DISCURSIVE DIALOGUES.

SATURDAY EVENING TALKS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

N - 5- State Education—The Premier's Views Discussed—The United States and New Zealand Compared —Education and j Success in Life — Scientific and j Technical Training Wanted — Poor j Versus Rich.

Scene—A room in a hotel. Present—Jack Plane (carpenter); O'Fleecem (solicitor); McCheatem (merchant). Enter Tom Turn screw (engineer).

Tom Tcrnscrew : Good evening, Jack, and gentlemen all. Hope I'm not intruding. O'Fleeeem : Not a bit: take your weight off your leg 3 and join in the discussion. Jack Plane : I'm glad you've dropped in, Tom, for I've been rather pressed in the argument, and need your help. T. T. : What's the subject you've had in hand? McCheatem : We've been going through the Premier's City Hall address, and have just got the length of the education ques tion.

OF. : That's it; just got the length of it, and now propose to get at the breadth and depth of it.

j. P. : And I say there's no depth in it. The question is in a nut .hell, and one that isn't hard to crack. I say with Sir , Robert Stout, that it is impossible to retrench In the Education Department without infringing on the rights of the working classes and in flicting an injustice upon them at the ex pense of their rich neighbours. McC.: Which I say is all" bosh " —excuse the expression, but it has become quite classical. Poor men's children are being over-educated. In their tender youth they have their faculties impaired by over pres sure, and by being kept at school till they are sixteen and eighteen years of age they ■-ire rendered quite unfit for the duties of life. OF. : And I say "Amen" to that—l mean in the sense " So it is," not " So let it !be" by any means. If you're going to edu cate every youth to fit him for the learned professions you might as well pass Sir Geo. Grey's Law Practitioners Bill at once, and also throw the practice of medicine open to every quack in the country. J. P. : —But I say that my son has as good a right to get book learning ancl enter : the learned professions as the son of the Irich man. Poor men's sons have often -superior abilities, and it would be a calamity 'if these abilities were lost to the community for want of eduction ; therefore, it is the . duty of the State to educate them. What do you say, Tom ? T. T. : -I quite agree with you as to the superior abilities of lots of poor boys and their perfect right to enter any profession for which they are fitted, but I don't quite see where the duty of the Government

comes in. J. P.:—Why, I thought everybody was agreed that it was the duty of the Govern ment to provide education. OF : Up to a certain point, my dear boy. For the preventionof crime and drunkenness and other evils, it is considered expedient in the public interest to cultivate the in telligence of the people ; but as a matter of fact the State is no more bound to give your boy a good education than it is to give him fine clothes and a gold watch in his pocket. If anything, the clothes come be- Ifore the education, for there is much truth in the sage advice of Josh Billings, the •Yankee philosopher —" If you can't get jboth good clothes and education,, take the clothes." McC : It seems to me the working men of New Zealand have about got that alter ternative forced upon them, for thoy and their families are being pinched of the necessaries of life because of the heavy ex penditure upon useless education. OF. : That's it; useless education ; for at least 90 per cent, of these youths who are being so elaborately instructed are destined to labour by the sweat of their brows at occu pations where theoretical learning is not re quired. J. P. : Oh, it's all very well for you, gentlemen, to condemn education, for you doubtless had rich fathers who gave you a splendid start in life with both education and money. I believe it's nothing else but jealousy makes you talk as you are doing ! OF. : Rich father ! Well, that is rich ! Why, I went into a solicitor's office when I was thirteen years of age and just out of the fourth standard, and all I've learned since has been out of my hard earned savings and by improving every minute of my spare time. It isn't always the fellow with the big start that wins the race. MC.: Look at myself. A poor widow's son. I had to go at the age of eleven to sweep and dust in a big grocery shop, and now I could buy out my old " boss," besides beating him at book-keeping, theology, or general literature. The boy who depends on the school for his education is pretty sure to turn out a " muff."

> J. P. : You see, Tom, how I'm beaten i.by this heavy metal. Can't you put in a hword as a working man ? '■" T. T. : As a working man, I think I was tetter learning a trade when I was twelve iears of age than being sent to school, and think every rich man's son would be better to do the same.

J.P. : But didn't you hear what Stout said about the great things that education had done for Germany—higher education too?

T.T. : Of course I did, but Sir Robert very adroitly forgot to explain that the Germans teach something better than book learning—scientific and technical educa tion.

OF. : And that's what we must come to in this colony if we mean to hold our own in the industrial competition. I'm glad to see the Wellington Chamber of Commerce —commercial men, mind you—moving in the direction of having trades taught to our big boys at the State expense. T.T. : I was going to add that in Germany all the Royal Princes—and they are many ■• are trained to some trade, and princesses and noblemen's daughters are learned to cook, and sew and darn. Don't you think that's better than ciewel work and quad ratic equations? i J. P. : Well, Tom, you astonish me; for I always thought you were a true demo crat.

T. T. : And so I am ; but it's possible to carry the democratic idea too far. The people in the United States are finding that out, at least the thoughtful and observant among them are, and there is a great outcry for reform in the public school system, which at present entails an enormous ex penditure in absolutely injuring the young permanently. McC. : Well. I don't know about in jury ; education is surely harmless, if it is not always useful. T. T. : Well, here is what a teacher of Iqng experience says of the public schools in "the United States, and the same words might be used with regard to the education ' system in New Zealand. He condemns the schools on the following grounds :—First, jthe absence of moral training ; second, itheir tendency to make children too sharp, [impertinent and independent; third, their jinnuence in creating among both boys and igirls an aversion to manual labour. In other words, from his point of view, they spoiled the children and therefore did posi tive harm.

