MASTERTON HARRIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1939, Page 6

MASTERTON HARRIERS

OPENING OF THE SEASON ON SATURDAY. AN ENJOYABLE OCCASION. A large gathering of club supporters attended the official opening of the season of the Masterton Harrier Club, which took place at the Park Oval on Saturday afternoon. The president, Mr I. D. Cameron, sent away a large number of harriers, including a strong contingent of members of the Kiatere Club. The trail laid by Messrs J. J- Hunter and R. Bell was over three miles, with a run in over the last quarter mile. Much interest was taken in the running of Mr V. P. Boot, Empire Games champion, whose easy and graceful style were admired. Boot and W. A. C. Pullar were out for an easy training run.

Ron Wyeth finished strongly to win from G. Sutherland in the senior event, and M. Doyle ran a good race to win the junior event. Harriers taking part, and supporters, were later entertained by the club at afternoon tea in the Masonic Hall. In declaring the season open, .Mr Cameron stressed the urgent and imperative need for physical fitness today, particularly in view of the international situation. Mr Cameron expressed pleasure at the presence of Messrs Boot and Pullar, two of New Zealand’s outstanding athletes. (Applause). On behalf of the ladies’ committee Mr Cameron presented Mrs R. Gully, president of the ladies’ committee, with a gift as a token of esteem from her fellow-workers. Mrs Gully suitably replied. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. Robertson, M.P., Reynolds and Wright. Mr R. Gully, club captain, welcomed new members and expressed pleasure at the presence of such a large number of Kiatere harriers. Mr A. Askew, president of the Kiatere Harrier Club thanked the Masterton Club for its hospitality and gave an invitation to the club to attend the Kiatere official opening on Saturday next. Mr G. R. Sykes, a staunch supporter of the club, impressed on members the Grecian adage: "A sound mind and a sound body.” which he aptly applied to Messrs Boot and Pullar. Mr J. J. Hunter, who has now been a harrier for 21 years, said he was pleased to see so many new members, and also Mi- Sykes, a staunch supporter over many years. (Applause). Mesdames E. Shaw, R. Gully, Kibblewhite and Misses Hatch. Bell and Andrews were responsible for the excellent arrangements.