Back to Album belonging to Colonel F F Colvin 9L (1860-1936). Contains newspaper cuttings and paper ephemera
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Item 0066
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| Accession number | 912L : 2124/6 |
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Polo . HURLINGHAM . IT IS NOT WITHIN my province to dwell on all attractions of Hurlingham last Saturday , nor ca devote space to a description of who was there , to all intricacies of hundreds of dainty toilettes , or even to more congenial theme of describing the ponies and ho that were exhibited at the Horse and Pony Show , wl will , of course , be referred to elsewhere . I can only that the ponies in Class I. , for registered polo ponies , an Class II . , for Arabs and Barbs , the property of member Hurlingham , comprised a score or more of as good - sha animals as man would wish to see . Of course the show was crammed , and , of course , it was grilling This latter , however , we are getting accustomed to , when we take our pleasure in such tropical weather must be thankful that we can do so at a pl is over . like Hurlingham , where all the accessories are so charmi and where everything is so well managed . Brilliant as function was , however , I am compelled only to regard from a Polo point of view ; so now to describe , as bes may , what I saw . By six o'clock the judging was all o and then everyone settled down to witness a game betw the 13th Hussars and a Hurlingham team . The sold were , however , heavily handicapped . They had o arrived in fresh quarters at Edinburgh on Thursday , a a long march , and so have not had many opportunities practising . Then a weary night journey of some hundred miles is not the fittest preparation for either men or pon All honour to them , though , for undertaking the task , right well did they acquit themselves against the host talent they had to meet . As the game came under heading of a trial match , the names of five officers appea in the 13th Hussars ' team . The object of this was to g two or three members of the team an opportunity practise , with a view to decide who should play for regiment in the Military Polo Tournament . The respect sides were composed thus : 13TH HUSSARS . Captain K. McLaren ( back ) Captain Smithson Captain Dormer Mr. E. N. Pedder Captain Ogilvy HURLINGHAM . Mr. T. S. Kennedy ( back ) Mr. James Peat Earl of Harrington Mr. Gerald Hardy in spite of their being sawn nearly half through at the junction with the ground , others maintaining that t fracture of a more slender pole might have more serious cot sequences owing to the broken shaft penetrating man or pony Who is right it is not for me to say , but I am sure anyone o an inventive genius who could devise some structure pos DOG BREAKING . sessing none of the disadvantages of these two forms woul earn the gratitude of all polo players . Here is a basis for will your correspondent say what mode of a SIR , In the paper by " H. H. , " in your iss one - to wit , a narrow cylindrical column made of wire netting have adopted with regard to his retrie and filled with some soft substance , painted white . I tender dog fortunately disregarded the single bird sho the suggestion for what it is worth , let others more giftedpoint ? I mean , what would have been the than myself work it out . do had the puppy retrieved the bird just kil continuing his search for the bird he was this interlude occurred ? It seems to me tha in a delicate and difficult situation of this k the right or the wrong thing may make or m young To return to the game , however . A few brief moments remain , and during those Mr. Alfred Peat scores for Hurlingham , and he also narrowly misses repeating the per formance , but Captain Fisher , with a real good back - hander averts the disaster , and the 10th carry the game into mi ground , where it revolves for a time in fortune - varyi cycles - a regular case of " one come up , t'other go down till at last the ball is hit into touch , and this splendid gar Result : Four goals each . Everyone concurred saying it was a real hot one , and one of the best ever see and so it was . I have just acquired a retriever pup , ten from first - rate working parents ; but the pup ' than an inclination to curl over his back , and as curly on his back as it should be . Is he and taking any trouble about ? In some of his first papers on dog - breakin I may mention in parenthesis that in the morning a cap spondent , " H. H. , " recommends getting a p is weaned , and breaking it from that time . game was played at Ranelagh , between the Royal Dragod sequent papers do not confirm this as being and the 16th Lancers , in which , after a hard - fought conte d of making a good dog , for in the last pap the Royals came off the victors by four goals to three . No inst . , on spaniels , " H. H. " describes a C being present , however , I am unable to give any details . must have been about the best spaniel he Not much more remains to be told , for Thursday was this dog he bought when two years old ; and disappointing day . To begin with . the game did not com mence till nearly then was not a better , considering neither here nor th Indeed , with a few a slower game at E The teams were 5in . less in height , his performance must be stamped a very high one . 