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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Sports, Games, and Pastimes

Sports, Games, and Pastimes.

The Auckland Amateur Athletic And Cycle Club was formed in 1877. It is affiliated to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, and the banner given by that body has been won by Auckland five times: in 1890–91 at Auckland, 1894–95 at Napier, 1896–97 at Auckland, 1897–98 at Wanganui, and in 1899–1900 at Wellington. The club's members include Mr. G. W. Smith, who was champion of New Zealand for the 100 yards flat race, 220 yards flat, the 440 yards hurdles, and established the New Zealand record time of 15, 3–5th seconds for the 120 yards hurdles, over ten flights; Mr. J. Dickey, the present New Zealand champion for the one mile walk; Mr. F. H. Creamer, who holds the world's amateur record for the one mile walk in 6 minutes 27 2–5th seconds, also the New Zealand amateur record for the three mile walk in 21 minutes 37 seconds; Mr. W. H. Madill, who was champion for putting the 16 pound weight and holds the New Zealand record of 136 feet 4 1/2 inches for throwing the hammer; Mr. C. McAffer, the Australasian champion for the one mile walk; Mr. A. Laurie, who was champion for the high jump and the pole jump; and Hori Eruera, who holds the New Zealand record of 11 feet 0 1/4 inch for the pole jump. The club holds two carnivals in the Domain each season, one in November and one in March; at the meeting in November, 1900, the gate receipts exceeded £220. The club's assets amount to about £250. His Excellency Lord Ranfurly is patron to the club, and Messrs J. H. B. Coates, J. Marshall, and S. T. George are vice-patrons. The officers are: Mr. C. E. MacCormick, president; Messrs L. Myers, G. Dunnet and F. W. Edwards, vice-presidents; Mr. W. B. Eyre, handicapper; Mr. C. E. Palmer, honorary treasurer; Mr F. J. Ohlson, honorary secretary.

The Auckland Cycling Club was formed on the 14th of September, 1895, and began with twelve members. Its first officers were Messrs H. Young, captain; A. Howden, secretary; and A. Skeates, treasurer. It has now a membership of 150. The racing members have been very successful, particularly Messrs E. Reynolds and W. Tierney, the former being one of the best all-round men the colony has ever produced. His brother, Mr William Reynolds, is at the present time (1900–1901) the Amateur Champion of New Zealand, and bids fair to add further to his laurels. A notable feature of the club has been the large amount of prize money offered. It has always had a good name for treating visitors with the greatest hospitality, and its meetings have been well patronised by riders. The club's quarters, in Upper Pitt Street, comprise a billiard room, with two tables, and social, reading, and meeting rooms, which are all well furnished. Recently a piano has been purchased by the club and placed in the social room. The officers of the club are: Mr A. S. White, captain; Mr. James Knott, secretary; Mr. C. Smith, treasurer; Messrs W. Marshall, H. J. Fielder, E. Noonan, N. Cohen, F. Rose, P. Rubery, E. Haresnape, H. J. Richmond, committee; Mr. W. B. Eyre, official handicapper. Mr. A. Myers is the chief consul for the Auckland centre.

Mr. James Knott, the energetic Secretary of the Auckland Cycling Club, was born in Auckland in 1875. He was elected to his present office in October, 1900, as successor to Mr. E. Nordon, who resigned to
Mr. J. Knott.

Mr. J. Knott.

take up a position in Ashburton. Mr. Knott was for some time connected with the Auckland Commercial College, under Mr. T. H. Giles. He has been prominently associated with athletic sports for several years, during which he has acted as secretary for various clubs. At the present time he is secretary of the St. Benedict's Social and Gymnastic Club, which has made wonderful progress page 246 under his management. He is also secretary of the Auckland centre of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen.

