SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand. Henderson's Mill Turf Club March 1" Hawke'sßay J.C Autumn March 17and IK Helensville Turf Club Meeting..March 25aml *U Taronaki J.C. Autumn -....April 1 and 2 Takapuna J.C. Easter Meeting April 5 Auckland K.C. Autumn April 11 anil 15 Canterbury J.C. Autumn ........April 14 and 15 Pauakura Races ■ April 23 Takapuna J.C. Winter Meeting May 21 Australia. Hawkesbury K.C. Autumn April 3 and 5 A.J.C. Autumn April 14, 18, 18, and W S. A. J.C. Autumn May 10,15, and 17

Dates of Nominations, Entries and Accep tances.

Acceptances and general entries Takapuna Meeting March 23 Nominations Pupukura Cup and Hurdles : April 10

To Correspondents.

G.UH.—Grand flaneur was three years old when ho won the Champion Stakes. INQUIRER. —Tasman carried Sst 51b when he ran second to Welcome Jack in the last Gruai Autumn Handicap. Champion.—First King's time is precisely the same as that made by Commotion—viz.. 5 min3. 2iisecß.. The Barb's best time for 3 niile: waa omins. 3Ssecs. Kom.MAKO.—C. Wood, who rode St. Illnlse in the last English Derby, wore Sir F. Ju)m stone and Lord Alington's colours, *'chocolate and yellow sleeves." Qukry.—The conditions of the Kapler Handi cap state that the winner of any handicap of the value of 300sovs., after the declaration of the weights, carries 10H. extra. The Poet's weight, therefore, is Sst 21b.

THE CHAMPION STAKES.

[By Hipposa.]

What a shock Auckland turfites received on Saturday night last when the wire* flashed that Martini-Henry had unplaced himself in the Champion Stakes, and the unthought-of Le Grand had proved vic torious, Off Colour running second, and Commotion third. For some time, the news could scarcely be credited, for it was thought the only horse that would bring about the downfall of the Auckland-bred colt waa Mr. Pearson's crack. From the details of the running to hand, it would appear that Martini-Henry occupied a pro minent position in the race until about three quarters' of a mile fioni home, when lie fell back beaten. Considering that he is brci fora stayer, his sudden collapse is puzzling, and the only cause I can at present attribute it to is, that he either received insufficient work for a severe three-mile struggle, or was over-done, for I read from papers to band this week that on the Tuesday before the race " the most interesting work of the morning was provided by Martini-Henry and Morpeth. The pair cantered up to the two mile post, when they struck out, and made the round in '2 minutes 3."> i seconds, whilst two miles recorded 3 min utes 43 seconds. This was better than an> gallop seen at Flemington for years. Three years ago Grand Flaneur did a couple of miles in a second less, but considering that the going was heavier in Morpeth 8 and Martini-Henry's case, their performance may be classed as the better of the two." This was telegraphed Irom Melbourne to the leading Sydney morning paper, and it only helps to make tho cause of Martini- Henry's defeat more perplexing. Fate seems to be against tho Hon. J. White securing the Champion Stakes, for in 1579 with Chester his prospects looked equally as promising as they were on Satur day, but his big gun suffered defeat at the hands of First King, who ran the three miles in the unbeaten time of Smins. 20aecs. A surprising matter in connection with this year's event too, was the form dis played by Off Colour, who is by King Cole out of The Gem, therefore a member of the "great Juliet family," but Commotion's position in the race is a fortunate thing for the pencillers, as his owner never fails to put down the pieces to a rare tnne, a? many of them already know to their sorrow. Such a brilliant performer as Le Grand, the winner, has proved himself this season, merits more than passing com ment at my hands, and a short review of his career and performances which I have gathered, may not prove uninteresting. He was bred at The Grange stud farm, Queen sland, by the late Sir J. P. Bell, and on the score of breeding can boast of some rare strains of blood, as will be seen from the following tabulated pedigree :— I - Tho Baron j^™^*"*. 3 Stockwell i ;— || .ttttahonttjgSSS, _ Jj B^nv Mel^rae|^~e_ f j »SXn. £ I t ni»,i«.,f,. Sir Hercules jj. | I.B l rdcati, GuiccioU | iChanticrr ! .§! Whim £™ n° 2. jiVloa I |i Laneroost MfJl^ 1 3 «Kl!crdalo utl3 -3 i ColsterdalojTomboy y !_ I dam iTesann. < j-| ■. ~" iTpuohst'no™ ~ ( O —jXcwmiiiß'r — 3 || jnceswins J^ m ent 8 Mclb?U^^~l | Lady jSlcisht-of-Hand — KhzabctlijMargntvc mare I ™ s ggj? j Pompoy 1 — .3 Vftrintinn Bustard 3 Variation, |JohnnnaS - tnoote to Tniwrt Sultan Hawlse Jerc°d **™* Sister to Volooipcde Hornaea iCcrborus mare Le Grand made his first appearance as a ■ two-year-old at the Sydney Turf Club Meat ing, when with Bst. 101b. he finished third •to Ildagonda (6st.), and Finesse (Get. 31b.), in the January Stakes, 5 furlongs. This he followed up by winning the Sires' Produce Stakes, 7 furlongs, at the Queensland Turf Club Meeting, Capitulator being second, and Wheatmeat third, all three having Bst. 101b, -each in the saddle. After this at the Rock hampton July Meeting, he secured both the Sires' Produce and Champagne Stakes, which was his last appearance as a two-year old. He commenced his career this season by Howling over Kingsdale in tho Hawkes bury Mares' Produce Stakes, on whom 2 to 1 was laid, and after v week's interval won the A.J.C. Derby from Kingsdale, Copra,' Narina, and Kaipara with open mouth. Two days later with 7st. 111b. he beat Ike (7st. 91b.), by a neck in the Craven Plate, 1J mile, Segenhoo (9st.) being third, and on the last day of the meeting won the Rand wick Plate, 3 miles, w.f.a., with the greatest of ease from Sardonyx, The Gem, and Sweet William, but the time recorded •was very slow, viz., Gminß. 7Jsecs. Up to this time Le Grand had been raced by Mr. ■J. P. Jost, who it is said bought him as a yearling for 80 guineas,' but the Melbourne sportsman.Mr D. S. Wallaoe.takinK a liking to the colt, entered into negotiations for his purchase, and after some trouble suc -4

