Chapter VI: Front Matter (6)

There was a general meeting of the Club on Tuesday, when Lord Tredegar, whose elevation in the peerage will give general satisfaction, took the chair for the last time, and will be succeeded by the Prince of Wales, whose term of office now begins, so that all bodes well for the Smithfield Club Show in 1906.

SPORT AT THE UNIVERSITIES.

Unlike wild partridges after their flight, it does not take Light and Dark Blue athletes long to settle down. Reinforced by an exceptionally smart lot of all-round Freshmen, they got to work betimes this year, and with admirable results. Rarely, if ever, have the respective prospects been so rosy in most departments of sport at this stage. And October Term, 1905, will long be remembered for the many fresh records accomplished during the preliminary and (so to speak) educational period of preparation and practice. “Wet-bobs” on both rivers have been very busy. Magdalen (Oxford) and Third Trinity (Cambridge) carried off the Coxwainless Fours, the last-named “for the sixth successive year”—a record, by the way. They won with great ease, but Magdalen only just snatched the Oxford race from New College, after a magnificent finish. Racing on the Cam for the Colquhoun Sculls was of the sensational order. In heat 1, President R. V. Powell (Eton and Third Trinity) won with great ease in the grand time of 7 min. 49 sec., or eight seconds better than R. H. Nelson’s 1902 record. D. C. Stuart (Cheltenham and Trinity Hall) qualified to meet him in the final, and the well-known L. R. C. man only succumbed by one second in the truly marvellous time of 7 min. 46 sec. This record is likely to stand for many a long year. Both the Trial Eights races were rowed on December 3rd, the Dark Blues’ at Moulsford, and the Light Blues’ at Ely. H. C. Bucknall’s crew had an easy victory on the Thames, and Lewis’s crew even an easier on the Ouse, but, individually, some promising work was shown. It is probable that Messrs. Kirby, Illingworth, Wilson, Arbuthnot (Oxford), and Cochrane, Donaldson, Lewis, Shimwell (Cambridge), will receive ample trial for the representative eights early in the new year. As several Old Blues and Seniors otherwise are also available this year, a stubborn fight is thus early anticipated for either March 31st or April 7th.

Athletes proper have been equally busy. The Oxford Freshmen’s Sports unearthed some promising talent in Messrs. Lloyd (Ramsgate), Stevens (an American Rhodes Scholar), Hallowes (a distance runner above the average), Doorly (another Rhodes Scholar, high jumper), and Darling (the Old Winchester quarter-miler). On the whole the performances were fully average, as proved later by the L.A.C. _v._ O.U.A.C. meeting result. The Dark Blues won by the odd event, despite the fact that they were mainly represented by junior men. As President Cornwallis will be assisted by numerous Old Blues in the spring, he ought to put a strong team against Cambridge on March 30th or April 6th. The Cambridge Freshmens’ performances _in toto_ were hardly so good, but Messrs. Halliday (Harrow), K. G. Macleod (Fettes), Horfield (Harrow), and Just (St. Paul’s), all shone out individually. Some of the Old Blues have already been giving a foretaste of later quality. R. P. Crabbe (Corpus) created a new half-mile record for Fenner’s ground by running that distance in the splendid time of 1 min. 56½ sec. on November 15th. Other fine performances have been done with the hammer, at long-jumping and distance running. On November 29th, F. M. Edwards (Queen’s) won the Sidney College Strangers’ Three Miles Race in 14 min. 42⅖ sec., or only four seconds outside H. W. Gregson’s record. The Trinity College _v._ Racing Club de France International meeting at Fenner’s was won by the Light Blues by 6 events to 3. For the Collegians, Messrs. Welsh, Just, Ryle, and the Hon. G. W. Lyttelton did best. The latter’s “put” of 38 ft. 5½ in. was exceptional for this early stage of the season. Messrs. Soalhat, Molinie, and De Fleurac showed fine form for the Frenchmen, who, by the way, were not at full strength.

Two Inter-’Varsity contests have been decided before Christmas, as usual, _i.e._, the cross-country race at Roehampton on December 9th, and the Rugby football match at Queen’s Club three days later. As generally expected, the Cantabs excelled at hare and hounds work, winning by 23 points to 32. A. H. Pearson (Westminster and Cambridge) finished first, and in the grand time of 41 min. 11 sec., which creates another record. The previous best was A. R. Churchill’s 42 min. 17⅕ sec. last year. Although beaten, the Oxonians made a big fight of it, and F. O. Huyshe, their captain, gets his full Blue for finishing in the first three, an honour also attained by Pearson (Cambridge). The cross-country records now read: Cambridge, 16 wins; Oxford, 10 wins. Cambridge were very strong favourites for the Rugby football match, many critics anticipating a record score for them. In the result, however, Oxford put their detractors to the blush by holding their own splendidly from start to finish. The Light Blues won by 15 points (3 goals) to 13 points (2 goals and 1 try)—merely a matter of place-kicking as will be seen. It was a most interesting game, full of incident, surprise, and fluctuating fortune, in which the Oxford forwards were always in evidence. They beat their heavier Cambridge rivals fairly and squarely, and at half-back, too, the Oxonians were the smarter. The Cantab “threes” line was vastly superior, but rarely did they get the upper hand, thanks to excellent generalship by “Captain” Munro (Oxford) who, personally, was a class by himself. So far, Oxford claim 13 wins in these matches, Cambridge 12, and there have been 8 drawn games. The records of the two clubs after the match read:—

│ │ For. │ Against. ───────────┼───────────────────────┼─────────────────┼───────────────── │ P. W. L. D. │ G. T. P. │ G. T. P. Oxford │ 14 5 9 0 │ 24 18 179 │ 30 27 229 Cambridge │ 15 8 7 0 │ 40 23 271 │ 20 17 150

These emphatically show that records of any sort are “a slender plank to lean upon”—as Sterne has it.

Appreciable progress has also been made at Association football, golf, hockey, boxing and fencing, billiards, lacrosse, &c. Space will not permit detailed comment, but, so far, Oxford appear stronger at “Soccer” football, billiards and fencing. Both Universities are strong in boxers this year, and Cambridge appear smarter at golf, in particular, and lacrosse. As at present arranged, the dates of next term’s Inter-’Varsity contests read thus: Association football, at Queen’s Club, February 17th; Hockey match, at Surbiton, February 21st; Lacrosse match, at Lord’s, March 3rd; Sports, at Queen’s Club, March 30th or April 6th; and Boat Race, from Putney to Mortlake, March 31st or April 7th. Of all-round progress I hope to chat with readers of Baily later. As in the last, so in the present ministry, many ex-’Varsity athletes of renown find place, notably Sir Robert Reid, the new Lord Chancellor. Other prominent University athletes have been honoured by the King in various ways, and everybody congratulates Mr. W. H. Grenfell, M.P.—the modern Admirable Crichton of Sport—upon his accession to the peerage. Alas! that it should be so, one has also to extend the hearty sympathy of all University sportsmen to that fine old English gentleman and prince of good fellows, Mr. Albert Brassey, M.P., M.F.H., of the Heythrop Hounds, upon the death of his son. He was _persona grata_ at Oxford and Cambridge alike, and played polo _v._ the Light Blues at Hurlingham only last year. His death at Huntingdon came as a shock to hundreds of his friends who will mourn him long.

GOLF.

The course of the Royal St. George’s Club at Sandwich has been reconstructed on lines calculated to meet the new conditions brought about by the rubber-cored ball. Large tracts of new ground have been brought into requisition, and several of the holes have been greatly changed, though the first and last remain as of yore. It is expected that when next a championship meeting is held at Sandwich the scores will be higher than heretofore.

The congestion on the golf course at North Berwick is to be relieved by the creation of new links at the East end of the town. The ground has been gone over by James Braid and Bernard Sayers, who have laid out a course nearly 3½ miles in length. At present the ground is rough, but experts are agreed that it can be put into excellent condition for golf. If the new links prove a success, they will increase the popularity of North Berwick vastly, for at present there is great difficulty in getting a comfortable game.

The Batty Tuke Cup has been won this season by Edinburgh University, who playing at North Berwick defeated somewhat easily St. Andrew’s University. Each University has now won the Cup twice.

Andrew and Jack Kirkaldy, of St. Andrew’s, played a match over the old course at Gullane against Bernard and George Sayers, of North Berwick, and won by 8 up and 7 to play on the two rounds.

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS’ SOCIETY.

The London Playing Fields’ Society, which already possess permanent playing fields in the south-west, north-west and south-east of London, is endeavouring to secure a permanent playing field in the east, so that each district of London may have its own field. An opportunity now presents itself of acquiring forty acres of suitable land close to Fairlop Station, on the Great Eastern Railway. The sum of £6,000 is required for the purchase and laying out of the field, towards which the M.C.C. have promised £200 and a member of the Society has offered £1,000. An appeal is now being issued for the balance of the sum required. The scheme is being warmly supported by many influential men, and the G.E.R. has already consented to make a reduction in fares for cricketers and football players using the ground when it is completed.

“THE MOUNTAIN CLIMBER” AT THE COMEDY THEATRE.

Mr. Huntley Wright has so often made us happy and merry in his studies of musical comedy, under the banner of Mr. George Edwardes, that it was with feelings of deep interest that we went to see him play unmusically at the Comedy Theatre.

“The Little Father of the Wilderness,” a comedy in one act by Messrs. Lloyd Osbourne and Austin Strong, presents Mr. Huntley Wright as Père Marlotte, a Jesuit priest of the period of Louis Quinze. He has done enormously good work as a missionary in North America, and has been summoned to the Court of the flippant monarch in connection, as he presumes, with the work of his life. It turned out otherwise, however, and to his sorrowful amazement, the Little Father finds that his presence at Court is only commanded in order that he may decide a bet of the merry monarch as to the height of the Falls of Niagara. The heart-broken little priest is disappearing from the Court for ever, but for the sudden appearance of a most important Canadian dignitary, who recognises in the priest “The Little Father of the Wilderness,” and explains to the King some of the wonderful services that Père Marlotte has rendered to the world.

The sketch closes with Père Marlotte, momentarily translated to the See of Toulouse, blessing the entire company, including the King. Mr. Huntley Wright is extremely good as the Little Father, and it would be very difficult to find another part less like those in which we have been accustomed to see him at Daly’s Theatre.

Of “The Mountain Climber” we have not much to say, but all that we have to say is in praise of the performance. Any one in search of a hearty laugh should go to the Comedy Theatre “again and again and again”; for Miss Lottie Venne is playing there, and she is always worth taking a lot of pains to see, and in this production she has much to answer for. Mr. Huntley Wright as the spurious “Mountain Climber” is most actively amusing, and a great source of laughter throughout the play; but to some of us his acrobatic antics, expressive of mental distress, become somewhat upsetting, and one could have half wished that a rest-cure could have been instituted for this too highly strung hero. Mr. Wright is always funny, and we have no doubt but that a short experience of what we suppose we must style _un_musical comedy will bring him to a stage of less restlessness. At any rate, even if the entertainment is now just the same as it was upon the first night, we can confidently recommend it to readers of BAILY as a most amusing entertainment. And we have been told it is better than that!

“MR. POPPLE (OF IPPLETON)” AT THE APOLLO THEATRE.

Mr. Paul Rubens is a young gentleman of proved ability, and he has accomplished a feat of exceptional difficulty: he has produced a new and original comedy with music, in three acts, written and composed entirely by himself. That is a feat, but it need not be exceptional—the exceptional part of Mr. Paul Ruben’s performance is that his comedy is drawing crowded houses at every performance, and competition for stalls is quite fierce.

Mr. Popple is none other than our valued friend Mr. G. P. Huntley, very much at home in clothes of country cut and material, with fine pocket accommodation for apples and such country produce; in fact, at the finish of the play we are disappointed that he has not produced a ferret from some pocket. Mr. Popple is at home in his ulster and travelling cap, but he is certainly not at home either at the Hotel Blitz, Piccadilly, nor at the flat in Fount Street, kindly lent to him by an eminent actress, La Bolero, played by the charming Miss Ethel Irving.

And here is another important factor which makes for success, and much of the popularity of the production could be traced to the personality and charming singing of Miss Irving. Moreover, Miss Marie Illington is here with that artistic method of hers which gives point to any lines she has to speak. Miss Coralie Blythe also is good as the maid to La Bolero, and in the scene at the Motor Carnival scores a success with a song about “Bah! said the Black Sheep.”