, OF. ; That describes the " young colonial" to a T—"sharp, Impertinent, and independent- 1' |low ip^ny gfflß, frOift our public -chools go into domestic service, 'and how many of tho boya learn a trade.

thoroughly, which can only be done in youth, when the muscles and the mind are alike susceptible to training ? The effect of our 60-called education is to give a dis taste for honest work, and so it makes our young people unfit to earn a living. McC. : There's some truth in that, for most of our colonial-bred boys and girls have got false notions of " respectability," and despise hard labour as if it were some disgrace. T. T. : Governor Hill, of New York, apparently believes that the education system in the United States is a gigantic failure in respect to fitting people for the battle of lite. While New York city swarms with idle young men striving to get into some " genteel" occupation, Governor Hill says " Reliable statistics prove that a large majority of all skilled workmen in this State are of foreign birth, but few native-born Americans being fofand in any of the more prominent industries." J. P. : Swarms of those pobr German princes and barons, I suppose, going over and putting their cheap labour in competi tion with that of tho American artisan. No wonder the Yankees are howling out against the influx of foreigners. Local industries require protection. OF. : Bah ! The best protection for local industries is to stop free education after the fourth standard, and make higher education consist of training in the practical sciences and arts. J. P. : Oh, yes, and leave all the good billets and big screws to the sons of lawyers ancl gentlemen who can afford to give thorn a university education, after they have been brought on as far as possible at the public expense. McC. : But, man alive ! Are wo not edu cating the rich men's sons at the public ex pense just now ? I say deliberately that the working mon of the colony are paying dearly for educating a lot of rich men's sons in tho public schools and making them fit to enter college. And those poor Scotch boys that the Premier spoke about didn't get free education, but their parents had to pay fees from the time they started in the A.B.C. till they emerged successfully from C;esar and Cicero. With every so-called disadvantage the poor men's sons have always been able to hold their own. I don't want to give my sons a classical education, which distinctly disqualifies for colonial life ; but if I did, I say the Government would pay part of the expense out of the general revenue, contri buted most largely by the working classes. J. P. : That's all humbug. Do you mean to tell me that Sir Robt. Stout doesn't know what is the true basis of a democracy, or that the Evening Star is in league with the rich men to maintain the present system of education for the benefit of their sons ? Tbe idea is preposterous, ancl you must believe me to be very green indeed if you think I can be gob to entertain it. I tell you, education is"the great leveller, and we mean to level up instead of levelling down, so that tho poorest boy in the land may have the samo chances as the millionaire's son.

OF. : And haven't we just been showing you that the poor man'<s son is quite able to give the other fellow a big start and beat him easily after all ? What you ought to consider now is whether it is worth your whilo to go on paying for the higher educa tion of the sons of rich men. 1 couldn't put it squarer before you if I argued the whole night. Come along, McCheatem, it's time we were off. ( Exeunt McC. and OF.)

J. P. : Well, Tom, it beats me to find a shrewd and well-educated man like O'Flee ccem holding those views. T. T. : I'm not surprised. You see O'Fleecem is largely self-taught, and that's the best sort of education—so good that you hardly ever find a successful self-taught man advocating high-class school train ing. J. P. : As you know, I've no boys ; but looking to the future, I hope that if I have any they will have an opportunity of petting tho very best free education. T. T. : I have boys, you see, and I've had to take two of them away early from school to go to work, so that I'm in the exact position of paying school fees for some rich men's sons who are kept at school getting a lot of useless knowledge crammed into them.

J. P. : Not useless ; they'll turn their knowledge to good use in getting the upper hand of their poorer neighbours whose wits have not been so well sharpened. T. T. : Supposing they do, it's all the more reason why I shouldn't pay for giving them their education.

J. P. : All right, Tom. Perhaps my own education has been neglected, and I can't see these things very clearly, but I am still convinced that education is the saviour of society, and the only firm foundation of a democracy.

T. T. : "Agreed ; but don't give us too much of it. Too much of one thing is good for nothing ! Let's go, Jack. (Exeunt, still discussixig.)

Bismarck and His Wife.

The last performance of " Patience " was honoured by distinguished attendance. In the royal box I noticed Prince William and his wife, and in the parquette sat the Prin cess Bismarck (I never before saw her in an opera house) and her daughter, the Coun tess Bautzan, with her husband. The princess is a simple, matronly - look ing woman. Dressed in plain black, with an old - fashioned bonnet, one might think her a good " burger frau" or farmer's wife, rather than the " better half " of the greatest statesman in Europe. She is as good as she looks. She is patient and helpful, though she dislikes her sur roundings, does not care for society, and longs for the life of other day 3, when she was mistress of a country home and her " Otto" was a simple dike captain. Though long years years has passed she has re mained the same, and Bismarck, too. He positively refuses to attend court. He chats gladly with his old king alone, but the great dinners, court balls and court receptions, hungered for and cherished by the nobles of high and low degree, he shuns as he does the crowded streets. He accepts no invitations. Even the Emperor fears to refuse all; but this autocrat—once only a " yon "—honours none with acceptance. Few receptions are given in his own house - even the once famous parliamentary din ners dwindled down to two or three during the last winter.—" Berlin Letter."

Hidden Treasure.

