ATHLETICS

Evening Star, Issue 19787, 10 February 1928, Page 13

ATHLETICS

[By Pistol.]

track and field activities

FIXTURES. February 11.—Amateur events at Carisbrook open-air entertainment. February 11.—Wellington championships. March 1 (tentative). —Secondary school championships at Invercargill. February 16.—Taieri Club’s evening meet at Mosgiel. February 18.— Canterbury championships. February IS.—Otago Amateur Cycling Club’s evening meet. February 22 and 25.—Appearance of Australian champion cyclists. March 10.—Taieri Club’s afternoon meet at Mosgiel. April 9.—New Zealand University championships. INCREASING POPULARITY OF EVENING MEED'S. The success that has attended recent evening meetings at the Caledonian Ground should convince the amateur controlling authorities that with a little more perseverance evening meets can be made a good paying proposition during the progress ot summer time. Saturday night’s meet was staged by the Civil Service Club, and though it was not very widely heralded it attracted a surprisingly good attendance for a small gathering, and the writer understands that as a result the club will show a profit of several pounds on the fixture. Recent meetings have been noted ior the number of good finishes that have resulted, and the Civil Service .one was no exception, the cycling events in particular giving the spectators more than their share of thrills. The conditions could hardly have been bettered, and the running track at the present time is a tribute to Groundsman Bob Maxwell, the fast times that were registered demonstrating that under normal conditions the Caledonian track is conducive to faster times than is generally reckoned to be the case. Though the starters in the 120yds handicap had a slight breeze to contend against it affected them very little, if ai all- Undoubtedly tha bess performance of the evening was C. M. Olsens great run in his heat of the ] 20yds handicap, though he did not move as well in the final, in winch he was unplaced. In the first heat Olson got out of the holes like a champion, and was quicklv into a fine stride. He did not look able to beat C. H. Duff at half-wav, however, but over the last 30yds he put in an electrifying dash which gave him the verdict by inches. The time was 12 3-ssec, which shows lust how well Olsen is running at the present time. The effort to get up took something out of him, however, for he has not been doing a great deal of training lately, and in the final he ran out of a place. He did not get away as well as in the heat, and though he gradually reduced the gap he did not show the same spirited finish as in his heat. The winner of the 120yds handicap turned up in S. F. Duncan, well known as a representative cricketer and Soccer player, who has been Tunning consistently well of late. After a strenuous day in the cricket field and at Hie bowling crease it was no mean effort to win his heat in 12 2-ssec and the final in 12 3-ssec, from the syds mark. Duncan fought out the issue with C. H .Duff, who was conceding the Caversham man a yard, but over the last lOvds Duncan made a great hurst and won by 4ft. Duncan ’has progressed from the limit mark earlier in the present season until now he nmst be reckoned as one of the best spnnteis in Dunedin. He is of good build, and his style Improves every time he steps on the track. He has developed a splendid finish, and if he continues along his present lines he should cause trouble even from the back marks. If he trained for the distance, Duncan would probably run a fast furlong as well. Second place in this event went to the ’Varsity sprinter, C. H. Duff, who is gradually striking his best form. From the 4yds mark he ran quite a good race, though lack of finish cost him the race. He has improved his start, and is getting rid of the tendency to overstride during the first tew yards, a fault which many of the local sprinters possess. Duff should be in good form when the University interFacultv championships are decided, and it will not be surprising if he carries off one of the sprint titles, though he will meet with stern opposition from that good sprinter, 11. F. Barr. R. A. Malone ran second to Duncan in his heat, but 6Jyds was not enough for the Anglican enthusiast in the final, and he had to be content with third place. He was in the picture at half-way, but faded out at the finish. From middle marks Malone is due for a win before long, and it will be a popular one. , . , „ N. J. Suckling seemed fairly well treated on the Byds mark in the 120yds handicap, but after running third in Ids heat he was not sighted in the final. Suckling has not been in the best of health of late, and illness has interfered with his training operations. Still, he runs his best races from 220yds upwards, for he can show improvement in getting out of the holes. In winning a heat of the 120yds handicap in 12 4-ssec from a 7yds mark, A. W. Duff ran one of his.best races of the season, but he did not run nearly as well in the final. Duff is a good man off the mark, but he is inclined to falter in the closing stages eff a race. This nearly proved bis undoing