ceeddii in g.-Mt*£yijfehla fanoy. The brilliant: performmiue^f^tne=»Sb"n of AEpigram at the A..J.C Meeting naturally, caused regret tliiit he was1 not nominated for the Victorian Blue Ribbon so that he might "measure strides with the supposed good thing Archie, but being in the Melbourne Cup with the nice impost of 7st. 51b. he came in for a deal of noMce for that event, his new owner in one hand backing him to win £30,000. He failed to 'distihgiiisKKimself in the great race, however, and in the Melbourne Stakes and Canterbury Plate he could 'get no nearer than third. In the Royal Park Stakes, M mile, w.f.a.,. Sardius, Hurricane, Archie, St. Lawrence and First Demon had to go down before him, but in the Anniversary Handicap at the Sydney Turf Meeting with Sst. ] 71b he ran unplaced. The Geelong Mares' Produce Stakes, ran several days laiur (in which only Little Sister opposed him), wu3 won with the greatest of ease, afid with Sst. 101b. lie succeeded in running second to. Malua in the Newmarket Handi cap on the first day of the V7R.G. Autumn Meeting, the three-quarters of a mile being run in the splendid time of Imin. loJseCs. This he followed up by getting third to Morpeth and Sweet William in the Australian Cup, 2J miles, but his win on Snti relay, eclipsed all his previous efforts. jt will thus be seen that Le Grand has been .i moat consistent performer, for out of the eighteen races he ha,*? run in, no less than eleven has he. placed to his credit, and ife is pje.ising to be able to record that such a brilliant animal belongs to one of the truest sportsmen Australia can boast of. In a sketch of Mr. "Wallace that recently ap peared in a Melbourne journal, and which I caisnct do better than quote, the writer stated that "'a gentleman^— every inch of him,' is the opinion of the public, and whether that designation i 3 applied to prin • cijile, appearance, or action, the. owner of Le Grand, Calma, Chucks-ter and other good "uns is, in every sense of the word, 'clean bred,' and ho stands out prominently as the true type of a sportsman—and of the race horse owner who race? purely and simply for the love of th« sport." HISTORY 07 THE RACE. There have now been 27 Champion Races run throughout the Australasian Colonies, the event having been migratory for the first 13 years—during which Deriod two, and once three (I860) were, run in the twelve month. The last of these changeable fixtures took place "in 1873,. at Launees ton, which Tasmanian course-till then had had the greatest share, viz., seven to Mel bourne's three. The great weight-for-age raeo then lapsed till 1876, when-the Vic toria Racing Club resuscitated it as the great attraction for their New Year's Day gathering at Flemington,. but this year incorporated it in their V.R.C. Autumn programme, and it is now an annual institution. Out of the 27 recurrsnoes, slightly more than half were won by three-year-olds ; though it must be borne in mind that horses of this age had several pounds the better of the weights, ujito ISSO, than now. The respective win ning ages have been as Under,-including the present year :—Six years and aged, 9 times ; five-year-olds, once (First King); four-year-olds, 4 times: three-year-olds, 13 times. The owners whohave won more than once are :—Mr John Tait, 5 times ; Mr Jos. Wilson, 3 times ; and Messrs Keighran and W. FieM, each twice. The only horses who have been twice successful are Zoe, Strop, First King, and Ladybird, the latter win ning at Dnnedin in 1863, and Cbristchurch in ISUS. The 27 Champion victories are divided amongst the various colonies as follow :—Victoria, 13 ; New South Wales, 7 J Tasmania, 3 ; South Australia, 2 ; and New Zealand, 2. The jockeys whose re cord of winning monuts is the highest are -A- Hales, 4; Ash worth, 3;. and Simpson, Carter, Davis, and Murphy, 2 each. The slowest time was Mormon's (at Wagga)— fimin 38sec; and the fastest time was First King and Commotion (both at Flemington), smiu 2Gsec each. :

