KIATERE HARRIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1939, Page 2

KIATERE HARRIERS

SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENED. ; ENJOYABLE GATHERINGS. On Saturday at the Solway Showgrounds the Kaitere Club officially opened the season's activities. A large number of Masterton Harrier Club members and supporters were present as guests, and judging by the enthusiasm shown both clubs should experience a successful season. A pleasing feature at the opening runs of both clubs has been the splendid response to the call for juniors, and there can be no doubt that the presence in Masterton of that great track and crosscountry runner, W. A. C. Pullar, is proving a inspiration to local boys. After Mr L. A. Askew (president) had officially declared the season open, the combined club’s, numbering 40 runners, were sent away on a 31 miles run which was taken in easy stages, with a “run in” over about 300yds. G. Sutherland, leading from W. McDonald, finished strongly to be first home. A light training run for the combined juniors with a run in over 200yds reseulted in D. Cairns being first and M. Doyle second. At the conclusion of the races an adjournment was made to the Arcade Hall where afternoon tea was served by the ladies’ committee of the Kiatere Club, in charge of Mrs Burns. The president briefly addressed the gathering, expressing his pleasure at Seeing so many Masterton Club members present. Mr lan Cameron, president of the Masterton Club, in replying, stressed the importance of physical fitness, and the important part cross-country running was playing in helping to maintain it. Mr Cameron put forward the suggestion that in the future a combined harrier function such as a ball should be held. This suggestion met with the full approval of .those present, and the matter will be discussed by the two club committees.

Other speakers were Messrs A. Burns, G. R. Sykes and R. Gully, who dealt with various matters relating to harriers.

A successful dance in the evening was a fitting wind-up to an enjoyable day, and both clubs will now settle down to the serious business of training. and the fulfilment of their schedules.