THE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 171, 23 August 1909, Page 2

THE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Those even who take Ik::,- „r no interest in athletics must feel some little pride of country in the fact that, with practically a second team, New Zealand has succeeded, on Australian soil, in demonstrating its' right to the athletic championship of Australasia. Ncer probably has the Dominion compact fo r the honor under less favorable civ. cumstance, and seldom lias she so signally succeeded. It was only after considerable objection that this country agreed to the meeting being held at this time of the year, the time having bee-i fixed to work in with the Queensland Exhibition. In our climate, it is almost impossible for athletes to undergo a thorough training in the winter time, a serious handicap that does not applv to the Australians. Then when the team was selected, four of the leading members found they were unable to make the journey, and accordingly ''second" men were selected. And yet, out of tri events in which our numerically small team competed, they were placed first in eight, and second in another, finishing out of place in only one event. The ic" suit is an additional splendid tribute to the physique, stamina and clean-living of the young New Jiealander.