ATHLETIC NOTES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 456, 13 April 1912, Page 6

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(All communications to the Union should be addressed to the Secretary, Jno. H. Trinnear, Te Kuiti). FIXTURES UNDER UNION RULES. April 24—Athletic Club, Gordonton - (near Hamilton) May I—Waihi1 —Waihi Miners' Union Sports During the Easter holidays several sports gatherings were successfully carried out and in every instance a financial success reported. Unfortunately the weather was not on its best behaviour, causing the running tracks to be very heavy,and under the circumstance*, in many instances, good times were recorded. The greatest satisfaction has been expressed with the number of entries received by the various clubs, the Helensville club receiving the splendid entry of 27 nominations for the cup race. The Papakura Band sports were also well supported by some of the best Auckland runners and with the attraction of A. B. Postle competing in the 120 yards Sheffield and 300 yards handicap, a good day's sport resulted. The Cup was run in four heats and the final won by G Timms off 10|yds, defeating J. G. Brain, 12yds, by 6in, about half a yard covering the first six runners. The Thames Foresters' sports attracted a good number of runners from Auckland, and with the assistance of runners from Waihi, Te Aroha, Hamilton and Thames some splendid racing eventuated. One of the most satisfactory aspects of athletic sports at the present moment is the large number of new'runners competing. This is as it should be, and one of the great aims of the Union is to encourage new runners. What is wanted at the present time to assist to secure this object is a couple of district races over various distances being placed on programmes. The prize money need not necessarily be large—th« true sporting character is pronounced amongst novices which should be encouraged. One of the most interesting branches of sport—hurdling-has not been very liberally treated in the past. Such interesting events (which require speed as well as skill to secure success) are very popular with the general public and while there are several successful performers in this branch of sport, there is every indication that with increased prize money offering the number of hurdle runners would be considerably increased. We recommend this matter to clubs drawing up programmes and look forward to good results. Application for affiliation from the Ongarue Athletic Club for their meeting on Empire Day, May 24th, is expected at any time, and in glancing over their programme the various events should attract good fields. From experience gained in conducting sports it has been proved beyond doubt that where competitors pay a small sum for nomination increased entries are received, and after handicaps are • published very few cases occur where runners are dissatisfied, and although a little grumbling invariably takes place the acceptances are well above the average. It is almost a recognised custom to charge 5 per cent, nomination and acceptance on first prize money, although the rules of the Union allow 5 per cent, on total money. 1 What really is of importance to competitors is the amount they have to pay to see their marks —make small nomination money —result large nominations. The Marokopa Athletic Sports Club are preparing for their next gather ing in a businesslike way and a good committe has the arranging of a permanent sports ground. This is a question which will have to be serious!v considered by the Te Kuiti Club if the success of past meetings are to be again recorded as a result of their efforts. In the interests of the whole district and of the various sports bodies in our midat some arrangement should be arrived at by the civic fathers without delay so as to secure for all time a well arranged and convenient recreation reserve. The trustees of the Domain, we feel suic, would oniv be too pleased to hand over their responsibilities to the Horough, and if power was granted to cut up and sell the reserve the money so se cured could be invested in larger and less valuable property. Ihe assistance of the IJorough Council should certainly be secured to have a permanent ground for recreative purposes. Any extended delay not favourable as land values are increasing. The International Exhibition to be held in Auckland next year should prove the Mecca of athletics, and every assistance from the Union will be exetnded to the exhibition authorities to make the outdoor sports the attraction it is worthy to be. Arrangements are now being considered by Union officials to have the Auckland provincial district divided into districts and arrange a circuit so as to have meetings following in rotation, saving clashing ol dates, etc. It is also contemplated that as a result of this scheme each district will have an opportunity of appointing representatives to compete for provincial championships next year.