There is a definite story running through the piece, and there are some tuneful musical numbers of the Rubens school. Probably the majority of the admirers of the author-composer would prefer more of his composition, without there being less of his authorship, if such a consummation could be arrived at. But at all events, so long as Freddy Popple is none other than Mr. G. P. Huntley, we fancy that his stay in town is likely to be a prolonged one. And probably by the time he is able to return to Ippleton he will find an improved train service, which will do away with that tiresome change of trains at East Wobsley.

Well done, Mr. Huntley, and well done, Mr. Rubens.

Sporting Intelligence.
[During November—December, 1905.]

We regret to record the death, from heart disease, of Mr. Harvey Combe, which occurred on November 27th. On the death of his father, Mr. R. H. Combe, the deceased took his colours and had since kept some horses in training. Mr. Combe was only 44 years of age.

The sad accident which happened to Mr. Ralph A. Brassey whilst riding Carrigdown at the Cambridge University Steeplechases, on November 28th, we regret to say terminated fatally on the morning of December 4th, at the Huntingdon Hospital, the unfortunate young gentleman never having recovered consciousness. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Brassey, and was only 22 years of age, whilst he had been four years at New College, Oxford. The deceased was Master of the University Draghounds, and in other branches of outdoor sports and pastimes was more or less prominent, indeed, he for the two past years represented his University against Cambridge in the polo matches.

The Ystrad and Pentyrch Hounds had a marvellous escape on November 28th. While crossing the Great Western Railway an express train dashed into the pack, but fortunately only one hound out of seventeen couples was killed.

As the result of injuries received while riding his horse Wych Elm in the Open Military Steeplechase at Aldershot, we regret to record that Captain E. Meyricke died on November 30th. The deceased, who was only 30 years of age, was a good all-round sportsman.

It is reported that Prince Edward and Prince Albert of Wales had their first experience with hounds during the month of November, meeting the West Norfolk at Herdman’s Barn, Massingham.

Mr. Charles Seymour died at his residence at Fulham on December 3rd, aged 73 years. Mr. Seymour, who came of old coaching stock, in his younger days drove the London and Hatfield coach, and was considered a fine whip.

The usual December sales were held at Newmarket, by Messrs. Tattersall, from Monday, the 4th, to Friday, the 8th December. The attendance was good and business throughout brisk; the total realised during the week being close upon £110,000.

The highest price obtained, on Tuesday, was 7,500 gs., paid for Delaunay, who goes to France, being purchased for M. de St. Alary from Sir James Miller. M. F. Brugmann bought Roquebrune, dam of Rock Sand, for 4,500 gs., and she goes to Belgium; Mr. Simons Harrison gave 2,500 gs. for La Sagasse from the same owner. Mr. Basil Hanbury’s Desinvolture made 1,000 gs.; from Mr. R. H. Henning’s lot Sir E. Cassel bought Xeny for 1,650 gs., and the Marquis of Serramezzana secured Best Light at 1,000 gs.

On Wednesday the Duke of Devonshire purchased the St. Simon mare Grand Prix at 3,000 gs.; Count Lehndorff took Flor Fina at 1,300 gs., and Ladyland at 1,000 gs., both from Mr. Simons Harrison’s contingent. Mr. Cleary gave 1,250 gs. for Refusal, by Bendor; Mr. W. B. Purefoy’s Nausicaa went to Sir E. Cassel at 1,000 gs. On the following day Mr. Cheri-Halbroun was a considerable purchaser, and he secured Lord Clonmell’s Galopin mare Dainty, at 2,000 gs., Sir R. Waldie Griffith’s Vittel, 850 gs., Mr. J. B. Joel’s Yola, 720 gs., and a number of others. Lord Clonmell gave 650 gs. for Mr. W. M. G. Singer’s Ladasia, and Sir P. Walker took Therapia from Mr. J. G. Baird Hay at 650 gs. The best prices obtained for the Duke of Portland’s were 880 gs. for Flete, Mr. Gurry, and 710 gs. for Raeburn, Baron Harkanyi. On the concluding day Sir E. Cassel sold Love Charm, Exchequer, and April Morn, each making 500 gs.; Mr. James Joicey’s Orpheus obtaining the same figure.

While hunting with the Atherstone from Newbold Revel Park, on December 8th, Colonel Worsley Worswick, of Normanton Hall, Hinckley, had a bad fall and succumbed to the injuries received on the following morning. It appears the horse fell at a stiff fence. The deceased was very popular in the country, and as a tribute of respect hunting was suspended for a week.

Mr. Alfred A. Stokes, Hon. Secretary to the Ledbury Hunt, died at his residence, The White House, Pauntley, Newent, on December 10th, at the age of 67.

The huntsman to the Bexhill Harriers, Carey Witherden, has been the recipient of a testimonial in recognition of his services with the pack during a period of nineteen years and under seven masterships.

As a result of injuries received while out hunting with the Essex Union Hunt six days previously, Mr. Albert E. Clear, of Maldon, died on December 13th. Mr. Clear was well known as a breeder and exhibitor of wire-haired fox-terriers.

The list of winning owners during the past season is for the first time headed by Colonel W. Hall Walker, M.P., whose six horses have secured stakes to the value of £23,687. Lord Derby occupies second position with £18,524; the next best being Mr. S. B. Joel with £17,944.

We regret to record the death of Mr. E. D. Brickwood, which occurred in London on December 14th, in his sixty-eighth year. The deceased gentleman, who was a brilliant oarsman in the late ’fifties and early ’sixties, was a well-known writer, and for forty years had editorial charge of the rowing department of the _Field_.

The famous stallion Diamond Jubilee, bred by and the property of H.M. the King, has been sold to the well-known Argentine breeder, Senor Ignacio Correas, at a high price, 30,000 guineas being stated as the figure. Foaled in March, 1897, Diamond Jubilee is by St. Simon, dam Perdita II.; in 1900 he won the Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, and St. Leger.

