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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Sports, Games, And Pastimes

Sports, Games, And Pastimes.

Athletics.

The Dunedin Centre Of The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association is one of the four centres, which, affiliated, form the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, the history and functions of which are described at pages 212–213 in the Canterbury volume of this work. For many years the various Amateur Athletic Clubs in the colony were directly represented in the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. which then, as now, was their governing body. This mode of representation, however, was found to be unsatisfactory, and late in 1902 the Dunedhi Harriers brought forward a proposal to establish a Centre in Dunedin. with representatives from each of the clubs in the province, and through which, by means of delegates From the Centre, the clubs should be represented in the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. The proposal immediately met with great favour and in February, 1903. the Otago Centre became a registered body. The Bystem of representation through the medium of responsible centres was so successful that, within a few months of its introduction in Otago, it was adopted in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, so that the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association is now (1904) composed of delegates from these bodies. The Otago Centre consists of about sixteen delegates from the various Otago Clubs, the number of representatives sent by each club being regulated by membership. Business meetings of the centre are held monthly, and there is an annual meeting for the election of officers. Officers elected in 1903: President, Mr. H. B. Courtis; Honorary Secretary, Mr. F. A. Webb; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. A. Cannon.

The Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club was formed in 1885 for the purpose of promoting athletic sports, games, etc. The management of the club is vested in a president, six vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, and a committee of seven members. Evening meetings are held in the Carisbrook grounds, and the annual sports meeting takes place in the month of October. The club has about 100 members. Officers for the year 1903–4: President, Mr. H. B. Courtis; Secretary, Mr. Hamann; Treasurer, Mr. T. R. Gordon.

Mr. John Thomas Hamann . Secretary of the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club, was born in Dunedin in September, 1875, and educated at the public schools. He is at present (1904) accountant in the firm of Messrs Dey and Stokes.

The Dunedin Centre (League of New Zealand Wheelmen) was inaugurated on the 29th of September, 1899. It comprises delegates from all affiliated cycling clubs and sporting and athletic clubs, that encourage cycling, and are affiliated to the league. Permits are issued to sporting bodies to hold cycling races at their meetings. The centre also issues cash and amateur licenses, and sees that the rules of the governing body are carried out. A consul is elected, who attends all sports meetings, and sees that the conditions are complied with. Officebearers for 1903–4: President, Mr. W. J. Moore; Consul, Mr. H. B. Courtis; Handi-capper, Mr. S. D. Minn; Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. John R. Wilson; Delegate to League Council, Mr. D. Woods.

The Dunedin Cycling Club was founded in 1881, by Mr. William Melville, and has now over 100 members. Years ago, when all cyclists were amateurs, this club had some of the most successful racing men in the colony amongst its members, notably. Mr. R. Crow, who won a number of championship races, and Messrs R. Emerson and W. B. Bell, who upheld the prestige of the club at all its meetings. The present officers are: President, Dr. Stanley Batchelor; Captain. Mr. S. D. Minn; Hcnorary Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. F. T. Anderson. The club holds its annual meeting in March.

The Otago Cycling Club was founded in 1892 to encourage cycling, club runs, sports, etc. It holds a sports meeting every year, and offers prizes aggregating about £75. Those who have competed at past meetings have included Mr. W. Martin, the brilliant cyclist from America; Mr. Sutherland, the New Zealand crack; and others of more or less repute. During the winter months, billiard and euchre tournaments are held at the club rooms, and musical evenings are arranged, and members thus derive much benefit socially from their connection with the club. Officials: President, Mr. H. B. Courtis; Vice-Presidents, Dr. Stephenson, Messrs S. S. Myers. W. Begg, S. Solomon, H. Gunthrop, and S. Q. Stokes; Captain, Mr. G. Nelson; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. F. J. Townsend; Honorary Secretary, Mr. John R. Wilson.

Mr. John R. Wilson , Honorary Secretary of the Otago Cycling Club, and of the Otago Centre of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1875. He arrived in Wellington in 1879, by the steamer “British Queen,” and finished his education at the Port Chalmers District High School. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Otago Referees' Association, and the Otago Labour Day Association, and was assistant secretary and superintendent of sports to the Labour Day Association. In December, 1896, he was placed in charge of the Otago Cycling Club's team to compete against Southland in the Ten-Mile Team Race at Invercargill, and, through his efforts as trainer, the individual members of the team were successful in winning nearly every race they competed in, besides collectively winning the Team Race. Mr. Wilson also trained Mr. O. Horne, the winner of the Three-Mile Championship of Southland. As a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters Mr. Wilson
Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. J. R. Wilson.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. J. R. Wilson.

