PALMERSTON DAY BY DAY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 757, 4 March 1910, Page 5

PALMERSTON DAY BY DAY.

A WELL-BUN ATHLETIC MEETING. • (From Our Special Correspondent.) Palmerston, March 3. •The Manawatu Amateur Athletic Club has been everywhere congratulated on tho success of its initial annual ( gathering yesterday afternoon.. The grounds were in perfect order, and were pronounced by the visiting champions to Tio as good as any athlete could reasonably desire. It was stated by the travelling correspondents who toured New Zealand with tho last British football team that Palmerston and New Zealand stood alone in respect to completeness of arrangements. In respect to the athletic meeting thing similar may be fairly added. The arrangements reflect much credit on the hon. secretary, Mr. D. M. Robertson, and his committee. The handicapping of Messrs. Stalker ■ and Stubbs resulted in very fair finishes in all the events, though perhaps the scratch men in some cases were set tasks that were rather beyond them, especially where they had to make their way through large fields. Mr. J. Manning was a successful starter, getting his fields away evenly and without delay. Mr. W. S. Dickson was general supervisor, and he and the other stewards kept the events moving off punctually to time. Many sports promoters kill their gatherings by allowing them to drag, but this could not be said of the .meeting yesterday afternoon. The initial sports augur well for the success of the club in the future.

Last i evening there was a fitting "windup," the visiting athletes being entertained by the club.* the president, Mr. J. A. Nash, being in the chair. ' A varied toast list was honoured, and during the evening tho trophies won that day were presented to the winners by the chairman. At the afternoon sports an orchestral band, conducted by Mr. C. S. Pickering, contributed • a first-class programme of music, which was greatly appreciated, and Mrs. Eawlins, of the White House, dispensed afternoon tea,- which likewise was ■ much. enjoyed. Captain Peach presided over the annual meeting of tho Manawatu Mounted Rifles last evening, when it was decided to continue tho corps. Many recruits signified their desire to join, but it was decided not to accept more members until more information has been obtained in regard to the new regulations about to bo brought into force. A match for the Andrew cup will be fired on Good I'riday.

In reply to a deputation requesting him to become a candidate for the Mayoralty of Palmerston, Mr. W. T. Wood has intimated that he will give a definite reply on Saturday nest. Tho Manawatu Cricket Association has decided to write to the captain of the Australian team inquiring it it will have any objection to Manawatu batting thirteen men and fielding eleven. Arrangements have been made for a large number of drags to convey visitors to the sports ground, where the match will bo played, and also with Mrs. Rawlins to supply refreshments. Considerable interest is being manifested in the event, and should the weather prove fine on March 1G and 17 thero will bo a great crowd to see tho game.