Part 13

│ │ 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.