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Okb' of the most popular country race meetings of the year is that of the Hender son's Mill Turf Club, "tWcji lakes place on Monday next (St. Patrick's' Day), and if the weather is favourable, there'will doubtless be a large gathering of : sportsmen frotn town, who always look forward to it as a pleasant day's outing. The names of those at the head of affairets a sufficient g-iarantee that there will be' nothing to cdmplain about a3 regards the management of tse meeting, and a Special: train -for the con veyance of Auckland "Visitors leaves the rjlH?.Ay,.station,,a,t 11.3Q a-m... arriring in town at 6.57 p.m. All the events of the programme have filled up well, and the names of those left in tno two principal races are as follows:—- *; ■ HANDICAP HURDLES." st. lbl 'ri ' ' st. lb. Woodpecker .. 11 7 Corrigan .. 9 7 Harkaway . ..10 10 Native .. 9 4 -■Minuet. ..' ~.10 7 Mi3S Walton ..9 0 Shotoyor ~». 9 7 -~- : ; . ■ , Henderson's mill-cup.' '•', '■ ■ ■ -sLlb. •:. .' st.lb. Fishwpman ..8 4 Mystery ... ...; 610 Merlin .. ..8 0 Swordsman-., ;-Jj o Kalo ... .: 712 Bryan"TXLynn .. .6.0 Woodpecker .. 7 4 Golden Crown, ..'6 '0 In the Hurdles, Woodpecker should be able to beat those opposed'to him, and for t!ie Cup I like nothinj; better.-tnan: Kalo, but as :Fishwonian will be-running in the same interests, it behoves backers to handle their race-books witn care. V. ,: -""'i. ' Monday 'and Tuesday -next? are tho days! iet down for thd decision of: the Hawkb°s"Bay Jockey Club .Autumn Meet ing, and althongh the big event —' the Napier Hnndicap—which is run; on the first day, has dwindled down considerably, there are yet quite sufficient left in to. pro vide a pood contest; ''■ The names'of the horses and the correct imposts they will carry are aa'follows :— '..'■'. 1 1 . .. St.lb. ■ • • stlb. Leonora .. „ 810 RmirßeT.-.' -- 7 9 The Poet (includ- The Laird.. ... ) 5 ing 101bpenalty) 8 3 Nolson .. ..7 2 Maori (including Wapiti .. ..7 2 51bpisiato} .. 710 Buraard .. .. 612 Sou'westorjSndud- Sadames . . 610 ing 51bpenalty) : I 9 • . ;;,.o* Sou'-westeris a strong favourite for the race, and according to one ef the local writers is the most forward horse in work, which'if true, will be quite sufficient to make him very dangerous. With exactly the same weight as he is-now called upon to carry, and over the same distance, hisparty. thought him areal good thingf orthel). 3 .'C. Handicap, but owing-to the gruelling he got the day previous, he wentright off and rununplaced. The Poet has been showing such good form of late that even his penalty may not stop him, and I must confess that I have a sneak ing regard for Emir Bey. Maori is tpa un certaki, and The Laird finds no favour in my eyes, but Major George's«>lts are so nicely handicapped that the beet of, the pair will take a deal of shaking off. Buzzard I have no. fancy for, and Radames, who is reported tobe looking andgoingwell.maybereokoned to have a first-class .outside show^ ,If Son' wESTEfi, however, runs up to his private form, he should win; and I-fancy that the best of -Major George's, will give him most trouble. • . .. • •■ ; ; Having a couple of days to spare while on my way to assist at the Dunedin Autumn Meeting, I ; thought it. could not be inoro pleasantly passed away than in Christchurch, the home' and. birth-place of so many equine

