SPORTING NEWS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 348, 6 March 1889, Page 4

SPORTING NEWS.

There is every probability of the V.R.C. St. Leger, run this afternoon, producing an interesting contest. Mr J. Marshall's filly Pearl Shell hiis been receiving a special preparation for bhe-evenb, and so has Volley, so that the pair will fight their spring battles o'er again. Benzon (The Plunger's full brother) demonstrated that he is a racehorse by winning the Hawkesburn Handicap at Caultield, so that he will be a likely starter. Lonsdale is also among the probables, and Chaldean and Melos are certain to be included in the field. If Mr Gannon's colt strips as well as he did last A..J.C. Derby Day, I fancy he will just about win. Another event that NewZealanders will look forward to is the Ascot Vale Stakes, more particularly on account of the presence of Mr Stead's filly Rose Argent, who is a full sister to Escutcheon. It is only since she arrived at Flemingfcon that her merits have been found out by the public, but she has shown the touts several wonderful gallops, so that it will nob be surprising if she gets ', home. The great gun Rudolph has only a 9lb penalty to put up, being a gelding, but the Hon. James White also has Sinecure and Dreadnought engaged. The latter is a maiden, and is said to be very fast. There was some in - and - out running during the three days of the Dunedin Autumn Meeting, and I was nob surprised to learn that the stewards took cognisance of Dudu's surprising reversal of form on the first and second days. Her strange running caused comment from one end of the colony to the other. Certainly, nothing came of the inquiry, bub it is pleasing to know that the stewards did their duty in ventilating the affair. I don'b bhink for one moment bhab Dudu was nob raced oub in the Cup, bub ab bhe same bime ib is one of bhe sbiffest problems ever seb bhose who follow '* form " to work oub. Mr G. Hunter, of Napier, and Mr G. H. Clifford jointly purchased Cynisca a day or two prior to the D. J.C. Autumn Meeting, and she ran in their name in the Champagne Stakes. The price paid was 300 guineas, Cynisca has never yet been beaten. Forty nine nominations were received for the Sydney Gold Cup on Wednesday. Auckland - bred horses are well represented in bhe list, for among bhe names are Carbine, Manton, Pearl Shell, Miss Alice, Tartar, Industry (Pearl Shell's full sister), and Tranter, while Mr Stead has also entered Lochiel. The Forbury course is becoming quite notorious for fiascos over the starting, and bhe Dunedin Jockey Club Meebing jusb ended, saw a repebibion of the trouble that took place last year, when Cinderella was a contestant. Two of the laces had to be run a second time, through the flag being dropped when one of the horses was in front of the post, and the telegrams state there were consequently some very lively "scenes" enacted on the course. I see that W. Brown, who rode Nelson in most of his big victories, and Holmes, who was in Auckland with Manton, got into trouble for disobedience and were each disqualified by the Club for three months. It is generally agreed bhat Mr Driver has mistaken his vocation as starter, and the troubles that have arisen ab his hands will no doubt cause the D.J.C. to look around for a substitute. I gather from Sydney papers that there is a likelihood of the Hon. James White sending not only two Epsom Derby representatives, but a pretty pretentious string of horses to England by the next brip of the s.s. Orizaba. The consignment, ib is rumoured, will consist of four yearlings, two two-year-olds, and Abercorn, Cranbrook and Carlyon, and no expense is to be spared in fitting the Orizaba up with everything requisite for the voyage. Rumour also hufch ib tliac the celebrated English trainer, Matthew Dawson, will be asked to undertake charge of the team. The following yearlings purchased at the last New Zealand Sbud Company's sale have been named : —

Mr G. G. Stead Ch c, by Nordenfe I dt— Locket Medallion B c, by Nordcnfeldt— Radiance Palliser B f , by Noi clenfeldfc— Rosarina Carronadc Ch f, by King Cole— Realisation ..Liquidation

