ATHLETICS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1324, 30 December 1911, Page 12

ATHLETICS.

(Bi "ILercciit.") THAT INCOMPARABLE "MEET." January 1-Wairarapa Caledonian Socioty's Sports (ilasterlon); amateur events. January I—Wellington "Wheelers' Club, Athletic Park, amateur events. January (!—Aiicfcianrl A.A.O. Meeting. January 17—Kurort A.A.C. Evening Jleeting. January 22-Wanganui Caledonian Society, at Wanganui; all running events amateur. January 27—Civil Service A.A.C. Meeting. Basin Iteserve. February 10—Wellington Provincial Championships. February 21—New Zealand Championship Meeting, Invercargill. February xS—Manawatu A.A.C. Meeting (Falmerston North). Great Days for Maoriianders. It is over. The big meeting has rolled along to the limbo oi the past, and there remains only the usual washing-up. Tuo bustle of 'preparation, tho anxiety of those responsible for tno ntfair, tlio speculation as to results, and tho arguments as to (he merits of the competitors have all faded out. Comes now ihe time for until notes and pronouncements. Happily, for wo Maoriianders, it is congratulation all the way—a mutual admiration society, we. T'iie meeting has been one of records. Tho winning team made an absolutely clean sweep of tho truck races—both sprint and distance, Hat and hurdle. That surely is something to bo proud of. On tho other hand, tho N.is. representatives failed to snap a first place in any field event, which, is a record to bo rather ashamed of.

Tho attendance uud gate constitute a record both for an Australasian championship and for the ground, and tho luct that the Dominion has won tho Shield for the third consecutive timo is another record.

Smashing the Records. In the actual games three records were broken. First the Australasian high jump figures were wiped asido by that brilliant young Victorian, L. 11. Kclly who, on the second day, more than justified public expectations by clearing lift. 1 3-l(iin. in a handicap event. In the championship on the hrst day he won at sft. Bin., but the heavy ground,, and tho fact that ho was jumping into tho wind prevented him bettering this. The second day was dryer and'the wind was favourable. Hence the irreparable damage, sustained by the record. 'Pile world's record for the running high jump is Bi't. Sjjin., standing lo Inc. credit ot Jt. i'\ Sweeney, and hoisted in 1885.

The other records were New Zealand ones, and the honours fell.to CI. N. Rill ami 11. K. Kerr, "of Ours," the first in tho two-mile run, and tho second in the thrce-milo walk. Tho Aucklander knocked, (i 2-asecs. off his own record of tho previous Friday, and the figures now stand at Oinin. 30 1-usccs. "Whitakor's" gives the world's best as Alfred Shrubb's Uniin. !) 3-asecs, put up in 1901.

There is some, misunderstanding about the acceptance of Hill's new figures as an Australasian record. There is no such record in the book for this distance, Australasian records arc confined solely lo Australasian championship events so that although a performance can stand as the "best on record for Australasia," it need not necessarily be ratified as an "Australasian record"—a distinction with a decided difference.

To Harry Kerr all congratulations are due for his achievement. He has been in pursuit of that elusive record for years and thoroughly deserves tho honour of placing his name on tho hook. The pity is that he did not also chip o(f the small 2-sth of a second that would have niado his record an Australasian one, but, as it. is, his 21mm. 36 3-ssees. stands as a great performance, considering that he hud but five days of track work. The world's "best," by tho way, is G. E-. Larner's 20miu. 25 l-ssecs., put up in 1005.

A Fallen Comrade. Now for another and less happy aspect. It is inevitable that, among the chorus of general felicitation, there should bo some few notes in a minor key and, whilo joining iheartily in the chonis of congratulation to all concerned, "Mercury" desires to strike just one of theso personal notes in ono less joyful strain.'. This is to offer his sympathy to tho one champion of the gathering, on the N.Z. side, who was unsuccessful in defending his title. In all cases, but this one, every champion who turned out in defence of his laurels is now secure again in their possession for _ another two years—the solitary exception being our old friend "Len" McKay. In 1908 in Tlobart "itae" placed this event to NewZealand's credit, the then holder being K. A. Adams, of New South Wales. In so doing he also hoisted tho present Australasian record of lift. ljin. In Brisbane, in August, 1009, McKay retained his hold on tho honour, but had to take a partner therein, L. K. Walker, of Victoria (one of his opponents of Wednesday), wlio tied with him for first place at 10ft. 3in. On Wednesday tlie twin champions were ousted by J. Brake, another Victorian, and so, after a gallant struggle, our pole vaultcr comes down from tho position that he has graced sp well among the little band of champions. And so these condolences.

