RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamiel.]

Some write, a neighbour's name to lash; Some write—vain thought '.—for noedful cash ; Some write to please the country clash, And raise a din. For me, an ami I never fash— I write for fun.

*' Zamiel Redivivus." Many of my readers, I learn, have been &nddr the impression that I had taken my departure for the Happy Hunting Giound, because they have lor a succession of weeks missed the ac customed crack of my rifle as I essayed tto "shoot folly as she flies." Well, lam ■still in the land of the living—mores the pity, perhaps, in these dull times when [" men sit and hear each other groan [most dismally; when " but to think (of Impending disasters in the commercial and political world) is to be full of sorrow and leaden-eyed Despair." But, being alive, I abrust that my readers will find me still kicking against all errors and evils under the sun, exposing all sham and shoddy, and mercilessly stripping all Humbug. As to the why and wherefore of my recent silence, it is perhaps unnecessary for me to do more in sine way of explanation and apology than to 'express my regret for the unavoidable and (promise not to do it again. Readers who iwish more detailed information on that jhead must try a " random shot " tor them selves, and if they haply hit the mark I promise them I shall not wince. The Charitable will assume that I have simply been taking a nap, and have just been kroused by the "roar" for retrenchment, or the turmoil of the general election. JLike most other people caught in a delin quency, I have a large stock of that paving called " Good Intentions," and I Ipromise to go at my work like a giant re fit reshed. I look to those who appreciate my {weekly jottings to keep stimulating me [occasionally by notes and queries — the (queerer the better. The good Homer him ; Self sometimes nods, and it would be a nod ithing if an ordinary mortal like myself should be exempt; so whenever anybody detects any sign of drowsiness in this jcolumn, I hope they will stir me up with a jlong pole. ' Now to business.

If; * ♦ 4 # # fej'EJectioneering — pleasing theme —at pnee suggests itself ; and under this head I 'must note that the times are changing and jwe are changing with them, for the better ! JTrue, there have been a few disgracefully rowdy meetings in different parts of the 'colony ; and I am sorry to say that Auck landers set the baneful example in their jfirst reception of the Old Colonial Hand who has planted his Old Colonial Foot so firmly in the Garden of Eden ; there has ibeen talk of a corrupt aristocracy and wholesale " roll-stuffing " (N.B. — The small boy at breakfast can do a lot in the roll ptuffing line); but on the whole we are im proving upon the bad old times of bribery, corruption, and intimidation. I am told ,that the other day an Auckland candidate jactually kissed his "old woman" in the public street to show his loyalty and affec tion for her. The time-honoured election custom was for candidates to kiss other people's wives and daughters, leaving jO golden guerdon in the mouths of the fair ones ! Under female suffrage we would doubtless have an epidemic of " kissy jkissies ;" but, Heaven be praised ! there is no fear of that fad becoming law in New Zealand. As I have said, we are improving in political morals, and the same must be true in the social sphere, when we find that jbhe latest English scandal consists in Lord Charles Beresford sending: a message to his jbwn -wife. The craze of paying gallant attentions to one's lawfully wedded spouse .will, it is hoped, become fashionable; put truth compels me to add that in many cases the experience will be very novel, fend the lords and masters will take some what awkwardly to the duty. And, as treat joy sometimes kills, the ladies may hot long survive the sudden revival of aflec pi6& on the part of their consorts. W. ./ * * * * # *

& Talking of the ladies reminds me of a )|ittle item I road the other day to the ?ffect that the Governor of South Australia had declined to apply for the Queen's Bounty on behalf of the wife of a strug gling colonist who had presented her hus 3and with triplets. The economical Sir William also declined to observe the good Did custom by giving the woman three kftJineSs,' stating that the offer " did not ex- Sericl .to the colonies." Here's a pretty jketiite!: of fish, and a howling injustice to'^Sfciralasia ! What's to become of us if . tijrt' fiative-born population is not to ke^e'incouiaged ? Where are the " unborn knillions " to come from if the most promis ing of local industries is thus to be nipped fn %c bud ? (The Punster, at my elbow, suggests:—" Positive, nip, comparative, {nipper; superlative"—" Shut up, you ."wretch,, and leb me go on.") I ask—ls this manufacture to languish for want iof protection ? 1 call upon Sir George Grey and every true patriot to join in demanding jthat this wrong shall be redressed, and that ■speedily. As things go at present, only rich people can afford to have large families, and then they shove the cost of their educa tion on to the general body of taxpayers. They are rather proud of their achievement, too. It is related of Sir Alfred Stephen, of Sydney (brother of the great "Healer") that he never fails to boast of his being the father of a numerous progeny. In formally welcoming Lord Carington as Governor of [New South Wales, Sir Alfred could not resist adding after his congratulations, "I am the father of 17 children, my lord." The Governor, evidently regarding the ex- Chief Justice as a physiological curiosity, exclaimed, " Good Heavens! And were they all born in wedlock?" This retort Bhows that our new aristocracy are not totally deficient in that species of humour which.is associated with the well-known JMrs Malaprop.

