ATHLETICS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 832, 30 July 1910, Page 12

ATHLETICS.

(Bi Mercury.) WILD DAT FOE THE HARRIERS. To-day.—"Wellington Harriers' Annual Steeplechase, Trentham Racecourse. The Combined Run, It says much for the enthusiasm of the local harriers (notwithstanding tho reproach of my correspondent regarding the small muster) that last Saturday's engagement was carried out in face of tho Antarctic rigor of the elements. If anyone doubts this, let him array himself in a sweater, a pair of thin cotton "shorts," and not much else except the enthusiasm mentioned above, and di6port himself on tho heights with one of our coldest and sleetiest suutherlies for company, and if he does not hold himself as kin to the Spartan of old then is he keen indeed. However, to the account of the day's work as supplied by tho aforesaid correspondent, to whom "Mercury" is indebted for this weekly budget:'—

The combined •rim of thu harrier clubs last Saturday served to exemplify in a striking maimer the enth usiusiu. of the younger club (Brooklyn) as compared with that of ils big brother, Wellington. While the former ciub was able to account for every active member, only one in every tour of thr Willing!on members put in an appearance, the register showing musters of seventeen, and thirteen respeuliveiy. Brooklyn was able to assert its superiority (on tho day) in quality as -well as quantity by securing first and second places, and just iiUKMug thin] place in the run home. Just -here it would not be out of place to notice the monotonous regularity of sniull musters on Ihe part of the Wellington Harriers, too many of whom evidently are approaching the "sere and yellow" Stage, .

Last Saturday's run was a short one, being of less than an hour's duration, yet on tin; whole it was u pleasant outing despite the prevailing cold southerly, which did its best U> make things unpleasant lor the- runner?. Storting from the old Island Bay Hotel, the pack, led by the Brouklyp. captain (P. Wilton) as pacemaker, struck out for Lyall Bay by an easy grade over the range of hills to the eastward. A rapid descent inlo Maranui was followed by a steady run along the Qneen's Drive back to headquarters in the teeth' of the cold biting wind. The Wellington captain ,hud charge of the rearguard, mid had occasion to call on the leaders to slacken the pace on. tw;o occasions only throughout the run, so even was the pace of the combined pack. Between six and seven hundred yards fru'm (he finish the packs were lined up for a sprint home, and from an even slnrt liodsun and Murray were lirst to become prominent. With half the distance covered, J. Don hod joined the leaders, and three three representatives of Brooklyn stuck to then positions until near the tape, when C. Lamberg, with n late run, got up into third position. Don, who promises to • develop into a useful middle distance runner, finished first, with Hodson second, and Lamberg third, fll.licr runners to gel into Hie" count f.,r their clubs were C. Murray, F. Wilton, and C. Kowberry in that order. To-day's Events. A standing invitation exists to devotees of other -sports tu participate ju tcmer nma on these days when the elements will not permit the playing of games, and this was taken advantage of by a number *f footballers last Saturday. To-day each club will go its own way, the Wellington men to Trcntham, where the annual steeplechase will be decided,, and the Brooklynites to Mirairar. Steeple-' chasers are reminded that they must leave Lnmbtoa Station by the 1.20 train for Trentlmm. Officials for to-dav's steeplechase are:—Judges: Messrs. W. H Bennett and A. Marryatt. Starter: Mr,

W. H. Pollock-. Timekeepers: Messrs. J. H. Pollock and H. A. Lamu. Couise slw ward: Mr. \V. F. Watt. Handicappers; Messrs. W. H. Pollock and W. P. Watt. An Open Breach. for some two years past trouble has boon brewing in England over the control of amateur cycling events at sports meetings hold under the English A.A.A. auspices. An open breach has now occurred between the A.A.A. and the National Cyclists' Union. The latest development is expressed in tho following answer from the honorarv secretary of the A.A.A. to a proposal "submitted by a number of clubs and prominent individuals, who combined in asking that the points in dispute be submitted for arbitration. The letter is instructive, as giving a very fair exposition of the trouble and the' association's attitude thereto. It runs as follows:— "The original point at issue was that the National Cyclists' Union desired to obtain direct edntrol of clubs affiliated solely to this association. To this the Amateur Athletic Association would not under any circumstances agree. Efforts were made to settle the matter amicably, and negotiations continuiug for the best part of two years and every possible concession' was made by the Amateur Athletic Association to the National Cyclists' Union's, requests. The N.C.U. have slated that they cannot consent to arbitrate upon the principle of full control of cycle racing remaining in the hands of tho N.C.U., but that fhey would be willing to enter into a conference upon details as to how such full control shall be secured, But I am requested to point out that far graver issues hava arisen since the termination of the agreement, namely, the National Cyclists' Union have penuilted and are permitting professional and amateur races at the same meeting, hava also promoted Hat events for moi'.cy. prizes, and further a body has been tortned to promote amateur and professional foot-racing,' the officers and conimittiK- oi this budy largely consisting of prominent N.C.U. officials. The N.C.U. also state their intention of working m unison with the newly-formed body. Under these circumstances my committee, being opposed to the principles of the N.C.U., and having no confidence in that body, feel that it is impossible, to enter Into any agreement with them. At tho same time I am requested to thank you for your suggestion, which my committee feel sure was made thinking that there .vas a possibility of an amicable settlement of the dispute." Wood-Chopping as "Athletics." The Otago Centre has decided, apropos of a notice of motion now before tho Council of the N.Z.A.A.A., that woodchopping be included iu the list of athletic exercises iu the jurisdiction clause of the amateur definition: "That, in the upimqn of this centre, a wood-chopper is not an amateur under the definition of the K.Z.A.A.A. rules, and that this centre considers that both professional cricketers and golfers are not amateurs, and should not - be allowed to compete under N Z.A.A.A. rules."