Auckland Cycle Roads League. On the 19th of July, 1900, a meeting of cyclists was held in the Young Men's Christian Association's Hall, to consider what steps should be taken to remedy the disgraceful state of the roads in and around Auckland, and it was decided to form the Auckland Cycle Roads League, for the purpose of considering ways and means for the laying down of cycle paths or improved roads. As the system of voluntary subscriptions was deemed unsatisfactory a proposal in favour of a tax of 5s per cycle was carried, and a Bill known as “The Cycle Boards Bill” was drawn up, and sent on to Parliament in charge of Mr. George Fowlds, M.H.R. It was, however, too late in the session for the private members' day, and the Government, at the request of thousands of petitioners from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, took the bill up as a Government measure; but owing to the late hour at which it was sent down, it had to be dropped. Various members of Parliament expressed the opinion that had it been sent down earlier it would have gone through. Meantime the Auckland Cycle Roads League spares neither time nor energy in working up the cycle path movement in New Zealand, and the necessary legislation is supported by cyclists from one end of the colony to the other. In America, Holland, and other countries, where cycle paths exist, the number of cyclists has increased fourfold, and the fact of having smooth, easy running paths alongside the roads has proved beneficial to all. The paths encourage cyclists to leave the crowded cities and get into the country where plenty of fresh air is obtainable. In this way the trade of the villages is increased, and country people are provided with a footpath which does not cost them a penny to lay down. The following are the officers of the League:—Mr. George Fowlds, M.H.R., president; Messrs D. W. Duthie, A. H. Nathan, and Arthur Myers, vice-presidents; Messrs Choyce, P. A. Vaile, Macfarlane, Henton, Dixon, Bockaert, W. Owen, R. Noton, Crozier, Henning, E. Reynolds, and Jackson Palmer M.H.R., council; Mr. J. A. Cooper, honorary treasurer; Mr. A. A. Davies, honorary secretary; Miss Statham, assistant secretary.

The Auckland Caledonian Society was formed by a few enthusiastic Scotsmen on the 14th of November, 1888, and was registered under the Friendly Societies Act. The objects of the society are: The collection of Scottish literature for the use of the members; singing, acting, dancing; the periodical celebration of the various Scottish festivals; the perpetuation of Caledonian games; and the relief of distressed Scotsmen. At the annual meeting, held during the last week in March of each year, a president, two vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, two auditors, ten committeemen, and three trustees are elected, and any person of good character can be elected a member. The society is affiliated with the New Zealand Association of Caledonian Societies, and has funds and assets worth about £100. The officers are: Mr. McCune, president; Messrs J. Aggers, and H. Chatwin, vice-presidents; Mr. H. W. Diggens, secretary; and Mr K. K. Smith, treasurer.

Aquatic.

New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association. The headquarters of this Association are in Wellington, and a descriptive article concerning it is given in the Wellington volume of this work. The Auckland representative of the Association is Mr. E. W. Burgess, Church Street, Devonport.

Auckland Rowing Club. This was the first rowing club started in Auckland, and dates its existence from the year 1869. Prominent among its founders were such men as Major Heaphy, Messrs L. D. and N. A. Nathan, W. H. Churton, and others, some of whom have now passed away. At one time the club held the first position in aquatic circles in Auckland, but subsequently lost that distinction. Recently, however, it has, with some success, made a determined effort to improve its standing. The officers for 1901 are: Mr. J. J. Craig, president; Dr. Maitland, captain; Mr. W. J. Lovett, deputy-captain; Mr. W. M. Kerr, honorary secretary; Mr. W. T. Brown, honorary treasurer.