With reference to the several cases reported of hounds being impaled upon the spiked iron fencing in use in many parts of the country, Mr. Henry O. Ll. Baker, of Hardwicke Court, Gloucester, writes: “Spiked railings are much on the increase round new houses in the country. If owners could see the many cases that I know of, of unfortunate dogs being impaled on this very un-English kind of fence, they would do something to lessen the danger. A strip of wood fixed on the top of the spikes is all that is required. However much any one may object to hounds or dogs of any sort crossing their gardens, no one, I am sure, wishes to torture them. What is known as the bow-topped fencing answers the same purpose, without the risk of such terrible cruelty.”

Mr. R. W. McKergow, the Master of the Southdown Hounds, has called attention to a deterrent to the pleasure of hunting which has arisen through the inconsiderate behaviour of motor-car drivers at meets. The complaint has, of course, been lodged before now by other Masters who have also suffered from the same trouble, but the thoughtlessness, it is probably nothing more, still goes on. As Mr. McKergow points out, it is now a usual thing for several motor-car drivers to run right up to hounds and horses, continually sounding the “hooter” and keeping the machinery in motion, with the result that horses are frequently upset, to the great danger and discomfort of pedestrians, horsemen, and hounds.

The Master of the Southdown, however, has, says the _Field_, still another charge to bring, for he adds that when hounds move off the cars make for the most convenient spot to view fox and hounds, and so considerably interfere with sport by heading the fox, and he suggests as a remedy that if owners of cars would give instructions to their drivers not to get within, say, 200 yards of horses and hounds at the meet and to desist from following they would confer a great favour on all lovers of hunting. There is, unhappily, too little of the give and take policy observed nowadays, but it surely is not too much to expect motor-car owners, who, of course, have every right to attend an appointment, to observe these “rules and regulations,” and so help to make and not mar the enjoyment of their mounted fellows.

Mr. Ernest Robinson, who held the mastership of the disbanded West Surrey Staghounds during the last two years of their existence, was the recipient of a presentation from the members and farmers at the recent meet of the Ripley and Knaphill Harriers at Knowle Hill Park. The gift consisted of an illuminated address and a handsome silver salver, which, on behalf of the subscribers, were handed to Mr. Robinson by Mr. C. E. Denny, who said that this was a small expression of the warm thanks and appreciation of some of those who had enjoyed sport with the West Surrey. Mr. Denny mentioned that with the wind-up of the Hunt, after paying other things, he had about £80 in hand, which was to be handed over to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution in the names of the farmers over whose land they had hunted, giving them a life membership of £10 10s. each.

At the recent Smithfield Club Show, London, the St. Pancras Ironwork Co., Ltd., 171, St. Pancras Road, London, N.W., so well known for their patent stable fittings, made a new exhibit in the form of a steam motor wagon and petrol van, showing good design and workmanship of the highest class.

TURF.

LEICESTER AUTUMN MEETING.

November 13th.—The November Auction Nursery Handicap of
500 sovs.; five furlongs.
Sir E. Cassel’s br. g. Goldrock, by Bill of
Portland—Goldlike, 9st. W. Halsey 1
Mr. J. Perkins’ bl. c. Pescadero, 8st. E. Wheatley 2
Mr. B. Gottschalk’s b. filly by Teufel—Ilfracombe, A.
7st. 3lb. Templeman 3
10 to 1 agst. Goldrock.

The Atherstone Plate (Handicap) of 200 sovs.; one mile
and a half.
Mr. R. J. Hannam’s b. c. North Deighton, by
Kendal—Lady Liberty, 4 yrs., 6st. 2lb. (car. 6st.
6lb.) J. Cockeram 1
Sir E. Cassel’s br. h. Exchequer, 5 yrs., 9st. 1lb. W. Halsey †
Lord Ellesmere’s br. c. Winwick, 3 yrs., 8st. 3lb. W. Griggs †
10 to 1 agst. North Deighton.

November 14th.—The Leicestershire November Selling
Handicap Plate of 500 sovs.; one mile and a quarter.
Mr. S. Loates’ b. gelding by Buccaneer—St. Ange, 3
yrs., 6st. 8lb. C. Heckford 1
Mr. C. P. B. Wood’s b. h. Prince Royal, 3 yrs., 8st.
9lb. H. Jones 2
Mr. R. J. Hannan’s ch. colt by Ugly—Bramble Jelly, 3
yrs., 8st. 1lb. E. Wheatley 3
100 to 8 agst. St. Ange gelding.

DERBY NOVEMBER MEETING.

November 15th.—The Markeaton Plate (Handicap) of 500
sovs.; the Straight Mile.
Mr. W. Dunne’s b. or br. c. Earla Mor, by
Desmond—Weeping Ash, 4 yrs., 8st. 13lb. H. Jones 1
Mr. W. Bass’s b. f. Royal Lass, 3 yrs., 6st. 2lb. A. Vivian 2
Mr. Keswick’s b. h. Csardas, 6 yrs., 7st. 12lb. W. Higgs 3
3 to 1 agst. Earla Mor.

The Chesterfield Nursery Plate (Handicap) of 1,000 sovs.;
for two-year-olds; five furlongs, straight.
Mr. F. C. Pratt’s b. g. Sophron, by Janissary—Miss
Chiffinch, 7st. 9lb. W. Griggs 1
Mr. L. E. B. Homan’s b. f. Scotch Mistake, 8st. 2lb. F. Hardy 2
Mr. W. Bass’s ch. filly by Bend Or—Wasp, 8st. 3lb O. Madden 3
100 to 6 agst. Sophron.

November 16th.—Chatsworth Plate (Handicap) of 200 sovs.;
five furlongs, straight.
Mr. Ned Clark’s b. g. Rising Falcon, by St.
Issey—Magpie, 5 yrs., 10st. 2lb. O. Madden 1
Lord Marcus Beresford’s ch. c. Rosemarket, 3 yrs., A.
6st. 7lb. Templeman 2
Mr. C. Hibbert’s b. f. Snowflight, 3 yrs., 7st. 7lb. C. Trigg 3
100 to 12 agst. Rising Falcon.

The Friary Nursery Plate (Handicap) of 200 sovs. for
two-year-olds; five furlongs, straight.
Mr. G. Miller’s b. c. Lamb and Flag, by Wolf’s
Crag—Royaume, 7st. 5lb. A. Vivian 1
Mr. W. Goodchild’s b. c. Crusader, 7st. (car. 7st.
1lb.) C. Trigg 2
Mr. J. T. Whipp’s ch. colt by Galloping Lad—Evelyn,
7st. 8lb. E. Wheatley 3
10 to 1 agst. Lamb and Flag.

