RUNNERS BUSY

NZ Truth, Issue 1142, 20 October 1927, Page 12

RUNNERS BUSY

Christchurch Athletes After Honors

<From "N.Z. Truth's" Christchurch Rap.)

Canterbury is preparing for the New Zealand amateur <|hampionships and has a big team in training. The provincial titles will be decided in February next, and the . team that is expected to make a big bid for honors in December will be selected after special trials. fYTAGO is following suit by putting a team of probables into the hands of competent coaches, and the South Island should collect a fair share of the honors. Charlie Taylor, ex-Australasian middle-distance champion, is in charge of the training operations in Canterbury and is throwing himself into his work, heart and soul. He has some promising material, too. M. Leadbetter, New Zealand 100yds. and 220 yds. champion had his initial run at the first evening meeting at Lancaster Park, and, although he has not yet struck top form, he uncovered a finish that was remarkable. He gave away B%yds. in a hundred, •nd in the final came to light with an •mazing burst of speed over the last twenty yards, the time being 10 3-ssec. Xieadbetter will take a lot of beating when his titles are at stake. Canterbury has < a good high jumper, R. H. Neville, who is being taught the American roll. If he can master It in time for the championships he is expected to go very close to 6ft. The flrst of the electric light meetings at English Park Stadium was held on Saturday evening, and Jack Henderson signalized his i*eturn from Australia hy winning the two miles cycle scratch race In good style. It ls possible that Christchurch will eee tin-hare racing at the Stadium before the summer is over. Whether the sport will take on in the flat city is problematical. The crowd did not think much of whippet racing in the last two seasons.