•:» The football season is on, and for the next few months will divide with politics jfche honour of engaging space in the public ■mind and in the public newspapers. Cricket [being "off" accounts for the fact that jthere have not been telegraphic messages [flying all over the world intimating the ifact that Mrs Spofforbh lately' presented ! Australia with a juvenile "demon bowler." ; There have been a few paragraphs now and again, however, about the Anglo- Australian cricket matches being arranged for next season, one of them stating that the Melbourne Cricket Club had offered Dr. W. G. Grace L 1,500, and all expenses ■for himself and wife, to come out as one of the next team of English cricketers. On reading that, I almost thought that I was asleep or dreaming. L 1,500 and expenses \ior a three or four months' engagement! There it is, in black and white before me now, and it makes me open my eyes wide, I can tell you. Why was I not born a cricketer instead of a litterateur 1 Why will the world pay so much more for muscle £tban for brain ? Football has not yet been elevated to the rank of one of the learned (•professions ; but it would seem that {cricketers, oarsmen, and pugilists can com- Imand whatever terms they choose to ask.

, Surely there must be some compensation ifor this unequal state of things. A kind 'friend to whom I mentioned my difficulty came to the rescue with a theory that all athletes come to a bad end ; that is, if they '.don't die a fearful and painful death, they take to keeping public-houses, which is far worse. The Hanlon family are mentioned as the " frightful examples" to those who ■overstrain their physical powers. My in wmant wye that tbrw of tbe brothers dj^

of consumption. The eldest had his skull injured by a fall, he became insane, and whilst under restraint committed suicide in a way only possible to an acrobat. Repeat edly throwing half somersaults, he struck his head each time on a heavy iron screw on the floor, and at last knocked his brains out. The fifth is just dead. There are two still living, one of whom is tho cele brated Edward Hanlan, the oarsman, who is shortly expected to vi?it Australia to compete with Beach for the championship of the world. But, supposing tho 'orrible tale of the Hanlan family to be perfectly true, a more harrowing record could be made out of'men of genuis who perished miserably and who never enjoyed any of the "good things " that fall to the lot of the profes sional athlete.

Turning to football, it rejoices me to find that my old antagonist on some topics, Mr G. A. Sala, is of my way of thinking with regard to that game, which he says ho " has always regarded as a brainless, boor ish, brutal pastime, always perilous, and very often fatal, to the players thereat." In the course of his researches into tho history of the game, Mr Sala finds that it has been repeatedly prohibited by public authority. In 1349, Edward 111. forbade the football in consequence of its tendency to impede the progress of archery, while James I. in the " Basilicon Doron" writes: "From this Court I debarre all rough and violent exercises, as the football, meeter for lame ing, then making able, the users thereof." Were tho British Solomon hero, just to see the broken noses and bruised shins of somo prominent Auckland footballers, he would congratulate himself on having given a faithful picture of the brutal game and its consequences.

♦♦#* * * ■ Still quoting from Mr Sala, I learn that in the reign of Queen Elizabeth football was not only forbidden but punishable by law. In the eighteenth year of the Virgin Queen there was found at the Middlesex Sessions a true bill against sixteen persons, husband men, yeomen, artificers, and the like "with unknown malefactors to tho number of a hundred," who " assembled unlawfully, and played a certain unlawful game so that there rose amongst them a great affray, likely to result in homicides and fatal accidents." In the 25th year of Elizabeth's reign, there was a coroner's inquest at " Southemymys,"on tho body of Roger Ludford, yeoman. It was shown that the deceased with one Nicholas Martyn and one Richard Turvcy, were play ing at football in a field when Ludford ran towards the ball with tho intention of kick ing it; whereupon Nicholas Martyn cum cubiti dextri branchiimi, and Richard Turvcy cum cubiti sinistri braiichii sui, struck Lud ford on the forepart of his body under his breast giving him a mortal blow and con cussion, of which he died in a quarter of an hour. The jury found that Nicholas and Richard in this manner feloniously slew the said John. Now, ye Auckland athletes, there's a legal precedent for you, which should lead you to avoid a fruitful cause of homicides and fatal accidents. If it wore felony for Nick and Dick to slay John by " charging " him in the football field, a sound case of "as sault and battery " could be brought against any one who smashes a player's noso or skins his shins.

In this connection it is suggested that lady umpires would have a great pacifying effect in the football field, and it is even said that the experiment of employing them has been tried with marked success. I dare say the report is quite correct; but I have never been able to understand why the 'gentle creatures should take de light in witnessing such a rough-and-tumble game. It is probably a development of the "Women's Rights" movement. In Pagan Rome the young men used to turn out to witness the marriageable young ladies perform in the gymnasium, and on the " form" displayed there the young bloods mado their choice of spouses. Autren temps, centres mcuum ! I have heard more than one lady express a desire to be allowed to visit the V.M.C.A. Gymnasium to witness the exponents of muscular Christianity go through their gyrations. Perhaps the Rev. J. S. Hill may bo able to accede to their desire, and thus help on the great movement of equalising the sexes. I have wandered a little from the subject of football, but I will probably roturn to it at an early date, especially as we are promised some big matches in Auckland.