Mk Westland, Acting Secretary of the Financial Department, lately visited Gwalior to make arrangements for taking over three and a half crores. of rupees, which the Regency is lending to the Indian Government. He found that treasure to the extent of over L 5,000,000 sterling ' had been accumulated in pits and wells sunk in the floors of vaults in the Palace Zenana. The vaults aie situate partially under ground, daylight being ad mitted through narrow openings iii the walls. After removing the earth to a depth of six feet the workmen uncovered a smooth level pavement of large flagstones. When these were lifted they came upon a square pit filled with glittering silver. There were several such pits, two or, three of them containing jewels, but the majority contained each about fifteen lakhs of Gwalior rupees. In each pit was a copper plate, on which was engraved tho amount of the contents and the name of the official who placed it there. As a rule only freshly-coined rupees had been buried, and the secret had been entrusted to a few con fidential servants. The money was dug up fri Mr Westlani's presence and shovelled into bags, which weird s6nt to the Calcutta Mint in instalments of eight lakhs each,

SPORTING.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

W.H.—Sextant was purchased at the sale of the Terrara yearlings by Mr I>. OBnen tor 160 guineas. His dam, Sunshine, lsbyManbyr nong from Nightlight, the dam of Lantern andMy Dream, both Derby winners.

The Purchase of Limestone.

Fob enterprise, the New Zealand Stud Company certainly cannot be beaten, and the fact of making another addition to their valuable stud in the purchase of the Eng lish stallion Limestone is a matter which must earn for the directors the best thanks of breeders, not only in this province, but throughout the colony. From what I hear, Limestone has been well recommended by Major Walsmley, and he is an animal that should suit the requirements of the Sylvia Park establishment to a nicety. He is quite a young horse, only having been foaled in 1878, ancl in colour is a beautiful bay. Nothing could be better bred than Lime stone, which a perusal of his lines of blood will show. Limestone is by Wealock from Duvernay, by Beadsman, her dam, Cachuca, by Voltigeur, out of Ayacanora, by Bird catcher - Pocahontas—dam of Stockwell, <fee, by Glencoe. Wenlock is a St. Leger winner. He is by Lord Clifden, who also won the " prize of the north," and was the sire of two other winners of the race in Hawthorndon and Petrarch. Wenlock's dam, Duvernay, is by Beadsman, winner of the Derby, ancl the sire of Limestone is also connected with another famous family of racers, for his dam was Mineral, who bred Kisber. Mineral is own sister to Mandra gora, dam of Mandrake and Apology, who is by Adventurer, son of Newminster and grandson of Touchstone, both winners of the great race at Doncaster. On the side of his dam the heritage of Limestone is of .a still further distinguished character, as Beadsman, her sire, is by Weatherbit, from Mendicant, and the latter (a winner of the Oaks) was by Touchstone. Then, again, the grandam of Duvernay is by Voltigeur, winner of the Derby and St. Leger, so that Limestone is literally "steeped" in the very best and most successful blood in the " Stud-Book," Touchstone being very pro minent in his pedigree on both sides. Looking up Limestone's performances while on the turf, I find that as a two-year-old he won the Prince of Wales' Stakes, of 1,000 soys, at Goodwood, and next year appropriated the Triennial Stakes, of 782 soys, at Ascot, and the Sussex Stakes, of 1,517 soys, at Goodwood, tunning unplaced in both the Derby and Leger. The follow ing season he won the Royal Stakes of 657 soys, at Epsom, beating ten others ; but in six other races ho failed to catch the judge's eye. He ran four times as a five-year-old, viz., second to Chislehurst in, the Rous Memorial Stakes at Ascot; unplaced in the Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood ; unplaced in Her Majesty's Plate at Leicester, and unplaced in the Cesarewitch. Afterwards he was sent to the stud.

A Visit to J. B. Williamson's Stables.

[By Hii'i'oxA.]

Dorixg the week I journeyed out to J. B. Williamson's snug little establishment 011o 11 the Harp Road for the purpose of inter viewing the team of horses under his

charge. Although Williamson has only been a short time located in the premises under notice, he has them most comfortable, and there is every convenience that one could wish for. The stables comprise six boxes, and the usual accessories in the shape of boy's room, feed and harness rooms, £tc. Guy Fawkes, the hero of the A.R.C. Autumn Steeplechase of ISB6, was tho first I paid my respects to, and I found him disporting himself in a paddock close by the stables, having for his companions Bangalore (whom all race goers are acquainted with), Artist (a son of The Painter), and the well-known jumper Torpedo. It will be remembered that Guy Fawkes severely injured the suspensory ligament of his near fore-leg while taking part in the last Otahuhu Autumn Steeplechase, which compelled his being blistered. The son of Bedouin has been turned out ever since, and although the injured part has an ugly-looking appearance, he appears apparently sound, and in a scamper round the paddock showed no signs of favouring it. Guy Fawkes still shows a good amount of muscle, and his trainer intends taking him up again shortly. Making our way to the stables, I was introduced to the first of The Dauphin's two-year-old progeny in the shape of a filly out of Jinny, and who was only re cently brought up from Taranaki, She is a brown in colour, with a tan muzzle, and by no means a bad - shaped 'un ; but she lacks size, and on this score I am pretty certain she will not be able to hold her own when pitted against juveniles of her own age at level weights. Jinny (the dam of the filly under notice) is owned by Williamson, and is best known as the mother of Blarney. She was bred by Dr. O'Carroll, of Taranaki, and was got by Garry Owen out of a mare named Bonny Doon imported from Sydney, but there is a doubt about both of their pedigrees. The adjoining box to The Dauphin filly was tenanted by Puschka, the colt by Musket—Lady Ravensworth (imp.), re cently purchased by Mr J. Enko, the local peneiller. This youngster, who is brown in colour, with two white hind feet, stands 14.1^. He has rather a nice head and neck, and looked at from a side view appears most shapely, but when you get behind him ho is very narrow, and 1 don't think that I have seen a youngster more deficient over the croup. Like The Dauphin filly, I . certainly am of the opinion that Puschka will not shine unless under handicap conditions. On the score of breeding, though, you cannot have a much stouter bred one, possessing as he does some of the best strains of English blood on the dam's side. Lady Ravens worth (the mother of Puschka) is a daughter of Voltigeur, who won the English Derby and St. Leger in 1850. Her dam, Lady Hawthorn, is a full sister to Thormanby, while her grand-dam is the famous Alice Hawthorn. The next to claim attention was Cremorne, who has been in lavender since a few days previous to the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting. W^hile being indulged in a gallop with a view to getting a line as to his prospects for the St. Leger, he un fortunately put his foot on a stone lying on the plough track. This was the means of his displacing the sesamoid bone, which is situated just above the fetlock. The injury is an uncommon and very serious one, and it is questionable at the present time whether Williamson will be able to got another race out of him. Gypsy, the three-year-old daughter of Musket and Madcap, tenanted a separate box some short distance from the stables. This mare, always a big one, has grown up wards since last I saw her, ancl she now stands fully 16.2|. So far as her condition is concerned, there is little to cavil at; in fact, I should think it is questionable if there is anything more forward in training here, but she is too "leggy" for my fancy. Still it ia an old saying that they run in all shapes, and I should not think she is a slow one. Gypsy sported silj- three times l^st season, hut on each occasion failed to run into a place. Oraata and a bad-tempered black gal/ding by Hippocampus were the last to come under