iu his heat, but when M’Lachlan challenged him Duff came away again and won by a foot. In the final, however, ho faded out and did not gain a place. • After filling second place on several occasions of date the Caversham distance runner. W. Murphy, secured a well-earned victory in the cue-mile handicap on Saturday night, and by his running he further strengthened the impression he has given “ Pistol ” that with proper attention ho is likely to develop into a really first-class mile runner. He was on a good mark in this race, 95yds, but he ran a welljudged race, and was in a handy position with half the distance covered. He hung in behind for a Jap, but lengthened out in the last lap, and, entering ;i spirited challenge up the straight, went on to beat a longer handicap man in J. W. Johnson by a yard, the time being 4min 29sec. Murphy was running with more freedom than has been bis wont previously, his action was easier, and bis stride longer, and the writer is picking him to give further evidence of his capabilities b ; fore the season is brought to a close. L. C. M'Lachlan is running quite well just now, but the writer does not think he is quite up to the form he showed prior to the holidays. Another week of training, which was interrupted by a military camp, may work a difference, and at the important meets at the end of the present month he should be capable of showing his best form in the middle-distance events. On Saturday night, after running second in his heat, he failed to roach a place in the final, being on tb. Sjrj'd mark. From the 160 yd mark J. VV. Johnson ran a very fair race in the mile handicap to secure second place, but for the greater part of the distance his stride was far too snort. He lengthened out a little in the last lap, Tmt if he is to get the best results irom his running he will have to devote more time to striding. He has shown that he can stay, but unless he receives a few hints from an experienced _ miler and devotes more serious attention to training, he cannot bo expected to show much improvement. A well-known member of the Pacific Club in M. Hill ran into third place in the mile handicap from the 200 yd mark, and had he been fitter h© would have been better placed. As it was the pace set found him out in the closnm stages, and he faded away. He was carrying a little too much weight, but will run better miles before the season ends. On the 180 yd mark, A. Holt ran a fair race, and showed some improvement in style, but the way he carries himself must cost him a good deal of unnecessary effort. With some idea of correct body balance his action would improve considerably, for he is strong and determined, even if lacking in the fin© points. J. J. Morris has been having a, let no in training lately, hut though he was giving away big starts on Saturday night, the runner-up in the New Zealand mile championship reduced the big gap considerably, though he withdrew entering the final straight. He has had a strenuous season, and his advisers have shown common sense in persuading him to lie off a little in training. He is still but. a youngster, and if he continues to be handled along these lines New Zealand honors will he his before he is very much older. Few gamer exhibitions have been witnessed on the Caledonian Ground for a long time than tho running of J. G. Barnes, Morris’s comrade on the scratch mark, in the one-mile handicap on Saturday night, but the writer, ivhilo commending Barnes for the pluck he displayed in fighting out so gruelling a finish, thinks that it is unwise for any runner to take -part in such a race when ho is but half-trained. Barnes finished fifth—no more than 20yds at the most—behind the winner, and ho ran the mile in well under 4miu Sosec, but at the finish he collapsed, and was in absolute agony for a long time after the race had been decided. Lack of training was the trouble, and a runner is facing a grave risk under such circumstances of doing _ himself serious, injury. If Barnes trains seriously and places himself unreservedly in his coach’s hands there is no telling how well ho will go, for ho is one cf the best milors Otago has had. He has a splendid stride and a good acHon, and with such a heart handling is all that seems needed to direct him the right way. From the 3-Jyds mark Miss E. Burns scored a well-earned win in the 100, yds ladies’ handicap, in which, unfortunately, no time -was taken. Miss Burns showed a strong finish, and carried tho tape with her instead of easing a little, as did Miss F. Maxwell, the second girl. The field was a disappointing one m this race, only five girls facing the starter. Unless better fields are the order in the near future it seems likely that ladies’ events may be omitted from future programmes., ft was bad luck for the Civil Service No. 1 team that in. the 880yds relay handicap G. M. Olsen should have gone beyond the mark in making the change over to G. Valk, for although the backmarkers won by 3yds this cost them the race as the result of disqualification. Olsen and M'Rachlan both ran fine furlongs, and Vnlk also moved fast. The time was Imin 37scc, which was good going. Second place was filled by the Civil Service No. 2 team, but as the result of the irregularity they took first honors, Anglican being third. But for faulty transferring of the baton, University, running . from scratch, would have been placed in the 880yds relay handicap, M'Veigh and Hanan being the responsible parties. The race, however, showed that, in addition to being a more tnan useful long jumper, F. M. Hanan is a very fair sprinter. Ho should be capable of running a good quarter-mile. Hanan, by tho way, is a son of the Hon. J. A. Hanan, who in his day was a wellknown runner in the south.