There was considerable trouble in one of our local Bethels some weeks ago. As usual, it arose on the choir benches. It seems that some of the congregation were of opinion that the Evil One was a little too rampant in what is generally considered his corner of the church, and they conse quently complained to the deacons. These good men took prompt action, and a letter was sent to the conductor of the choir, who, assuming that it was private, did not read it to the choir. Meanwhile the affair leaked out and continued fermenting, until at length one Sunday evening found the bulk of the singers ready to go out on strike. The conductor, however, pacified them by telling them that there was very little in the letter, and also promising to read it at the next choir practice. In due course the letter was read, and it was found to refer to frivolous conduct. It is stated, however, that some of the com plaints are equally frivolous. For in stance, -one lady objected to being looked at by a member of tho choir. Had this objection been made by the husband of the lady in question I could have onderstood it better, because it is stated that tho lady is good looking, but coming as it does from the lady herself it is quite unexplainable, for handsome women, as a rule, do not object to be looked at. Nor is this to be wondered at, for is it not related by some of our great writers that Mother Eve would go forth to be seen although there was none but Adam to behold. Still, lam informed that the complaint was accepted, although it has since transpired that the members of the choir were in blissful ignorance of the existence of the lady in question until, by her own action in this matter, she brought herself into prominence. So much for the accuracy of one frivolous charge.

Another fearful crime appears to be that someof theyoungpeoplekeep their eyes open during prayer time. This, of course, is very wrong and a sin which " Zamiel" has never been guilty of. In fact, whenever I go to church —Good Friday and Christmas Day I believe are the occasions—the trouble has been all the other way, for the spirit of sleep rests heavily upon my eyelids, and I look most devout even during the sermon. A thought has, however, just struck me. If it is wrong to listen to prayer with the eyes open, how on earth did the godly per son who complained notice that the sinner's eyes were open? Surely more than one must have transgressed at that time. It is, however, gratifying to learn that the ob noxious letter having been read, the choir, in honour of the Jubilee, forgave the deacons for passing judgment without affording opportunity for defence, thereby showing themselves good Christians, although musicians—a combination which some people are inclined to believe cannot exist.

SPORTING.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Subscriber.—ln the Great Northern Steeple chase, Silvio rose before Magnesia at the last

hurdle. M T. (Mount Eden Road).-(l) Commotion never won the Melbourne Cup. (2) The Hurdle Kace at the last Otahuhu Spring Meeting was the first event that Silvio started in since being in Auckland. (3) Nelson was beaten by Artillery in the Canterbury Cup last November, and Maligne^ defeated him in the Poneko Stakes at Wellington in February.

A RAMBLE ROUND ELLERSLIE.

[By HirroNA.]

To a turf enthusiast like myself, what is more pleasant than a ramble round Ellerslie, and an inspection of the thorough breds located thereabouts ? Such a journey I betook myself one day in the early part of the week. On the way out in the train I had by pure accident for companions, three well-known figures in the racing world, and an equally prominent footballer, and merrily we passed the short time away by chatting on matters equine. The mission of my agreeable fellow passengers neces sitated their proceeding on to .another station, but I alighted at Green Lane, and without further ado made my way to the stables over which George Wright presides. A friendly greeting welcomed me when I reached the cottage where ho lives, and knowing the object of my visit, the inspection of his charges was commenced forthwith. As Wright opens the door of the first box lie interrogates me with the question, "How old do you think this fellow is ?" I certainly hesitate for a reply, for I am in the presence of the very biggest youngster of his age that I have clapped eyes on. This is Hotchkiss, the two year-old son of Musket and Petroleuse, who stands exactly 16.2. He is a fine topped colt, and you could not wish for better quarters on a horse, but he is far too light below the knee, and it seems to me an open question whether his legs will long stand the wear-and-tcar of a racing prepara tion. It is a matter to be regretted, but nevertheless a fact, that the progeny of Pefcrolousc we have seen race in this colony have each gone amiss in their understand ings, viz., Leos, Lionel, Leonessa,and Petro leum, and I shall not prophesy a long career on tho racecourse for Hotchkiss. If ho never races a yard, though, ho must make at least a useful sire, for he com bines size and power with the best of breeding. The colt has been in work for some months, and is well forward for the time. The adjoining box introduces me to Teksum, the two-year-old son of Musket and Albatross. When I first set eyes on this colt in the early part of the present year, disporting about at Mount Welling ton, I toolc a fancy to him, and if he is not tho makings of a raco-horse I for one shall be grievously disappointed. He is a long, low, thick-set youngster with a really game head and splendid set of legs, and one that should spread-eaglo many a field of cracks before he bids the turf adieu. Teksum is bred the right way to race too. Albatross, the mother of the colt, is by Malta, iier dam Auk,being by The Marquis out of Sea Gull, by Fisherman. What better blood could you wish for than this ? Wright tells me that if he takes Fusillade to Christchiirch in the spring, either Hotcli kiss or Teksum will accompany the New Zealand Cup wanner, both youngsters being engaged in the Welcome Stakes. A two year-old filly by Musket —Ouida, therefore full sister to Artillery and Balista, tenants tho next box, and 1 hear with regret that she has had the name of Hilda bestowed on her. Could not somo nomenclature more original be found ? I think so at any rate. On first impressions Hilda suiTors when compared with her stable companions of the same age. This much, however, may be said, that she shows a deal of substance, and like Hotchkiss and Teksum, it ia plainly evident that Wright has not been idle with her. As the doors of the next box are swung open I make the re mark that had ib not been for her lop ears Balista would scarcely have been recognis able by me. The full sister to Artillery and Hilda, to my mind, has not grown upwards to any wonderful extent, but it is the way she has thickened out and furnished that must at once strike one Avho has not seen her since last season. Balista stands over a lot of ground, and she is one of the long low-set sort who record the best deeds on the racecourse. Wright has done a considerable amount of work with her, and she should pay her way during the forth coming season. Balista only faced tho flag twice last season, viz., in the A.R.C. Welcome Stakes and Nursery Handicap at the Summer Meeting, running unplaced in each, but I don't forget seeing her accom plish some good gallops while undergoing her two-year-old preparation with her erst stable companion, Lady Florin. Balista looks all over a stayer, and on the dam's side her pedigree shows that she traces back to the good old Barb family. There are few better shaped ones left behind by Musket to keep his memory green than Fusillade, and one of the objects of my visit to Wright's was to renew a but short acquaintance with the New Zealand Cup hero of 1885. From what I had previously heard I was quite prepared to see Fusil lade looking almost as good as new again, and I remarked to his trainer that he must have done a lot of work with him, for he plainly showed it, while his coat blooms with that brightness which denotes the horse in good health. Wright evi dently regards Fusillade with the fondest affection, for he points with pride to his numerous good points, and he declares him "the very best legged Musket he has ever seen," and to convince me he measures him below the knee, which shows him to be just 8$ inches. It will be remembered that Fusillade was brought up here in December last by the astute Bob Ray with a view to winning the Auckland Cup—and an ex cellent trial I believe he did before leaving Christchurch—but on tho passage up in the steamer he contracted an affection of the fore-feet between the fetlock and coronet, necessitating his being scratched. Passing into the hands of Mr T. Stephens, Fusillade was blistered, and finding that ho appeared quite sound again, he was put in work some four months ago, and he has stood his preparation without showing any 111 ---health. I understood that it is only a matter of health for Fusillade to be taken to Christchurch, to take part in the big Metropolitan Meeting. Tamora tenants the next box, but she has not improved the way I should have liked, and a glance at Friend ship, who is looking big and healthy, brings my inspection to a close.

