ATHLETICS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1932, Page 4

ATHLETICS

SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY RUN.

The question may well be asked: Why are there so few prominent foot-run-ners produced on the West Coast and the reply is equally signifieent: It is the lack of opportunity. The West Coast generally might claim the finest athletes in many forms of sport, for its youth enioy a healthy climate, and the majority of occupations demand that physical fitness and initiative, conducive to the development of the finest athletes.'

Yesterday afternoon it was pleasing to see the Hokitika District High School initiate a cross-country run for both senior and junior pupils. The senior course was over a distance of approximately four miles, and the juniors three miles, of the usual type of country, demanding the negotiation of obstacles in the form of fences, gates, sand, and water-courses.

The result of the senior event was H. Bradley 1, G,. Johnson 2, D. Spence 3, M. Baird 4, W. Butland and C. Cox equal 5, J. Howard 7, J. Dorreen 8. The junior , race resulted: —R. McDougall 1, C. Bradley 2, b. Parry 3. R. Wieblitz 4, W. Douglas and P. Bovd 5, W. Sweney 7. Before the hoys started away. Mr S. A. C. Darby and M]r J- Williams offered a few helpful hints, and expressed regret at the lack of local interest generally in this form of sport. Mr Darby stated that they were pnrticnlarlv fortunate in having in Mr J. L. Menzies a master so interested in the physical development of the pupils, and his efforts undoubtedly will be shortly reflected throughout local sports competitions. The school intends holding an annual run. and it is to be honed that sufficient support and enthusiasm will prevail to initiate a men’s run, which will he the initial step towards the production of many fine athletes, capable of extending New Zealand’s best.: