AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17692, 1 August 1919, Page 8

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

By Amateur. With peace terms safely negotiated and tho happy return of mnny of our prominent athletes, .wo may look forward with confidence to increased interest in sport in general. The lossons of the war have shown that the physical development of our race is a national question, and demands the interest and encouragement of every citizen (great or humble) in tho Empire. This is readily recognised by our military authorities, who are prepared to cooperate iu every possible way to ensuro success in the proposed sports meeting to be held in October.

Iho Otugo Centre, N.Z.A.A.A., has been revived after a temporary suspension of activities, and the evident keenness of delegates augurs well for the advancement of athletics. It is to be hoped that club members will bo ever ready in assisting tho centre in their efforts to foster athletics. Tlio most cfTectivo way to do this is for members to make themselves fit by systematic training, and so provide interesting competitions / that will bo appreciated by the public. The Pacifio Harrier Two-milo Rnico, held last Saturday, provided a good example of the valuo / of steady training, when M. Hill won with the greatest of ease. Complaint has been expressed regarding the failure of tho handicapper to encourago the other and younger inembors of the club. On the day Hill could havo conceded twico the limit, and then havo had a fighting chance, but it is a fact that ho has been training consistently for a long time, and is consequently demonstrating the value of steady and regular training. To get into "good form" with the object of being successful in competition mombers must recognise tho immense benefit to be derived from steady and systematic training, and .when this becomes a general practice tho result will be keoner and more oven competition, with greater satisfaction to competitors and tho spectators, who are always ready to watcli and appreciate a keenly-contested event. If those competitors who have not the will and energy to train themselves ask and receive the compassionate consideration of the handicapper for that reason, then decadence in athletics may be looked for. lhose who train systematically, with the object of attaining their maximum efficiency, merit the success they achieve. Hill is an honest, dependable runner, who is improving every year. Ho registered his third consecutive win in the Pacifio Harriers' Twomile Handicap, and deserved it. A. 15. Grey, who finished second, is a young runner, who shows promise, and if ho continues to improve will be heard of later. W. Staj-k, who ran third, has plenty of power and paoo, and when he realises tho necessity for proper training may be expected to improve his position. The resignation of tho newly-appointed secretary to the centre was received with regret, tho exigencies of (Jie Railway Department requiring hi 3 services in a capacity which prevents him from satisfactorily carrying out tho duties* required of an official of the centre. This is unfortunate for amateur athletics, as his club record shows that Mr Hay had plenty of energy and organising ability—qualities which are very ncces 2H>' at present: Mr C. Thomas (of- St. •ru Harrlers ) be secretary pro tern. The centre has decided to restore the interclub cross-country championship over a distance of fivo miles. Provided the rail way sendee will admit of it—at present a doubtful matter,—tho race will be held from Wingatui Racecourse, with the permission of ihe Dunedin Jockey Club and the farmers who own adjacent properties. Distance runners should note with pleasure that- tho Anglican Harrier and A.A. Club is arranging a five-mile road race handicap, for which valuable prizes will be given to first, second, and third, and also to the competitor recording the fastest time. This race will be held on September 13, probably in conjunction with a football match.

The Anglican Club's syllabus shows that the Saturday arrangements are varied and interesting. The' club is fortunate in having a number of warm supporters, and especially in tlu interest shown by the ladies, who so generously entertain the members. One of the members—Private W. G. Lane, M.M., and a former club champion, who has just returned irom active servioe—had the distinction of winning three three-mile events while in tho Homeland. These were the Ewshott Thre®niile Championship, tho Ewshott Threemile Handicap, and the Aldcrshot Three-mile Championship, in the last of which there were 98 competitors. He will be a welcome strength to the team for the interclub race.

The following have been selected by the Pacific Club to traiu ior the interclub competition : —J. Harvey. L. Henderson, M. Hill, G. Ferguson, A. E. Grey, W. Tims, J. Cameron, .J. Swanson, J. Ritchie, H. Guy, and W. Stark.

Other clubs should lose no time in preparing for the event, which carries the championship of Otago over five miles. A suggestion which will find favour with all sportsmen has been sent forward by the Otago Centre to the New Zealand Council, N.Z.A.A.A. for approval—namely, to offer reinstatement to all Tetnrned soldiers who wish to compete as amateurs. The reply received indicates that the council is heartily in accord with the proposal.