page 204 son has been connected with Court Enterprise, No. 3990, since 1897. He has passed through all the chairs, receiving a framed certificate and neck ribbon, and been accorded a special vote of thanks for the able manner in which he conducted the social evenings held in connection with the Court. He has twice represented his Court at district meetings, and at present holds the position of treasurer. Mr. Wilson has also assisted other courts of the Order, especially Court Robin Hood, Port Chalmers, which reduced the debt of its hall by nearly £200, mainly through his energy and ability. For the valuable services he thus rendered, Mr. Wilson was presented with a testimonial. Mr. Wilson also holds the position of auditor to Court Woodland's Pride, No. 8041. He was married in 1993, and has been in the employment of Mr. John Gillies, furniture warehouseman, since 1890.

The Dunedin Harriers were formed into a club on the 9th of May, 1899, at the instance of Mr. R. J. Jackson (late of the Manchester Harriers), who had come to reside in the colony, and the first run took place on Saturday, the 20th of May, 1839. To Mr. Jackson's energy and enthusiasm, during the early years of the club, is mainly due the strong position which the Dunedin Harriers and the three other harrier clubs in Dunedin hold at the present time. The object of the club is to promote cross-country running, and that it has been successful in this is shown by the fact that, besides those in Dunedin, there are two clubs in Christchurch, one in Invercargill, one [gap — reason: illegible] Port Chalmers, and one in Wellington, all formed within the space of two or three years. One of the Dunedin harriers, Mr. H. F. Murray, holds the Australasian record for ten miles—time, 56 minutes 14 seconds; and best previous time being 56 minutes 57 seconds. An annual fixture of the club is the Port Chalmers-Pelichet Bay road race, open to all amateurs; the trophies consist of a handsome challenge cup and a gold medal for the fastest time. In 1903—the first year of the race—there were twenty-one starters, the winner of the cup being I. W. Cowie (Dunedin Harriers); and P. Bennett (Dunedin Harriers) secured the fastest time medal. In 1903 forty-six faced the starter, Frew (Young Men's Christian Association Harriers) winning the cup, and H. F. Murray (Dunedin Harriers) the fastest time medal. A Five-Mile Club Championship is decided at the close of each season, and the competition amongst the members is very keen. So far, the winners in this competition have been: 1899, W. Olson; 1900, R. J. Jackson; 1901, H. Murray; 1902. H. Burk; 1903, H. Murray. The first president of the club was Dr W. S. Roberts, who held the office for two years, and the late Mr. M. J. Scobie Mackenzie was a vice-president at the time of his death. The office-bearers for 1903–4 are: President, Mr. W. L. Hooper; Vice-Presidents, Messrs J. B. Callan, senior, W. J. Burk, W. Musker, and M. W. Johnson; Captain, Mr. J. A. Spence; Deputy Captain, Mr. H. F. Murray; Committee, Messrs J. B. Callan, G. Moreton, H. Divers, and I. Cowie; Honorary Handicapper, Mr. A. Cannon; Honorary Secretary, Mr R. W. Bricknell; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. A. Cannon.

Mr. John A. Spence , Captain of the Dunedin Harriers, was born in Otago in 1875, and educated at the Bannockburn public school and the Dunedin Boys' High School. He has always taken a great interest in athletics, has been connected with the Dunedin Harriers since 1900, and has held the office of captain two seasons—1901 and 1903.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo. Mr. J. A. Spence.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. J. A. Spence.

He is also a member of the Albion Cricket Club. Mr. Spence was married, in 1901, and has been in the service of Messrs Paterson and Barr, wholesale ironmongers, since 1832.

Otago Gymnastic Association.

This association was formed on the 11th of September, 1900, with Mr. J. W. Smith as its first president. The object of the association is to act as a controlling body to govern and promote gymnastics in general throughout Otago and New Zealand. With this end in view, the association inaugurated a team's competition, in which each competing club is represented by a team of six men. These competitions cause great interest, and have done much to promote gymnastics in Otago. The first two years the High School Old Boys' Club teams proved the winners, and were entitled to hold the association's banner. In the year 1902 the Mornington club's men were the winners, but in 1903 the Dunedin club secured the coveted position. A second grade competition has been provided for those gymnasts who are not quite good enough to perform in the first grade competitions, and this also was won, in 1903, by a team from the Dunedin club. The prime mover in founding the Otago Gymnastic Association was Mr. F. C. Leggins, and he has also been the originator of many of the competitions and displays held under the auspices of the association. What Mr. Leggins has done in the way of organisation, Mr. W. H. Matthews has done in respect to training, and many of Dunedin's best gymnasts owe their proficiency to his able instruction. In 1903 the association held an Individual Championship, open to all amateur gymnasts in Otago; it was won easily by Mr. W. H. Matthews, with H. G. Siedeberg as a good second. The association has two ladies' clubs affiliated to it, and good work is being done by the lady gymnasts, some of whom are exceedingly clever. The present president of the association, Mr. J. A. Park, has assisted in many ways to promote the growth of gymnastics in Dunedin. Messrs J. W. Smith and W. Davidson, the two vice-presidents, are also cordial supporters. Mr. W. Beadel is the Honorary Treasurer of the association, and Mr. E. S. Wilson, Honorary Secretary.

