AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 229, 27 September 1928, Page 18

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

NOTES FROM THE TRACK.

THE WINTER COMPETITIONS.

There is no doubt that winter competitions have helped to improve the calibre of runners in Auckland. About two years ago the Auckland Club decided to hold Saturday, afternoon meetings, with a view of getting Auckland's best cross-country runners into their best form for the New Zealand cross-country championship. Only about five turned up on the first occasion-, but by persevering, the officials have worked it into a good afternoon's sport, of late there being 30 odd competitors. There is nothing but praise for the efforts of those officials who worked in the best interests of the sport last winter.

A. J. Elliott has now settled down to train, with a view to competing on Labour Day. Elliott did not compete during the winter.

Although there were no champions competing in the field events of the winter series, two who showed good promise were R. Brocas and O. Dunlop. Brocas has been throwing the discus in brilliant fashion, and there is no doubt that he is the next best man to J. Shirley in Auckland. Dunlop has also competed in this event, but seems more likely to gain honours' in the shot putting.

A. Jamieson, who won the Points Cup at the last Labour Day meeting, states that, owing to ill-health, he will not be competing this season.

N\ F. Cooper, who sprained his ankle just prior to the cross-country championships, may be seen in action shortly. E. Leikis, a good middle distance runner, will be competing on Labour Day.

Two of the Auckland Club's young runners were prominent in the decision of the Mount Albert Grammar School steeplechase over a course of three miles. They were A. B. Browne (Ist) and J. Green (3rd).

Germany claims to have unearthed a world-beater over 100 metres. Hβ is an 18$-year-old boy named Geerling, who, in the South German athletic championships at Frankenthal, won the 100 metres in 10 2-oa, which equals the record time. In the championships of Brieg, Frau Kadtke was timed to cover the 800 metres in 2m 19 3-ss, which is claimed as a world's record for women.

V. Ritola, the winner of the 5000 metres at the recent Olympic Games, is a. carpenter by trade, and he has had 10 years' sojourn in the United States. Every Olympic Games Finland sends for him, and his expenses are paid so that he can train with the prospective Olympic team. Hβ said: "It sure is good to know that at 36 years of age I can still keep going with the fastest of the bunch, and have something to call on when it is required."

THE SPRINGDALE CLUB.

TE AROHA, Wednesday. The annual meeting of the Springdale Athletic Club was held, with the president, Mr. F. W. Walters, presiding. It was reported that the past season- had been successful, there being 42'-financial members. The sports ground had been remodelled, and a first-class cycling track had been laid down at a cost of £50, with the valued assistance of voluntary labour by district settlers. The club had now a cash credit balance of £123.

The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P.; president, Mr. F. W. Waters; secretary, Mr. j>. Johnstone (pro. tern.) ; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. Malcolm, A. Brldgemen, P. Saxton, W. •T. Nicholson, G. A: Fisk, B. Johanson, T. Hitchman, W. S. Gooseman and R. Galloway ; hon. surgeons, Drs. Lawrence. Dempster and Craig; delegate, Mr. W. Shannon; handicappers, Messrs. C. Morrison and C. A. Hardy.