Mr S. H. Gollan. Ch f . by Nordenfeldt— Tres Deuce . . Cartouche B f , by X ing Cole— My Idea Lady Hamilton B f, by Cap tirator— Pearl Ash ..Pearl Powder Br f, by Leolinus - Amohia Leonie B c, by St Leger— Rosette _ Medjidie In the sensational uwo-inile gallop per. formed by Lochiel on the sand track at Flemington, Russley escorted the son of Prince Charlie for the first mile and aquarter, when Rose Argent picked him up, running with him to the finish Throughout the different sections of the gallop the watch registered startling results, and at the conclusion it was found that the fastest gallop ever run at Flemington had been performed. The standing record previous to Lochiel's had been achieved by that machine-like mover, Guesswork, whose two miles had taken just under 3min 40sec to accomplish. Whakawai, prior to last Melbourne Cup, covered the distance in 3min 41sec, and that great racehorse Commotion had 3min 42sec opposite his name. Morpeth's record was the same, Silver Prince taking half a second longer. Coronet ran the two miles in 3min 42sec, and harkiDg back a bib Woodland's go registered 3min 44sec, and The Czar precisely the same time. Lochiel lowered the whole of these records by covering the distance in 3inin 36Asec. There are many things to consider in connection with these gallops, says the " Sportsman, " not the least of which is the improvement in the condition of the track, the state of the atmosphere, the natural freenes-s or otherwise of the horse, and last but not least, that Lochiel was lightly weighted, and helped by a brace of good horses. I have been assured that his weight did nob exceed 6sb 41b. The Oakleigh Handicap has always been considered a sorb of foreshadowing of the great six-furlong race to be run at Flemington a fOlf 01 tnight later. The field this year numbered fifteen. The list of Aucklandowned geldings, Paddy and Mr White's two-year-old Sinecure, monopolised attention in the betting, the former going out absolute favourite, while Epicurean and Malua had their supporters at more extended rates of odds. Once more were backei'3 out of it, for Paddy and Sinecure flattered them to within a hundred yards of the post, when Ramage suddenly made a dash on the outsider, Nectarine, split the pair in the nick of time, and beat the favourite cleverly bv a short neck, the two-year-old boing similarly close up. Nectarine won at Moonee Valley the previous Saturday in much the same way ; but then Mr Harper backed his mare, while this time a solitary wager of 100 to 5 was the sum and substance of his confidence. A question which promises in the near future to trouble the rulers of the tuif quite as much as any other, because of its great importance, is the advisableness of abolishing the present allowance to weldings, and there is not wanting e-vjaence that an agitation in that directipfv*' would meet with much more support thai/did fortunately the absurd proposal fti Sydney of a few weeks since to increase the "consideration" of 31b to one of 51b. The American Turf Congress has already ruled in the matter and taken a step worthy of imitation, and among a draft of

iules framed by that body recently, was one to Mie effect that the general scale of weight for age be raised 41b with tho usual allowance for mares, * bub none for geldings.' It may be a good quotation that ' the knife is the only means by which the country can be saved from being overrun by worthless stallions,' but even admitting its correctness, it cannot be advanced as an argument that for racing purposes geldings should be entitled to an allowance. Turf records show that geldings are among the best performers of the time ; they last longer on the racecourse, and when in need of a rest can be turned out without fear of encountering the numerous risks of injury a stallion does. Many Austialinn owners show a decided preference for geldings, that astute judge the Hon. James White, to wit, and his example is almost daily being imitated by other patrons of the turf. The champion two-year-old of America — Proctor Knott — who won more money in stakes last year than any other horse in the States is a gelding, so are numerous other sterling winners there, while Australian records prove that the emasculated fraternity of years aerone were among the principal prizetakers. Included in the number might be mentioned Jorrocks, one of the best horses that ever carried a saddle, Sampson, Ben Bolt, Strop, De Mestre's Spider, Inheritor, Stumpy, allgood winners, as well as the present day YVilleroo, Spoilt Child, Lancer, Fuse, Plutarch, Centaur, Frisco, Bernadoj Lamond, The Yeoman ; Ensign, the ill-fated V.R.C. Derby winner, came under the same category, so does the clinking Rudolph, the best twoyear old perhaps in the colonies, and there are many others that could be enumerated to show that instead of geldings receiving an increased allowance cause might with very good reason be asked why they should not meet entires on even terms. While in Tasmania "Augur" paid a visit to Mr John Field's Calstock farm, and speaking of the stallions he says : Musket's son, Musk Rose, is very much improved. He has the great muscular quarters of Musket, and as he moves round I detect a good deal of resemblance to Nordenfeldt, who was the chosen one of the JSTew Zealand Stud Company to fill the place vacated by his sire. The London "Sporting Life" has commenced the year by publishing lists of the horses in training at the "crack '' stables, and at their head are those over ivhich John Porter presides at Kingslerc. No fewer than fifty-two lots are in "woik "' at that fashionable training place, representing such owners as the Prince of Wales, Duke of Westminster, Lords Alington and Portsmouth, and Messrs Lord Mackenzie and Melton. Of the numbers given 33 are two, year-olds and 13 threes, of which Gay Hampton is one, and the others includFriar's Balsam, Orbit and Candlemas. George Dawson, at Heath House, ha 3 in hand forty - two himself, the Duke of Portland and Lords Hastings and Londonderry being the owners. Here, too, two-year-olds predominate, there being 26, and 9 threes have among them tho champion Donovan, who is first iavourite for the Derby. The four-year-olds boast of Ayrshire, winner of the Two Thousand and Derby, and Seaton represents the six-year-old division. John Dawson, sen., has alao a lengthy string, his total being 37, and although not such a pretentious contingent as either of the others, they include good performers in Hawthorn, Grecian Bend, Caller Herrin', Wiseman, Bartizan, Fitzraver, Sweet Briar, and L3ap Year. The Grand Prix de Paris had a very near escape of being left out of the programme of the French Jockey Club this season, as the added money is provided half by the five principal railway companies in France, half by the municipality of Paiis, and this latter body has only agreed to vote the sum (£2,000) by a very small majority. If the ■vofcohad not been rarri^rl fchft toot ccmlrl not have been run, as the statutes of the French Jockey Club do not allow of any grant being made from its funds to races in which horses not of French origin compete, and there would be no chance of the Government — without whose authority they cannot bealtered — sanctioningsuchachange. The Steeplechase Society is not fettered in the same way as the French Jockey Club, and it is so rich that it has given a sum of neai-ly £5,000 to the big steeplechase, which will, therefore, be the richest cross country prize ever run for. Lord William Beresford, the Viceroy of India, is thought to have all the advantages on his side in the bet he made with the Duke of Portland to produce this year an Australian horse able to run a match at even weights against any two-year-old in the duke's stables. The weight to be earned by each horse is Bs t. 71b., and the course six furlongs. It is surmissed that the expression any Australian horse binds the duke to meet an Australian horse of any age, while his Grace's colours must be borne by a two-year-old. It may be mentioned that the weigh t-f or- age scale in England over six furlongs ranges during the racing year from sst. 71b. to 7st. for two-year-olds, from 7st. 111b. to Bst 91b. for three-year-olds, 9st. all the season for four-year-olds, and from 9st. to 9st. 21b. for five and six-year-olds, and aged horses. Under the circumstances, the Australian horse must have a lot the best of the weights.