The Quaity of Ronald Opie. And now to the games as a whole. There is so much that can bo said, so many aspects of the occasion that call for attention, and so much ground to be covered that the unfortunate scribo scarco knows from which angle to approach his subject. There is tho competitors' viewpoint, the public viewpoint, and the executor's vewpoint all to bo considered,—thero is tho management of the affair awaiting criticism and, lastly', there aro tho different departments of the actual competitions—the flat races, both sprint and distance, tho hurdle events, tho walks and tho field games. We will look at tho competitions first, starting with the classic event, tho "Hundred." Last week, in endeavouring to forecast this event, "Mercury" selected J. Burton (Vic.) as the probable winner, with Opie second. This was done on the strength of Burton's consistent Australian performances, and on tho surmise that the New Zeolandcr would not turn out absolutely up to concert pitch. As is known, Burton's misfortune gave no chance of showing bow far this prognostication would havo proved correct. Ho had strained a tendon in the Victorian tests before leaving and, on Tuesday, he was not fairly off his iriark in. his heal, when tho leg collapsed completely, and he bonded over like a shot rabbit. This; wa3 a bitter disappointment for Burton, his team and tho public, and it is to bo sincerely hoped that the damage is .only temporary. With regard to Opie, his running at the Port .Nicholson evening meeting on the previous Friday showed that, he was "coming back" fast, and his championship performances proved that finally, although in his. heat, against tho southerly and up hill, ho could only get a second to .1. A. Troup, of Victoria. This gave rise (o further misgivings, especially s6 as tho New Zealander felt a, recurrence of his leg strain after the battle against the wind. But alt canle right, in tho end. Troup ran a great raco in this heal. lie is quite a lad, but Ims a fine free action, and runs low with plenty of power. The second heal also went to Vicloria —A. D. F.llis doing Iho needful, with P. T. Eedmond (N.S.W.) running comfortably into second place. 'This latter runner is a teplica of tho local sprinter, Dawson—just such another ball of muscle, and he appeared to bo well suited by tho somewhat heavy going. 1?. T. It'onniek, the Queenslander, who camo with a reputation as a consistent "ovenlimcr" was very disappointing—in fact, ul; no fimo during his visit did he seem to strike his gait nl all. The Strategists Get to Work. After I he Ileal running, I ho managers of tlio various teams waited upon Mr. If. Coombcs. the referee, :md asked that Iho final should be run I he oilier way, as Iho wind was making Iho running more a test of endurance flmn speed. This, was agreed 10, greatly to the satisfaction of the lour runnel's engaged. Tho effect of the change »-as marked in .Avery way. Tho time dropped from the 11 2-5 tecondi of the fatter heat to 0 4-5

seconds.. Tho running of (.ho mon gave lucre npnorlunity of seeing their (.nip paces. jiikl, with onn grave exception, il. «.i> decidedly advantageous. 'I'lio excepliini was that il. was (ho of the. accident, lo Ellis.

Cor tlio sake of thp public, the- track had been laid out well on the nnrtherly s.ide. of the l(e.-.crvo, (ho rcull being thai, whilo tho "i-iin off" was <impl« for Iho three shorter runners, il proved all too Hi tic for the taller and heavier Victorian, fin was coming very fast at tho (inis.li, and could not. chock himself in time. Some, forms had boon placed on. the edge of (he circular (rack for tho convenience of. (he pulilic, and, despite a. request, from Hn! officials (hat they should be moved by their occupants, on'o was led, 100 close, and Ellis struck it v.itli his shin, susla.ining a. nasty cut thai put. him out of action for (ho rest of the meeting, thus .adding another to the formidable list of misfortunes lh.it have dogged the Victorian team right from its first selection. A Memorable Finish. The final was a raeaiorable race. Curiously enough, neither heat winner got either first or second, tho issuo lying between Redmond and Opio all the way. Tho New dasli over the la&t tea yards was marvellous to. see. Till (hen it looked any money on the sturdy little New South Welshman. At .50 yards he had a clear yard and a half to tho good, and. at 90, he was still clfear in front. Then came Opie like the provcrtial flash of lightnin". Ho literally flew at the tape, getting there by tho smallest of possible, margins. It w,as a .stirring run, find it brought the crowd applauding to its feet. ■ The race looked all tho t) 1-5 seconds recorded. ,