AMATEUR CYCLING COAIMENTS. With every succeeding. meeting the cvcling events are productive of ©-eater enthusiasm and keener- finishes, and the crowd at tho Civil Service meet on Saturday night saw some of the best racing that has been provided ra Dunedin this season, the size ot the fields in each of the three races being ot a very satisfactory nature. The presence of the ex-Otago champion C. M. Nicholson, and the fact that E. Palmer was making bis entry into amateur ranks added grcaG.v to the uterest of the races. The three-mile cycle handicap in particular was one of the most exciting that has been seen locally for a very long time. At tlie bell Nicholson, Palmer, Templeton, and Bremford, all bookmarkers, were together, and m a great last lap Bremford rone to victory. The one-mile cycle handicap was somewhat marred by the accident that befell Templeton, Bremford,- and Nicholson in the first heat. Just before the far stretch was reached the three men crashed, and at first appearances it seemed as if one or other ot them must ,be .seriously, injured. However, after the mix-up was sorted out it was

found that though two of the bicycles were badly damaged the riders had escaped with minor abrasions, and it is worthy of note that later in the evening all three filled the places in the three-mile cycle handicap. Making his first appearance as an amateur, Eddie Palmer showed that he is going to be a big attraction locally, for already he has a good following. This is not to be wondered at. for he is a pleasing rider, and though the track is still on the soft side after the spell of very hot weather that has been experienced locally, he won his heat by four lengths in 2miu 28sec, and the final from A. L. Rosenbrock (65yds) by two lengths in 2rain 31sec. Palmer rode with judgment, and when, he sprinted in the Inst lap he left the field behind. He did not go so well in the three mile, though he was with the leaders iu the last lap, but was found wanting just in the last bit. Between Palmer, Brcml'ord, and Templeton there should bo sora© splendid races at forthcoming meetings, not to mention the men on the longer marks.

A. L. Rosenbrock won his heat of the mile cycle handicap from a 65yds mark in 2miu 29 2-ssec, and finished second in the final. With more attention to sprinting he is capable of still better performances. Campbell, who had 80yds, was third in his heat, hut did not find a place in the final. Ho does not sit his cycle particularly well, though ho is an improving rider Though he rode well in both mile and three-mile cycle F. Traill failed to gain a place in either event. He was second in his heat of the mile from a 60ycl mark, and was always well placed m the three mile, though he failed to get up at the finish. Traill did a good deal of the pacing in both races, which shows his sportsmanship. He is one of the most promising of tho local handicap men. and should be well to the fore in forthcoming events.

Third place in the mile cycle handicap went to Scott, who was on tho 90yds mark, but had he made more use of his start lie would have been better placed in both the one and three-mile events, for in each race he showed a good sprint iu tho last lap. Scott is displaying good form just now, and is due for a win shortly.