9TH LANCERI Captain Lamont Captain Little Captain Colvin Captain Jenner The game was te to miss the ball in Lancers , however , behind several time credited to Captair During the second introduced into th another goal for the good run on Piper followed suit , whils after a lot of dest goal , Captain Lam score ere the time - b Umpire : Captain Barry . Play begins by Mr. Peat , on that smart pony , Grasshop getting away with the ball at once . Mr. G. Hardy ba him up , and soon the ball is hit behind . The Huss then bring the game down , but soon the Hurlingh men rush it up , and keep on hitting behind . last the 13th , thanks to a real good run by Capt M'Laren , shift the arena of contest down by the Wal Tree . But soon Mr. Kennedy , on Umpire ( fresh from triumph in the show ring ) , and Mr. Peat rush the ball to the Chestnuts , and after a hit behind , Mr. Peat sce first goal for Hurlingham , and shortly after Mr. G. Ha does ditto . Thus ends the first twenty minutes , leav Hurlingham two goals to love . Before alluding briefly to the second period of the gai I must say a few words regarding one of the most wonder ponies I have ever seen . I had spotted the little ani some time previously , and shrewdly suspected that he Deccanee blood in his veins . And I was right , his owner , Captain McLaren , was kind enough give me a brief outline of his history . Blair Athol abbreviated to Blair - is a bright chestnut pony stand only 12.3 , got by an Arab stallion out of a Deccanee ma Low as he appears , and small as compared to ponies of day , yet he is wonderfully made , possessing all the g points a polo pony should have . He belonged originally duces the disease , a grass - cutter in the Poona Horse , but Captain McLa has owned him for some years , and brought him home fr India . Well has the trouble repaid him , for a light wei could not possess a better pony than Blair . As his ow cantered him off , on play recommencing , I noted a smile commiseration and amusement on the face of m than one of the cognoscenti , a smile , however , that v soon changed to one of admiration and astonishment wh they saw how the little Indian " tattoo " acquitted himse even after his long journey from Edinburgh , and how put to shame better - looking and higher - priced ponies . how are we either E T to play . Captain Smithson now comes into the game , v Mr. Pedder , the rest of the team remaining as before . So after the hit off Lord Harrington gets in possession of t ball , and , with a clear lead , races away with it . chances seem fifty to one that he will score , but his fir drive lacks direction , and the ball rolls behind the go posts , but not through them . And now there is a pretty of play . Captain McLaren hits off with a good drive , a allows up the ball , which he brings down by the Pavili Now , mark you the despised Indian " tat . " Look at h as he twists in and out of the melée , following the ball li a dog , and playing to such perfection that he seldom sho past it , thereby giving his owner every opportunity indulging in some very pretty strokes . Look , too , at good little beast as Mr. Kennedy , on Deception , a big on a big pony , tries to hustle him ! Why , mere wei must tell you think , independent of pace ! Not a Blair has got inside place , and , what is more , keeps it , a later on , holds his own in several good scuffles even v Mr. Peat's well - known Dynamite , justly reputed of the best and fastest ponies at Hurlingham . Of cou though , it must be remembered that Blair had less weight to carry than either of the ponies I h alluded to ; but still , when one remembers that he As play progresse Herbert and Mr. K lingham . Then M good lead , scored a Little's efforts to ri third quarter Capt credit of the Lance was certainly the be Herbert both makin E. Kenyon Stow als scored a seventh g scrimmages , during scoring , the game Hurlingham , 1 . nave been tennitel shall not have arri then I am not quil off than we were admittin destroy his first ca Again , interesting report utterly out of my me as curious . Dr. inoculated domest guinea pigs , i.e. , t One would have e sidered successful animals , the birds to the invasion of result was produce who are not of " th factory explanation of sportsmen are c deals with microb tions , as those of it must be written and in language to This letter has n and I will not , the present . I hope y submit to your re regard to it on som 17 , Roland - garde PNEUMATI müdd C SIR , So strongl weapons of destruction , that they have armed a cruiser with them , and expect