Aquatic.

The Dunedin Rowing Association was founded in 1893. It is composed of delegates from the different rowing clubs, and directs and manages all the boat racing held in the province. President, Mr. James Mills; Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. C. R. Gooch.

The Dunedin Rowing Club . Office-bearers for 1904: Patron, Hon. George McLean, M.L.C.; President, Mr. John White; Vice-Presidents, Messrs L. R. Wilson, C. P. M. Butterworth, and H. A. LeCren; Captain, Mr. L. L. Kirkcaldy; Deputy-Captain, Mr. M. H. Priest; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. C. E. Stratham; Honorary Secretary, Mr. Philip H. Ham; Honorary Assistant Secretary, Mr. J. W. Matthewson; Honorary Auditor, Mr. F. W. P. Jackson. The Otago Rowing Club was the first club of its kind in Dunedin, and was formed on the 8th of October, 1873, with a membership of ten, which soon increased to twenty-five. At present (1901) the number of members on the roll, consisting of active, honorary and life, is 120, and increases every year. The first captain was Mr. J. C. Boddington, and first secretary and treasurer, Mr. E. W. Muir. The first boat the club possessed was the “Lurline,” an inrigged four-oared gig; and the “Syren” was the second boat owned by the Otago Rowing Club. The plant of the club now consists of: 1 best and best convertible pair; 1 best and best single sculler; 2 clinker pairs; 2 convertible clinker pairs; 1 practice pair; 2 stump scullers; 2 outrigger fours; 2 four-oar practice tubs; 2 pleasure boats; 1 new clinker racing four Fuller); and 1 new convertible pair and double sculler (Norton). The following cups are competed for annually, and cause much rivalry amongst the members: Matheson's Junior Fours Cup; Walter's Fours Cup; Thompson's Fours Cup; Ladies' Challenge Cup; Ravensbourne Fours Cup; Wright's Double Sculling Challenge Cup. The club has passed through some very hard and trying times, but, thanks to the efforts and loyal support of the senior members, who have stood by it in times of adversity, it is at present on the road to success, and only careful and prudent management is now required. The club is entirely free of any liabilities, and has a page 205
Armstrong, photo. A View in Dunedin Harbour.

Armstrong, photo.
A View in Dunedin Harbour.

very substantial sum in hand towards the building of a new boathouse. It was represented at all the local regattas in 1903, and also sent representatives to Invercargill and Wellington, as well as to the Championship meeting at Wanganui. It competed in twenty-two events, in which it won ten firsts, five seconds, and four thirds, and was unplaced only three times, so heading the list for the third year in succession, and winning the sum of £33 in prize money. Its successes in 1903 included the double sculling championship of New Zealand at Wanganui, and the senior double sculling race at Wellington regatta, both being won by J. F. Mc-Grath and M. H. Priest, the former race for the third time in succession. Mr. J. P. Donald is the delegate from the club to the New Zealand Rowing Association in Wellington, and Messrs Kirkcaldy and P. J. Priest represent it at the Otago Rowing Association's meetings. The club is now registered under the “Unclassified Societies Act. The compiler of these particulars is indebted to “O.R.C.” in the Rowing Almanac and Oarsman's Companion, 1893–4, for information relating to the early history of the club.

North End Boating Club . President, Mr. S. S. Myers; Vice-Presidents, Drs. Closs and Fulton; Treasurer, Mr. G. D. Wright; Secretary, Mr. M. A. Allan. This club has a membership of seventy-five. Some of the best oarsmen in Dunedin are its members, and represent it at all regattas held in the province. At the Port Chalmers regatta, of 1903, the North End Boating Club came third in the prize list, and won the maiden, double sculls, and junior double sculls. The club possesses the only eight-oar clinker boat in Dunedin, which was presented to them by Mr. S. S. Myers, the president. Prizes are given every month by the president, vice-presidents, and other supporters of the club for competition. The boat-house, at the foot of Frederick Street, is a wooden building, comfortably fitted up with dressing rooms, lockers, bathrooms, and a social hall, where members enjoy themselves during the long winter evenings.

