SUCCESS OF LOCAL GIRL ATHLETE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3893, 10 January 1929, Page 2

SUCCESS OF LOCAL GIRL ATHLETE.

MARGARET BARRON SURPRISES PALMERSTON NORTH OFFICIALS. Miss Margaret Barron, the local athlete competed for the first time at an evening sports meeting at Palmerston North last night when she took both officials and spectators by surprise by her athletic prowess. Barefooted, she toed the mark in two races against experienced runners with sprigged shoes and costume, and won both events. No time was taken in the first race of 75 yards but when she romped home off the 4vds. mark, she was put back on scratch .for the second event of 100 yards. This handicapping, however, only served to inspire her to more strenuous effort ami again she breasted the tape well ahead of her companions and icovering the distance in a time which closely challenges the New Zealand ladies’ record for the distance. The officials of the Manawatu Athletic club were so enthusiastic over her performances that before she left for home, she was equipped with running costume and shoes and extended best wishes for success in future. Results of last evening’s events are as follow: — Half-mile cycle race: G. Cooksley (40yds.)' 1, O. Prouse (90) 2, M. Donald (15) 3. One and a-half mile cycle: G. Cooksley (130yds.) 1, O. Prouse (200) 2, McKenzie 3. 220yds. handicap: H. McDonald (13) 1, A. Weston (12) 2, L. Cowling (18) 3. Only starters.

Ladies’ 75yds.: Miss M. Barron (4) 1, Miss G. Matthews (5) 2, Miss M. Bailey (7) 3. Ladies’ 100yds.: Miss M. Barron (scr.) 1, Miss G. Matthews (6) 2, Miss Gill (scr.) 3. Boy’s 100yds.: N. Barnao (Convent) 1, Jack Mullins (College St.) 2, B. Turnbull (College St.) 3. Miss M. Barron, who is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Barron, of Robinson Street, celebrated her 15th birthday on the Ist of this month. For some time past she has been recognised as the “greyhound'’ of the local District High School athletic team and has the distinction of .never having been beaten off scratch in any school event. For the last two years she has won every event in which she competed for her school both at Sandon and Feilding and again at the close of last year when representatives from Marton, Levin and Foxfcon were assembled locally for the 'Thompson Shield. Recently Miss Barron has been undergoing training under the guidance of Mr. 0. Doel and the results of his efforts were more than justified at Palmerston North last evening. Miss Barron leaves in the company of her father and Mjr. Doel for Wellington to-morrow to compete in the Wellington sports meeting to be held on Saturday evening, having received an invitation from the Wellington association to compete as an honorary member. Misses Hoyle, Stewart and Doherty as well as the track competitors from Wanganui, Napier and (Sdsborne districts will be present and it is to be hoped that Miss Barron will be able to make a name for herself in classic events. The best wishes of the citizens of Foxton will accompany her on her visit to the capital city.