The West End Rowing Club was established in the year 1884 by a few enthusiasts. Among the first members were Messrs J. T. Armitage, J. E. Cooke, F. J. Cooper, James Dacre, A. Devore, E. Dowden, H. Griffiths, J. R. Hanna, J. H. Hudson, S. E. Hughes, A. H. Jones, Arthur Jones, Walter Jones, Bruce Lloyd, M. G. McGregor, and G. R. Webb, Captain W. Farquhar, and several of his sons. The first two gigs were purchased second-hand—one from the old Auckland Rowing Club, and the other from Sydney. In 1886 West End won easily nearly all the gig races of the year, the senior crew being Messrs F. W. Edwards, J. Stewart, A. H. Jones, and J. E. Cooke. This crew for several years carried all before it. Another famous senior crew of the club was composed of Messrs F. W. Edwards, N. McLean, O. Wells and J. Payne. The first captain of the club was Mr. J. E. Cooke, who held office for two years. He was succeeded by Mr. F. W. Edwards, who held the position for five years—till 1891. Mr. Edwards was followed by Mr. Murdoch McLean—1891–93. The fourth captain was Mr. C. E. White, 1893–4, and Mr. S. D. Hanna followed—1894–5. Mr. Hanna's successor was Mr. J. Clark, who held office for three years, 1895–8. Mr. W. Edwards (vice-captain for two years) was the next captain, and held office for a year. He was followed by Mr. R. R. Dowden—one of the then senior members of the club, who held office for twelve months, when he left to reside in the country. In September, 1900, Mr. W. Edwards was elected captain for the second time, just on his return, invalided from South Africa. During 1892–1893 and 1894, the club had hard times. Wins were very few, but still the members, headed by good officers, did not lose heart. The shed was made more comfortable, and a good spirit fostered among the members. In 1895 things began to improve, and the club in that year won four races out of eight starts. In 1896 new quarters were decided on, and the present commodious building in St. Mary's Bay was erected. A new plant became an absolute necessity also, and in 1896–7 five new boats were obtained from Messrs Edwards and Son, of Melbourne—one being an up-to-date racer, and the other four practice boats of a useful sort. During 1896–7 all this plant and the new building were paid for, the club being loyally supported in this connection by the residents of Ponsonby. In 1897 the club out of twenty-seven starts won twenty-five, and the prize money amounted to over £160. The prize-winners of that year are entitled to special credit, as nearly all the money was devoted to paying off the debt on the building. In the 1897–8 season five new boats were procured; a best-and-best boat for the Championship Regatta, two practice boats, and two pleasure boats for the use of honorary members. In 1898–9 the club, out of seventeen starts, secured nine first prizes, a dead heat for first place, and two second prizes; and in 1899–1900, out of twenty starts, sixteen first prizes were secured. Altogether, in three years, the club secured fifty-one first prizes out of sixty-four starts. The club started in six events in the season 1900–1901, winning four races, and in one of the others was beaten for first place by only three feet. The club's building, which has a galvanised roof, and was erected under the supervision of the club's architect, Mr. A. G. Daw, measures 40 feet by 45 feet, and has two stories. The lower portion is devoted solely to housing the boats; upstairs are the dressing room, committee room and bathroom. The plant consists of one best-and-best four, two outrigged racing fours, six inrigged practice gig fours, two whaleboats, two stump outriggers, one wager boat, one racing inrigged four, and two pleasure boats. All the club's property is in first-class order, and the club has a credit balance at the bank and no liabilities. Many of the best known citizens of Auckland are on the honorary officers' list. The officers for 1900–1901 are: Mr. T. Peacock, patron; Mr. Murdoch McLean, president; Mr. W. Edwards, captain; Mr. R. H. Cook, deputy-captain; Mr. R. M. Doull, secretary; Mr. W. Hunter, treasurer. The committee consists of Messrs G. Green, J. H. Maxwell, R. W. Rees, J. Carrigan, J. Bigelow, P. C. White, and J. A. Mackenzie. There are also over one hundred vice-presidents. The membership of the club consists of one hundred honorary members, and one hundred and twenty active members.