Mr. Alexander Allan , Secretary of the North End Boating Club, was born in Dunedin in 1882, and educated at the Albany Street school and the Otago Boys' High School. He entered the warehouse of Messrs R. Wilson and Co., merchants, with whom he remained for two years, when he left to join his father in the grocery and provision business, known as that of Allan and Smith, Great King Street.

The Dunedin Yacht Club was established about 1889 by a number of prominent Dunedin yachtsmen, notably Messrs William Sligo, S. S. Myers, and E. B. Hayward. The property of the club, consisting of a section with the slip, is situated at North Dunedin. The fleet comprises about thirty-five yachts of various classes, and some very good race meetings are held during the year. The officers for the year 1903–4 are: Commodore, Mr. H. F. Neese; Secretary, Mr. H. M Ewing; Treasurer, Mr. A. J. Sinclair.

Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club . President, Mr. C. F. Greenslade; Vice-Presidents, Messrs T. Scott, W. L. Hooper, J. A. Park, and Dr. Roberts; Captain, Mr. D. M. Stuart; Deputy-Captain, Mr. W. Johnstone; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. E. C. Hutton; Honorary Secretary, Mr. F. Scales. The Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club owes its origin to Messrs Napier Bell, Allan Sims, and R. Bolton, and was founded in 1899 with a membership of about twenty. Its progress has been such that at the present time it has a roll of 460 members, including sixty ladies. In 1902 the club took over Morgan's warm salt water baths, on a one year's lease, and at an annual meeting held in October, 1903, the members decided to renew the lease for three years, dating from November, 1903. The club has turned out some of the best swimmers in the colony, and one of them, Mr. H. A. Creaghe, holds the 100 yards and 440 yards championships of New Zealand, won at Lyttelton Dock on the 1st of January, 1904, from the best swimmers in New Zealand. The baths are patronised by most of the schools' at the north end of the city, and upwards of 700 children, under instructors, were taught the art of swimming during the season of 1903–4. There are two baths on the premises; one an open one of 100 feet by 60 feet, in which the water has just the chill taken off, and one covered-in, 60 feet by 30 feet, in which the water is kept at about 88 or 90 degrees. The club has n number of challenge cups and trophies, which are held for annual competition.

Mr. Donald M. Stuart , Captain of the Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club, and grandson of the late Rev. Dr. Stuart, was born in Dunedin in 1880, and educated at the George Street school and the Otago Boys' High School. On leaving school he entered the firm of Messrs G. L. Denniston and Co., merchants, with whom he now holds a responsible position. Mr. Stuart is an active member of the Pirates' Football Club and of the Albion Cricket Club. In 1902 he was unanimously elected captain of the Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club, and is held in high esteem by all his fellow members.

Mr. Frank Scales , Honorary Secretary of the Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club, was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1875, and arrived in New Zealand in 1895. For the first year after his arrival he filled the position of cash-clerk with the Dunedin Tramway Company, and left that service to accept a position as traveller for the Anglo-New Zealand Cycle Company. Afterwards,
Armstrong, photo.Doctor's Falls, Preservation Inlet.

Armstrong, photo.
Doctor's Falls, Preservation Inlet.

page 206 wishing to remain in Dunedin, Mr. Scales accepted an offer of the position of warehouseman from Messrs Arthur and Co. Limited, whom he left in] 901, and now holds
Mr. F. Scales.

Mr. F. Scales.

a position with Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen. Mr. Scales is a member of the Otago Yacht, Club, and one. of the owners of the 1903 championship yaoht, “Eileen.” He is also a member of the Dunedin Cycle Corps, and as a Forester is a member of the Court Pride of Dnnedin. Mr. Scales was married, in 1903, to a daughter of Mr. Mitchell, of Carisbrook, and has one daughter.
Bowling.

The New Zealand Bowling Association (South Island) was founded in 1886, with its headquarters in Dunedin. The objects of the association are to control bowling law and to hold annual tournaments, at which all the affiliated clubs are invited to compete. At its inception the association controlled ten clubs, and the present number of clubs under its jurisdiction is twenty-nine, with a probable early increase to thirty-three. The first president was the late Mr. Thomas Callender, and the first vice-president, Mr. John L. Butterworth. Office-bearers for 1903–4: President, Mr. P. L. Gilkinson; Vice-President, Mr. J. C. Maddison; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. C. S. Patersen; Honorary Secretary, Mr. G. L. Stewart; and Honorary Auditor, Mr. F. Peake.