The Derby Gold Cup (Handicap) of 2,000 sovs.; one mile
and six furlongs.
Lord Rosebery’s ch. f. Catscradle, by St. A.
Frusquin—Catriona, 4 yrs., 6st. 7lb. Templeman 1
Mr. R. H. Henning’s br. c. Airship, 4 yrs., 8st. 5lb. W. Halsey 2
Lord Brackley’s ch. c. Imari, 4 yrs., 7st. 2lb. W. Saxby 3
20 to 1 agst. Catscradle.

NOTTINGHAM DECEMBER.

December 2nd.—The Midland Handicap Steeplechase Plate of
400 sovs.; three miles.
Mr. B. W. Parr’s ch. m. Aunt May, by Ascetic—Mayo, F.
aged, 12st. 4lb. Freemantle 1
Mr. C. Bower Ismay’s b. h. Theodocion, aged, 11st.
6lb. W. Morgan 2
Mr. J. E. Rogerson’s b. g. Wee Busbie, aged, 11st.
2lb. D. Phelan 3
3 to 1 agst. Aunt May.

November 17th.—The Allestree Plate of 225 sovs.; one mile
three furlongs.
Mr. G. A. Prentice’s br. c. Hong Kong, by Queen’s
Birthday—Merry Wife, 4 yrs., 7st. 11lb. O. Madden 1
Sir E. Cassel’s b. h. Love Charm, 5 yrs., 9st. 2lb. W. Halsey 2
Mr. C. P. B. Wood’s b. h. Princess Royal, 5 yrs. 8st.
4lb. W. Higgs 3
7 to 2 agst. Hong Kong.

The Osmaston Nursery Plate of 460 sovs.; seven furlongs.
Mr. A. Stedall’s b. g. Kolo, by Matchmaker—Cloon,
7st. 1lb. C. Trigg 1
Mr. J. A. de Rothschild’s br. c. Beppo, 8st. 11lb. W. Halsey 2
Mr. L. Neumann’s b. f. Scylla, 7st. 10lb. Wm. Griggs 3
100 to 8 agst. Kolo.

The Chaddesden Plate of 225 sovs.; six furlongs.
Lord Dalmeny’s b. m. Caravel, by Pioneer—Kendal
Belle, 5 yrs., 8st. 11lb. W. Higgs 1
Mr. J. Osborne’s ch. f. Flamston Pin, 4 yrs., 6st.
2lb. Flanagan 2
Major E. Loder’s b. h. Gold Lock, 5 yrs., 8st. 6lb. W. Halsey 3
100 to 12 agst. Caravel.

HOOTON PARK.

November 17th.—The Autumn Hurdle Race of 400 sovs.; two
miles and a quarter.
Lord Cholmondeley’s b. h. Salute, by Carbine—Festa, 5
yrs., 10st. 8lb. Williamson 1
Mr. Deer’s Booty, 6 yrs., 11st. Mr. I.
Anthony 2
Mr. J. B. Joel’s His Lordship, 6 yrs., 11st. Mr. Payne 3
10 to 1 agst. Salute.

November 18th.—The Cheshire Autumn Steeplechase of 400
sovs.; two miles and a half.
Mr. F. Bibby’s Wild Boer, by Victor Wild—Tati, 5
yrs., 10st. 11lb. Mason 1
Mr. J. Purcell’s Woodsdown, 5 yrs., 10st. 11lb. Mr. J.
Manley 2
Mr. J. Edwards’s Mintstalk, aged, 10st, 10lb. A. Taylor 3
4 to 1 agst. Wild Boer.

BIRMINGHAM NOVEMBER.

November 20th.—November Nursery Plate (Handicap) of 200
sovs., for two-year-olds; seven furlongs, straight.
Mr. C. O. Medlock’s br. g. Adversary, by
Matchmaker—Wayward Aggie, 7st. 2lb. W. Griggs 1
Mr. Wm. Johnston’s br. c. Dundreary, 6st. 10lb. A. Vivian 2
Mr. H. S. Gray’s ch. f. Flowerer, 7st. 5lb. A.
Templeman 3
7 to 2 agst. Adversary.

Autumn Plate (High-weight Handicap) of 250 sovs.; one
mile and five furlongs.
Mr. C. Mynor’s b. g. Thremhall, by
Gonsalvo—Oubliette, aged, 8st. O. Madden 1
Mr. C. Lythe’s ch. h. Leviathan, aged, 7st. 1lb. A. Vivian 2
Mr. S. Loates’ b. gelding by Buccaneer—St. Ange, 3
yrs., 6st. 11lb. C. Heckford 3
6 to 1 agst. Thremhall.

WARWICK NOVEMBER MEETING.

November 21st.—The November Handicap Plate of 500 sovs.;
one mile and six furlongs.
Major Gordon’s br. h. Spinning Minnow, by
Isinglass—Go Lightly, 5 yrs., 6st. 11lb. J. Howard 1
Mr. F. Langstaff’s b. m. Debutante, 5 yrs., 6st. 6lb. J. Cockeram 2
Lord Penrhyn’s br. g. Haresfield, aged, 8st. H. Randall 3
100 to 7 agst. Spinning Minnow.

November 22nd.—The Midland Counties’ Handicap Plate of
500 sovs.; one mile.
Mr. W. Goodchild’s b. g. Schnapps, by Cherry
Ripe—Muzzie, 5 yrs., 7st. H. Blades 1
Mr. L. de Rothschild’s ch. h. Kunstler, aged, 6st.
8lb. A. Vivian 2
Lord Dudley’s b. m. Mida, 5 yrs., 8st. 12lb. O. Madden 3
100 to 15 agst. Schnapps.

The Warwick Nursery Handicap Plate of 300 sovs., for
two-year-olds; five furlongs.
Mr. A. Bostock’s b. f. Ignorance, by
Pride—Spellbound, 7st. 13lb. O. Madden 1
Mr. P. Nelke’s br. f. Winnie K., 7st. 8lb. W. Saxby 2
Mr. W. R. Wyndham’s b. or br. f. Nairobi, 8st. 9lb. A. Vivian 3
8 to 1 agst. Ignorance.