Auckland Yacht Club. This club, which is the largest in tonnage and membership in New Zealand, was founded in 1871. It has rooms in Palmerston Buildings, Queen Street, and there are about 187 members. The officers for 1901 are: Mr. John Wiseman, commodore; Mr. C. P. Murdock, vice-commodore; Mr. W. Jagger, rear-commodore; Mr R. S. Reynolds, honorary treasurer; Mr. G. H. Bellamy, honorary secretary; Mr. C. E. Battley, honorary assistant secretary; Messrs J. C. Webster and E. H. Davis, auditors; Captain Gibbs and Mr. A. Buchanan, measurers; Mr. J. Alexander, honorary solicitor. Messrs H. Haines, A. Buchanan, E. V. Miller, F. Wilson, J. C. Hardie, R. Masefield, J. W. Winks, C. B. Stone and G. V. Edgecombe constitute the committee. The club's flag is page 247 a blue burges with the white St. George's cross and the four white stars of the Southern Cross. There is a fleet of fifty-three yachts, and the champion of the fleet is the “Rambow,” which has been very successful at Wellington, Lyttelton, and Sydney. The “Thelma” has also proved herself a fast boat. In the early days of the club, Captain Gibbs's yacht “Spray” held the championship for many years.

Mr. John Wiseman, Commodore of the Auckland Yacht Club, is a native of Tas mania, and came to New Zealand with his parents. He was educated in Auckland, and afterwards joined his father. Mr. James Wiseman, in the wholesale saddlery business. On the death of Mr. James Wiseman, in January, 1898, the business was carried on by Mr. John Wiseman as head of the firm. Mr. Wiseman has been connected with aquatic matters for many years, and is one of the oldest members of the Auckland Yacht Club. He takes a keen interest in the welfare of the club, and on the occasion of his marriage in January, 1901, the members presented him with a handsome clock.

Mr. J. Wiseman. Hanna, photo.

Mr. J. Wiseman. Hanna, photo.

Mr. George Herbert Bellamy has been Honorary Secretary to the Auckland Yacht Club since 1898, and during his term of office has filled the position with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the members of the club. Mr. Bellamy is a native of Hull, England, and before coming to the colony was a member of the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club. He is an enthusiastic yachtsman, and takes a great interest in all aquatic matters, and it is mainly owing to his efforts that the yacht club has reached its present satisfactory position. Mr. Bellamy is married to a daughter of Mr. G. Johnston, and resides at Birkenhead.

Hanna, photo. Mr. G. H. Bellamy.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. G. H. Bellamy.

The St. George's Rowing Club was founded in 1883, and at one time was one of the best clubs in Auckland. In 1895 the light weight crew were successful in eight regatta races, and a crew consisting of Messrs H. J. Whitley, G. McDell, J. Crozier, and T. Manton raced for three seasons without a defeat. The boathouse is situated at Judge's Bay, Parnell, and the club has over one hundred members on its roll. The financial position is very satisfactory, and the plant consists of seventeen boats. The officers for 1900–1901 are: Mr. J. H. B. Coates, patron; Mr. S. Thorne George, vice-patron; Mr. T. Russell, commodore; Mr. A. G. Busby, captain; Mr. T. Richards, deputy-captain; Mr. George O. Waddy, honorary secretary; Mr. J. Thomson, honorary treasurer.

The Waitemata Boating Club was formed in 1883, and its first commodore was the Hon. E. Mitchelson. Its boatsheds are situated on the Hobson Street Wharf, and the plant consists of one best-and-best outrigged fours, two clinker outrigged fours, three inrigged four-oared gigs, two whaleboat gigs, and several other boats not at present in commission. In 1894 the City Rowing Club amalgamated with this club, which is affiliated to the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, and its colours are blue and gold. It has had an honourable and successful career in rowing contests. The officers for 1900–1901 are: Mr. A. M. Myers, commodore; Mr J. Endean, vice-commodore; Mr H. Parker, president; Mr. W. J. Evers, captain; Mr A. C. Tonkin, secretary.

