ATHLETICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1922, Page 1

ATHLETICS.

NEW ZEALAND v. SOUTH AFRICA. BY i'ELEfIKAPH—I>itESS VCN\, COCiKIUHT. WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. in the presence of 81H)(J enthusiasticspectators, the champion athletes of New Zealand and South Africa, competed in a series of events. Sumniei weather prevailed, and the meeting was most interesting. It was held in the Athletic Dark, as cricket teams occupied the Basin Reserve. The ground was . considered slow, but fast times were recorded. The programme included 'five tests between South Africa and the Dominion’s best athletes. Rose (N.Z.) won the first test over a mile in 4min. 29 secs. Ooosterlank evened up in the next, the 100 yards, beating Davidson (N.Z.) by a foot in 10 secs. The third tost was the 440yds. and it proved most exciting, Taylor, (N.Z.), beating Johnson (S.A.) by three yards in 50 l-ssocs. In the fourth test, 220 yards, Africa made the. score two all, Ooserlaak and Bakes filling the first and second places. The winner took 21 4-5 secs, which is a New Zealand record, being equal to the best Australasian relay race.

The final test provided a sensation. The Africans’ team in the order of starting were: Leathern, Johnston, Bakes, and Ooosterlaak. The New Zealand team were: Taylor, Tracey, Wilson aind Davidson. Taylor led Leathern at the finish of the half mile. Tracey and Johnston then set out for the quarter mile. The former made the pace as hot as though sprinting a hundred yards, and almost collapsed in the straight. Then as Johnston crossed to get to his partner, lie must have touched Tracey’s arm, and the New Zealander thus dropped his baton. 'Hie New Zealanders being thus hopelessly out of it, did not continue. South Africa won the handicap events.