The Field of Sport

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 346, 29 January 1937, Page 2

The Field of Sport

ATHLETICS. (By Shotput.) ; It was gratifying to see such an improved atmosphere around the Victoria Park meeting last Tuesday—the athletes seemed mor»enthusiastic. There was a considerably larger number of spectators than at previous meetings. With the approach of the championships more attention to training will be necessary if the club is to gain as many points as it has in the past. However, with the inter-club evening against New Plymouth next week and the electric light carnivals at Eltham and Stratford, prior to the suT5rentre championships on February TO, the athletes will no doubt show much improved form. It would be as well, however, to recall the comments of Mr J. E. Lovelock when commenting on athletics in New Zealand—namely that the misguided Idea seemed prevalent that it was only necessary to train for a week or 1 two and perfect fitness was attained. It is .to be hoped that the stalwarts who do train regularly will meet with the success they deserve. * * * One feature, however, which calls for a little timely criticism is the manner in which Stratford athletes turn out for their exercises. There ia a sensible rig for athletics and the club has a uniform and colours. Only a minority of those who took part in the events on Tuesday, however, seemed to realise or care about this fact. The committee is rightly kfixious that air the club’s regular athletes should compete at meetings attired in the correct manner. The Uniform, for the benefit of those Who may have forgotten, consists of black shorts or skirt and flame coloured singlets. The club captain will stencil the black S on the singlet for any member free of charge. The 120 yards men’s handicap Was a. splendid event, but it (seems .that apart from R. Cuff there 'is (quantity rather than quality in the sprint (section this eepison.

The two juniors, O. Mander and N. Ranford were impressive in the mile event and these two, especially Mander. may be very hard to head off in the dis rance events next year if they cont nue to improve as expected. They are both young, however, and the club coaches are taking care to see that they do not advance in excess of their stamina. * * * It was a welcome change for Miss Knox to have some real opposition, and the ladies races were well contested. It seems a pity that lady competitors are so few this year and it seems to me that an endeavour should be made to find some more competitors if only to give Miss Knox a fair show in the championships. * * * With the addition of Bocock, the club should be able to put up a first class showing in the shot putting. Kofoed did not seem to be at his best on Tuesday in either of the field events, but he usually comes to light when necessary and will be well to the fore in the discus event. J. Bowler seems to be improving fast as a discus thrower and his 96 feet was a commendable effort. * * * Among the cyclists Aitken and Beere showed improved form. Beere seemed to be’riding very easily (and he should be at the top 'of his form for the coming carnivals.. The times recorded were quite good and the back markers, Adams and Ludliam can be Expected to be in the limelight on any occasion. * * * The relay events have never achieved the objective of attracting to the club evenings young men who would probably become keen /if they were to run in a relay team on two or three evenings. The intention pf getting together “house” teams p'eems to have been dropped, but it sSeems a pity as this type of event Tielps 'a club along a lot.