notice. Omata is looking as poor as a crow, but both of his fore-legs seem to be pretty sound again. This terminated my inspec tion, when an adjournment was made to the house. After accepting of Williamson's hospitality, we fought over a number of equine turf battles now numbered with the past, and thus concluded a thoroughly pleasant afternoon.

TURF GOSSIP.

[By Hippona.]

The annual meeting of members of the Auckland Racing Club takes place on Monday afternoon next, when I hope to see a good attendance. An important matter will come before the meeting in the shape of adopting the New Zealand Metro politan racing rules in place of those under which the A.R.C now race.

By the time these lines reach the majority of my readers the Hon. W. Robinson's team of horses, viz., Thunder bolt, Disowned, Silver Prince and Enfilade, will be very near Sydney harbour. There can be no question that they are a very formidable lot, and it is exceedingly flatter ing to Auckland as a breeding centre to think that three of the team first saw the light of day at Sylvia Park, and further that they represent a trio of the best brood matrons to be found grazing there. Twelve months ago, who would have thought of Silver Prince being first favour ite for the Melbourne Cup ? Why, to have even mentioned such a thing one would at once have been put down as a lunatic, and whon the horse was going a-begging here for the want of a purchaser, I heard more than one good judge dismiss him as a " fiat-sided, ugly brute!" And at that time there is no doubt he was. I notice that boxes for the team have been secured at Mr J. Philip's stables, Lower Randwick. Faugh-a-ballagh's win in the New Zea land Grand National Steeplechase on Thurs day saw victorious the colours of a good sportsman in Mr R. Rutheford. The winner was trained at the hands of Mr P. Butler, which makes the fourth time he has led in the winner of the big Southern "lopping" race.

Salvo has been scratched for the Mel bourne Cup, which makes three with drawals. The first forfeit for the race is due on Monday next.

Trenton's full brother, Cuirasseur, I am sorry to hear, has sprung a curb. The colt has been broken in and ridden, and otherwise is doing well.

Papers to hand this week show that Niagara is being most consistently backed fortheV.R.C. Derby, and pretty well all available money at 5 to 1 has been picked up. There is every probability of the Auckland-bred colt being served up very warm. In Melbourne, a few days back, there was an offer to wager an even " monkey " that Niagara beat the Hon. J. White's colt Abercom, but it was not closed with. I think, in spite of this, that the Sydney sportsman will provide a formidable rival in one of his numerous string by the time the eventful day comes round.

Mr J. Marshall was a passenger to Sydney by the s.s. Mararoa on Wednesday. After "doing" the Adelaide Exhibition he in tends witnessing the Hawkesbury and A.J.C. Meetings in September.

There are not a few Aucklandcrs who opine that Thunderbolt will turn out the Simon Pure of the Hon. W. Robinson's string for the Melbourne Cup, and I know myself of more than ono of the "dry" local division who have supported him. A few days back one Aucklander supported Thunderbolt in the Melbourne market to .win him L 1,500-

I notice by a Sydney paper that Mr N. Payten intends transferring his training establishment from Campbelltown to Parramatta. The horses in his charge, in cluding Too Soon, Queenie, Figtree, and Finesse, now do their work on the Rose hill Racecourse.

There are a great number of two-year olds being prepared by our local trainers for next season's campaign. J. Kean has no less than eight under his care at Kohi marama; George Wright, three; J. Chaafe, two ; J. B. Williamson, two ; French, two ; E. Kelly, two ; Harry Harrison, two ; and J. Lennard and J. Rae one each.

Excepting a further run on Silver Prince, there has been no wagering of importance in Australia on the Melbourne Cup. The son of Anteros is quoted a strong first favourite at 100 to 7.

Belle was brought back from Wellington none the worse for the trip. Her owners are thoroughly disgusted at the way she has been handicapped of late, and I don't wonder at it. Unfortunately for them, she has been over-rated by everyone—handi cappers, public, and sporting scribes alike— and an analysis of her running throughout her career, I think, will honestly justify this conclusion.