■wonders. The time of my visit was an ill timed one for going over the various stables and their occupants, for With the exception of Mr D. O'Brien, the majority of owners and all of the local trainers were at the Dunedin convincing ground. An invitation from the owner of the rir*t Nca- Zealand Cnp V inner, however, to come and spend a few hours with him before he departed, was duly accepted, and accompanied by several other friends, it was not long after starting before a spanking pair of greys had brought up the wagonette in front of the Racecourse Hotel at Riccar ton. Here we found Mr O'Brien in his snug and picturesque little abode, and after looking over oil paintings of his old pets Tambourini and Fishhook, and an in spection ot the Mandeville Cup won by Tasman at Dunedin a couple of years ago, we proceeded towards the stables for the purpose of interviewing the horses. The first led forth was Johnny Faulkner, looking in blooming iealth, but unfortunately two weeks pie viously he had so severely injured one of liis fetlocks as to necessitate his withdrawal from the Dunedin Cup. I was particularly pleased with the chestnut son of St. Albans, who will probably give us a taste of his excellence next season, for it is the intention of his owner not to do anything with him until then. After a glimpse at Siesta, and Rubina, both of whom have thickened and furnished since they were seen here, Tasman claimed our attention. He wa3 quartered in a splendid box 14 x 14, and looked in the vejry pink of condition. In appearance he is not a big horse, but is very strong and compact, and has an excellent set ot" legs under him. A look over Trumpeter and the steeplechaser Bateman (who had just been taken up after a blistering), brought our inspection of the horses to a close, but I may mention that the stable, which is a substantial brick structure, contains twenty roomy boxes, and is fitted up with every convenience. In an adjoining paddock we found Is'atator's dam Waterwitch, with a well-grown rait foal by Cadogan scampering about at her side. The old matron, who is now 17 years old, was looking particularly well, and her foal gives every promise of developing into a good one. Our steps were next directed to the racecourse, tho running track of which is only some hundred yards from Mr O'Brien's hotel, and an uninterrupted view of all that takes place can be seen from either tho drawing-room window or balcony. " Truly this is a snug retreat for touting," remarked one of our party, and it is needless to say that we all concurred with him. The first thing that struck me on reaching the course was the magnificent grand-stand, and it is deserving of all that I have heard sounded in its praise. In addition to it there is also a commodious Leger stand, and what is known as the "shilling stand," and although on the whole there is little to find fault with in the general appointments on the course, it is unworthy of a wealthy institution like the Canterbury Jockey Club that trainers should have to put up with such miserable stable accommodation as that provided for them. Their wants, however, are well looked after on the training ground, for they have not only two plough gallops, but a trial and winter gallop. The run ning track is some few yards short of 14 mile round, and unrailod, while the straight measures about four furlongs in length. Having by this time got through our sight-Eeeing, we retraced our steps to wards the hotel, where after a pleasant chat on some of the turf celebrities of other days, and thanking Mr O'Brien for his courtesy, our team was harnessed up, and we were soon bowling along the pretty by-ways that are to be found in the City of the Plains. In the evening, I paid a visit to the private room where Tattersall's Club bold their meetings, and the first thing that met my eyes on entering was a photographed group of the Auckland metallicians, while adorn ing another part of the wall were oil paint ings of Mason's and Vallance's unfortunate horse Bundoora, and Mr M. Smith's Tim Whiffler. The Clab is indeed a credit to those at its head, there being every con venience for members, and a well-stocked reference library, while in connection with the room there is also a billiard table and refreshment bar, where only tem perance drinks can be procured. On the following afternoon, I took a run down to the splendidl' appointed Lancaster Park grounds for the purpose of seeing the great Scotch athlete, Donald Dinnie, assist ing at the Caledonian Society's sporte. To be present at Buch a well-conducted athletic meeting was indeed a treat to me, and the arrangements were carried out in a very different manner to gatherings of the kind that take place in Auckland. , A number of sales of thoroughbred stock and yearlings from various studs took place at Melbourne the other week, and all proved successful. The most competition was caused for the yearlings belonging to Mr S. Gardiner, of Bundoora Park,and the amount realised for the 20 disposed ofbyhimrcaehed 5,180 guineas, or an average of £271 19s. The highest price paid .was 1,000 guineas for Ancrler's Gem. a brown colt by Angler —Topaz, which fell to the bid of Sir W. J. Clarke; Manoondah, a blown colt, also 03' Angler, out of Lurline (iluin of Dareoin), was withdrawn at a reserve of J.SjOq-s. Only two of Mr Do Jlestra'.? lot wo.ro sold, viz. : Waxlight, to Mr T. S. Clibborn, for IQo guinea?, and n, three-year-old oclt, b'yfiob inson Crusoe,-to .Mr Cur.ninp.-ham for £350. No offer--was made for Navigator, and his reserve was announced .-is 3.0C0 guineas, "but Mr S. Gardiner subsequently offered 2,000 guineas privately for him. Leonata was scratched' for all engage ments at the Hawke's Bay Autumn Meet on the 7th of March. Mr P. Martin has chaneod the nomencla ture of the two-year-old filly Gretna Green, and she will henceforth be known as Pearl, which is the first portion of her dam's name. The same gentleman has christened his King of Clubs—En Avant colt Forerunner. The Melbourne Cup winner Assyrian, who has been at the stud, is to be put into work again. On account of the poor form shown by Sardiua in the V.R.C. St. Leger, he was withdrawn from the Australian Cup two. days before the race. In the Maori Hack Race at the Rotorua Races, a jockey, nick-named "Young Fatty," cleverly landed Rangipo a winner with tho saddle under his belly. Malun, the winner of the Newmarket Handicap, was heavily backed by the stable for the event, and left the paddock second favourite, btit 100's to 5 could be obtained about Le Grand, Mho ran second. £7,153 p<i3sed through the totalizators during the two days of tho Wan^anui Autumn Meeting. The Hon. J. White's stable were in "reat form on the first day of the V.lt.C. Autumn Meeting, for besides winning the St Leger with Martini-Henry, they secured the Ascot Vale Stakes with Bargo, and the Hopeful Stakes by the aid of Salvo. At the Wairarapa Autumn Meeting, Wally Clifford rode no less than five winners, andat the Turakina Meeting Wattie scored four winß out of five mounts. At the latter gathering Alick Sutherland had also a win ning mount.' ■ Martini-Henry, Le Gr.ind and Off Colour are engaged in the A. J.C. St. Leger, run on the 14th of next month, bo that another opportunity will be affo^ed them to fight their battles o'er again..