Wright accompanied me over to the race course, where, after admiring the way Roddie, the caretaker, keeps the flower beds, grand stand, lawn, etc., we inspected the new gallop. The men were busily engaged rolling the scoria, and as the tan was being carted on the course,a fortnight's time should see the work completed. The trial gallop has been top-dressed all the way round, and sown with grass, while the plough has also been turned up. Wright informs me that this gallop had not previously be«n ploughed up during the winter months, but was left till the summer to be done, with the result that it broke up in cakes. With the course pursued now, he thinks it will have the best results, and make the plough track in the fine weather all that could be wished.

From the racecourse we wend our foot steps to Chaafe's, where we fine? the veteran bard at work, but tbia <Jo« 8 not prevent

him giving us a welcome and cheery grip of the hand. To have a peep at Bangle is the principal object of the mission, and the rugs being removed from the daughter of Musket reveals the fact that she is look ing in blooming condition. The sister to Necklace and Thunderbolt has not grown up perceptibly one inch since last season, but she has thickened out nicely all over, and I think in appearance now bears some what of a resemblance to Thunderbolt when he was the same age. I am afraid she is too lightly built to get a long journey, but if she sees the post in the Hawke's Bay Guineas she must cut out a merry mile. Tur quoise was looking as healthy and well as could be wished, and Chaafe has evidently treated his pair of two-year-olds, Rataplan (Nelson's half-brother) and Tartar (by Mus ket—Steppe) to a good deal of work. Both have improved since I saw them last, but 1 fancy Rataplan will want time before we see him at his best. Tartar is the most nuggety little gentleman of his age that I have looked over. Cannon is in work, but he has got much lighter in colour jsince he was last seen out. Howitzer is being spelled, owing to unsoundness, and Derringer, who occupies one of the boxes, has broken down so badly, that his career on the racecourse is at an end. Necklace is proving a bit of a puzzle to Chaafe, for it is not yet known definitely whether she is in foal or not. At times, he thinks that she is, while on other occasions he holds the very opposite opinion. Necklace is the last we look at of Chaafe's charges, when an adjournment is suggested to Mr J. Campbell's bright and cheerful hostelry, where I wait the departure of the train. Various matters are discussed, and I arrive in town feeling better in health and spirits, and retaining pleasant reminiscences of my "ramble round Ellerslie."

TURF GOSSIP.

[By HiproNA.]

Retrenchment is the present political cry, and our racing clubs, imbued with the spirit of the times, are cutting down their stakes in framing the next season's pro grammes. Following the lead of the Canterbury Club, we have the news that the old-established Hawke's Bay Jockey Club have seen tit to curtail the amount of their stakes, and when the programme of the Auckland Racing Club sees the light, it likewise will show a falling-off in the amount of added money as compared with last season's. An important alteration, I understand, will be made at the next Summer Meeting of the A.R.C. in the fact that the Great Northern Derby will be run on Boxing Day, while the Auckland Cup will not come up for decision till New Year's Day. This is a step that has been long advocated by horse-owners and others.

Out of the 70 horses handicapped for the New Zealand Cut), 34 dropped out when the iirst payment became due on Saturday night last. The greater number of those missing from the list are the animals sent over from this colony to Australia, and of tho others there is nothing of much note withdrawn. Not a little surprise, however., has been expressed at Lady Florin not being among the acceptors, but it is to bo presumed that the stable have a better string to their bow in Silence. I have had a strong allegiance towards this horse erer since I witnessed his running in the lust A.R.C. Easter Handicap, ami there is not a doubt in my mind if he trains on all right thj|jb fie will show his excellence at one time or other during the approaching season. The next payment for the race is due on the 29th of October.