Christchurch papers record that Silence has been backed for the New Zealand Cup to win £700 or £800 at from 100 to 7 to 100 to 10, and is now quoted at 100 to 12. Regina has also been supported for a few hundreds at 100 to 6, and a longer price would be taken to a considerable amount. Nelson is decidedly weaker, but the metallicians are not inclined to take any liberties with the crack son of King Cole.

I hear good accounts from Napier of Lady Florin, and her chance of annexing the New Zealand Cup is a good deal thought of down there. The mare has thickened out considerably, and is doing well.

Mr A. Drake is evidently determined to make a big splash in Australia. He has taken over with him a showy Christchurch made buggy and sulky, besides his two trot ting ponies. In addition, his team of horses have all got the same pattern of cloths and hoods, and the clothing is new, with the initials of the owner in red letters. Mi- Drake has further completed arrangements for a fortnightly supply from Christchurch of oats, chaff, and hay. The " Sydney Re feree " devotes a column and a half to de scribing the horses, etc.

The Hon. W. Robinson still has a couple of representatives in the New Zealand Cup in the shape of Torrent, the four-year-old son of Apremont and Watersprite, and the Albany—Mignon filly Fillina. Speaking of Torrent, the " Canterbury Times " says :— " Torrent looks none the worse for the additional flesh he has managed to put on since the summer, and as he now seems sound and in the best of health, he may earn a winning bracket or two during the absence of his stable companions in Australia."

The youngsters from which the Hon. James White is to choose his representatives for the Maribyrnong Plate have arrived at Randwick, and have all been broken in and are doing well. Among the number are : Java, half-sister to Morok, by Chester; Escort, by Chester—Superba ; Knights bridge, brother to Monte Christo and Ptolemy's half-sister Thule, by Gloucester. In addition to these, Kickshaw, by Chester —Kaipara, is also receiving the rudiments of his racing education.

Describing a visit to Mr P. Butler's team, "Sir Launcelet " writes :—Artillery was the first I was introduced to, and backers of this colt for the N.Z. Cup will be glad to hear that so far he is going on satisfac torily in his training for that event. Though he was one of the dozen I picked as best in when the weights came out, I must record my idea that, if Nelson is fit ancl well, the brown son of Musket hasn't a 100 to 1 show with him, for I can never believe that the Canterbury Cup, in which Nelson's flag was lowered at weight-for-age by Artillery, was a true-run race. Added to this, though I have said above that

Artillery is going on well in his prepara tion, I incline to the belief that he would hardly pass an expert's examination as thoroughly sound. It may be as well to state, for the benefit of those Wellington ians who have been busy with a rumour that he had been bought by Ray, that he is still the property of Mr Butler, who purchased him as a yearling in Auckland for 300gs. Manton, the rising two-year old son of Musket and Tres Deuce (dam of Louie, Sir Bedivere, Tres Sec, and Queenie) is another of Mr Butler's Auckland pur chases, he having been content to give _25gs for him when he visited the North ern capital at the beginning of the present year. When I first saw this colt shortly after his arrival here, I described him as likely to grow into a counterpart of his relative, Sir Bedivere. Manton gave Mr Butler a bad quarter of an hour bybolting one morning on the course and coming into collision with one of the fences, but, though it was then odds on his being permanently injured for racing purposes, all trace of the accident is a slight abrasion on his nose, and, if he goes cm satisfactorily in his work, he is certain to be seen out for the Welcome Stakes.

An extraordinary mistake was recently made by the judge at Elsternwick Park (Melbourne)in the Elsternwick Park Handi cap. All the spectators thought the race was won by Childe Harold ; but Mr Vowles put up Guelpha's number, ancl refused to take it down, maintaining that his decision was right. According to report it is alleged that Guelpha finished absolutely last, while Childe Harold won by a length. This was very hard lines for Mr Mowbray, who had just bought Childe Harold for £185. At a meeting the stewards decided that they could not in any way interfere with the judge's decision.

At the Victorian Grand National Meet ing, backers had all the worst of the busi ness. This was due more to the heavy going than anything else. The time for the various events was very slow, that for both the Grand National Hurdle and Steeple chase being the longest yet recorded for either event since they were inaugurated. Strange to say, the favourites in both the im portant events came down. For the Hurdle Race Sir Launcelot went out at 2 to 1, and fell at the last hurdle, while Kildare, who left the paddock at 4 to 1, fell before reach ing the abbatoirs the second time round. The full particulars to hand of the vic tory of Ormonde, the unbeaten son of Bend Or and Lily Agnes, in tho Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot,show that the British public were not taken unawares by the form shown by the Duke of Westminster's famous re presentative, as on the previous day he won hard held the Rous Memorial Stakes of 1,000-ovs., over the new mile, with 9st 61b in the saddle. In the Hardwicke Stakes of 2,00050v5., 1£ mile, only four faced the starter. These were—Ormonde, 9st. 101b. ; Minting, Ost. 101b. ; Bendigo, 9st. 121b. ; and Phil, by Philammon— Phoebe, 7st. 121b. ; and the riders were T. Cannon, J. Osborne, J. Watts, and J. Barrett, respectively. The betting was 5 to 4 on Ormonde, 7 to 4 v. Minting, 100 to By. Bendigo, ancl 100 to 7v. Phil. As the quartette rounded the bend for home closer order was taken. Minting, on the rails, was first into the straight, attended by Bendigo, who now took second place, while Ormonde, on the outside, directly afterwards drew up to Mr Barclay's horse's quarters. For a few strides Bendigo flat tered his supporters, but at the distance he faltered, and Ormonde drew alongside Mint ing, the pair coming on locked together, running neck and neck until 50 yards from home. Hero Mint-fig got his head in front, but Ormonde, answering gamely to Can non's call, again drew level, and getting the best of a magnificent finish, won by a neck, amidst a scene of indescribable excite ment. Bendigo was third, three lengths behind, and Phil last. Time, 2 minutes 44 2-5 seconds. Value of the stakes, L 2,387.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Bogus turf advisers are springing up on all sides in Sydney. The Hon. W. A. Long has purchased the disappointing Chesham for 320 guineas. The Wellington Steeplechase Meeting resulted in a profit to the Club. Owhaoko got badly shaken when he fell in the Trial Steeplechase at the Wellington Meeting. Thunderbolt, Silver Prince, Enfilade and Chain Shot are the four horses for which _ilr R. Ray offered £4,000. No betting had taken place in Sydney at latest advices on either the Hawkesbury Handicap or " Metrop." All bookmakers joining the Victorian Betting Club will in future be charged an entrance fee of LSO.