great things of her . The projectiles of these guns are frequently called " air - torpedoes , " a most mis leading term , as they depend entirely on the compressed air in the reservoirs of the gun for their range , and have no means of self - propulsion like the Whitehead . The pro jectiles are , in fact , arrows full of dynamite , and there is no doubt that the effect of a well - directed shot on a ship would be truly awful . The whole machinery of the pneumatic gun is , however , cumbersome and complicated , and very liable to damage by even a light shell from a quick - firing gun , and this makes it doubtful whether it is a suitable weapon for ship - board . The effect , too , of an accident , such as a premature explosion , would be fatal , and it appears that an On land the complicated machinery of the less of a drawback than at sea , and it is quit their range may be greatly extended , so as better terms with modern breechloaders . Fr A moto Leeson , to whom I tender my acknowledgmi It is the term " cyiinder " that has been which Mr. Gillmore has tumbled . A bette with modern gunners would have told him 66 cylinder , " with the correlative term " plain is used to denote the opposite system to cho doubt the expression cylinder " is calculate unwary " REVOLVERS . SIR , Messrs . Webley's letter in your las misleading . They say they have left far 1 fashioned , solid frame revolvers of the C solid frame in itself is not a defect , but a tage , as , however strong a breakdown frame untouched , al Mr. Onslow also plays TUESDAY . - A pleasant , cloudy afternoon , with a cool , well , and nearly scores . The ball has now hung down by north - easterly breeze - and a non - fashionable day , when one At last Captain Colvin gets the stables goal for some time , and Mr. Browne , the Royals could indulge in the déshabille of a shooting coat , an hold of the ball out of a scrimmage , and , sniggling it past back , thinking it high time to remove it to less dangerous eschew that abomination of civilisation , a tall hat - mad two of his opponents , who try to baulk him , carried it on . ground , makes a fine run , but his last stroke misses . Mr. Hurlingham a pleasant lounge . The programme also of Captain Little backs him up , and the combat rages fierce Baird , with a back - hander , passes it on to Mr. Onslow , who two matches for the inter - regimental tournament gave us down by the stables ; so hotly are the 16th pressed , that in takes it down and scores a goal . Thus the game proceeds , plenty to look on at , and though the first game could hardly self - defence they hit behind their own goal - line . This productive of some tine play , in which dash , vigour , and be termed wildly exciting , it was yet a game of polo , and gives rise to some difference of opinion as to how close the manoeuvring are all combined . What a good game it is as such to be enjoyed . This match was between the 9th may come to the goal - line , and the umpires are appealed See now how skilfully Mr. Browne executes a flank move - 13th Hussars and the Royal Munster Fusileers . The ponies to . Their decision is : - " When one side hit behind their ment , and brings the ball across the ground . See that good of the former I have before alluded to , but I omitted to own goal in self - defence their adversaries may come up as tussle between Mr. Mesham , Captain Fisher , and Captain mention a rare nice little dun mare belonging to Captain close as they like to the goal - line to await the hit off . " So Allsopp ; how the three ponies go racing along neck McLaren , who , though looking a bit tucked up owing to accordingly the 9th range up pretty near , and , preventing and neck , the two 10th men nursing their opponenther long march to Edinburgh , during which she did her the ball going far by this manoeuvre , keep it down by the on either side , and with such good effect , too , that Mr - share of harne - s work , is yet a very taking animal . Bre stables goal , where , after some scrimmaging , Captain Mesham cannot get his stroke , for , as they near the ball , up in Cumberland , and got by Gamester , she is a living Lamont scores a goal with a fine hit . This ends the first Captain Allsopp , on the speedier pony , gains a length or sodemonstration that well - bred animals do sometimes hai twenty minutes , when the score stands thus : -9th Lancers , i and hits back . Dash does not always win , however , for thefrom near the Border , and , after she has played a bit more two goals ; 16th Lancers , one . ball catching Mr. Mesham's pony full in the chest , rebounds , she will shape into a real good light - weight polo pony . and the Royals carry it on still further towards their adver - About the Munster Fusileers ' ponies a due regard for Dick , makes a fine run , and though Captain Babington foils o On play being resumed Captain Colvin , on that good pony p saries ' goal . But Mr. Onslow is on the qui vive , and astruth