ATHLETICS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1002, 17 December 1910, Page 12

ATHLETICS.

(By Heecdrt.) To-day. — W.A.A.C. Spring Carnival (Basin Reserve). December 25.—Mauriceville Athletic Club .. (four amateur events). December 27.—Wanganui A.A. Meeting; Wairarapa A.A. Meeting. January 2.—Port Nicholson C.C. Meeting (Basin Reserve); Wairarapa Caledonian Meeting.' January 11. — Wellington Provincial Championships. ' ' January 23. — Wanganui Provincial Championships.

The Demon of Disappointment.- - Truly the Wellington; Amateur Athletic, Club is unfortunato. in the weather for its meetings. , Last Saturday 1 was the third occasion within the Inst two seasons upon which the elements have successfully conspired to spoil its sports. The postponement was not definitely - decided upon until 2 o'clock; the committee being anxious to keep faith with tho public'Cand the Wairarapa visitors, but as at that time the rain was coming down very thick and 6howed more prospects of becoming worse than of improving, it, was reluctantly docidcd to abandon the fixture.. The word "abandon" is used because, at the time, tho delay appeared to be mors than a temporary postponementit seemed as though the meeting would have to be cancelled altogether on account of the urgent jneed of the Reserve by the Cricket Association. But, happily, owing to the good offices of Mr. Martin Luckio, chairman of this body, tho cricketers, in a sportsmanlike manner that cannot bo too, heartily commended, waived • their olaim •to tho ground for to-day, and, consequently, the meeting will take place with tho main arrangements as originally set down. The only difference will bo the possible absence of tho Wairarapa men, but all tho local athletes, with tho exception of D. Cashman (the back-marker in the walks, whose absence is explained below) will be in action.—som© of them all the better for the' week's ■ further training. It should not be necessary to go again into particulars" of the. various attractions. Our formidable quartet of New Zealand championship holders, Woodger, M'Kny, Hubbard, and Evensen, are at the top of tbeii form, and tho big list of our lesser, but still highly capable athletic, stars, ensure at least the quality of the contests. Of quantity there is ample in tho programme, while the Highland dancing and piping and afternoon tea will give variety to what promises to be an excellent afternoon's sport—if the weather is good.

Coming Wanganui Meeting. As will bo seen from tho list of fixtures at the head of this column, another meeting is scheduled which will suit our athletes admirably.' This is the Wanganui Caledonian Society's annual fixture, at which for the first .time the running events aro for amateurs only. This innovation is a very practical proof of tho growing popularity of amateurism; and, upon its success, depends to a largo degree the well-being of the sport in _ the Wanganui district. The meeting is'dated, for January 23, which is a Monday and a holiday, and quito a number of tho local runners havo expressed their intention of. making the trip. One sciuad is doing tho journey per "taxi," leaving here on Sundny morning, and returning on Monday night. Tho trophies aro on a rathor liberal scale, as will ho seen by the programme, and nil departments are catered for, the hurdlers especially so. Tho events and trophies are:—l2oyds (amateur), 605., 405., 205.; 220 yds. (amateur), GOs., 405., 205.; 410 yds (amateur), ■ 605., 405., 205.; 880 yds. (amateur), GOs., <0s„ 205.; inilo (amateur), 100s., 40s.i 205.; 220 yds., Ladies' Bracelet; 120 yds Hurdles, 605., 40s„ 20.?.; 220 yds. Hurdles, 605., 4fls., 205.; 440 yds. Hurdles, 605., 405., 205.; High Jump (amateur), 405., 20s. The entry fee is 2s. for each event, and nominations olose with the secretary, Mr. N. M. Forbes, Wanganui, on January Ttb. Local entries ■ can be made with Mr. W. L. Dunn, hou. secretary of tho Wellington Centre. Cashman Turns "Son of tho Sea." 'Mr. Dava Cashman, Wellington provincial walking champion, has deserted us for fresh woods and pastures new. On Wednesday, ho departed for 'Frisco the Aorangi, having accepted the posi-

tion of ship's carpenter aboard that boat. The absence may be only temporary, as the trip is a trial one. Cashman has signed on for the voyage only, and) if he finds that the "son-of-thc-sca" role does not suit him he will "go on to tho land" again upon the Aorangi's return in February. Whichever way it goes, tho best wishes of local athletes and public accompany Cashman, Who, both off and on the track,, is known as a good sportsman, and a hard trier. The Karori Evening Events. Tho Karori A.A.C. evening meeting on Wednesday provided an excellent "topping off" for to-day's competitors. For tho two open event sthe town clubs provided the bulk of tho competitors, and the racing was keen in either case. In tho 100 yds. event the handicapyer (Mr. W. H. Pollock) set the judges a hard task in sorting out the placed men in tho final, as the first three were only separated by inches, and the whole field of six were well within a yard. Mr. Gow was almost equally successful with the mile, the placed men being bunched all round the last lap, and tho issue being in doubt until fifteen yards from the tape. Details of the racing havo appeared .in our issue. The' fast time of the 100 yds. calls for., some. explanation—Casey, the winner, being "clocked" to run "evens" off six yards. The track drops two and a half feet from start to finish, hence this flattering performance, and hence also the fact that Baxter could only run third in the mile in 4min. Usee.—the uphill back stretch being very punishing. Moreover, Baxter judged his race badly. He reversed his usual procedure by making tho pace a (/■•acker, from tho gun, and overdid it. Ho covered the first quarter in 63sec., and consequently, although be was well among his field in the third lap, he could not imnrove, and his finish, although a game effort, lacked its customary "devil."