Auckland-bred horses - Niagara and Silver Prince first favourites for the V.R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup.

Mr Stead informs the '' Canterbury Times " that it is not his intention to accept with Lochiel for the New Zealand Cup.

C. Wood still retains his place at the top of the list among English jockeys, his record standing at 54 wins tor 198 mounts.

It is reported that the Queensland Stud Company are in treaty for a couple of Eng lish sires. They are also sowing their grounds with English grasses. Grace Darling, the Caulfield Cup heroine of 1885, was lately offered by auction in Melbourne, and found a purchaser in Mi- Anderson, of Sydney, at 250 guineas.

A total of £2,493 was paid away in prize money over the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase Meeting, and of this sum Mr S. G. Cook was the biggest winner with £675. The Hon. W. Pearson followed with £582.

Mr Abington, the owner of Merry Hamp ton, made the jockey Watts a present of £1,000 for riding Merry Hampton in the Derby. The fortunate jockey has a retainer of £5,000 for three years from Mr Abington. Last year's Melbourne Cup winner, Arsenal, is said now to be as fat as a stud stallion, and has filled out into a stout thick-set horse. Those who saw him win last year would not know him uoav.

In an article on what can be won over big Australian races, the "Sportsman "says the public could back a horse to win the Melbourne Cup for rather more than LIOO,OOO, and make sure of getting all that amount on settling day. The Yoeinan, by Englishman out of Springtime, who won the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, is within a fort night of being 4 years old, and only a few days ago distinguished himself at the Vic torian Club meeting by winning the Vic torian Club Handicap on the flat. Stoneyhurst got through a nice half-pace gallop at Riccarton one morning last week, and pulled up sound. A Christchurch paper states that there is a disposition to back this horse for the New Zealand Cup, ancl should he continue to go on well he will see a much shorter price for the big handicap.

Ener, by Musket, from Lyra, who pro mised well a couple of seasons ago at the Hawkesbury, and who has since been located at Rockhampton (Q.), where she secured the Mile Handicap at the annual races last year, has completely broken down, and will have to be relegated to stud duty. The Victoria Racing Club has put forth its annual statement of accounts. The New Year's Day Meeting entailed a loss of L 215 19s 7d ; the others each returned a substantial profit, the Melbourne Cup meet ing alone increasing the exchequer by the handsome sum of L 17,300 13s 3d.

At a sale of racehorses in Sydney, Mr T. Lamond bought an own yearling sister to Rubina, by Kingsborough — Etiquette (imp.), for lOOgs. Another buyer was Mr William Forrester, the four-year-old Sorata, by Grand Flaneur from Montana (imp.), falling to his bid 80gs. ; and Oceana, by St. Alban's (imp.)—ldalia, found an owner in Mr G, H, Chapman at lOOgs.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(By Act_eon.)

FIXTURES.

FOOTBALL. July 30, August 7 and l_.-'-Rep." practice matches. August 17.—Auckland v. Canterbury. August.—Auckland v. Otago. Junior Cup. August 6.—Waitemata v. Ponsonby; Auckland v. North Shore ; Grafton v. Gordon. August 12.—United v. North Shore; Grafton v. Ponsonby ; Auckland v. Waitemata. August 20 -Gordon v. United; Auckland v. Ponsonby ; Waitemata v. Grafton. Second Junior Cup. August 6.—Waverley v. University; Rovers v. University: Gordon v. Waitemata. August 12.—Remuera v. Waverley; Rovers v. University; Selwyn v. Waitemata. August 20,-Selwyn v. Waverley; Remuera v. Gordon; University v. Waitemata.

ATHLETICS.

June 30.—Hare and Hounds of W.B.G, August 7.-Road Race of A.A.A.C.

AQUATICS.

July, 1887. - Hanlan v. Teenier. United States. Sep. 27, 29.—Thistle races for the Americas Cup. -' , Nov. 26.—Beach v. Hanlan for the Champion ship of the world on the Nepean.

FOOTBALL.

