AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1933, Page 9

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

SPORT IN WELLINGTON

STANDARD NOT MAINTAINED

"It must bo admitted that athletics in Wellington has not, during tho past year or two, been maintained at the previous high standard," states tho thirtieth annual report of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. "The centre has had to rely too much on the old veterans, as new blood lias not como to the fore to take their place. No doubt excellence in sport, like many other things, comes in cycles, and tho wheel has turned against Wellington recently. But the centre must be up and doing, and it would seem that special efforts must.be put forth in order to make the wheel turn a full circle, so that.Wellington may again be placed in the forefront of athletics in New Zealand—a position which it has occupied for so many years. There is no doubt that this position can be achieved again, but everyone must pull his weight. It must not bo left to tho executive, or to some members of the executive, to do tho bulk of the work. The burden must be borne by all. Tho material is present in Wellington, and the executive looks to see thq sport in Wellington borne up on a wave of enthusiasm which will carry all before it, and place Wellington again in its rightful position at the top. "The Wairarapa Sub-centre, like Wellington City, has been experiencing bad times, but it is hoped that the old stalwarts in that district will this year find new and enthusiastic helpers to push the sport along. Hawkc's Bay has made wonderful progress in the few years since its inception as a sub-centre, and at the present time, with the full approval of the Wellington Centre, is applying to the N.Z.A.A.A. to be granted tho status of a full centre. Marlborough is taking up the amateur code with enthusiasm, and the past season has seen the revival of crosscountry running in that district. Tho officials at Blenheim are to be complimented on their fine work. HARRIER-RUNNING POPULAR. "The past season has shown that cross-country running continues to increase in popularity. Two new clubs wore affiliated, namely, C.V.M. and Kaitere (Masterton), and further clubs have been formed and will be affiliated for next season. Tho standard of the running was, if anything, not quite up to that of the previous year. ■ Hero again the veterans are hard to displace, but much new blood is in sight, and next year should come right to the front and put Wellington once more in tho first flight. The report states that the competition among country clubs is not being conducted on a satisfactory basis and steps are being taken to improve the conditions governing the championship. No competition was held last year. The Secondary Schools' Association 'continue^ to do good work; and it is considered a pity that the public do not give greater support to "the very fine meetings conducted by the association. "It is a pity too," continues the roport, "that so many of the promising athletes in our secondary schools do not continue tho sport after leaving school. It is hero that the clubs can do great work by offering special facilities and encouragement to these lads. A combined effort on those lines would be more than repaid." Unfortunately the Primary Schools' Association was once again unable to hold its usual sports-day. It is hoped that this event will again' be niade an annual one. The women's branch continues to make steady progress. The institution of hurdle races and high jump events has proved popular. Members of the centre were largely instrumental in inaugurating inter-honse competition, and an association has been formed to foster the competition.

A start was made during the year with what it is hoped will be a regular feature of the sport, namely, interprovincial contests. Canterbury sent up a strong team and a very interesting meeting resulted. Canterbury ran out winners by a good margin. During the coming season Wellington will have to send a team to Christchurch, and it is hoped that this class of competition' will bo extended in scopfe.

OVERSEAS TOTJR.

"An effort is being made to bring a team of athletes from Australia towards the end of February/? states the report. "It is sincerely to be hoped that the tour will eventuate, and will assist in regaining the interest of the public in the sport besides giving athletes an opportunity of learning from their Australian cousins. Tho question of the itinerary of overseas teams requires careful consideration. In the past every effort has been made to give as many outlying clubs as possible an opportunity of seeing the visitors in action. While this is very commendable, it has resulted in the past in complaints of too much travelling, and it is questionable whether it would not be better to adopt a different policy whereby the itinerary could be reduced and, if thought advisable, some of tho athletes of the outlying districts would be brought to the centres and given an opportunity of meeting the visitors.^ "Marathon racing is to be revived in New Zealand after many years. The first race will be held in Wellington during tho coming track season. Arrangements are under way and no effort should be spared to make the race a great success, particularly with a view to inducing the N.Z.A.A.A. to award a New Zealand title for the event. The question of staging some road races as a preliminary to the Marathon requires the consideration of the centre." The report states that the finances of the association still require careful husbanding. According to the bal-ance-sheet the past season resulted in. a loss of £28 Is 4d.