MANCHESTER NOVEMBER.

November 23rd.—The Lancashire Nursery Handicap of 500
sovs., for two-year-olds; six furlongs, straight.
Mr. B. W. Parr’s ch. f. Naitooma, by
Winkfield—Elissa, 6st. C. Heckford 1
Mr. J. L. Dugdale’s br. c. Crathorne, 9st. O. Madden 2
Mr. B. S. Strauss’s b. c. Zarifer, 6st. 6lb. J. Plant 3
100 to 7 agst. Naitooma.

November 24th.—The Castle Irwell Handicap of 462 sovs.;
one mile.
Mr. L. Robinson’s b. c. Roseate Dawn, by
Enthusiast—Honeydew, 4 yrs., 8st. 9lb. W. Halsey 1
Major E. Loder’s b. h. Gold Luck, 5 yrs., 11st, 9lb. O. Madden 2
Lord Ellesmere’s b. or br. f. Koorhaan, 3 yrs., 6st. A.
7lb. Templeman 3
100 to 8 agst. Roseate Dawn.

November 25th.—The Manchester November Handicap of 1,325
sovs.; one mile and a half.
Mr. A. Belmont’s b. f. Ferment, by Octagon—Felicia, 3
yrs., 6st. 2lb. T. Jennings 1
Lord Brackley’s ch. c. Imari, 4 yrs., 7st. 5lb. W. Saxby 2
Mr. G. A. Prentice’s b. h. Spinning Minnow, 5 yrs.,
6st. 10lb. J. Howard 3
25 to 1 agst. Ferment.

KEMPTON PARK.

December 1st.—The Kempton Park Hurdle Handicap of 218
sovs.; two miles.
Mr. H. Heasman’s b. h. Stephanas, by St. Serf—Lucky
Lady, 5 yrs., 11st. 13lb. T. Fitton 1
Col. R. L. Birkin’s b. c. Baron Crofton, 4 yrs., Mr. R.
11st. 4lb. Payne 2
Mr. R. Campbell’s ch. g. St. Enogat, 6 yrs., 10st. Mr. H. M.
10lb. Ripley 3
9 to 1 agst. Stephanas.

December 2nd.—The Middlesex Steeplechase Handicap of 250
sovs.; two miles.
Mr. P. Glesson’s Lord of the Level, by Mocheath—Mome
d’Amour, 5 yrs., 10st. 7lb. F. Mason 1
Lord Howard de Walden’s b. g. Centre Board, 5 yrs.,
11st. 6lb. H. Aylin 2
Mr. O. H. Jones’s b. g. Armature, 5 yrs., 11st. 2lb. R. Chadwick 3
100 to 7 agst. Lord of the Level.

HAYDOCK PARK.

December 1st.—The Garswood Handicap Steeplechase of 200
sovs.; two miles.
Mr. T. O.’K. White’s ch. c. Mount Prospect II., by Mr. J.
Wildfowler—Gretchen, 4 yrs., 12st. 1lb. Widger 1
Mr. C. Bower Ismay’s b. h. Theodocian, aged, 12st. Sewell 2
Mr. F. Straker’s ch. m. Consequence, 5 yrs., 11st.
6lb. D. Phelan 3
7 to 2 agst. Mount Prospect II.

December 2nd.—The Haydock Park Steeplechase of 200 sovs.;
two miles.
Mr. T. Clyde’s ch. g. Onward, by Red Prince J. Walsh,
II.—Cedula, 5 yrs., 10st. 10lb. jun. 1
Sir P. Walker’s ch. g. Flutterer, aged, 11st. 4lb. E. Sullivan 2
6 to 5 on Onward.

GATWICK DECEMBER.

December 6th.—The Croydon Hurdle Race of 200 sovs.; two
miles.
Mr. H. Heasman’s b. h. Stephanas, by St. Serf—Lucky
Lady, 5 yrs., 12st. 4lb. T. Fitton 1
Mr. F. Bibby’s ch. h. Wild Boer, 5 yrs., 11st. 3lb. F. Mason 2
Mr. C. J. Habin’s bl. m. Bell Sound, aged, 11st. 6lb. J. Barnard 3
4 to 1 agst. Stephanas.

December 7th.—The Stayers’ Selling Steeplechase of 200
sovs.; three miles.
Mr. R. W. Colling’s b. m. Eahlswith, by Mr. R.
Freemason—Orxema, 5 yrs., 11st. 13lb. Walker 1
Mr. D. J. Cogan’s br. or br. f. High Wind, 4 yrs.,
10st. 8lb. F. Mason 2
Captain H. F. Watson’s b. g. George Fordham, aged,
11st. 9lb. A. Birch 3
2 to 1 agst. Eahlswith.

SANDOWN PARK.

December 8th.—The Grand Annual Steeplechase of 269 sovs.;
two miles.
Mr. T. Clyde’s br. g. Sachem, by Noble
Chieftain—Talavera, 4 yrs., 10st. 81b. J. O’Brien 1
Mr. R. Jones’s ch. f. Silver Tyne, 4 yrs., 10st.
13lb. T. Knight 2
Mr. R. Campbell’s ch. g. St. Enogat, 6 yrs., 10st. Mr. H. M.
4lb. Ripley 3
4 to 1 agst. Sachem.

December 9th.—The Sandown Handicap Steeplechase of 269
sovs.; about 3½ miles.
Mr. T. Clyde’s ch. g. Dathi, by Enthusiast—Freshet,
aged, 11st. 10lb. J. O’Brien 1
Mr. E. Christie Miller’s b. g. Witney, 6 yrs., 10st. Mr. W.
11lb. Bulteel 2
Mr. H. R. Taylor’s b. m. Libertie, aged, 12st. 2lb. W. Dollery 3
4 to 1 agst. Dathi.

FOOTBALL.