There is an old adage,—" Misfortune,never come singly," and the Graftonians felt the truth of it last Saturday, for their defeat by Gordon was succeeded by another at the hands of Ponsonby. Great interest was taken in the match, and it drew the largest crowd that has yet assembled at Potter's. How the match was lost and won is now well known, and I will confine my remarks to the play generally. A more even and better contested match has not been played this season, and the winners, though they may be well pleased with their victory, have nothing to boast about. The back play of blue and blacks was superior to that of the maroons, and as usual White side distinguished himself. The two first scores were obtained by forwards through runs of his. He was, however, de cidedly off in his collaring, missing Madi gan time after time ; he appeared to go too high, and to be in too great a hurry. Jimmy Braund, by his collaring, has done a good deal to aid his selection as the full back against Christchurch. On two or three occasions he had the match in his hands, but he was always equal to the emergency, and grassed his man beauti fully. He was a trifle too slow in his kick ing at times, but seems to be improving. Pritchard collared pretty well, but was a lump oft otherwise. Davy did not do any thing particularly brilliant, bin; was gener ally where he was wanted, and showed that he only wants practice to recover his old form. Albie Braund per formed excellently, and the way in which he gained his try deserved the cheers it got and showed that he knows how to use his head. Conway, though a trifle shaky at first, played a really splendid game afterwards. He made several fine runs, and his collaring was the best shown in the match. Arneil had but few shows at dribbling, but deserves recognition for his collaring. The way he grassed Madigan on two occasions fairly "brought down the gallery." Wooller worked hard, per haps harder than he had ever done before, and had very often to put his weight into the scrum to stop the peculiar tactics of the maroons, but he got fewchances of making off with the boll at his toe. I.trust he may yet kick a few more goals like the one last week. All the forwards played well, though i several times some of them dis played a weakness for going into the scrum at the side instead of at the back. Mills worked hard, as did Keefe, but for brilliant forward playl consider that Stewart, Stone, and Otway take the cake. On the opposite side Madigan and Elliott were the two dangerous men, and they made some bril liant runs, while Elliott was particularly noticeable for his collaring. Madigan did not shine in this line 60 much. Johnson played a fair game at three-quarter, but very often hesitated too long in taking his back, and paid the penalty. I have seen Tom Brown play a better game than he did last week. He was smart in getting his kick, and several times extricated the Graftons from a nasty position by his dodgy runs, but his kicking was not so good as usual. Mackie did very little ; once or twice he got away, but on several occasions lost fine opportunities, why I cannot tell. Graham did yoeman's service behind the scrum, but did not feed enough. He would have done far better to have paid more attention, to Elliott. Sneddon' and Muir played good wing games, starting some very nice rushes, and repeatedly spoiling Braund behind the scrum. Leckie, Twiname, Veale, and Stewart were the pick of the forwards. The forwards had a peculiar way of working the scrum towards Twiname, who changed from side to side, that Ponsonby found very awkward. Veale showed that he can still play with the " go " of last year, but should have been in a little better condition to last a match like that. Leckie worked like a Trojan, doing his level best to avert defeat, and in this he was ably seconded by every man in the forwards. The match was played in a friendly spirit throughout, and on this account was really enjoyable, no squabbles marring the play. When a man was collared he was "dropped" without further ques tion, and everything was taken in good part. This is just as it ought to be.

The Rev. J. Hoatson has given notice to move at the next meeting of the Canter bury Rugby Union :•■-*' That it bean in struction of this Union to its delegate to the English Rugby Union to propose the following amendments at the next meeting of the Rugby Union :—That in law 44, ' provided the kicker has not taken j his kick, and then only,' be omitted; that in law 45 the following sentence be inserted after the words ' retire to his mark:— In case of a place-kick, if the opposite side charge before the ball touch the ground, the referee may, on a claim by the kicker's side, disallow the charge, even though the kick has been actually taken.'" The Auckland correspondent of the "N. Z. Referee " says :—" If all goes well, and W. Warbrick and McCausland come to Auckland, I think the following would be a good selection from our clubs .•—full back—W. B. Lusk; three quarters, W. Warbrick, McCausland ; halves, Whiteside, McKeown(ov C. Braund,) A. Elliott; for wards, Lindsay, O'Connor, Lecky, Mar shall, Murphy, Wynyard, Twiname, Patter son, and Keefe." "Our Own" is a lump off this time, I fancy.

All footballers will be sorry to hear that Dave Gage, the Poneke crack three quarter back, who played for the Athletics here two years back, is laid up with blood poisoning. This is the second good back whose services have been lost by the Ponekes during the present season from the same cause, Dixon being the other unfortunate.

The Auckland correspondent of the " Canterbury Times " has the following in his football notes :—" For the North Shore team Paterson and Marshall played hest, and I understand they are sure to be in the team to play against Canterbury." He should remember there are no certain ties in a case like this.

In order to view the Ponsonby-Grafton match the Alberts and Gordons played two half-hour spells without an interval. The game was very one-sided, and finally re sulted in a win for the blacks by 12 points to nil. Lush scored in the first mmnte, going clean through from fuil-baok*

North Shore 11 bST^^S^ 6 points to nil *• W^j^^ Auckland 11. mawa** , match to beat Uuit^ft^.L North Shore beat ■*2 V**»> ** to 2. This is the firs^Hyifi^ this season. Rovers, by define- s_, , have practically Cupasthereis^tMagl^fi now. us .1* to stop, J_ -TEast Christchurch beat,, "' points to nil, after awl byde»W k Christchurch out-matchfe'S It from the start. m Gordon IT played p„„, ; minutes, and then the U of the different St J° W **• Mk. Cups this season f^ Senior Cnp.

ATHLETICS, ETC.