One ol : the most popular wins of the evening was that of R. A. Johnson in the mile novice cycle scratch race. The winner is a son of Mr J. Johnson, the genial president of the Otago Amateur Cycling Club, and in this race he gave a taste of his quality by securing the verdict over IV. .Lucas in the sprint. up the straight by half a length. The time was 2mir. 47sec. Johnson's win should be an encouragement to him to stick to training, for with more experience he should develop into a good rider. W. Lucas, who finished second in the mile novice cycle scratch race, rode, a better race in his heat than in the final. The former he won in 2min 42sec, but he had to lower his colors to R. A. Johnson in the final. He, too, is a likely looking rider, though in the final he did not get the best, of passages, . . J. H. Smith. Jor a new rider, is .snowing surprisingly good form. Ho was third in the novice event, but rode better over the longer three-mile course, in which from the limit mark of 315yds he rode unpaoed all the way, and was displaced only in the last lap. With racing experience and a, little coaching Smith should furnish into a very fair performer. The three-mile cycle handicap was one of the best races seen on the Gale, for some time, and with all the backmarkers together at the bclL it was not surprising that the crowcT was on its tip-toes. Along the far stretch it could be seen that the issue was going to lie between S. Bremlord and C. M. Nicholson, and when the latter took command it appeared all over. Brentford, however, gave evidence of how ho has improved during the present season, and entered a determined challenge, his finishing sprint giving him a three lengths’ victory. Tho time was Smin osec, Bremford being on the scratch mark. C. M. Nicholson was beaten oft the same mark in the three-mile event, but he was far from disgraced, lor it must be remembered that it was his first ride in competition since ho left Dunedin last season. There is no amateur cycling on the West Coast, but despite roqxmsts that he should enter. professional ranks Nicholson has retained his amateur status. Ho forced the backmarkers along in the llireo-mile event, but when Bremford came at him entering the straight he did not have his usual dash in reserve, and had to bo content with second place. W. J. Templeton rode a good race from the 10yds mark, and though he was not in the van with half a mile to go, ho came to light in the closing stages and finished in third place. With more judgment in his races Templeton is capable of better performances than he has yet registered this season. M. P. Bvrnes had to ride very fast, in the five-mile Auckland provincial championship at Hamilton a fortnight ago to beat F. Grose, the New Zealand champion (says- a. northern writer). The -pace was on right through the '■acc, and when, the hell rang Gruso wont out with one of his long sprints, with Byrnes on his wheel. Going down the back straight Grose had a lead of two lengths, but Byrnes had caught him entering the finishing straight. As the two.came round the home turn it appeared to be anyone’s race. Byrnes then asserted himself, and, finishing with, a great burst of speed, flashed past the New Zealand champion in the last 10yds, winning by half a length. It was a splendid ride by both Byrnes and Grose, but the Aucklander was too good for the Christchurch boy on tho day. The rest of the field were several lengths away. The half-mile championship was also won by M. P. Byrnes (Auckland), the holder, who defeated J. H. Wade (Auckland) and F. Henwood, who dead-heated for second place, by three lengths. F. Grose did not start in. the final of this event owing to an injury received in a fall at the conclusion of the first heat. Grose has been in solid training now for almost twelve months, competing in road and truck races during tho season, and it appears as if he has gone stale. Starting cycle races with a whistle is unsatisfactory, and last week’s meeting at the Domain, controlled by the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club and the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club, was not a success through no gun or pistol being used (says the ‘Herald’). There were glaring cases of riders “beating the gun,” yet no action was taken by the officials in charge. If an example was made of a rider attempting to “bent the gun,” the practice would soon be discontinued.

VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN CYCLISTS. Tho big events at the end of the present month will bo the appearances in Dunedin of the Australian f-dists J. Standcn and D. Gray, who have been nominated 'to represent / -istralia at the Olympic Games. Both men have already given a taste of their quality in the dominion, and Standen in particu-