Touting the training has now set in at Randwick in real earnest. Up to the morning the Mararoa left Sydney the Hon. W. Robinson's string had not been seen out, being in physic, but Drake's team are all reported to be in good health and striding along in excellent style. The Auckland-bred trio, Mitrail leuse, Kingfish, and Rosebud, have win tered well, and are putting in excellent work. The last-named has been backed for the Hawkesbury Handicap, and shares favouritism with the Hon. J. White's Morok. Abercorn has shown signs of sore ness,but Cranbrook (a stable companion )has been showing such excellent form that the touts are unanimous he is something above of the common. Another Derby candidate spoken of is a colt named Australian Peer, a son of Darebin and Stockdove. Of the Mel bourne Cup horses. Trident is said to have improved a wonderful lot in appearance. Formerly he could not be styled a handsome horse, but now ho has positively got really good-looking, and appears to gallop just the same as ever. lie will in all pro bability start for the " Metrop." 'Frisco is well forward in his preparation, and so is Matador. At Elemington, nothing at pre sent is fitter than Fryingpan, but Hortense is amiss, the crack filly being troubled with an affection of the kidneys.

The wagering that has taken place in the local market during the week has been mostly in small lines. For the New Zea land Cup, Torrent has found supporters at 7'a to 1, and Fusillade has been backed to win about L 350 at 100's to 5 and 6.

The Hon. W. Robinson passed through to Sydney in the early part of the week. During the time he was here, he paid a visit to three of the local stables, and of course all kinds of rumours wei-e current in town as to what he had purchased. It turned out that the big Canterbury sports man merely had a look round for pleasure. While at Ellerslie, he informed the gentle man who was showing him round that we could boast of the best and most complete racecourse in this colony, and that it was a credit to the A.E.G. Further he stated that owing to the bad state of the Riccarton training track he had been compelled to pay LSO for the lease of a private ground to work his team of horses on.

Australian papers record that there is a fair amount of wagering doing over forth coming events. For the Hawkesbury Handicap, Rosebud is the firmest favourite at 100 to 8. Morok and The Queen also find friends. The Metrop. also forms the medium of speculation. The scratching of All Gold was a blow to backers, seeing that he had been supported to win a fair stake. There is no decided favourite for this event as yet. The Caulfield Cup wagering has not been sufficiently strong to be registered in favour of any one animal; Meteor, Cairo, and Isonomy all being quoted at the one price. Silver Prince is the firmest for the Melbourne Cup, and Niagara is favourite for the V.R.C. Derby. The following are the ruling prices :— HAWKESBUKY HANDICAP. 100 to 8 v. Rosebud 100 to 7 v. The Queen 100 to 7 v. Morok 100 to 6 v. Fernandez GREAT METROPOLITAN STAKES. 100 to fi v. The Jewel 100 to 5 v. Matador 100 to 6 v. Frisco 100 to 5 v. Crossfire CAULFIELD CUP. 100 to 5 v. Meteor 100 to 5 v. Cairo 100 to 5 v Isonomy 100 to i v. Silvermine V.X.C. DERBY. 4 to 1 v. Niagara 10 to 1 v. Silverton 7 to 1 v. Abercorn 10. to 1 v. Enfilade 7 to 1 v. Cranbrook MELBOURNE CUP. 100 to 7 v. Silver Prince 100 to i v. Cairo 100 to 6v. Trident 100 to i v. Crossfire . 100 to 5 v. Matador 100 to 3 v. Abner.

Mr D. O'Brien was so impressed with the manner in which Isaac won the Maiden Steeplechase at the urand National Meet ing, that he negotiated for his purchase soon after his victory, and the erst Napier owned horse now tenants a box at O'Brien s stables. The price paid was HSO. Isaac is by The Mute ou£ of Chancellor (the dam of MipwvaH

A letter received this week conveys the pleasing news to Mr W. Lyons's Auckland friends that he has been elected a member of Sydney Tattersall's Club. Mr Lyons's first experience of Australian fielding was at a recent Canterbury Park meeting1, where he and Mr J. K. Poole dropped the tidy sum of L3OO between them cash betting. Looking over the report of the meeting, I notice that -the favourite won in each race, all of the books having a bad time.

Mr G. G. Stead's mare Marion, arrived here last Monday on a visit to Norden feldt.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of "Centaur's Index." This cheap little publication is always eagerly looked forward to at this time of year, and its com pilation reflects the greatest credit on Mr R. P. Hurren.

From Southern papers to hand I glean that Torrent was supported for the New Zealand Cup on behalf of his owner. All the money in the leading centres has been picked up, and the half-brother to Stony hurst is now quite as good a favourite as anything engaged. E. Cutts is now train ing Torrent.

I notice by a Sydney paper the erst Auckland-owned jumping horse St. Dunstan recently put his stifle out while at exercise at P»,osehill.