Ponsonby Cruising Club. This club was the first of its kind established in New Zealand, and although only founded in 1900, the membership already numbers 250; which speaks well for the energy displayed by its founders and its secretary, Mr. A. Thompson. The object of the club is to encourage yachting and cruising generally, and weekly cruises are arranged to the various bays of the Hauraki Gulf. Great interest is also taken in the monthly picnics, at which the programme includes races for trophies, cricket matches, etc., in which the majority of the members take part. Some of the best yachts in Auckland are included on the club's register, notably the “Mahoe,” which flies the commodore's flag, “Thetis,” “Mahaki,” “Peri,” “Coo-ee” (the present champion), and several others. Many enquiries have been received by the secretary from yachtsmen in different parts of the colony respecting the new club, and one communication has come to hand from Fiji, which shows that the idea of cruising in company under one flag is regarded with much favour. The club's colours are blue and white stripes. The following officers were elected for the year 1900–1901: Mr. T. T. Masefield, patron; Mr. J. Kirker, president; Mr. S. W. Buck, vice-president; Mr. W. Bettany, commodore; Mr. R. Murphy, vice-commodore; Mr. O. Riley, rear-commodore; Mr. A. Thompson, honorary secretary and treasurer. Messrs A. Clair, A. Warnock, T. Blatch, C. Harkins, W. Buck, A. Dye, G. Stokes, H. Parkinson, W. Carder, and Metcalf are the committee.

Mr. William Bettany, Commodore of the Ponsonby Cruising Club, has been associated with aquatic pastimes for many years.
Hanna, photo.Mr. W. Bettany.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. W. Bettany.

He takes a great interest in the club, and is part owner of the “Mahoe,” the flagship of the fleet, which has proved herself a fast boat, having been successful in carrying off thirteen first and two second prizes out of nineteen races. Mr. Bettany is very popular amongst the members of the club, and has done a good deal to make the club a success. He was born in Liverpool, England, came to New Zealand with his parents in 1863, and was brought up to his trade as a carpenter under Mr. Salt. Mr. Bettany is now page 248 foreman for Messrs Grayson Brothers, builders, with whom he has been for many years.
Mr. Alfred Thompson, Secretary of the Ponsonby Cruising Club, is an enthusiastic yachtsman, who for many years has taken
Hanna, photo.Mr. A. Thompson.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. A. Thompson.

great interest in aquatic matters. He was born in Auckland in 1877, and on leaving school entered into commercial pursuits. Mr. Thompson and his brother now carry on business in Queen Street as machine experts and importers. Since 1886 Mr. Thompson has devoted considerable time to yachting, and is a member of the crew of the “Peri.” It is largely owing to his energy and perseverance that the Ponsonby Cruising Club has made such excellent progress. Mr. Thompson is also a member of the Ponsonby Regatta Club and the North Shore Sailing Club. The business carried on by him and his brother is noticed in another part of this volume.

The New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, Registered. This institution, which is the parent of all Australasian Swimming Associations, was brought into existence at a meeting specially convened for the purpose at Auckland on the 21st of December, 1889. The first championship competition under its auspices was held in the Calliope Dock on the 30th of January, 1890; and the distance, a quarter of a mile, was covered by the winner, Mr H. J. Bailey, of the Amateur Swimming Club, in 7 minutes 10 seconds. The proceeds from this carnival went towards endowing the Jubilee Institute for the Blind From that time to the present the association has amply justified its formation. Most elaborate rules have been codified and adopted in their entirety throughout Australasia; a scheme of school instruction has been for mulated; a parliamentary vote of £100 has been obtained in recognition of effective administration, and a further £100 for the purpose of instructing all state scholars in swimming, and the Government has, on the representations of the association, undertaken to reserve centrally situated bath sites in all new public townships, and to introduce a “Rescuers' Damages Compensation Bill,” enabling life-savers to legally recover expenser incidental to a rescue. The racing usage of numbering competitors—now general—was first introduced by the association, as also the custom of using docks for swimming galas, and that of observing the 1st of October as “Natation Day.” Championship competitions are held annually, and to such an extent has the average rate of speed improved that New Zealand can now be grouped with New South Wales and England, as possessing swimmers faster than those in other parts of the world. The association has in hand the creation of a “Legion of Heroism” for the direct recognition of the life-saving efforts of swimmers, a proposal which is expected to receive international acceptance. Since the 7th of January 1898, there have been two associations in New Zealand; one is registered, and has its headquarters in Auckland, the other, unregistered, is governed from Christchurch; and the two bodies work in amicable alliance Both centres have elected Mr. J. M. Brigham, of Auckland, as president; the honorary secretary at Christchurch is Mr. G. J. C. Smart, and the honorary registrar at Auckland, Mr. H. G. Chevis. The founder of the association, Mr. Roland St. Clair, is vice-president, and has also held office as secretary and president.