.Flaying for Hampshire 'a°ai nß f w^» onMay3oth,F.E.La C ey£S3ft out, the total reaching 559. 323 ** The one-mile bicycle c__w n i n „..- , beenwonbyW.A. yHiL£ fflCL k! 45 4-5 sees. . im,im It is stated that the eats mm,-,'- _: race between HtoknandlaudaSS to L7OO, the latter takiS Rff former L2BO. ; g On May 19th, W. G. Grace was credit with a striking performance when'S! for M CO and Ground against J The champion earned his bat thmu4t£ innings for 81 out.of 118. P ", Jem Mace has been backed to cova m milein6min. Maceis to choose % 2 track, and the match, whichis for IMA is to be decided within a month from £ date of signing articles. The 25 miles amateur tricycle champa. ship has been won by F. J. Osmond/Ik lhr 23min 21 l-sth sees;'thetimesfi 21 to 25 miles being record. 'Gateto* could only get fourth. At Penge Cricket Ground, in May,|,fc Huish, who this year has been enwedm professional bowler by the Surrey (M when playing for a local teamagainst Hk Perseverance CO, took eight wietets for 3 runs, his analysis reading ;-Niae ork seven maidens, three runs, eight wickets. Howell beat Woodsicle at Birmingham, on May 23, in the fen : Miles Btcydj Championship of the world. ; side led until the &st %,'when loql went to the front and won by 10 y«k Time: 33min 35sec.-r-T_e One Mils m > between the above men was: decide! n 1 May 30, when. Howell won.by 9y^yrtU ut 2min47sec. Bennett, the New South Wales Ap_t«r Champion, has been disqualified, for 11 months by the N.S^W, Cyclists' UniM ' crooked riding in the Three Mile' Mil his match with Con Dwyer. Ther^ tstobs war to the death.between the UiiiOßßl those cyclists who wish to be profestio-_i 1 and amateurs at the same time. '• A correspondent writes to > Sptj-bern paper suggesting that the Committe of tha \ Canterbury Caledonian: Society should w elude a five miles running race in that programme for Anniversary Day Sport*. There, are a ■ good: many, loijg diaf ' runners in and round Ghnstchurch, and I ! about LlO were given in prjse mosey pt& entries would doubtless be'received, to

nomination fee to be 2s 6_, and acceptor the same. A cycling club in the West of Scotaj met in committee ; and seriously .m solemnly discussed the irisertionof thefotaj ingin the rules:—" Noprofane language* be allowed in the clabat head-qW^Jf on club runs." A.heated discussion* lowed, when it was suggested by :mj these sapient legislators thai tta.ww " except immediately after a header » added, and the proposal was earned i» acclamation., The. punishment for the * fence-drinks all round at tha very tm pub. , In a match played at Bickley.ft** May 28, between Bickley Park ,uAW Tooting, the Rev. R'T.-ltoto..*jJ for thf home team, scored. 155 «*J giving a chance. SingularlyWfflW previous Wednesday he scored IM» St. Bartholomew's Hospital, anW week before was not out l«:«8f* fc sington Park. At Bickley Park * J same side, Mr J, N, Tonge. scored Ig two players putting, on 334 :ru»«' . second wicket. .The *W<g£». and it then being six o'clockl the p** drawn. . " . »i A fifty miles mdh^dicapca^ the London district onMaydith, S there were eighty-six entries, and ,W no less than seventy*^ actuajy j* The race was for ordinary bic.f -H and tricycles. Thewinner^'- 8-?^ who had 75 mm. start, androdeatnojj Smith came 4min. Sim af*f .^ second man, who had9omm. steW® tricycle. G. P. Mills, on^jS | was scratch man ; his first tfrenty.^ | was ridden in. 81min.,8sec-,abJ^ ■ the full distance of fifty w ' # m 54min. 14seci but he wasevioWJ j matched. , -a fit 11 On June 1 Surrey w«'\ erf 3 0 1| first victory that they hare sm ?; m Notts since the season of l»»jj " D!eD fe§§ : 157 runs. Lohman bowl* j, || securing ten wickets Mr* m ( ft J X scores were-Surrey, 115 «j U»| Read, 7 and 92; M- Bff Lid | W. E. Roller, 4 and 53 j_M- y^ti H 42; Abel, 0 and 44; M*^* Notts, 89 and 158(G«nn,8««>^j 20 and 12; Shrewsbury, 17 J"^ p| , is the first defeat af^l V^" eleven since 1885, when «Lon **1~ in a single innings by York^ bridge Grounds. _ fli-.J! The inclusion of %\\^:AAo^m M.C.C's English be a special feature, anJJ^ help to make the Ste^l success. The Melbo^Clu i tf | the champion 1,500 t» I'R, <**■ this sum'will only J:ff;iWg| gent on Messrs Shaw onM i**( fng their project of K&l#J| professionals will he t#,^ I L 270 each and W-^Mt'l*'' 11!!, leave England on S#J^%| Orient Co.'sß.M.S.Jg^ ilaide about thQ^adoiw" 1^

THE AUOKLAU) EVENING STAB, SATURDAY, JULY .80, 1887.

2



4 !» A "•«' 3 si i §'iHm Ponsonby „ _, g » 1 * & |9 Grafton . ~ § ] i 1 m ? North Shore ■ ~ g 2 J ?' f M Gordon .. S lij, ' Alberts Z Z I $ I * % l Auckland H j }' } 4 J J Junior cup, J'V* m , ' Ponsonby ■ „ 7 , * I5 *U*| North Shore s * S ° 51 t Auckland "a £ J 8 u ' Grafton _. ". 1 • S-J-.* _, "J Waitemata _. I \ \ \ % i United .. " I I } 5 § 2 Gordon .. .; 9 9 J j | W :| Second Juniwcnp. ?J • r ■. _ ■ •*> S"3 '. _ » Rovers _. R » h, * M Selwyn _. ~ s i } I "a University M Z l \ } ' J fit Gordon «. _, » ; * S5 it Remuera _, _, ' i J J 38 ,! Waverley 7 7 t ? ■ * B Waitemata „ . g ? 1 38 1 _____ '■*■".• ■*■■!