lar appears to be a most brilliant rider, though he is only eighteen years of age. An invitation has also been extended to F. J. Grose, the New Zealand champion cyclist, to appear at the second meeting, which should be productive of some magnificent riding, especially as some of the local cracks, such as Brenford, Palmer, and Templeton, are in good form just now. Both fixtures in Dunedin arc evening meetings, the first being held on Wednesday, February 22. A one-mile cycle scratch race will be tbe big attraction. and in addition to the visitors several local riders will contest this event. The other events are a two-mile cycling handicap and a one-mile-and-R-hnlf novice cycle handicap, while track and field men are also being entered for, th© events in this branch being 220yds, 880yds. hop, step, and jump, and one-mile relay handicaps. The relay event will comprise four distances of 440yds each. On Saturday night, February 25 the scratch race should bo a thriller, as it will be staged over a half-mile course. The other cycling events are one-mile-nnd-a-half and three-mile cycling handicaps, and tho programme is completed by a 100yds handicap, 75yds handicap (under fourteen), one-mile handicap, one-mile medley relay handicap, and pole vault handicap. Both meetings will commence at 7 o’clock. The visiting cyclists will be in Dunedin for a week, and following their appearance at Dunedin they will ride at Masterton on February 29. During their stay hero an entertainment programme will be arranged, and the writer understands that the Otago Amateur Cycling Club intends assisting in tho entertainment of the visitors. OLYMPIC REPRESENTATION. Since the Australian and New Zealand championships little has been heard concerning New Zealand’s prospective representation at the Olympic Games, and while it is generally recognised that a large athletic team cannot t'o expected from New Zealand, followers of the sport aro hoping that something will be done during the course of the next month or two to ensure New Zealand being represented by at least a few athletes. *B. Lay put up such a remarkable performance in throwing the jaVelin at the Australasian championships that his claims to bo sent to the Olympic Games can hardly b© overlooked. He threw the javelin 218 ft 4in, which approached very nearly the world’s record, but the assistance of the wind prevented its acceptance as an Australasian record. However, the Hawera athlete has shown how consistent he ss by smashing his own Australasian record of 205 ft lljin during the past week. Competing at New Plymouth on Saturday night," Lay sent the long spear a distance of 209 ft 4in under perfect weather conditions, and his form is such that he should he the first man considered for inclusion in the New Zealand teams for tho Olympiad. R. A. Rose, is still a great distance runner, and his claims cannot be passed by lightly. Then J. W. Shirley, _of Auckland, in winning the Australasian hop. step, and jump championship with a New Zealand record marie of 471 t Pin, showed his ability to give of bis best when most required, and demonstrated in undoubted fashion that ho was in the very first flight. Though his figures aro hardly up to world's championship standard, Shirley's performances have been such as would justify his being sent to the games. E. G. Sutherland, also, is a fine athlete, and in form is a decathlon competitor of more than ordinary championship merit. He has previously competed at the Olympic Games, though he is now perhaps getting past his best. _ Others with outside chances of inclusion are 11. W. Lauder, Australasian 120yds hurdles champion. F. J. Grose, New Zealand cycling cliampion, F. Ramson, the co-holder of the Australasian 440yds hurdles title, and AT. Leadbetter, Now Zealand sprint champion. Though Lcadbciter was beaten at the Australasian championships, ho was still suffering from the injury sustained at the New Zealand championships, and is cajiablc of better performances, though perhaps scarcely up to world’s championship standard. Ramson, however, is but a youngster, and the experience he would gain at the Olympic Games would scud him back to New Zealand a champion of champions. If New Zealand is to be represented in the athletic section of the games, the anthoritiss will need to move quickly, and, though the New Zealand Olympic Association has charge of the general arrangements, it looks as if tho separate sporting bodies will havo- to do a large share of the work if they desire to be represented.

CANTERBURY NEWS. My valued correspondent in Christchurch scuds me. some interesting news regarding activities in Canterbury, and local enthusiasts will regret to learn that Malcolm Leadhettcr injured his ankle in Wellington. Prospects for the Canterbury championships aro decidedly bright, and it might be unfortunate for Lend better if he is unable to maintain solid training, for Brett Clark is expected to ho in great fettle for the 220yds championship. If ho can show his best form on the day ho should go close to beating Leadbctter.

Guy Nicoll, who ran third in the New Zealand and the _ Australasian BSoyds championships, will have real opposition in the half-mile from George Austin, and also in • the quarter-mile from Austin and Tideman. Austin was just beaten for fourth place in tho New Zealand 880yds championship by L. C. M'Lachlan, of Otago. My correspondent docs not think C. L. Allen will be in the hunt this year. Tideman ran w r ell recently over a half-mile, and should improve a groat deal by February 18. By then he should bo able to stay out u very hard quarter.