Bowling.

The Auckland Bowling Association. This association was formed to encourage bowling generally, and arrange matches between the various affiliated clubs. It also undertakes the management of tournaments, and arranges pennant matches, the winning club having the honour of flying the pennant for the season. Six of the local clubs are affiliated to the association. The officers are: Messrs W. Gorrie, president; E. Mahoney, vice-president; J. A. Haslett, honorary secretary and treasurer.

Auckland Bowling Club. This club, one of the oldest of its kind in the colony, was established about 1868. Its grounds, which are beautifully laid out, are situated at the foot of Grafton Road, and contain two bowling greens, besides five tennis and croquet courts, which are sublet. As many of the members are persons of leisure, play is indulged in almost every day. The club has over 150 members, and its financial position is sound. The officers are: Messrs William Coleman, president; A. M. Myers and J. A. Haslett, vice-presidents; W. Gorrie, W. Lambert, J. Thornes, W. Culpan, A. W. Thomson, committee; G. M. Handcock, green superintendent; J. Carlaw, honorary treasurer; Dr. F. W. King, honorary secretary.

Chess.

The Auckland Chess Club was founded on the 29th of February, 1884, and was originally called the Grafton Chess Club. Its establishment was the outcome of many pleasant evenings spent together by a few enthusiastic chessmen in the Grafton district. Amongst the founders were Messrs H. H. Lusk (the first president), William Gorrie, J. F. Sloman, A. Gifford, E. R. Watkins, E. W. Burton, and Alfred Ashton (secretary). Meetings were held at the Grafton Road schoolroom until 1885, when the club was reconstructed and named anew. The club then took large rooms over Robson's dining-rooms in Queen Street, and the membership rapidly increased. Many interesting matches have been arranged and played with the Ponsonby, Devonport, and Mount Eden clubs. Two matches have been played by telegraph with the Wellington Chess Club, and a match won by each club. The sealed tournament handicaps, introduced by the club, have been very successful, and have since been adopted by many other chess clubs in New Zealand. Messrs A. A. Lelievre (secretary and treasurer), A. Grierson, Alfred Jowitt, J. M. Lennox (president), A. Ashton, and Samuel White are the most prominent players amongst the present members. The club's rooms are situated over Water's Coffee Palace in Queen Street, and the secretary's address is care of Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane, Fort Street.

Mr. A. A. Lelievre, Secretary of the Auckland Chess Club, is one of the most prominent figures in the chess world of New Zealand. He was born in Normandy, France, in 1865, and was educated in Paris. On leaving school, in 1881, he went to London, and joined one of the leading mercantile houses of that city. In 1888 he returned to France and joined the artillery, which he
Hanna, photo.Mr. A. A. Lelievre.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. A. A. Lelievre.

left twelve months later to return to his old employers in London. Mr. Lelievre came to New Zealand in 1891, and was for three years attached to the French Consulate in Wellington. page 249 He then went to Hastings, where he remained until 1896, when he removed to Auckland, and has been ever since attached to the French Consulate in that city. Mr. Lelievre first studied chess when he was fourteen years of age, but did not take much interest in the game until he joined the Athæneum Chess Club in London. He was very successful in sundry matches, and in the interclub matches, during which he played once against the St. George Club, he secured twelve wins and made no losses. On his arrival in New Zealand Mr. Lelievre became a member of the Wellington Chess Club, which he represented at Wanganui and Dunedin. In 1894–95 he represented Hastings at the New Zealand Chess Congress held in Wellington, and tied with Mr. W. Mackay, the chess champion of New Zealand, for that year. Since 1896 he has been a member of the Auckland Club, and has held office as secretary for four years. He takes great interest in bowling, and is a member of the Devonport Bowling Club.
Cricket.