(BY ACTJEON.)

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

Aquatics.

Wellington Regatta March Rowing Association Regatta March g George JJubear (England) v. Wallace Ross (U.S.). for WOO, ovur'lhaincs Championship courso (1J miles) March 10 Tauranga Regatta March IS Hokianga Regatta March 17 Whangarei Regatta March 17 Coromandel Regatta, March IS Ponsonby Regatta April 11

CRICKET.

March 14, T5. and 17 —Interprovincial match between Otagj> and Canterbury at IJunedin. March 15—Alpha v. Kxcelsior. South Ena v Grammar School, West End v. Otahuhu (stf. OUihulm). Our Boys t. Auckland, West End 3rd. v National, Uuired -'ml v. Standard, Avonrtule v. West End 2nd, Gordon v. March 22—Our Boys v. Auckland, Excelsior v United. West End v. Otaliuhu, Waverley v" Kxcolsior 2nd, North Shore v. South End' United 2nd v. Auckland1 2nd, Standard v v ''vv'.^f' 1 d"' V'l A vo"dalCl Gr;»nmar School March 24, 2j—Otahuhu v. Cambridge. March 27-United v North Shore (at North Shore) West End v. Excelsior. South End v Auckland, Otahuhu v. Our Doys, West End 3rd v. Parnell. United 2nd v. Gordon, A Inha v. West End 2nd, National v Standard Grammar School v. Kden.

