CHAMPION CYCLISTS MEET.

Wairarapa Age, 3 February 1927, Page 5

CHAMPION CYCLISTS MEET.

LAMB, OAKLEY AND GROSE,

THRILLING FINISH TO MANA WATU WHEEL RACE.

PALMERSTON N., February 2.

The appearance of R. W. Lamb, the Australasian cycling champion, F. J. Grose, the Now Zealand champion, and T. Oakley (Masterton) ex-New Zealand champion, added additional interest to the Manawatu Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club’s annual sports to-day.

Lamb, scratch, was fourth in the half-mile handicap, which was won by a local man. Grose did not start in the final

In the mile handicap, all the three scratch men were placed in the heats, but Lamb, owing to illness, did not compete in the final. Grose pulled out in the last lap, while Oakley ran third. The event was won by Anderson (Feilding).

The result of the Manawatu Wheel Race, two miles, was: Lamb 1, Oakley 2, Grose 3. By the time tho last lap was reached only six riders were left. Lamb and Oakley provided a thrilling finish. Sprinting from half-way round the lap, Lamb won by two lengths. Grose was four lengths behind.—(P.Aj

THE SPANISH POINT OF VIEW.

(Received Wednesday, 7.55 p.m.) MADRID, February 1. Replying to the British Government’s memorandum regarding China, the Spanish Government agrees with the British proposals with regard to the immediate application of Customs surtaxes, and the gradual modification of extra-territoriality, provided adequate guarantees are given regarding Spanish nationals residing in China. The Government is of opinion that in. view of the present situation in China, a political declaration by all the Powers adhering to the Washington Convention would be a delicate matter, but Spain would not break the desired unanimity if the Powers more directly interested reached an agreement regarding such a declaration.—(A. and N.Z.) PEACE POSSIBLE.

BUT FOR MISCHIEF-MAKERS.

LONDON, February 1. The Bishop of London, in a letter co “The Times,” says:.“lt may seem presumptuous for anyone who has been two days in Shanghai and nine in Hongkong to' write his impressions, but I came in touch with everyone whose view was worth having, and I am certain that but for the mischievous interference of outsiders the Chinese and British could live in perfect peace and amity. The mischief has been engineered by .a band of malcontents egged on by Russian influence and money. I am only expressing a unanimous feeling when I say that friendly relations with the Cantonese Government are still possible if we recognised Cantonese independence. Canton has been for many years independent, not owing allegiance to Pekin. It would be far better to deal with fragments having stable Governments than to wait fifty or a hundred years for a reunion under a central Government.”

Referring to the Chinese pirates, ho says that it is ridiculous that they should be allowed a free run. The British fleet now therp could smoko out the wasps’ nests in a day. It is not known that pirates are constantly seizing vessels of sundry nations and carrying them off within sight of Hongkong Peak. “Tho Chinese themselves are astonished that the British do nothing, and call us the ‘Paper Tiger.’ ’’—(“The Times.”)

A GREAT SEND-OFF. TROOPS LEAVE FOR CHINA. (Received Wednesday, 7.20 p.m.) MALTA, February 1. The Second Border, First Bedfords, and Hertford Regiments left for Shanghai aboard the Megantic in the highest spirits. The transport had a tremendous send-off. As she moved through a line of battleships, to the strains of “Shanghai,’/ and “Auld Lang Syne,” the crews of the battleships and crowds ashore cheered heartily. Major-General Duncan is of opinion that there will be no trouble in Chin::., as the force being sent is quite sufficient to prevent it.—(A. and N.Z.) AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPARTS. (Received Wednesday, 7.20 p.m.) LONDON, February J. An incident that marks the greatest advance made in the last twenty years is tho departure of the aircraft carrier Argus for China, loaded with aeroplanes and stores, and carrying a full complement of naval air forift personnel, increasing the strength of the aircraft in China to eighty, with reserves.—(A. and N.Z.) PROTESTS IN INDIA. DELHI, February 1. While Calcutta hitherto has been calm, meetings of protest have been held in Bombay and Madras against tho despatch of Indian troops to China. — (Sydney “Sun.”) A MINISTER BEFOGGED. CHENGLOH, February L The Chinese Minister cannot comprehend why Britain is sending troops to China, involving the risk of gfave consequences. He prefers tho franker attitude of tho Unitefl States, Franco and Japan, though he regrets that Japan has not clearly declared her intentions.—(A. and N.Z.)