Auckland Cricket Association. This association arranges inter-club matches, selects representative teams, and is generally the controlling body in respect to cricket in Auckland City. It is composed of the various affiliated clubs, delegates from which attend its meetings. There are six senior clubs affiliated to the association, namely, Auckland-United, Auckland, Gordon, North Shore, Parnell, and Ponsonby. The junior teams are Auckland-United, Auckland (four teams), Gordon, North Shore (two teams), Parnell, Ponsonby (two teams), Young Men's Christian Association (four teams), Wanderers, Avondale, Wakefield (two teams), Archhill (two teams), St. Albans (two teams), Northern, Grey Linn, Pitt Street, and Surrey Ramblers. The association's colours are dark blue with white facings. The officers for 1901 are: Mr. James Russell, president; Messrs C. W. Hemery, and C. S. H. McKinney, vice-presidents; Messrs F. J. Ohlson, J. B. Kyd, W. T. Wynyard and C. Hay, committee; Mr. G. H. Broughton, secretary; Mr. E. J. G. F. Greville, treasurer.

Football.

The Auckland Rugby Union is the controlling body of Rugby football in the Auckland provincial district, and during the season its meetings are held in the rooms of the Amateur Sports Club. The Union is affiliated with and is subject to the New Zealand Rugby Union. Auckland holds a premier position in regard to New Zealand Rugby football, and has a four years' unbeaten certificate in interprovincial contests. During the season of 1900 Auckland played representative teams from Wellington, Taranaki, and Wanganui, and in each contest the visitors were defeated. The match with Otago, played at Potter's Paddock, Epsom ended in a draw. During the three preceding years twelve interprovincial matches were played (including a match against the New Zealand team), and of these ten were won and two drawn, and 157 points scored as against 42. Auckland's representative colours are blue and white. The officers of the Union for 1900 were Mr. A. E. Devore, president; Messrs J. M. Brigham, G. S. Kissling, and C. Hesketh, vice-presidents; Messrs O. Wells (chairman), D. J. L. Clayton, A. H. Cotter, F. M. Jervis, and C. V. Langsford, committee of management; Mr J. R. Gibbons, delegate to New Zealand Union; Messrs T. Macky and J. Arneil, auditors; Mr G. H. Dixon, honorary secretary; Mr. C. E. MacCormick, honorary treasurer. The Union provides three challenge cups for competition among the Senior, Junior, and Third Fifteens of the Associated Clubs, each of which, with the exception of the North Shore Club, places three teams in the field. A noticeable feature in connection with the clubs is the large number of vice-presidents possessed by each of them. The following associated clubs were established in 1892.

City. This club had the unique distinction of winning the three Challenge Cups for the season of 1900. Its colours are red and black. Officers for 1900: Mr A. M. Myers, president; fifty-two vice-presidents; Mr H. Absolom, captain; Mr. G. Tyler, vice-captain; Mr. George Donaldson, honorary secretary and treasurer.

Newton. Officers for 1900: Mr. T. Prosser, junior, patron; Dr. Guinness, president; thirty-three vice-presidents; Mr. G. A. Bradburn, honorary secretary and treasurer. The Newton colours are maroon and white.

Grafton. Officers for 1900: Mr. A. M. Myers, president; thirty-one vice-presidents; Mr. D. L. J. Clayton, honorary secretary; Mr. J. H. Gunson, honorary treasurer. The Grafton colours are black and white bars.

Ponsonby. Officers for 1900: Mr A. E. Devore, president; thirty-four vice-presidents; Mr. C. P. Stichbury, honorary secretary; C. A. Jackson, honorary treasurer. The Ponsonby colours are blue and black.

