ATHLETICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 239, 9 April 1912, Page 7

ATHLETICS.

FRANKLEY ROAD SPORTS. Yesterday was not by any means an ideal day for out of door amusements of any description. Nevertheless, the committee in charge of the Frankley Road sports, after considering the weather, which all the morning was dull and gloomy, but at noon looked like brightening, decided to carry through the programme, especially in view of the fact that a number of spectators had arrived. They did not prove true weather prophets, however, as in the afternoon there was a downpeur, some of the events being run in pouring rain. The unfavorable weather considerably interfered with the attendance, only some 150 being present. The committee got the events oil without delay, the programme being completed at 4 p.m. Messrs. G. Tipping, J. McLeod and J. Clarke can congratulate themselves on their handicapping, the finishes in all the running events being remarkably close. The 100 yds. was won by six inches, the 220 yds resulted in a dead heat, the 440 yds. was won by a yartl. as was also the mile. The horse jumping event was a very bright incident, tlie six horses, who with their riders were in most cases novices at the game, jumped grandly. Faulty jumps were very few, whilst the hurdle was not refused on one occasion. The winners were all boys, who rode barebacked, and need not be afraid to bring their steeds out against better compan}'. The sheepguessing and chain-stepping competition produced big fields, due to the fact that the sale of tickets was in the hands of Mrs. Dowries, who lost no opportunity of doing business. The committee was a small one, comprising in all fourteen members, and they had worked hard to ensure a success, so that the weather was particularly disappointing. Mr. C. A. IDowaes, as secretary, already has a high reputation, and it is sufficient to say that yesterday's arrangements enhanced that reputation. Mr. Lister, the starter, got his fields well away. The judges, Messrs. 'M. Norris, F. Lee and Lister, had some close finishes to adjudicate, but their decisions were prompt and gave general satisfaction, as did also those of Messrs. Boulton and W. Sole, who had charge of the horse events. The sports were held in a paddock placed at the committee's disposal by Mr. H. J. Okey, !M.P., who also entertained the committee at luncheon. The paddock is an ideal one for the purpose, and the track prepared (by the club was favorably commented on. Mr. Beal had charge of the refreshments. lie had prepared for a holiday crowd, which did not arrive; consequently he did not do as well as he expected. Tlie results were as follows: 100 yds race—M. D. Julian (7yds) I, J. Vale (10yds) 2, S. Jury (12yds) 3. Also started: 'F. Mace and H. H. Crozier 10yds, B. McGrath 12yds. A good race. Won by six inches. iy 2 mile cycle handicap Joe Cross (20yds) 1, H. Lobb (120 yds) 2. Also started: T. Lister 100 yds, C. Gilbert 120 yds. A very slow race. Only the two placed men finished, and it ..was a very friendly finish, too. Singk ladies' race—Miss E. Baylv 1, Miss L, Hamilton 2. Six started.

v. 22Qyds race—R. H. Lawrence (20yds) I and j. Vale (20yds), dead heat, 1; S. ! Jury (22yds), 3. Also started: M. D. I Julian 9yds, and T. •'Xlnee 18yds. Another i good race, only a yard separating the I placed men. \ Boys under 10—Bayly (2yds) 1, Ward ' (scr) 2. About eight lads started. The two placed lads ran a dead heat. The run-off resulted similarly. On the third attempt Bayly won rather easily. 440 yds open —M. D. Julian ("25 yds) 1, R. A. Allen (30yds) 2, Lawrence (25yds) 3. Also started: E. ill. Stoddart 15yds, J. Vale 30yds, and A. Gilbert 32yds. Allen was leading, c-losely followed by Lawrence and Stoddart during the early stages. A hundred yards from home Julian came with a great burst and wo* by about half a yard, Lawrence being about eighteen inclus away. Local hunters' hurdle jumping competition—R. 0. Okey 1, IL E. Okev 2, E. Allen 8. Also started: G. Tippins, D. Crozier and Jury. 'BBoyds—E. H. Stoddart (30yds) 1, M. D. Julian (50yds) 2, Spence (70vds) 3. Also started: R. li. Lawrence 35yds, R. A. Allen 40vds, T. Lister (10yds. This also proved an exciting finish. Spruce lead most of the way. One hundred and j iitfy yards from home Julian burst through, but could not foot it in the J final stages with Stoddart, who won by : three yards. (Married ladies' race—* Mrs. King 1, Mrs. Downes 2. Six started. Won by inches only. Girls under sixteen—Miss E. Bayly 1. Mile Handicap—R. .Spence (115 yds) 1, R. H. Lawrence (05yds) 2. R. A. Allen, OOvds, also started, but dropped out after going half a mile. Spence plodded on, Lawrence gradually overhauling him, but the winning post came soon enough to allow Spence to win by a yard. 'Stepping the chain—C. Lister, Gilbert and M. Norris all stepped within six inches of the correct distance, and divided the money. There were 44 competitors. Sheep-guessing (correct weight 1201b) —'F. A. (Bridgeman 125'/ B lb. There were 41) entrants.