BICYCLING.

Waitemata Club—March Bth: To JNorth cote, North Shore, and Lake Tukaimna. Isth: Panmure v. Otahuhu. 22nd: Hare and hounds. 20th: Avondale, via Three Kinga. Tuesday, 11th, at 5 p.m.: To One hunga for tea. The four-ton yacht which J Clare is build ing for George Webb will be launched next week, and will therefore be ready in time to take part in the Ponsonby Regatta. Waymouth has commenceda new 7-ton yacht for Brown, the fisherman. She is to be about a ton larger than the Seagull, which has given great satisfaction. The open boats Imp, Dream, and Bailey's new twenty-feet open boat are expected to take part in the Tauranga Regatta, which takes place on St Patrick's Day. According to the revised rules of the Pon sonby Regatta Club, twenty-feet open sail ing boats are styled "first-class open boats" and sixteen-feet open boats " second-class open boats." Increased interest should attach to the twenty-feet open sailing boat race which is to take place at the Ponsonby Regatta, for several boats are expected to come out. The latest addition is in course of construc tion at the shed of J. Waymouth, junior. In a Sydney paper, "VV. C. Wood, boot maker, boocammbre, challenges to walk any other wooden-legged man in the colony, for any sum of money not exceeding fifty pounds (£SO) ; either give or take ex penses. J. Rolfe, the well-known Australian pro fessional bicyclist, offers to ride any two men in Australia a distance of 20 miles, the men to change every alternate five miles, for £50 aside, or more if desired. The finest piece of running ever accom plished was credited to the champion pedestrian Hutehens, recently, when he covered 300 yards in 30 seconds. This is far in advance of any previous record. Hutchens was formely a newsboy at Put ney Station. Sheriff " Prussian," the English pugilist, offers to take the place of Paddy Ryan, who has ingloriously backed out, and will fight Sullivan. The conditions are four rounds, Marquis of Queensberry rules, the winner to take the receipts. The condi tions with Ryan were that the receipts were to be divided. Ryan is roundly de nounced by sporting men as a coward. Sheriff goes into training at once, as Sulli van says ho will accept him instead of Ryan. A swimming match has been arranged between Walter Mclndoe, champion of Aus tralia, and,young Kennev, son of Captain Kenney, of the Ship [Baths, St Kilda. On Feb. 26 the parties met at the Melbourne " Sportsman " office, when articles were signed and the first deposit of £25 put up. The other amounts are to be deposited on March 4, and the final deposit on March 18, the match being for £100 and the cham pionship of Australia, and the distances quarter of > mile, half a mile, and one mile. The following paragraph is taken from the Wanganui "Chronicle 1:—" As, Old Friend.—lt is always a pleasure to hear good news of an old friend. Mr W. Nichol son, writing to a brother oarsman in this town, states that he is at present with Messrs Wingate, Burns and Co., hardware merchants, Auckland, and doing well. He has Been picked, along with Davie Miller, Smith of the old Dolly Varden crew, and a man named Leatham, to row in tho senior race at the Auckland Rowing Association Regatta, which takes place on the 14th March—j«st about the time that the Wanganui shooting men will be visiting the Northern capital. Mr Nicholson, who will long be kindly remembered here in Volunteer and aquatic circles, appears to be making his mark." After a lengthy discussion, lady cyclists have at length made up their minds as to the costume for 1884. Lady Harberton tried earnestly for the divided skirt, but her motion was lost. The costume even tually agreed upon was "loose trousers of a dark colour, to match the dress ; overskirt, made as simply as possible, of ordinary walking length, and of the thin C.T.C. cloth or flannel, but the style to be left to the individual taste; the body also to be left to the taste of the wearer, but made of the same materials. Norfolk jackets were recommended for slight figures. The hat to be made of the Club materials, of a shape inthe discretion of the rider ; or as straw with a Club ribbon. Black woollen stock ings were voted most desirable. Tight bands should be avoided as much as pos sible."

Remuera Athletic Sports.