CRICKET, Mr W. L. Murdoch, the well-known cricketer, has been suffering from a sunk stroke caught while shooting at Hurling, ham on the 12th February. He is under medical treatment. " Tommy "' Horan has played 24 times in the Intercolonial cricket matches between N.S.W. and Victoria. "Tommy" is a clerk in the Treasury at Melbourne, and it is rumoured that he fills the part of 11 Felix," the cricket scribe of the" Australasian." The following is from the pen of " Point,' cricket scribe for the " Town and Country Journal ": — " One of the most extraordinary performances which have ever taken place on any cricket ground occurred last Saturday on the Association enclosure, when the Alberts met the University Club and started a two days' match. Alma Mater won the toss, and sent the Alberts into the field, where they were destined to remain all day. The first representatives with the bat for the Unis. (and, as it turned out, the only representatives for the day) were the veteran Gairett and Herbert Lee. From the outset both men scored freely ; Lee keeping good pace with his elder companion The wicket was one of Gregory's best ; and we all know what that means. The bowlers derived no benefit from its perfect pitch ; and the batsmen revelled in their discomfiture The score mounted at such a rate that constant changes among the bowlers were found requisite. Every trundler came in for great punishment. Fourers were hit very frequently ; and Garrett succeeded in scoring five with a grand hit to leg right into the ladies' stand. After this player's score had reached 70 he began to pile up the runs in a marvellous manner, and completely ran away from his companion, soon reaching a three-figures tally. All the bowlers were mastered ; and the fielders were worn out and tired. Not so the batsmen, who never neglected to gain a run when opportunity offered itself. Some of the fieldsmen afforded amusement