November 15th.—At Oxford, the University v. Clapton; former won by 6
goals to 0.†

November 18th.—At Cambridge, the University v. Clapton; latter won
by 3 goals to 1.†

November 18th.—At Edinburgh, Scotland v. New Zealand; latter won by
12 points to 7.*

November 18th.—At Richmond, Richmond v. Oxford University; former
won by 8 points to 0.*

November 20th.—At Oxford, the University v. Edinburgh Academicals;
latter won by 29 points.*

November 22nd.—At Oxford, the University v. The Army; former won by
3 goals to 2.†

November 25th—At Dublin, Ireland v. New Zealand; latter won by 15
points to 0.*

November 26th.—At Cambridge, the University v. Dublin University;
drawn, 10 points each.*

November 26th.—At Blackheath, Blackheath v. Richmond; former won by
20 points to 3.*

November 27th.—At Oxford, the University v. Edinburgh University;
latter won by 25 points to 13.*

December 2nd.—At Crystal Palace, England v. New Zealand; latter won
by 5 tries to 0.*

December 2nd.—At Leyton, Cambridge University v. The Army; former
won by 10 goals to 1.†

December 2nd.—At Blackheath, Blackheath v. Oxford University; latter
won by 13 points to 3.

December 9th.—At Queen’s Club, Oxford v. Cambridge; latter won by 15
points to 13.*

December 9th.—At Tottenham, Tottenham Hotspurs v. Corinthians;
former won by 3 goals to 1.†

December 13th.—At Headingley, Yorkshire v. New Zealand; latter won
by 40 points to 0.*

December 16th.—At Cardiff, Wales v. New Zealand; former won by 1 try
to 0.*

* Under Rugby Rules.

† Under Association Rules.

-----

Footnote 1:

“_Live Stock Journal Almanac_,” 1906. Vinton & Co., Ltd., 9, New
Bridge Street, Ludgate Circus, E.C. Price 1s.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

BAILY’S MAGAZINE

OF

SPORTS AND PASTIMES.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ DIARY FOR FEBRUARY, 1906. │ ├──────┬─────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │Day of│ Day │ OCCURRENCES. │ │Month.│ of │ │ │ │Week.│ │ ├──────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 1│ TH │Gatwick Park Races and Steeplechases. Partridge and │ │ │ │ Pheasant Shooting Ends. │ │ 2│ F │Kempton Park Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 3│ S │Kempton Park Races and Steeplechases. │ │ │ │ │ │ 4│ =S= │=Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.= │ │ 5│ M │Doncaster Hunt Meeting. │ │ 6│ TU │Doncaster Hunt Meeting. │ │ 7│ W │Leicester Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 8│ TH │Leicester Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 9│ F │Sundown Park Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 10│ S │Sandown Park Races and Steeplechases. │ │ │ │ │ │ 11│ =S= │=Septuagesima Sunday.= │ │ 12│ M │Manchester Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 13│ TU │Manchester Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 14│ W │Windsor Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 15│ TH │Windsor Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 16│ F │Hurst Park Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 17│ S │Hurst Park Races and Steeplechases. │ │ │ │ │ │ 18│ =S= │=Sexagesima Sunday.= │ │ 19│ M │Birmingham Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 20│ TU │Birmingham Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 21│ W │Warwick Races and Steeplechases. Waterloo Cup. │ │ 22│ TH │Warwick Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 23│ F │Lingfield Park and Haydock Park Races and Steeplechases.│ │ 24│ S │Lingfield Park and Haydock Park Races and Steeplechases.│ │ │ │ │ │ 25│ =S= │=Quinquagesima Sunday.= │ │ 26│ M │Southwell and Plumpton Races and Steeplechases. │ │ 27│ TU │Southwell and Ludlow Club Races and Steeplechases. Shire│ │ │ │ Horse Show at Royal Agricultural Hall (4 days). │ │ 28│ W │Ludlow Club Races and Steeplechases. │ └──────┴─────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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HOWARD A. JONES, COLL
]

BAILY’S MAGAZINE
OF
SPORTS AND PASTIMES
NO. 552. FEBRUARY, 1906. VOL. LXXXV.

CONTENTS.

PAGE Sporting Diary for the Month v. Colonel W. A. Cardwell, M.F.H. 91 Collection of Indian Weapons 92 What Next? 100 Foxhounds (Illustrated) 103 Hunt “Runners”—III. (Illustrated) 109 Oxford and Cheltenham Coach (Illustrated) 113 The Broads as a Sporting Centre (Illustrated) 115 Notes and Sport of a Dry-Fly Purist 120 A Hundred Years Ago 127 A Farewell to a Hunter (Verses) 128 The New Year at the Theatres 129 Racing at Gibraltar, in 1905 133 Half a Century’s Hunting Recollections—V. 138 Rugby Football 143 The Thoroughbred 147 Mr. Vyell Edward Walker 151 “Our Van”:— Racing 155 The late Mr. W. G. Craven 158 Hunting 159 Hunting in Yorkshire 163 American _v._ English Foxhound Match 166 The New Army Polo Committee 166 The M.C.C. Cricket Team in South Africa 167 Golf 168 The Winter Exhibition at Burlington House 168 Pelota at the Winter Club 169 Fancy Dress Balls at Covent Garden 169 “Cinderella” at the Empire 170 Ballet at the Alhambra 170 Sporting Intelligence 171

WITH ENGRAVED PORTRAIT OF COLONEL W. A. CARDWELL, M.F.H.

Colonel W. A. Cardwell, M.F.H.

Born in the year 1847, William Alexander Cardwell was entered to foxhunting when nine years old, having been blooded with the Southdown in the fifties when Mr. Donovan held office. He made his mark in the cricket-field among his contemporaries, and when he went to Harrow in 1862, took with him a reputation which gained for him the distinction of being first choice for his House eleven. Unfortunately his health broke down while at school, and in 1864 he had to leave and go abroad under medical orders. After a year or two on the Continent he returned home to finish his education at Oxford, where he found time and opportunity to indulge his taste for sport and games. He was a member of the Bullingdon Club, and in 1869–70 was master of the ’Varsity draghounds. He also played in his College (St. John’s) cricket eleven, and coxed his college eight. Colonel Cardwell was a good lightweight in his young days; he rode in all the College “grinds,” and also in the inter-’Varsity steeplechases at Aylesbury, with a fair measure of success. He was the possessor of a mare named “The Kitten,” in those days, and he cherishes for her memory the affection which is the rightful due of an animal on which the owner won his first race, for “The Kitten” carried Colonel Cardwell successfully in a good many steeplechases. He hunted frequently with the Quorn and the Bicester in his younger days, and has also seen much sport with the Badminton and Vale of White Horse; but residing, as he does, on the south coast, he has of late years done most hunting with the Southdown and East Sussex, after, of course, his own pack, the Eastbourne, of which he has been master since 1895. In August and September he usually hunts with the Devon and Somerset and the Quantock staghounds from Minehead. Sport in Sussex is carried on under very happy conditions; the farmers are a thoroughly good lot of sportsmen who always have a welcome for the hounds, and do all they can to further the interests of the Hunt. Wire, that burning question in so many more conspicuous countries, is practically unknown in the territory of the Eastbourne Hunt. As there is a good deal of game preservation in the country, the Master has considerable difficulty early in the season in arranging meets to suit the convenience of covert owners, who are also shooting men, but his experience is that consideration on the one side is invariably responded to by consideration on the other. Foxes are fairly plentiful in the Eastbourne country; mange gave trouble at one time, but the Hunt is now nearly free from it.