Taylor and Bain should be able to turn on a ically good race for the mile. J. M'Kec injured a leg by tailing oft a motor cycle,, and will probably be out of it. He is in Wellington at present. The Technical College Old Boys’ Club has selected a team of sixteen to represent it at the championships, and is putting them into training under club supervision. It should go very close to carrying off the teams’ championship. Lack of club interest is what is handicapping the snort in Canterbury, and at. the time oF writing the centre was going to consider ways and means of securing more competitors and popularising the sport generally. “I was very pleased to see that old Billy Duff won a race the other day—he certainly deserves a win,” the writer concludes. PROFESSIONAL CLUB’S MEET. Though there were no really outstanding performances at the professional meet staged by the Otago Athletic and Cycling Club on Wednesday night, spirited finishes were witnessed in some of the events, and the appear-

anco of such chifrapion cyclists as Phil O’Shea and H. G. Watson ms s fficient to ensure the success of the meeting. The club is to orainended on its efforts to obtain the best talent available, and, though the one-mile'race between this pair did not prove the race it was expected to be—being ridden at a rather slow pace * -<>st of the way—the finish compensated tor this in some measure, Watson catching O’Shea along the straight and winning by inches. No time was announced, but an unofficial watch on the race gave the time as 2min 46sec, which was slow, to say the least. Though O'Shea is now past his best, it cannot he gainsaid that he is still a great rider, and his appearance at a meeting is a draw in itself, which shows the popularity of the crack rider. The one-mile-and-a-half and two-mile cycle handicaps were both ridden at a slow pace in the early stages, and this suited O’Shea, for when it came to the finishing sprint he left the others behind, and won the former event in 3min 48 3-ssoc, and the latter in 6min 4 4-Csec. It must be remembered, however, that the track is still on the soft side, and not conducive as yet to the registering of very fast times. H. G. Watson has proved himself both on road and track, and leaves shortly for France to compete in the Grand Prix, one of the greatest of all wheel events. Ho was rather disappointing on Wednesday night, and finished second to O’Shea in two handicap events. Of tho local riders A. Ralston showed good form in tho one-mile handicap, which from the 100 yd mark lie carried off in a good finish in 2min 27sec. A. Brown and W. Robertson also rode fair races. The one-mile pursuit cycle race was a disappointment. N. Mackey being the winner in 2min 42sec. This event, contested in spirited fashion, could be made a very attractive feature of any cycling programme. Tho 880yds handicap was one of the poorest, races seen on the Cnle. for a long time, and the runners set out, as if < they were taking part in a tenmile run. The winner turned up in W. Kay. who from the 00yd mark returned the slow time of 2min llsec. Kay, however, is a promising runner, for he has a nice stride, and possesses a good finish. He ran well in the 120yds handicap off 7yds, winning in the good time of 12 l-fisec. Tho 75yds handicap final was a. close race, a. determined runner in A. M'Kerrow winning by inches from the fijyd mark in Bsec. Dick Webb, the University Rugby flier, had a canter in the 75yds handicap, but appeared short of training, and did not gain a place. In the 120yds handicap he was a competitor, but was called off after he had broken three times. The starting left something to be desired in the running events, for there seemed to be а, good deal of unrest among the sprinters at the start. In the cycling events, however, an improvement was noticeable. CYCLING CLUB’S PROGRAMME. The programme for the Otago Amateur Cycling Club’s evening meet on February 18 has been drawn up as followsßßoyds relay handicap (four furlongs!, 100yds handicap, I,oooyds handicap, half-mile schoolboys' cycle handicap (no racing cycles), half-mile cycle scratch race, onc-railo A grade handicap, one-mile R grade handicap, and three-mile cycle handicap. JOTTINGS. To-morrow evening amateur athletes will be well catered for at the openair entertainment under the auspices of tho Otago (Ticket Association, Carisbrook being the venue. A feature of the meeting will bo the ono-mllo cycle handicap on a grass track. Next Thursday there should bo a large influx of Dunedin athletes to Mosgiel, where tho T’aieri Amateur Athletic Club is holding its first evening meeting as a forerunner to the big meeting to he held mi March 10. The programme is a good one, and includes lOTyds, 220yds, 440yds,. one mile, one mile cycle, and two mile cycle handicaps. The fixture will commence at б. p.m. From Mr IV. A. Melrose, who was manager of the Wellington team at the recent New Zealand championships, f have received a copy of the .Lower Hutt Club’s programme lor its second annual meeting. Mr Melrose is secretary of this club, and 1. note that the entrance fes were Is an event (as is the case in Dunedin), or three for 2s 6d. The latter charge seems a. good idea, and one which might work advantageously in Dunedin. Tho 100yds handicap drew 28 entries and tho ladies’ 301),yds 20 entries, while the 220yds handicap attracted 01 entries. Several junior events were included on tho programme, which seems a good move. Making comparisons, it would appear that so far as (.he sprint entries art) concerned Dunedin is able to hold its own with the northern centres, for at most meetings thirty entries arc received for the 100yds or similar distance. Last Saturday nineteen starters took part in the 120; yds at tho Civil Service meet, while fifteen contested tho mile. Ami in .clay racing the entries locally arc always .satisfactory, the smallest field usually comprising five teams, while as many as ten or eleven have taken part during tho present season. The Canterbury Centro of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association last evening was presented with a suggestion that picnics should ho held in order to further the social side of tho sport (says the ‘Sun’;. The idea appealed greatly to one member of the centre, “We should cement tho gfiodfcllowship that should exist between our wives and friends and sweethearts!” lie declared. In a roar of laughter the idea, was adopted. The idea behind tho Otago Amateur Cycling Club’s formation of a committee of judicial stewards is a good one, but tho writer questions whether tho club lias power to inflict punishment upon competing cyclists for breaches ot the rules. The writer takes it that the real work of the stewards should bo to report upon irregularities and make recommendations to the Otago Centre, which is the controlling body of athletes and cyclists, and is the one with the power to inflict such punishments as may be recommended. The new cycling chib is full of zeal, but it must pot let its enthusiasm ride away from its discretion.