to the spectators by their ludicrous attempts to secure a catch or to stop the progress of the ball along tho ground. The score had mounted to 270 whon Lee also secured the century. Garrelt kept going out to almost everything and hitting the ball with a cleanness and dash which were quite refreshing ; scarcely an over passed without this player securing a fourer off it. Such brilliant scoring was not long in meeting with its ju&t reward ; for his second century was posted shortly after Lee had passed his first. As 6 o'clock was approaching all hopes of gotting a wicket for the day depaited from the Alberts. But Lee, who had played splendidly all through the long innings, unfortunately allowed the ball to" roll on to his wicket just a couple of minutes before the hour ; and tho play ceased for the day with the remarkable record of one wicket for 348 ; Garrett being not out with 220 to his credit. Lee's score was 123. Garrett never played better in his life ; and both men as they en fcered the pa\ ilion received quite an ovation. Ido not remember any performance w Inch equals this in a firstclass match. Twice dining tho season of 1885 220 were made before a wicket fell. In a match between Witham and Coggeshall on June 17 ot that year, it was donebyF. H. Stevens and C. Roberts; and on July 31 the feat was accomplished ior Edinburgh University against Dumfermline. On April 29, at Oxford, in a contest between Hertford College and Trinity College, Mr iM. C. Kemp and Mr H. B. Tristram put on 350 runs for the third wicket ot the Hertfords, But never in the annals of cricket, at least in the colonies, has such a performance as that of Lee and Garielt been equalled or surpassed. The Alberts w ere much downcast at the turn aftairs took against them. But, notwithstanding this, they stuck to their work manfully, and intend to come up smiling again to the scratch on Satur day." Mr T. A. Styche, one of the New Zealand four-oar representatives in the late intercolonial contests on the Pairamatta, has joined the Mercantile R.C. , Sydney. On Saturday, sth January, George Bubear, of Hammersmith, and George Norvell, of Swalwell, rowed half a mile in best boats on the Tyne for £40. Great interest was taken in the match, there being large crowds on the quays, bridges, and wharves, whilst both steamers carried fairly good ft eights. The betting was 2tol on Norvell. Bubear won the loss for a choice of sides, but he started badly, and Norvell at once drew to the front, and apparently won easily by a length. The following is from the "New York Herald " : — "Designer Burgess is hard at work upon the lines of the new schooneryacht which he is creating for Rear-Com-modore E. P. Morgan, ot the New York Y r acht Club. The drawing-board, which contains the elements of the future Queen of the Seas, was shown to a ' World ' reporter, and if easy and graceful lines go for anything, the new clipper will ha\ c an abundance of the ease and comfort which Mr Burgess says she was designed primarily to have. '"The midship section is the best which Mr Burgess has yet drawn. The top side show s a slight tumble home, perhaps two inches on a side. The line curves gently at the water-line, and thence cuts rather boldly down, giving plenty of power close to the surface of the water. The bilge, while powerful, shows no hard spot, but turns neatly into the almohb straight line which makes up the greater portion of the new schooner's dead-iise. The garboards are quite widely sepaiated to admit the great mass ot lead which will constitute the ballast, and below the line of the section curve quickly into the keel proper. '•The new \acht is to be builtof steal, and istoha\ea centre-board, which, iike that of the Marguerite, does not project above the cabin floor. The cabin has not been draughted out, but as the yacht is built chiefly for cruising, it is safe ro ->ay that it will be as luxurious as possible. A new style centre-board jacht, 106 feet long, has few competitors in the present lleet, and it is safe to say that Commodore Morgan will have a practical walk-over should he ever enter his big flyer in such laces a& would be open to her — the Goelet Cup race, for example, '

ATHLETICS. Exercise is generally taken without any direct reference to the increase of height. Thus ib often happens that the gymnastic feats indulged in tend ratber to check than to increase the rate of giowtli. This applies particularly to the lifting of heavy weights, the use of large dumb-bells, involving comparatively slow movements, and all exercises which tend to increase the supporting power of the spine and leg-bones, even though they be exercises primal ily diiected to increase the muscular power of the arms. Pulling exercises, though they tend to increase the development of arms in length as well as in girth, round the forearm chiefly, do not on the whole favour the development of length of limb. Sailors, who from boyhood upward are much employed, in pulling and hauling, are on the average short men ; though often the development of strength and weight resulting from their active openair lives is remarkable. We see oftener among them than in other classes brawny chests, shoulders, and upper arms in company with lower limbs which by comparison appear almost stunted. On the other* hand, men engaged in hunting or in occupations requiring much walkiDg, running, leaping and the like, acquire well-developed lower limbs, and are, on the average, taller than other classes. During the JRusso-Turkish war, the membeis of the Imperial Guard of the Czar were said to have grown an inch taller by marching through the unfathomable mad of Northern Bulgaria. The exercise of pulling their feet out of the mud stretched them out,

CYCLING. The New Orleans Bicycle Club recently determined that it would nofc accept the resignation of its members unless such members paid a year's dues to the clubs. Some paid ; some did not. The club took proceedings against one of the latter, and secured a judgement. In giving judgment, the Judge laid clown the law that "An organisation can interpret its laws as it pleases."

The Earl of Kintoie, Governor of South Australia, has been entertained at a banquet by the members ot the Junior Constitutional Club. In his speech he said he ■was going to a loyal colony, eschewing politics. GASteSCX & CRANWELL are sfci&h; Furniture and Carpets very cheap. Iron Bedsteads and Spring Mattresses at greatly reduced prices. Bedding of all kinds ready for delivery. Oil Cloths from Is. square yard. Linoleum from 2s 3d. Blankets, sheets, quilts, curtains, and all furnishing goods splendid value. Wire Wove Mat tresses much cheaper than they used to bet A strong Iron Bedstead and Wire Wove Mattress for 55s cash. Simple Iron Bedstead and Wire Wove Mafctre&s for 38s cash price. Our goods are carefully packed, eve y attention paid to prevent damage by t^nsit. Buy all your household goods from 34KLICK and CHAN WELL, Cabin§fr Queen street* Auckland" 1