The 220—Opie Again. The 220 yards was not so exciting, although, in the final, Redmond again got a break on Opie, and led for most of the journey, only lo bo beaten out again bv the laller's wonderful finish. Naturally tho absence of Burton and Kllis robbe'd this event of a lot of interest. Ellis ran second to Woodgcr in Brisbane, and was) Ihe Victorians' trump card at this distance, but, with Opio running ns he was, it is' unlikely that his presence would have iilfecited tho result. Iloth Messenger and Gourd, tho other New Zealand noprescnlativr-s, qualified for the final, arid (he finish saw the Jlastertnn man secure ti good third, two yards behind ltedmond. A curious feature of (his race was that Opio won his heal in 2J 1-5 seconds—quicker by one-filth second than (he final—although, in (he preliminary rim, he did not' appear to be extended at all. This was accounted for hy tho fact that, in tho final, lie bun" on the mark, got into a "pocket,'' and consequently had to rtm wide at the corner.

Opie at His Very Best. Opie's wiu in the quarter was perhaps his best performance. Ho drew lirvt. position and, at the gunfire, shot off the mark, ami got the lead at once, lie was never headed, although, at one lime, Pnltinson, (lie M.S.W. "hope," put in a strong challenge, lie could not hold to it, however, and, in fuel, it proved his own undoing. He faded away in the straight after his effort, and was displaced for second honours by Harding, who rang in a, splendid dash over tho last 101) Yards.

Harding had exceedingly bad luck at the lirM corner. He stumbled badly on the turn, and, before he could recover, was left last, and so lost all chance of getting a good position. He was thus forced to run wido round his field, and it is very open to question whether he would not have otherwise won.

Of tho other starters Trevor Francis, of Queensland, was looked to- for a good performance, but he failed to show tho form that lmd secured him Ins 50 1-lUsce. at Home. Like his comrades, Francis must have suffered from climatic influences, as both ho and Konnick must bo faster than then- showing hero would indicate.

"Jimmy" Wilton, tho third New Zcalauder, like Harding, got into trouble at the corner. He was spiked rather badly in the ankle, and sc was never prominent. The other starters, L. .IT. Kelly (Vic.) and J. O. Gourlay (Tns.), assisted Wilton in the rearguard. It is worthy of nolo that Opie was very loth lo turn out for the "quarter" at all. As mentioned .previously, he. felt his "game" leg in the 100 yards, and was chary about risking it in. a hard JlO run, with the 220 yards coming on next day. lie thought that tho event was safe for .New Zealand in any case with Harding running, and so desired to F stand down; and it was only on the representations of his trainer and the manager of tho foam that ho started. He is glad that .it did now.

So much I'm the sprints, except for a remark upon the times recorded. Neither in tho. heats, nor .the final of the hundred, can the clocking be. taken as a reliable index to the capabilities of tho runners. The conditions were too mixed. The track on Tuesday, although iairly good as to surface, was decidedlv soggy from tho heavy rain of. tho night before. As has been stated,' the heats wore run uphill and against the wind, and the final-was run downhill and with it. So it is impossible to strike, anv,,lns™,!lkc mean timo fl,r tho event at all. The 220 yards, on tho. second day, was not affected by the wind, but tho B P-'i? s *t alt . nOT1 S h v » st 'y improved, was still too heavy and lacking in springiness for record-breaking, and Opie's 22 ■1-j seconds in his heat must stand as a gcod performance. The "quarter" was decidedly worth a better time than the 53 seconds recorded. iTom the work and energy expended it looked at least two seconds bettor, but hero again the deadness of the track through its soaking on Christinas night, told its tale.-

Where Harding "Came Into His Own," The half-mile, mile, and thrcc-uiilo nil resulted as expected. Harding came into his own in the 880 yaxds, and ran a good two minutes dead—a performance which he could have bettered if necessary. Francis showed up better in this event, but Dougal and Fisher, tho two New Zealandcrs, were disappointing. The former should never have allowed the Quoeiislandcr to boat him for second placo from the position which ho held, although every credit is duo to Francis for tho challenge that settled the Christchurch man. Fattinson (N.S.W.) and G'curlay (Tasmania) wore, outpaced from the start. The former,' particularly, did not show anything ot the form which one would oxpect from a Stato champion. So much has been said about Neville Rill and his one, two and thvco miles that "Mercury" has nothing to add except to express the opinion that ho is easily tho best man at these distances that Now Zealand bis produced, and this is said with all duo regard for the merits of W. F. Simpson. Hill onlylacks the opvorhiniiy to smash Simpson s record, but it will cOme some (lav— perhaps at Auckland on .Tautmry 6" if the Fates are kinder to him thin thev li.'ivo been here.

