HASTINGS HARRIERS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 72, 12 April 1937, Page 8

HASTINGS HARRIERS

Enthusiastic Opening Run Glorious weather and an attendance of 50 runners niarked the opening of the Hastings Harrier Club's 1937 season at the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's grounds on Saturday afternoon. Since the club's inception in 1932 the opening ruds have been well attended, but this year the number present constituted a record. The Hastings men * turned out in force, and a contingent of Napier runners and officials also took part in the function. It was pleasing to note the enthusiasrui of all runners and the presence of many young newcomers to the sport. The Rev. D. J. A. Shaw, patron of che club, declared the season open, and after a photograph had been taken of all present the runners set off on a massed run over a course of approximately 3J miles. The trail finished on the racecourse, and after an easy run, a sprint home was held over the final 300 yards, which resulted in L. Spurdle being first, G- Ready second and S. Gollop third. Also in the running were R. Strachan 4th, T. Double 5th, P. Barrer 6th and T. Taylor 7th. It was an inspiring sight l'or the spectators to watch the mass of black and yellow singlets hreak into that last dash home. After the run the ladies' committee provided afternoon tea in the kiosk, and after this most welcome interlude Mr Shaw, welcomed the visitors and thanked the ladies for their much-ap-preciated efforts. On behalf of the Napier CJub, Mr C. O. Morse, the patron, suitably replied, and emphasised the strefiuous nature of ,the harrier sport and the necessity for being fit to obtain the best out of cross-country work. Mr Morse also invited all present to the official opening of the Napier Club next Saturday. Mr- A. M. Robertson drew attention to the loss to harrier circles which will be occasioned by, the impending departure of Mr C. Wright, captain of the Hastings Club, who has been a stalvyart of the harrier sport for many years. Mr Hatc-h, captain of the Napier Club, also paid tribute to Mr Wiight's sterling performances. The entbusiasm which was evident at this opening meeting augurs well for the success of th,e Hastings club's new season and for the growth in popularity of barrier-running in Hawke's Bay generally. A run will be held for the Thurgday division of the club pn Thursday afternoon next at 2-30 p.m. at Nelson Park.