The following are the handicaps for the Hemuera Athletic Club Sports, to be held in Remuera on March 17th :— Remuera Handicap. Ist stage, 100 yds.— G. Cutler, scratch ; W. Thompson, 3yds; J. Young, siyds; H. Bull, sydte; J. Mo- Koy, siyds; G. Carter, 6yds j B. Bull, Byds. Remueka Handicap, 2nd stage, 200 yds.— G. Cutler, scratch ; \V. Thompson. syds ; J. McKoy, 11yds; G. Carter, 11yds; H. Bull, 9yds; j. Young, 12yds; E. Bull, 13yds. Remuera Handicap, 3rd stage, 440 yds.— G. Cutler, scratch ; W. Thompson, 12yds; H. Bull, 18yds; G. Carter, 20yds; J. Mc- Koy, 22yds ; E. Bull, 22yds j J. Young, 30yds. Boy.V lOOvds. Handicap.—A. Cutler, scratch ;T. Adcock, 2yds; H. Bull, 2yds ; E. Williams, 3yds ; J. Fitzgerald, 4yds ; A. Bamett, ojyds. 1 Mile Handicap, Rttnxino. —W. Thonert). son, scratch; W. Alderton, 45yds; A. Cutler, 65yds; J. McKoy, 65yds G. Carter, SOyds ;E. Bull, Soyds ; H v Bull, 90yds ; J. Young, I.lsyds; D.. • Allen, 135 yds; J. Morrow, 140 yds ; W., Adcock, 150 yds. ZL i i : •

■www—a——NMM^wi^riMMHjCTSSJwSJ^w^^.'T'irnii^i Tiiii n Hcrot,i; Race, 220 Vis-, Ovkr S Hok'dub 3ft. Hic.ii—O. Cutler, SfcfAtch ; J. McKoy, 12yds. ;W. Thompson, %cfer,; 11. Bulk 13yds. ; E. Bull, 13yds. ; i. Morrow, 19yd». ;A. Uunne, 15yds.; X. Cutler, 14yds. ; W. Adcock, 2oyd«. ; A. Cutler, 10yds Half Miik Handicap.—W. ThswipsoD, scratch ; A. Cutler, 40yds. : U. Carter, nOyds. ; J. MeKoy, 50yds. ; W. AldsrtOD, 2.3 yd?. ; E. Bull, 35yds. ; H. Bull, 45vds. • W. Adcock, 70yds. ; D. Allen, TOy'ds" ; J. Morrow, 63yds. ; J. Young, 05yds. Two Milk Walking Match.—J. Cutler, scratch ; T. Griffin, 120 yds. : W. Thompson, 130 yds. ; J. McKoy, li.%ds. ; G. Cutler, 50yds. ; D. Allen, 145yda. Boys Unukr 10, \itLE ITandicap.—T. Adcock, scratch ■ H. Bull, 30yda. ; A. Cutler, 30yds. ; J. Fitzgerald 40yds. ; A. Barnett, Coyds. ; E. Wil!inms, 35yds. J. Vow«, Secretary.

The Tasmanian Cricketers.

The following record shows the result of the various matches played during the tour, and also gives the batting and bowline averages ;— Feb. 2, v. ptago. Otago, 65 and 23 for two wickets; Tasmania, 40 and 17. la>st by 8 Feb. 7, v. Canterbury. Canterbury, 203 and 14T for 0 wickota; Tasmania, 22G and 125. Lost by 1 wicket. Feb. 1-2. v. Eighteen of Ashburton. Tasmania. 116 and 103 ; Ashburton, 113 and 03. Won by 13 runs. Feb. 15. v. Otago (return). Tasmania, 139 and 116; Otago, IS!U and 20 for 1 wicketa. Drawn. Feb. 19, v. South Canterbury. Tasmania* 135 ami 10 for 1 wicket; South Cauterbuty 57 and 91. Won by 9 wickets. Feb. 22, v. Canterbury (return). Canterbury, 12S and 130; Tasmania, 193 and 59; Loss by 8 runs. Feb. 2S, v. Invercargill. Tasmania, TSand IST; Invercargili, 44 and 27 for 7 wioketa. Urawn. Result—Hatches played, 7; won, 2; lost 3; drawn, 2. BATTIXG AVERACKS. 11 -s! 111 I Name. *3 js I *-* jj's ©" _IlLj_jllL. Gatehouse .. .. 11 249 3 f2 227 Harris 13 277 GO 21 A SideboUoin .. ..13 175 1 59 14 7 |an,3 14 i 150 2 57} 12.6 Read 5 35 2 20 11.2 Hale 13 133 .. 38 10.3 Burn 13 | 113 I 1 ;>3 9.5 Dimes li i 101 . 42 9.2. Butler 12 !BS .. 20 8.2 Kirby 13 i Bti 2 ni 7.9 Kendall 13 iß> 2 22 7.5- Mansfield .. .. 12 Ijt 2 9J iA JSisnifies not out. BOWLIXO. j ■* » <£' |j I | | | Sams i 67 I 3 3" 5 72 Hale I 512 51 170 21 7 2 Sidebottom .. ..| 381 20 139 16 8JI1 Hendall .. .. 1958 205 | 52S 59 &£6 Burn 348 37 68 7 9.5 Mansfield .. .. 556 48 183 9 20.6 Butler i 41 3 13 .. Mansfield bowled 1 wide. Harris bowled'3s bsdis for 19 runs, 1 wicket. Eirby, 20 balls 2: maidens, 10 runs.