Chess.

The Dunedin Chess Club was established in 1885. Its first president was Mr. E. Quick, who still takes an active interest in the club. Another pioneer of the club is Mr. B. Throp, an active member, and an enthusiast in all matters pertaining to chess. The club rooms, which occupy a central position in Liverpool Street, are well lighted, and connected by telephone. Mr. James Crow is President, and Mr. John H. P. Hamel, Secretary.

Cricket.

The Dunedin Cricket Association is the controlling body of cricket in Otago, In 1903 “the colony was visited by Lord Hawke's team, which played a match against the Otago Eleven and the South. Island team in Dunedin; both matches were under the management of the Otago Cricket Association, and both had satisfactory financial results. With a view to improving the cricket of young players, the association has engaged a professional coach from England. Annual interprovincial matches are played with Canterbury and Southland, and cause much interest, and tend to give the game an impetus. Otago has some very capable all-round cricketers; such as G. G. Austin, J. Baker, A. Downes, A. H. Fisher, H. G. Siedeberg, C. E. Howden, F. Williams, A. E. Geddis, and others. The game is becoming more popular each year, and with more frequent visits from Australia and English teams, its popularity and the proficiency of local players will both gain.

The Dunedin Cricket Club was formed in the year 1892. It has won the Junior Shield on three occasions, and the Third Class Championship twice. The club has the largest playing strength in Otago, probably in New Zealand. Its present president is Mr. T. S. Graham, who is an ardent supporter of the clubs and the game. Mr. E. S. Wilson has been honorary secretary of the club for the past six years, and has rendered good service in that capacity.

Football.

The Otago Rugby Football Union was established in 1881 to control and foster Rugby football in Otago. All the football clubs in Otago, including the senior, junior, third grade, and school teams, are affiliated to the union. The present officers are: President, Mr. James Hutchison; Vice-Presidents, Messrs F. H. Campbell, M.A., A. C, Hanlon, G. McLaren, and Dr. J. W. W. Hunter; Treasurer, Mr. H. Harris; Secretary, Mr. George Smith.

Otago Football Association . President, Mr. S. S. Myers; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. J. D. Clark; Honorary Secretary, Mr. P. Braithwaite. This association controls seven senior clubs, nine junior clubs, seven third grade, five Wednesday teams, and thirteen school teams.

Lawn Tennis.
The Dunedin Lawn Tennis Association was formed in 1879, at a time when tennis was one of the main sports in and about Dunedin. Nevertheless, through lack of interest, want of ground, and a succession of wet summers, tennis took a backward step, and many clubs which then belonged to the association ceased to exist. Bines then some clubs have been formed, but they have not remained in existence very long. At the time of its inception the association had under its control about twelve clubs, the chief of which were the Carisbrook, Otago, Oamaru and Invercargill clubs. The first-named of these has been out of existence for a very considerable time. The association now has under its control nine clubs; namely, Ex-High School, Invercargill, Kaituna, Lawrence, Oamaru, Otago, Port Chalmers, Roslyn and Waikouaiti. In order to foster interest in the game the association holds flag matches during the season between, the various town clubs, and at Easter there is an annual tournament, for which a large number of entries from the various clubs. and also from outside clubs, are received. The association is affiliated
The Otago Twenty-Two Who Played The First All-England Eleven In February, 1864.

The Otago Twenty-Two Who Played The First All-England Eleven In February, 1864.

page 207 to the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, which holds an annual tournament lasting for four or five days during the Christmas holidays. This tournament is held alternately in one of the chief centres of the North Island and South Island, and was held in Dnnedin in the years 1889, 1892, and 1898. The office-bearers of the Otago Tennis Association for the year 1903–4 are: President. Mr. J. L. Salmond; Vice-Presidents, Messrs W. T. Monkman and J. S. Hislop; Referee, Mr. W. T. Monkman; Committee, Messrs S. N. Brown, junior, Dagger, W. Hodges, G, Beauchamp and Dr. Stevenson; Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. G. H. Graham.
Golf.

The Otago Golf Club links, with a full course of eighteen holes, are situated at Balmasewan, Maori Hill, and cover an area of fifty-five acres of freehold, and forty acres of leasehold land. The club house is also at Maori Hill. Officers for 1903–4: President, Mr. J. H. Hosking; Captain, Mr. Andrew Todd; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. George M. Maclean.