighton caused great excitement. Another "walk between teams ot eight, representing the Sydney Herald and the Sydney Telegraph took place on August Bth. The distance was close on xo miles. The I proprietors of the two papers donated | u 5 s each for prizes. The winner I completed the-d:stance in 1 hour 33$ j minutes. Large crowds gathered at \ different part’of the journey, and great excitement prevailed. In the j evening a dinner was held followed by | . smoke concert. Let the volunteers ? Throw out a challenge and they will. soon be taken up. ,