If present indications go for anything, the Hon. J. White appears to be as strong as ever in the possession of good three year-olds. This week's mail brings us the news that all of the touts are " enthusing " on Cranbrook, of whom the Sydney corres pondent of the Melbourne "Sportsman" writes as follows: —I have always hold to the opinion that the Derby horse of the string is Cranbrook, by Chester, from La Princess. At the present time he is very well, and en Thursday and Saturday gave the touts an insight into his galloping capa bilities. On both occasions he has had his shoes off, but he has gone at a pace that is indisputably fast. He was sent a mile and a-quarter, and so that he should not get lagging on the way was accompanied the first six fnrlonrjs by Plutarch, and then brought home by a speedy stable com panion. The big colt is a bit of a sluggard, and has to be persuaded to put his " best leg foremost," as the % old saying goes ; but he will not be choked off, and on Satur day ran his last three furlongs faster than he did his first. He is a magnificent speci men of a horse, and I think in him hi honourable owner will have a chance of turning out a Derby winner of his own breeding.

The annual report and balance-sheet of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club shows that LBO was lost on last season's transactions.

In last week's notes, "Mazeppa" pub lishes an article giving the fastest records in New Zealand for last season. They are as foilows : — Four furlongs—Sextant, 47$ seconds. Five furlongs—Forester, lmin Isec. Six forlongs—Maxim and Jack, lmin losec. Seven furlongs—Titbit, 1 mm 30fsec. One mile—Titbit, lmin 43sec. One mile and a-distance—Reputation, lmin 58jsec. One mile and a-quarter—Titbit, 2min 8-Jsec. One mile and a-half — Marion, 2min 3S.«ec. One mile and three-quarters—Patrician .and Derwenter, 3min (Usec. Two miles —Spade (Guinea, 3min 3'2sec. Two miles and a-quarter—Nelson, 4min 3Jsec.

Sextant's 47f seconds is a tie with the best record in the world for four furlongs. The other one that has made this time is Olitipa, an American filly, who as a two-year-old, with 6st 131b up, made this record at Saratoga on July 25th, 1874. As Sextant was carrying exactly a stone more than the Yankee, and moreover was rather younger than she at the time of running —seeing that she was probably fully two and a-half years, while he was only about two and a-quarter—it will be allowed that Sextant's performance is the superior one, and this being so, New Zea land may boast of having lowered the world's record in more senses than one.

At Messrs Yuille and Co.'s sale of thoroughbreds a few days back, the top price was paid for Silvermine, who was purchased by Mr H. R. Falkiner, of Tas mania, his former owner, for 750gs. Plun ger was bought by Mr Younger, of Gretta, For 280gs. ; Musk Ro?e, by Musket- Rosette, fell to Mr J. Field Tasmania, for 225g5. ; Exminster to Mr Geo. Black, for 205gs. ; Chucksterwentto Mr Jeffrey, New South Wales, for 160gs. ;' Grand Prix to Mr Burge, for lOOgs. ; Hilltop, to Mr Mason, New South Wales, for 95gs. ; Dante, for 90gs., and Herschell, OOgs., were the next highest figures. The prices were better than any previous sales, the bidding being very spirited.

In company with Major George, "Sir Launcelot" had a look over Nelson in his box last week, and this is what he says anent the crack son of King Cole : —Cutts proudly remarks, as the old fellow gaily cavorts round his box, "He's worth a good many young 'uns yet." Nelson looks as bright and blooming in his coat as if he were made ready to race to-morrow, and to the casual observer his legs are as clean as on the day he was foaled. But, alas ! there is some thing wrong with him somewhere. He walks palpably lame, though he throws it off when galloping or cantering, and Cutts says he moves more freely when taken out of an afternoon than when exercised just after a night's rest. What it is is a puzzler. Cutts, with all his experience, cannot define the seat of injury, but Messrs Hill and Brock, the vets who have examined the horse, state that they can feel some excres cence on the inside of the fore leg under the knee, but they also seem to be puzzled as to what it is. For my part, while disclaiming any intention of setting up my opinion against that of a trainer and two vets, who have devoted nearly the whole of their lives to their respective professions, I must record my opinion that whatever is the matter with Nelson it is nothing very serious, and I shall expect to see him, should he remain in the colony, run a great race at. Riccarton on November 8. However, the gallant chestnut has been left in the Melbourne Cup, but I know that Major George has not yet decided whether this colony or Aus tralia shall be his vantage ground ; he is simply waiting to see how the horse goes on in his training.

The " Sydney Referee" opines that Moorehorse will turn out the champion Australian three-year-old of the approach ing season.

A correspondent writes to the Melbourne " Leader " that Lizette's 35ft jump at Caul field has been exceeded more than once in Australia. Abelard, at Wagga Wagga, is said to have cleared 41 feet, and eleven years ago, Counterjumper, who was perhaps the most wonderful jumper of his day, while engaged in a steeplechase at Wodonga, cleared 35ft sin.

A compilation made by the " Melbourne Sportsman" shows that A. Warke heads the list of Australian winning jockeys on the flat for last season with 42 victories out of 77 mounts. Gorry comes next with 37 wins, he having been in the saddle no less than 142 times. The greatest number of mounts, however, were those of J. Bence, whose appearance in silk was made 168 times. Amongst the cross-country riders, J. Gardiner has won 17 times, P. Keating, T. Corrigan, and M. Carey coming next with 9 each.

The Irish steeplechaser Too Good, who ran second to Old Joe in the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, broke down so badly that it was found to be impossible to train him again, and consequently he had to be destroyed

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(By AcTiEOK.)