The Auckland Club’s meeting on February 25 is attracting considerable attention from track and field athletes, and a successful carnival is expected (says the ‘Herald). The Auckland Club, which is the oldest amateur athletic organisation in the dominion, has borne the brunt of sports meetings for some years, and the club has suffered heavy financial losses as the result of poorly patronised meetings. Its officials, however, are appealing to supporters for assistance, and already some fine trophies have been promised. The Jubilee Cup for aggregate points scored in events from 100yds to one mile is the gift of Messrs H. Curran and W. Norton, and it is a particularly

fine cup._ To give the meeting added interest it is the intention of the club to invite R. A. Rose to appear in the handicap events against J. W. Savidan. The meeting of the pair would undoubtedly attract public attention. It is to be hoped that Rose can see his way clear to come to Auckland. Perhaps the object of the meeting (to assist the Auckland Club financially) will appeal most to Rose, who appears to bo in liis best form.

An American paper to hand gives a list of the various athletic champions for the year, ft is as follows:—100yds dash—Chester Bowman, Newark A.C.; 220yds dash—diaries Borah, Hollywood A.C.; 440yds run—Herman Phillips, Illinois A.C.; 880yds run—Ray Watson, Illinois A..C; one-mile run—Ray Conger, Illinois A.G.; six-mile run—Willie Ritola, Finnish-American A.C.; 120yds high hurdles —Charles Werner, Illinois A.C.; 220yds low hurdles—Robert Maxwell, Los Angeles A.C.; 4.4oyds hurdles— John Gibson, Bloomfield (N.J.) Lyceum; three-mile walk—Harry Hinkel, Now York A.C.; running high jump— Robert King, Olympic Club; 161 b hammer throw—Jack Merchant, Olympic Club; javelin throw'—-Charles Harlow, Hollywood A.C.; running broad jump— Do Hart Hubbard, Cincinnati; 161 b shot put—John Kuck, Kansas City A.C.; polo vault—Leo Barnes, Hollywood A.C.; hop,..step, and jump—Levi Casey, Los Angeles A.C. ; 561 b weight throw—P. J. M'Donald, New' Y’ork A.C.; discus throw—Eric O- W. Krenz, Olympic Club; decathlon Fait “Chief” Elkins, University of Nebraska ; pentathlon—Harry Flippen, Newark A.C.; ten-mile run—Willie Ritola, Finnish-American A.C.; twomile steeplechase—Willie Ritola, Fin-m'sh-American A.C,; 880yds relay—New York A.C., New York; one-mile relay— Illinois A..C, Chicago, TIL; two-mile relay—lllinois A.C., Chicago, TIL; 440yds relay—Newark A.C., Newark, N.J.; four-mile relay—Los Angeles A.C.. Los Angeles, Cal.; fifteen-mile run—Jacob Kaysing, St. Louis. Mo.; marathon— Clarence De Mar, Melrose Post, Melrose, Mass. From this it will he seen that the Olympm 200 metres champion, Jackson Sehnlz, is now no longer among the title-holders.