Two Good Chevalier*. A word of praise is duo to Q. Bamford (N.S.W.) and Cecil Pugh (New Zealand) for turning out with Hill in the three miles. Tho Australian is over on a pleasure trip only—he is a Marathon runner of note on the other side, and has no pretension at all (o bo a. throemiler, and, as was tho case villi Pugh, only saddled up to make it competition. Pugh had never run the distance before,' and his,effort was .a. very creditable one. As he was not entered for this event lie cannot take tho. medal for second place, and the Association is having a special medal struck in appreciation of his services.

Hurdling a la Kcddell. Now we come lo the hurdle?, and again, as in the distance running, it was a caso of New Zealand first and the rest nowhere. Kcddell':) hurdling is tho bo ; t that we have seen in Wellington, and when one looks back on Harold Balger, Arthur Holder and George Smith, this looks a big thing to say. And yet it is true. Fur ono thing, it is so thoroughly up to date. II is tho hurdling thai has won for the AmcrilMii "leppers" the top place which they have held since lb," time of tho famous Kraenzlien, Iho inventor of Iho system in which Kcddell is so skilled an exponent.

'I'd the majority of those present, tho new style seemed rather bewildering. In place of the bent, knoo and the curled-np back leg, they -aw (he new straightlegged method, and-wondered. However, Koddell had gone but a. little way on his journey before Hie eflicacy of his fv.-lem became apparent, and his experiences over the lencos'aiid hi- pace on the flat proved ten strong 11. combination for the, opposi, tiori. The speedy Southlander was iievsr

doubled, either in boat nr final, in the 120 vonls. In Iho former his opponent.-) were .1. W. I'ra/.or 1.V.5.W.) and W. 11. Kaighin, tho Victorian College buy, bolli fair exponents of Ihe old-tyl" iimlhed, of whom Ihe iVch h'otilli WVIi-liiiihii proved Ihe faster, and as Ihi.i wii.i (lie quicker heal, ho qualified for lh» final, The s.ecmid heat wa.-, a dull exhibition between Eric Russell (Victoria) and A. ilaltigan t'N'eiv Zealand), and. as Itussoll proved (<i bo Ihe least, slow of I ho (wain, ho qualified. Iloth were looked lo for a belter performanco-|{ti:.M'l| because of his aeross-Uio-wa.te.r reputation, and Ilalligan because il was reported I hat he had "wine back." Kerldell's final timo of I.'. :>•.'> tveondst Is ouo-lenlh ol a second slower than his own Australasian record made in Chri'.tehurch last March, and is oiie-liflh of a, second mitsido the world's record. The tcsuK, of the short hurdln race came as no surprise, as, if was generally conceded thai, on performances, it would CO to Keddell. With Ihe quarter hurdle:i K. was different, l'tazer has belter times (o his credit, than has the New Mulande.r, and lias had more experience a' this, distance, and it was thought that, Iveddell would have to lie lucky to secure tho "double." It was Frozcr that was unlucky, lie ca.mo down on tho second hurdle, mul, of course, thereafter was out of tho hunt, falling again on (,| l( , Mxlh.-and retiring. in bis pruclieo I'razor st work had been eicentionallv clean and correct, and his downfall »■« a groat surprise and disappointment both t-> himsol and to his compatriots. After niL*" 1 !. t n V ol Uk , ««-riißßlfs for second pace lay between, two New Zealander,McKen7.io of Mnsterluii „ n d Hamilton'„f Chnstchurcli. HamiKon fell a( (ho Vond fence, but got up a.ud continued'in was jnsiihcd by results Frazor's n-Hro {""it left him chasing Mc KoS , a' l°n ? «-ay bc-hind ih rf d when ~, the Jnnth hurdle; tho Wainirnpa nnm e

Ihrough lack of spaco ".Mercury" is weed to leave the. big gathering „nd further comment must bo held over until next week, when tho walking and field events will be dealt with. " '"'

General. The .American A.A. Union is meeting shortly o review fl lo mason's ■inces. Ihros of these up for consideraI on are world s records, and as (ho conditions have been cerlificd lo as boiirjii on or it may be taken for granted Hint they will rcccivo official ondorsonm,i. There are .1. ]'. .Tones' mile van of -limn. 1.) 2.;*ccs. on 27th Mnv, Dan. Ahoarn s hoy, step, and jump of soft. Uu. on SIM. M lly> and Mall. Month's great, liaminer throw of 1871 T. tin. One other perloriuanco that equals t|,e world s best ami for which inclusion on Nic record book is beinj! asked is 1! C Craig's 21 l-fcrcs. for 220 yards ' ' '