Colonel Cardwell has maintained his interest in cricket since his college days, and for twenty years was captain of the Eastbourne club. He was also captain of the Eastbourne Polo Club. Love of polo seems to have been hereditary, for his son, Mr. H. B. Cardwell, was captain of the Oxford Polo Club, and played in the winning team of the Eden Park Club for the County Cup in the years 1901 and 1902.

Colonel Cardwell has always taken a great interest in Volunteer Artillery. He raised the 2nd Sussex R.G. Artillery Volunteers, and commanded it for twenty-seven years, having retired only in June, 1903; he has also taken great interest in horsing and training the sixteen-pounder batteries.

In 1872 he married a daughter of the late Sir B. C. Brodie, Bart., of Brockham Warren, Betchworth, by whom he has four daughters and two sons, all of whom inherit their father’s sporting proclivities, and ride very straight to hounds.

Collection of Indian Weapons.

The eyes of the world have been lately turned to the stately progress which has been made by the Prince and Princess of Wales through the length and breadth of our Indian Empire. In a sense they may have had wider and more instructive experiences than fell to the lot of our King when, thirty years ago, he undertook the same Royal duty, and for the first time made the peoples of our great dependency personally acquainted with a _Shahzada_. But in some respects they have probably found that, since that date, something of the old glamour has passed away from the East. It has more and more assimilated Western ideas, and the great princes and feudatories have all been anxious to show to their future Sovereign how nearly they, their subjects, their armies, and their various public institutions, have approached English models. Practical value has been everywhere in evidence as much as possible, and as the old native picturesqueness has been somewhat dimmed, the ancient characteristics of the land may have been less sharply accentuated. In nothing has this been more seen than in the warlike equipment of the armies of the semi-independent states. All of these, with a view to taking their share in the defence of the peninsula, according to the requirements of modern war, are now trained, equipped and armed like British Sepoys, and the quaint bravery of mediæval sword, spear, shield, and armour has very generally disappeared. It is worth while, therefore, to say something about these time-honoured arms before they have become altogether things of the past.

A quarter of a century ago it was possible to find in India many of the weapons with which the natives had been provided in the days before the Pax Britannica secured the personal security of every individual inhabitant from raid and outrage, before the disarming act had been put in force in all districts under British rule, and while the military forces of semi-independent states still preserved their Oriental character. Now, I am told that, though many weapons may be bought, their genuineness is in most cases more than doubtful. The stock of old weapons has been absorbed in various ways, and there is no longer any production of such things for practical use. The _tulwars_ and daggers which are sold to the globe trotters who, in their thousands, sweep over India during every cold season, are “bazaar made,” _i.e._, they are made by inferior workmen in the bazaar for sale and not for strife, and are very poor imitations of the real arms once worn by the old fighting men.

When I was serving in India, not long after the King’s visit, the country was still comparatively free from the tourist, and anybody who had a taste for Eastern art in any form was able, during his sporting excursions or in his other peregrinations, to meet men who still owned genuine old articles and were not indisposed to part with them, and made acquaintance with English officials and influential natives who were good-natured enough to assist him in his collections.

Many Europeans did not take advantage of their opportunities, but fortunately for myself I did not altogether neglect mine, and I now reap the reward by seeing, hanging in my modest hall, such a representative display of Indian weapons as it would be very difficult, if not almost impossible, to procure nowadays without the aid of great influence, much exertion, and a very considerable expenditure of money. Many of these weapons have been used by myself and friends in somewhat feeble attempts to emulate the feats performed with them by natives, and I have therefore a slight personal knowledge of their qualities and characteristics, and may at any rate claim that they have always been to me things of the greatest interest.

First let me notice the fact that it is not every Indian sword that can be handled and tested by a European. Our Aryan brethren have very small extremities, and the hilts of their swords do not, as a rule, give space for the more massive and heavily-jointed hand of an Englishman. It seems marvellous indeed how the sometimes ponderous weapons can have been easily wielded by the slight limbs for whose use they were made, but it must be supposed that well-trained wiry sinews may have as much executive power and endurance as bulging muscle, and that the proper method of using the individual weapon may have drawn more upon dexterity than upon the exertion of strength. And here it must be pointed out that, in all specially Oriental feats of arms, success is by no means to be attained by the exertion of great force. It rather depends upon accuracy of eye, perfect coolness of nerve, and deftness of hand. In the particular performance which English soldiers have most eagerly adopted from their Indian comrades and made their own, and has been found such an admirable exercise for promoting horsemanship and soldierly efficiency—tent-pegging—no great strength is required. And, in the same way, the class of swordsmanship for which Indian men-at-arms have been so remarkable is a matter of perfect mastery in handling a blade rather than of weightily applied blows. Probably no more graphic description of the difference which even to-day exists between Eastern and Western swordsmanship was ever written than in the story, in Sir Walter Scott’s “Talisman,” of Richard Cœur de Lion and Saladin giving each other proofs of the powers of their swords. I would fain quote the passage, but it would take up too much space, and I can only suggest that reference be made to it, and, if the whole romance has not before been studied, I congratulate the person who has so much available delight still untasted.

So many spectators have watched, in England, illustrations of tent-pegging at military tournaments and other gatherings that it is unnecessary to describe it, but it may fairly be said that the feat requires a higher form of skill and more consummate horsemanship than the old English exercises of a like nature, tilting at the ring or tilting at the quintain, neither of which appeals either to the performer or to the spectator as an example of very formidable fighting qualities.