The Sculling Match of the World.

Commenting on the result of the sculling" match between Bubear and Elliott the "St» James's Gazette" says; — "We cannot properly call the contest a. champion ship race, since Hanlon holds tha the British championship, and has not been challenged by either man to defend, his honours. Nor, theoretically, was there anything to show that yesterday's com petitors were the next best men in. the world to Hanlan, or even the two best that England can produce. Practically, we believe that Bubear is about the best English professional of'the day ; but never theless he is matched next month to re ceive ten seconds' start over the Metro politan Course from Ross, the Canadian, and the latter is acknowiedged to be much inferior to Hanlan! Elliott is a Durham pitman by origin, and once won the Thames championship, beating Higgins and Boyd, in 1878. Higgins had then begun to grow stale: at his best form he was a better man than ever Elliott was, and had previously defeated him. Elliott was easily beaten by Hanlan in 1579, and lost a match to Boyd in the following year. He has been on the shelf for some time, and does not now seem so good as he once was ; and that is not saving much for him. Ho is short and thickest, sculls a short snatchy stroke, relies too. much on his arms, and slides too soon. He has next to no swing of body, and as soon as his arms and legs tire he is as help less as a log. Bubear has a much better idea of using his slide and body, but has still much to learn ; however, he seems to he painstaking and improving. He is a trme heavier than Elliot (some 31bs) In siae he is about the same as Hanlan, bufr has nothing like the power and compact frame of the Canadian. The improvement displayed by Bubear should warrant his being made favourite when he meets Boss and receives lOsec. start. If he wins, and (Joes so " cleverly," a new match on even terms between him and the American will probably ensue.

The Dethroned King of Naples.

According to Figaro, Tho villaat St. Monde,,, near Paris, so noted as being the scene ofr * Daudet's " Le Roi en Exil," has been given-, up by its owner, the ci-devant King off Naples. Francis 11. lives with his consort on the third floor of the Hotel Buillemont* ■ in the Rue Boissy d'Anglais, which still Tie longs to him. • The retinue of tho printaly pair consists of a lady-in-waiting-, n maitre d'hotel, who combines other f-nnt.-tions-a* well, and a valet. Both the King and Qtaeeni lead th« simplest lives possible. Thay sel dom go to tho theatre, never in society,, and they never "receive." The snall.dark; ngure of Francis 11. may be. seen as early as eight in the morning in the Bois - in the afternoon as w*ll. \Tsth life hands in his pockets and a oigar iahfe mouth, he saunters up and down among tile passera. by. At this time the Queen, who is almost aa passionate a lover of riding and: sport as. her sister, the Empress1 of Amsbrifl,; castor on horseback along the a!i«*>. Thfei 46^3 not prevent her from, being a zealous'and devout attendant at tho MWeIciDSS. whe«^ in oae of the quiet naves, she may often ba be found, rosary in hand, kneeling in long and earnest prayer.

"Not married yet?" said a goutlemaa acquaintance to a tolerably elderly maidan, whom he had not seen for several years. "No, indeed; and I never will be," she quickly responded. "I've had several offers, but I wouldn't accept any of them. Ugh ! I think it's justT too awful for a. modest person, to get married."

>«3fe TJ Eft M^^l^A*VsSt^^aMMEN*i-<I^AI&iSH 4^ i 1884.

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