compels me to be silent , for they were not very him at the critical moment , the 16th cannot save the goal , e those who have shot past are turning their ponies , he attractive , with one exception , to wit , a well - shaped bay which Captain Little shorty scores . ' Tis time , however , he cuts in , and getting away with a clear start , makes a finepony , K.G. , the property of Mr. Maxwell , and also another that the tide of fortune were turned , and so Captain Calley , st run . It is odds on his scoring , for , though the Royalsbay , Tricotrin , belonging to the same gentleman , who , getting hold of the ball , makes a brilliant run ; there is a thunder along in hot pursuit , they cannot reach him . Ithough a trifle narrow across the loins , yet looked of a rare race between him and Captain Lamont ; as they tear i he only makes one more straight hit he will score good stamp . Another pony , a skewbald , aptly named onwards towards the " chestnuts ; " the 9th Lancers back d Ah ! these " ifs " ! Mr. Onslow hits the ball , ' tis true , and Sawdust , would have been more at home in the sawdust manages to ride off his opponent , but Captain Dugdale is i hits it hard , but accuracy is wanting , by little , indeed , ring , " and if his rider wishes to learn really how to play backing up in rare style , and as the two leading men shoot ad but still sufficient to send the ball just past the polo , let me earnestly beg him to practise a good deal in goal posts instead of through between them , so the 10thprivate the art of hitting a ball , and then take a few lessons have to be content with the empty honour of hitting behind from " Professor Watson " ! The teams were as follows only . This performance they repeat shortly , and then Mr. Baird , by a judicious side stroke , gets away , and playing finely , scores a third goal for the 10th . Space forbids my following every detail of this capital game , or narrating how Mr. McMahon specially distinguished himself by his vigorous forward play , proving himself a very Rupert by his gallant charges ; how Mr. Browne , like a careful general , guarded The game was a very slow one , enlivened only occasion the communications with his base ; how Mr. Baird called ally by such excitements as two falls that Mr. Maxwell was forth loud acclaims of praise by volleying a ball as it was hit unfortunate to get owing to his pony , Tricotrin , slipping off ; and how Captain Allsopp kept up his reputa - up , but which , fortunately , resulted in no damage to the tion of being a first - class player . As the ofrider , and a somewhat amusing difference of opinion end between Mr. Pedder and one of his ponies , a bay with four the second twenty minutes approaches the game gets more and more lively , till , in a race for the ball , Mr. white legs . Thinking it advisable to introduce some fun M'Mahon's pony slips up and comes down . No damage is into the game , this animal suddenly stood bolt upright on done , however , but the pony gallops away by the pigeon - its hind legs , and then , dropping as suddenly , pitched on A blunder and a stumble was , of course , the shooting enclosure , whilst the dismounted Marshal " makes its head ! the best of his way on foot across the ground , shouting for inevitable result , but his rider was " all there , " and neither a fresh pony . The remaining three of the Royals team . he nor his pony came down . For the 13th Captain McLaren played well - cela va sans dire - likewise Captain though deprived of the aid of their fiery champion , make a good fight , all , indeed , performing prodigies of valour ; but , Ogilvy and Captain Smithson , who both made some as a rule , numbers will tell , so the 10th work the ball very good runs , while the champion of the infantry turned Had all his side played as well lown towards the stables goal , as it is hit into touch up in Mr. Maxwell . he time bell rings , leaving the score - 10th Hussars , three as their captain the sequel of the game might have been different . As it was they had not the ghost of a chance , goals ; Royals , one . And now the final issue has to be fought out , and each and though the 13th took matters very easily once their ide brace themselves up for a stubborn contest . success was assured , the Fusileers were hopelessly out Stubborn , too , it proved , both sides doing their best classed , both in play and ponies , from the beginning . to obtain the mastery . But neither got much the it was plucky of them to play at all , and as such they deserve commendation . Foot soldiers , however , generally best of it . Once , indeed , it seems as if a fourth goal is to be added to the 10th's score , for Mr. Baird makes a rare labour under a disadvantage when competing in equine good hit . six and the ball would have with the so passed between the posts , but in the nick of time a good which resulted in the Hussars scoring eight goals to the When , back - hander from Mr. Browne