ATHLETICS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 811, 7 May 1910, Page 10

ATHLETICS.

(By "Mercury.")

As a slight offset to thoir defeat in tho boat race, Cambridge University were successful in lowering Oxford's colours in the annual Intor-'Varsity Athletic meeting. Tho sprint events were not productive of anything spocial in ■ the way of, times, the ■ 100 yds. being won in 10 3-ssec, and tho 410 yds. in 51 l-ssec, but, in the longer distances; capital performances were registered. Of these, the half-mile was a splendid run, being won by P. J. Baker (King's, Cambridge), in irain. 57 2-ssec—the, first quarter being covered in sisec. Baker finished 40yds. in front of the second man. The milo also went to a "Cantab" in the excellent tiuiu of 4min. 20 4-ssec. This was even bettered by an Oxonian win in the -threo miles in 14min. 45.4-ssec. The winders were W. Gavin,. and A. E. Cator respectively. • Tho jumping was only moderate, the long-jump being won with a leap Of. 21ft. 5Un., and tho high-jump with an effort measuring up at si't. Biu. In describing . this latter event, the English papers comment on the unique style ofj C. B. Bollerby (Cambridge), the winner. He is said to cross the bar in a horizontal position, lying parallel along it, turn ;over, and invariably lands Hat on his chest—a most uncomfortable performance, ono would think. In practice, he has dono very close to six feet, and, apparently, ho has adopted tho American style, but has not mastered tho knack of turning suddenly in tho air, and landing facing tho bar, as is the vogue with ' the big ' jumpers in tho States. Tho : winner of tho broad jump, W.,: G. D. Murray, of Cambridge, is a-South Australian; of whom the "London Sportsman" says: "Murray, who'is by no means a bad hurdler, was not only the best, but by far the most stylish .performer. Ho showed fine speed and power in his run to the take-off—in fact, he always looked the jumper likely to clear agood length."

American files to hand state that tho world's amateur record for 60yds., of (i 2-ssoc, was equalled twice'at'the'Central Association of-the A.AiU.. championship meeting on March 12—in. the final by James ■ Wasson, and, in a heat, by William MartJri, • •

Says my harrier correspondent :—"ln response to an 'Invitation from' Mr. H. A. Jjamb, twenty-eight members of the Wellington Harriers took part in a rim from his residence at Coromandel Street on Saturday last, and all spent an enjoyable afternoon.

"H. A. Lamb, jun., and R. 'Ucid were appointed as hares, and W. B. Bennett ns pacemaker, while the remaining runners were divided into two packs, the second of which conceded the other and larger body a start of four minutes. . "The hares, who were given but a short start, laid u trail over the Town Bolt into and through Kilbirnio and Hataitai, up to tho main ridge of Mount Victoria, and back along this as far as the top of Mein. Street, where- the road for home was struck.

"In view of the shortness of the run, a fast pace was set, which fully extended those who were running in tho fast pack, the main body not being overhauled until more than half the distance had been covered. Tho 'run-in' at the close of the outing was hold along Coromandel Street, over a'four hundred yards straight course, and for the first time this season was a handicap even. A. W.Muir. proved that his capabilities had been under-esti-mated by winning off the ■ limit without being extended, while 11.' Bust and F. Tiu-ney filled tho other places after'an exciting struggle. "After-changing back to the garb.of convention, the pack was entertained at tea by Mrs. Lam b, and afterwards spent a couple of enjoyable hours in negotiating a musical programme. Tho presidentof tho club, Mr. W. VS.. Bennett, in a short speech, conveyed to the host and hostess the appreciation of tho members for the hospitality extended to them. "Meanwhile, Brooklyn Harriers had been indulging, with less grammar, but equal physical energy, in a run from Worser Bay, following a trail laid by T. Coventry and L. l'earee. This led over to Miramar North, thence south past the cutting, and over to Seatoun Heights, and hack along.tho flats to tho finishing point. A 2UO yards run-in resulted in a win for J. Chapman off the limit mark, with T. Barnes second and E. Shaw third. "Entries for this club's novico handicap at Hutt next week close to-day, and, as those who are beyund tho novico stago can be counted on the fingers of ono's hand, : a big field should be competing. "Brooklyn will to-day run from Karori and Wellington from Worser Bay. "Mr. W. C. Nichols, who, until recently, was secretary and an active members of tho Dunedin Civil Service Harriers, reached Wellington last week on transfer. Tho Wellington. Harriers, who have kindly recollections of Mr. Nichols's attention to their touring team last season, are hoping to be able to welcome him into their ranks shortly. "Two of tho Wellington men have been lost to the club by removal already this •.uason, viz., E. A. Westwood, who left for Dunedin (the homo of Maoriland harrlerism) recently, and E. Robinson, a most promising. novice, who is under orders to leavo for Napier shortly." Thoro is food for solemn thought for the members of tho .council of the N.Z. A.A.A. in the following:—"A eahlo message from Sydney says:—The Amateur Athletic Association discussed a proposal to secetle from the New . South Wales Sporting Federation, strong exception being laken to the lotter's attitude with regard to league footballers. The debate-, was adjourned lo permit a.mail vote being taken by the Australasian Union, ns to whether a. league footballer, oven though he receives remuneration, is an amateur athlete."