Tlio newly-affiliated Otago Amateur Cycling Club believes in action, and next week will witness the chib’s first fixture, an evening meeting being set down for decision on February 18. The writer understands that both nilining and cycling events will be included on the programme. A road race is also melted in the near future. Miss Noma "Wilson, the New Zealand ladies’ 100yds title holder, is a real champion without doubt, and, following her great 100yds at. Gisborne, she ran 60yds in 6 2-ssoc at Wellington last Saturday, being but 1-fisec outside the world’s The 100yds she won in the great time of ]l. 2-6 sec. Miss Wilson is very fast out of the holes, and can give many of the men points when it comes to getting into her stride evenly from the start. _ She finishes better with every race it. would seem from northern reports. Although “on paper” a limit of 21yds looks a big start in a furlong, amateur bandicapper E. H. Cross justified his action in giving that start recently (says the Christchurch ‘Sun’), when three of the four virtual scratch race men, who worn on Byds, qualified for the final, in which the starters were spread over the marks from Byds to 22yds. Considering the number of new runners ho has had to handicap lately, he, is making a big success of his very difficult job. “ Pistol ” was advised by a loading member of the Invercargill A.A.C. last week that the Otago-Soutlihiml secondary school championshins will be held at Invercargill, probably on March 1. It is likely that nine or ten open amateur handicaps will bo included on the programme, and Invercargill supporters are hoping that, in addition to the schoolboys, a number of the Dunedin clubs will bo represented at the meeting.

The Australian cyclists will make their first South Island appearance at Christchurch on February 15,_ and at this meeting the one-mile cycling championship of Canterbury will lie staged. On the following Saturday the Canterbury championships will bo spread over the afternoon and night, the night events being 100yds, half-mile, and 100yds ladies’ championships.

Dunedin athletes will be pleased to hear that the well-known athletic enthusiast and trainer, “Andy” Mercer, lias been transferred from Wanganui to Hillside, Dunedin, and it is to be hoped that once again his services will be available for the training of local athletes.

At the meeting in Wellington last Saturday the Australasian 120yds hurdles champion, R, W. Lander, won the 120yds hurdles in 16scc and the 440yds hurdles in 61 2-ssec. In a heat of the lOO.vds the Now Zealand champion, M. Leadbetter, returned lOsoc, hut was unplaced in the final. There has been some talk of the University Club staging an evening meeting before its annual interfaculty meeting, and from the point of view of the dub itself such u fixture would he of benefit. The ’Varsity runners pet more than their share of running from the other dubs, and it seems only reasonable that the ’Varsity Club should also hold ait evening meeting before the season doses. C. M. Olsen’s nomination by the Otago Centre for a place in the New Zealand Olympic team docs not come as a surprise, though, in view of the lack of finances his chances of inclusion are not particularly bright. Olsen is a great middle-distance runner, and wore he to concentrate on the BSoyds there is no telling what times ho would ho capable of registering, for in the past ho has not specialised to any g at extent. Still, there are several who will probably be included in the team for other events before the Otago crack is considered.

Tho Canterbury country clubs’ championship will bo held at Timaru on March 3, and a hearty invitation is extended to Dunedin runners to be present at tho meet. Numerous handicap events will be included on tho programme. Two successful evening meetings have been held in Timaru since the New Year.

Two additional events on to-morrow night’s programme at Carisbrook will be the cricketers’ relay and schools’ relay races, both of which should be good attractions.