saves it , and Mr. Mesham Fusileers ' solitary one , was not to be wondered at . and Captain Burn run it up to a hit behind . Then , after therefore , I say that the goals for the 13th were hit by the 10th have once more renewed their assault and invested Captain M'Laren ( four ) , Mr. Pedder ( three ) , Captain the Royals ' goal , Mr. Browne makes a splendid run , and , Ogilvy ( one ) , and the unit to the credit of the Fusileers was though he is ridden off when victory seems within his obtained by Mr. Williams , I think I have said all I can . Very different was the game between the 9th and 16th grasp , there is a trusty henchman at his back in the shape Lancers , which came next . As quick and lively as its of Mr. Mesham , who steps into his leader's shoes , and scores The issue was pro a second goal for the Royals . During the last few minutes predecessor had been the reverse . that remain the fight waxes hotter and hotter , so much phesied , ' tis true , but yet at one time it seemed as if the 30 , indeed , that some of the combatants do not emerge prophets were to prove false . Yet a real good game - well catheless from the fray , as witness the barked nose of one played all round - and no one did better than Captain and those crimson bloodstains on the shirt of another ! But Babington , who excelled even himself . at last time is up , and both sides having failed to increase their score , the 10th Hussars are hailed as victors by three goals to the Royals ' two . A real good game in very truth , and all praise to the gallant Royals for the good fight they made . They were heavily handicapped , for not only were Umpires : Mr. J. Peat and Earl of Harrington . their opponents better horsed , but the Royals had gone through a long morning's work at Aldershot in the shape of Almost directly the ball is hit off , Captain Babington gets outpost duty , from 4 to 10.30 a.m. , just getting back hold of it , and dashing to the front on his good flea - bitten to camp in time to catch the train to town . They , there- grey barb makes a grand run , and scores a goal at the Chestnuts " with a bold stroke . Captain Dugdale then fore , laboured under a double disadvantage . Their team played so well together , however , that if only they had endeavours to emulate his leader's performance at the been mounted on faster ponies , they might have proved the stables end , but fails , and the 9th rattle the ball up and hit victors instead of the vanquished . On hitting off , Captain Babington misses the ball . The second match was to have been played between the Captain Calley does the same , leaving the field open to 9th Lancers and 16th Laucers , but in a little preliminary Captain Little , who , promptly taking advantage of the practice Captain Colvin , of the 9th Lancers , got an ugly opportunity , has a try for a goal , and narrowly misses crack on the head from a rebounding ball , which prevented Scoring . After a while , the 9th again carry the game up Lancers , but to an unprejudiced and impartial onlooker the him from playing , so the game was deferred , and a members ' near the 16th goal , and there is a scrimmage in rather weaker side must necessarily appeal for sympathy . ' Tis game took place in lieu . This , however , I am unable to dangerous ground . Captain Babington , however , again but human nature ; and though we may congratulate the allude to , as the soldiers ' contest will take up all my comes to the front , and , boring through the crush , gets strong victor , we sympathise with the weaker vanquished . For All honour , however , to both sides , and good luck to them available space . the ball away to one side and hits in touch . some time the ball hangs about the 16th Lancers ' in the future . goal , but at last Captain Dugdale gets it well away to On Wednesday the Fulham world was all agog at the one side , and there are some lively scrimmages , during prospect of seeing the Shah on his way to Hurlingham , and one of which Captain Colvin nearly scores for the 9th . from the bend of the road down to the chief entrance the More scuffles , in which the combatants push and hustle ad road was thronged with spectators . Elaborate prepara lib . in the endeavour to extricate the ball from the very tions , too , had been made on the lawn , and a gorgeous tent labyrinth of ponies ' legs . How the sticks clash and whirl ! of the Persian colours ( red and white ) had been prepared how stirrup ring against stirrup , while shouts of " Now for his Majesty's reception . But the crowd was doomed to then , " " Shove him off , " float down to us on the breeze , disappointment . Nasr - ed - Din had to go to the City and and how some of us - your scribe in particular - long to be taste the hospitality of the civic ædiles . A jaunt to Hur in the thick of it , instead of sitting as a mere onlooker , lingham after such an ordeal would have proved too much note - book in hand . Ah ! well , we