North Shore. Officers for 1900: Mr. J. Bollard, M.H.R., president; twenty-eight vice-presidents; Mr. J. Sullivan, captain; Mr. C. F. Cameron, honorary secretary and treasurer. The North Shore colours are navy blue.

Parnell. Officers for 1900: Mr. G. S. Kissling, president; thirty-two vice-presidents; Mr. G. K. Totton, honorary secretary; Mr. G. M. Hume, honorary treasurer. The Parnell colours are maroon jersey and a monogram on the left breast.

Suburbs. Officers for 1900: Dr. Erson, mayor of Onehunga, president; twenty-eight vice-presidents; Mr. J. E. Leahy, honorary secretary and treasurer. The Suburbs' colours are all black, with white fern leaf on the breast of the jersey.

Tawn [sic: Lawn] Tennis.

Auckland Lawn Tennis Association. Lawn tennis had taken a strong hold in Auckland prior to the formation of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association on the 21st of December, 1895. The following clubs were represented at the opening meeting:—Auckland Lawn Tennis Club, Messrs Pollen, Ridings and Young husband; Auckland Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club, Messrs Holdship and S. Hesketh; Devonport Lawn Tennis Club, Messrs Londen, Mason and Spicer; Parnell Lawn Tennis Club, Messrs Thomas and Sealey; Government House Archery and Lawn Tennis Club, Messrs J. M. Clark, Barton and Hudson. At a subsequent meeting rules were adopted and the following officers elected: Mr. J. M. Clark, president; Messrs Holdship and W. J. Hurst, vice-presidents; Mr. E. P. Hudson, honorary secretary. The Auckland Lawn Tennis Association was thus launched on what has proved to be a most prosperous career, and under its direction the game has flourished beyond expectation, its influence reaching right away from the city to townships in all parts of the province. From 1886 up to the present, Auckland has possessed players of first-class merit, as the names of the following champions prove:—Messrs W. E. Barton, W. B. A. Morrison, E. P. Hudson, W. P. Goodhue, J. R. Hooper, H. A. Parker, J. C. Peacock and others. Messrs Hooper and Parker, whose fame has spread throughout the colonies, have won the New Zealand Championship Singles on several occasions, and Mr. Peacock has been twice runner-up. The latest and most important success of the Aucklanders was the victory of Messrs H. A. Parker and J. C. Peacock over the redoubtable Australian pair, Messrs Dunlop and Diddams, in the Men's New Zealand Champion Doubles at the recent championship meeting in Christchurch. The present association is governed by Dr. F. W. Coates, president; Mr. A. A. Davies, honorary secretary and treasurer; Mr T. B. Howarth, auditor, and the following delegates: Messrs J. R. Hooper and H. A. Parker, Eden and Epsom; J. C. Peacock and A. H. Brabant, West End; F. J. Upfill and A. E. D'Arcy, Parnell; and C. H. Young and F. J. Whitaker, Devonport. The association has lately instituted a championship for girls page 250 and boys (under seventeen), and has also under consideration the formation of an Umpires' Association.

Mr. Albert Andrew Davies, Secretary of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association, and the West End Lawn Tennis Club, is a native of Auckland, and was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School. On leaving school he joined the staff of Messrs Archibald Clark and Sons, and was afterwards in the Waikato. In 1897 he received his present appointment with Messrs Macky, Logan, Steen, and Co. Mr. Davies takes a keen interest in tennis generally, and is a prominent player in the West End Club. He is also secretary to the Auckland Cycle Roads League, and a member of the Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club. Mr. Davies has been untiring in his efforts to lay the objects of this league before the Auckland cyclists.

Hanna, photo. Mr. A. A. Davies.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. A. A. Davies.

The West End Lawn Tennis Club was formed in 1890 by Messrs John Paterson, D. Robertson, and J. Coe, and began with a membership of thirty. The leasehold grounds in New Street, Ponsonby, contain five tennis courts, and a commodious pavilion. The officers are: Mr. C. J. Parr, president; Mr. C. H. Jones, treasurer; Mr. A. A. Davies, secretary. The membership now stands at over seventy.