THE ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2606, 24 June 1871, Page 2

THE ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Thanks to the action of the City Corporation in so loudly proclaiming that no charge could be legally made for witnessing sports at the North Dunedin Recreation Ground, more publicity was given to the fact that sports would be held there to-day than the promoters of them anticipated. The result was beneficial in two ways : those who viewed the action of the Council as arbitrary, attended merely for the purpose of substantially expressing their disapproval of it; while many equally determined to assert their rights as citizens, were shamed into contributing towards the expenses of the sports. At three o’clock close up u 4000 persons were on the grounds As punctuality is more honored in the breach than in the observance at these gatherings, it did not appear to be thought unusual that the sports should begin nearer to three than one o’clock, as advertised. The first race was the 120 yards’ Flat Race, which brought out all those who had entered for it, except Fairley. Harris started at scratch ; the others receiving starts as follews : Wain and Auld, 10 yards ; Pollnck and Goodman, 11 yards ; llobcrtson, 13 yards. Pollock got the start, but Harris soon made his presence felt. He was ahead of his antagonists before one-third of the distance had bee traversed, and came in a winner by nearly 10 yds.; Goodman being second, Wain third, and Pollock fourth. Harris’ style is remarkably free—a clear springing step, which told even on the very hard ground on which the races were run. Time, ■ 2$ secs. The second event was the Mile Walking

Race, and considerable interest was centred in it, because it was a contest between Mac* gregor and Edie, two old rivals in walking matches. The, latter received 12 yards start, which Macgregor soon made up. For the greater portion of the race the men kept close together continually passing and re{•essing each other, until the second last ap, when Eadie put on a spurt, and obtaining the lead increased the distance until he came in a winner by a good 20 yards. There were many who held the opinion in which we unhesitatingly agreo, that the spurt was nothing more or less than a rim ; but the judges thought different. Time 8 min. 40 secs. The third event was in many respects a disappointment. It was the half-mile spin and brought out against Hewitt. Fairly, who got 4S yards start, and Auld, who received 60 yards, ran A good start was effected and Fairley from his preliminary strides, gave promise of running a good race. He sensibly improved his lead until the second lap, when he fell off, and before its conclusion, retired altogether, leaving Auld to amuse himself by endeavouring to keep close to Hewitt, who won easily and as heliked. Time 2 min. 24 sec-. The Quar er-mile Hurdle Race was an easy victory for Harris •*- Goodman’s ehauce (if he had any) being spoiled by a spill at the commencement. The Quartermile Handicap was a fine race. Hewitt started at scratch, Auld and Pollock receiving 30 yards’ start. It was in the last lap that Hewit’s powers were fully irhewn ;in a tine spurt he overtook the others, coming in a wi ner by a couple of yards,