FIXTURES. FOOTBALL. August 13.—"Rep." practice match. August 17.—Auckland v. Canterbury. August 27.—Auckland v. Otago. Junior Cup. August 13.—United v. North Shore ; Graf ton v. Ponsonby ; Auckland v. Waiteinata. August 20. -Gordon v. United; Auckland v. Ponsonby; VVaitcniata v. Grafton. Second Janlor Cup. August 13.—Remuera v. "VVayerley; Rovers v. University; Selwyn v. Waitcmata. August 20.- Selwyn v. Waverley: Remuera v. Gordon; University v. Waitemata.

AQUATICS.

Sep. 27, 29.—Thistle races for the America's

Cup. Nov. 26.—Beach v. Hanlan for the Champion ship of the world on the Nepean.

The proposed eight-oar race between Cambridge University and Harvard College has been abandoned.

Eastbourne scored 424 against Brighton, at Eastbourne, England, on June 6th. C. Si Hoare was the principal scorer with 141.

S v r rey defeated Leicestershire, on June 6th, 7th and Bth, by 269 runs, scoring 168 and 349 (Abel 118) against 147 and 101 by Leicestershire.

Surrey beat Oxford University at Oxford on June 9th, 10th, and 11th, scoring 390 (Shuter 111, and W. W. Read 118) against 190 (Rashleigh 105) and 197 (Brain 61).

Mick Monnockhas had his disqualification removed from him by the Sir Joseph Banks (Botany) officials. It will be remembered he was disqualified for running under an assumed name some time back.

Mick Monnock Avon his first two heats in fche last Carrington Handicap easily, but went down in the third. It is pas«i"cr strange how he always fails in the Llkq heat.

Mr J. Waymoutli writes to Sydney to say that if twenty-feet open sailing boats are introduced into Sydney, the Mascotte or some other local clipper will go over to try conclusions with the Sydney boats.

In the competition for the Gordon Cup in Sydney the Gordons have a record of 8 games,4 wins,and 4 losses. The University F.C. heads the list with 7 wins and one draw. Six clubs are ahead of the Gordons and three behind them.

It is interesting to note that of the players chosen to practise for the representative team of New South Wales the following are the only members of the team that visited us last year in it: —Bellbridge, Chapman, and Colquhoun.

An athletic association has been formed in Sydney for professionals. There are over 1,000 runners in New South Wales, so the a«sociation should have a long member ship roll, especially as the entrance is only one shilling.

Sussex defeated Hants on June 6th and 7th by nine wickets. Scores — Sussex, 153 and 67 for one wicket; Hants, 57 and 162. W. H. Dudney represented his county (Sussex) for the first time in this match, and scored 10.

W. B. Page, of the University of Penn sylvania, clearft.l 6ft. o£in. for a running high jump, in s.n attempt to beat Davins's record at Philadelphia on May 21st. He raised the American record by a quarter of an inch.

Middlesex beat Yorkshire at Lord's, on June (Jth and 7th, by six wickets. Scores : —Yorkshire, 55 and 159; Middlesex, 99 and 116 for six wickets. Burton took five wickets for 25 runs in the first innings of the losers.

C. G. Wood, the English quarter-mile amateur champion, went over to Brussels lately to secure a splendid gold watch pre sented by the King of Belgium for a scratch 220 yards race. The Enf^ish amateurs who journeyed to the continent enjoyed them selves considerably.

M.C.C. and Gi.ov.nd and Cambridge Uni versity played a drawn game at Cambridge, on June 6, 7, 8, the scores being—M.C.C. and Ground, I L 3 and 289 ; Cambridge, 203 and 13G for seven wickets. G. G. Hearne made 91 and J. A, Turner 77 for M.C.C. and Ground. Halo was unable to play for the Cantabury,

Harry Hutchons writes to the "Sydney E,eferee" stating that only two of his matches with Samuels were genuine, i.e., that he was really backed to win, and in one of them, finding he was in poor condi tion, he backed Samuels to save his stake. He intends returning to Australia shortly.

A quarter of a mile bicycle contest be tween R. Howell and R. Temple (of Amer ica), at Wolverhampton, England, on June 20th, resulted in a dead heat. Time— 39sec, equal to the best English profes sional record. Temple led at the start, but alternate spurts resulted in each contestant securing the lead at times. On June 27th Temple, as mentioned by us last week, lowered the record to 37 l-sth.

Junior Cup.

An Eccentric Hangman.

The death of Herr Lersch, the Jack Ketch of Cologne, is reported. He would seem, from his obituary, to have been a grim eccentric. For many years past he has kept his coffin in his bed-room, as some more eminent men have done. But Levsch. util ised the coffin as a wardrobe, in which he kept his "dress uniform," a suit of black clothes, worn by him whenever he was called upon to despatch a Rhenish criminal out of the world. In his last will he charged his executors to take care that he _ was buried in his uniform. As the executioner of Cologne and the Rhine provinces he did not use the rope or the axe, like his colleagues in other states and provinces of the German Empire. He was obliged to finish the course of justice with the guillo tine, after the old French code, which came into use in the Rhineland during the French occupation, and which has survived the Wars of Liberation.

Fearless but Foolish.

Lawrence Donovan, who some time ago jumped from Brooklyn Bridge, and from Niagara Bridge, plunged info the Thames from London Bridge on June 5, in the presence of five hundred spectators. A sub scription was made for him, but he refused ♦o accept it, saying that the feat was a '' Jubilee jump." After striking the water Donovan swam about 200 yards, and was picked up by a passing boat, which landed him at the Old Swan Pier. Donovan con templates jumping from Clifton fridge,

THE GARDEN.