have had our good time , exertion for the great man whom we delight to honour , so and now must be content to see others enjoying theirs . Hurlingham had to go to the wall , and some who had con Well , the upshot of this scrimmage is , that the 9th hit fidently looked forward to his Shahship presenting a quar behind , and shortly after Captain Colvin scores his first goal . tette of dark - eyed houris from his harem to the winning team Of course we are not in the confidence Then Captain Jenner makes a good run , and the ball travels were sold ! fast nearly down to the stables , but the watchful " back " of of kings and potentates ( even dusky ones ) , but we cannot the 16th sweeps it round with a rattling hit , and Captain help thinking that even Oriental apathy would have been Calley taking up the running , for a while the game is stirred to admiration by the good game that was got up for played more in mid - ground . he gets a e ball , leaving it past the good drive at it and scores . Two all now , and e the contest is getting keenly exciting . How well Captain ce Babington does play ! Just look at him now rushing to the ly front , and lifting the ball - why that hit must be close on a te hundred yards , if not more - now darting back , keen on defending his goal from any assault , and with his eye ever on the ball . Then his back - handers - how wondrous good they are ! Bravely as we have seen him play this season , we have seldom seen him in such good form . After some scuffles and a hit behind , Captain Lamont gets a chance , d which he is not slow to avail himself of , and , shooting to the front , scores a goal . Going on the principle of tit Captain Dugdale , after a fine run , shortly for tat , " does the same for the 16th , assisted by Mr. Beau mont , who aids his comrade by riding off Captain the ball . Lamont , who threatens interference with On the ball being hit off , Captain Dugdale brings it down in fine style , but there is a shout of " off side " from the 9th , and the game is stopped whilst the umpires are appealed to . To us , on the Pavilion balcony , there seemed no question of doubt , and that Captain Dugdale was not off side . This proved the opinion of the umpires , for the claim was dis Then Mr. Beaumont allowed , and the game begins afresh . makes a real good run , and , after some scuffles , Captain Babington hits a fourth goal for the 16th . A scrimmage then for some time , and it seems as if the ball had taken up its abode amid the ponies ' legs , but at last Captain Jenner succeeded in getting it clear , and after a fine run , scores a goal , in spite of all Captain Babington's strenuous efforts to stop him . Then time is up , and the game stands - 9th Lancers , 5 goals ; 16th Lancers , 4 . Still , the Thus the teams were formed : With the game so even , it seems a toss up who will win . Captain Lamont and Captain Jenner play splendidly , as , indeed , do Captain Babington and Captain Dugdale , and the game is keenly contested as the ball travels up and down the ground ; but at last Captain Colvin scores for the 9th . After some rare quick play , during which Captain Babington makes a splendid back - hander , which , at the distance the ball was from him and the pace he was going , seemed almost a matter of impossibility ; the 9th at last force the ball down by the stables , and eventually Captain Little scores . The end is now fast approaching , and though the 16th nerve themselves for a supreme effort , and play most splendidly to regain lost ground , fates are against them , for the 9th are every whit as keen on increasing their score as are their opponents on decreasing it . Captain Little , on that good - shaped , wall eyed bay Arab , makes a rattling run , and then Captain Lamont scores an eighth goal for the 9th . But three minutes more remain , and in those brief moments some truly gallant play is witnessed , Captain Little making a marvellous run nearly down to the stables , only to have his efforts defeated by Captain Babington , who , sweeping the ball round , sends it with two strong drives up by the band stand . Here the 9th again get in possession , and , bringing it down , hit behind . Then the time bell rings , and the 9th are proclaimed the victors by eight goals to four . So ended this capital game , in which the 16th Lancers , though defeated , may truly be said to have earned not only the praise , but the sympathy of all onlookers . Not that I mean to detract for one moment from the merits of the 9th Mr. E. de G. Beaumont behind . 13TH HUSSARS . Captain K. McLaren ( back ) Captain Smithson Captain Ogilvy Mr. E. N. Pedder - Mr. H. A. C. Maxwell Mr. H. F. Williams Mr. L. C. Warren ( back ) Mr. H. S. Samuel Umpires : Sir H. de Trafford , Mr. Gerald Hardy . 9TH LANCERS . MUNSTER FUSILEERS . Captain Lamont ( back ) Captain Colvin Captain M. Little Captain Jenner 16TH LANCERS . Captain Babington ( back ) Captain Calley Captain Dugdale |