UNKNOWN

°«w> havingi^tatti.-nu IMS ifpi mm 111 If! To grow them well yon ••n^.fck} lowing them to s eed ir^* 61*^ tag-Sit:

Sowing Seeds.

■lheke is nothing gated byh mtotheground^beaifcis^^ or in cold, uncongenial weather &2 made in fine weather, and magoodstate.wiUmake^^ No> kind ; of seed that is sown Vu and transplanted to r*rmS a * lowed to get drawn or starved ;t bed? v Ground should ahnmbeiSS for them in advance, and tffi done as they become ready for twi2 ing. Peas are almost univemllyiS crop, and some extra attention is necT to have them m season as long as mS The eai-hest sowings should be conS thicker than the late sowings, Snails sown about once a fortnight ought to up a pretty fair regular BuppV i seed which can be reUed upon sbi sown, as nothing is dearer in thdeade more vexatious than bad seed, Botfc with a northerly aspect are thbtas, sowing the early crops on. Those pufes the garden with a southerly aspecffij be reserved for the late crops, as dm the summer crops will grow better^ they receive less of the direct rajsojti sun. Pruning Roses (Continued), Amateurs and tyros in rose cultasa apt to think that with, the' fall 6f the Is their labours and duties to their KHa»i come to an end. There could hifdlylji greater mistake. It ;is just thin tte I cultivator can do the most and bffltfeS roses. During the summer, as sftfei can only' work upon or manipulate tie tops. The autumn: and white tto?fit roots open to his free and safe interieK May is the best on the whole for root pruning. Wounds1 made then henl'ibd on the heels of the knifen; 'ijQotJitetaj at that season with extraordinary rafia. Sufficient time also entervenesSttoii root-pruning and the growing shot 4 enable the roots to minister to the waatss the brandies after starfcihg in the sptii?. The General Pbwikg or Rate-flit notwithstanding that the way bta considerably cleared to a CompretaiW its principles and practice by the p* nary sections, is still one of ffl a* difficult and delicate operation i rose culture. The -great :firif i the rose includes within itself jW of the most varied structure,1 c»4 form, and modes of growtht 'Sown decidutrcs, others evergreen: some m others hardy; somehaveaspi-eading," a vertical habit j some make ote girt year, others two ormany; ibmeiWß inches^ others are twenty feet in I* and hence arises the necessity vx ««* times and modes of pruning, 'lo *» to one pattern at one time w* ■ nine-tenths of our roses. ' Lono PBUNTKO.-It m«st,be-ta« mind that this term is a techmcsl a* * does hot, as might be supposed,^ the portion pruned offis long, but m verse. A branch long-pruned b taJJ intact, with lit«e more than its PC** moved, and it is in this that £*> pruning of'roses completely ..«*« older and more P™i tive u ff#. ashofltgrew.themoreßhould^ was their short ruled theory Jj1 practice. But the plants wonU«»J Lt to it. though forced ujwng poinfcoftheknifeand^tetM Sruning-Baw. The harder they J» growing roses, xne lessil^i 2nd further a rose grows, thg be pruned, and itcevtrsa. W® verse of '»* Shoetoe Close PM^^iJ the part: removed^lon|^J 6^ &£&s£&. force, for aye** JJf^jn^ power. And it i * ™ llfS!<l «H< way to StrengthenjW r^ to short-pranethemtoaj buds. Theiorcethat^ a j been diffused through '« and shoots is thus conO» . j two^rthre^asthe^La,^ of course, there are among the roses th»seiv« diio^p whole art of pruning, f"^ Jmntity of bloom, g^ilfi blooms of *kZe7b*m<* much.youmayhajßaie w atall. 'Those,hjej fffln^ highest rd l&W» musfc prune harden thosD who prun« for s ' ~ be shortened, bu^ed^f the rose w^fjd Btf.I*, C>?!

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1887.

2



s iSs | | 5 £l £§§ Ponsonby .. 9 9 0 0 68 2 Auckland .. 10 7 12 23 9 North Shore .. 10 6 0 i 24 23 Srafron .. .. 10 3 2 5 27 23 Waitemata .. 9 2 1 6 13 31 United .. .. 30 2 1 7 16 37 Gordon .. .. 10 1 1 8 12 13

Second Junior Cup.

ro . raw O • £;? ►? a -o^ og Rovers „ ... 10 9 1 0 93 3elwyn -t .. 9 7 1 12 77 University .. .. 10 5 2 37 17 Kemuera ..^ .. 8 2 1 32 70 Gtordon 9 2 1 46 10 Waveiiey .... 9 2 1 49 4 Waitemata .. ,. 9 1 1 99 4



A new patent medicine has found its way to our shores—Dr. Henley's extract of celery, beef, and iron—proved by the lead ing physicians of Europe and America to be nutritive and invigorating, while the iron is a tonic for the blood and food for the brain. Sharland and Co. are wholesale agents. The extract can be had from all chemists.—[Advt.l. Use colonial productions. Try our Portland Cement ana Hydraulics Lime, Infor mation free on concrete.—J Wileoa & Co., Cus tQWß-BtreetWeßt.'-(ADVT.I