AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 21 (Supplement)

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

OPEN MEETING ARRANGED THE HAMILTON CLUB INTERHOUSE RELAY CONTEST (By “ Nurmi.”) The Hamilton Athletic Club executive decided at a special meeting last Monday to conduct a sports carnival at Hinemoa Park on Saturday, December 16. It was suggested that efforts be made to secure floodlighting and hold the meeting at night, as is done by many southern and Auckland clubs, but the uncertainty regarding the lighting left such an arrangement much too indefinite. The meeting will be somewhat different from previous open meetings in that only half the events will be open events, the remainder being inter-house relay and team contests. Cyclists will note that three cycling events—a one and a-half miles junior, one and a-half miles senior and three miles open have been included in the proposed programme. The exact number and details of each event will be given in this column next week. In the meantime most club members will, be training hard in preparation for the big day. About Those Numbers! Intending competitors in open events will do well to note that correct club uniform and registration numbers are absolutely essential before their entry can be accepted. In making entries, also, it is necessary to use the official forms which require details of the last six performances in each event. Most competitors would be wise at this stage, to keep a notebook record of their activities and thus save themselves considerable trouble late. It is just possible that the handicapping may be done by an official outside the Hamilton club, in which case the old entry of “ known by the handicapper ” will be obsolete. Club Uniforms The official uniform of the Hamilton club is black singlet and shorts, with “ H ” ih liin. gold ribbon (size, 7in. x 6Jin.) on chest, and liin. gold ribbon on shorts. The ladies’ uniform is exactly the same as the men’s, except that the tunic has short sleeves. Quite a few of the competitors, at recent meetings, have not yet secured uniforms and it is suggested that they be given until the last Saturday in November to do so. If this suggestion is adopted, the importance of correct gear will be brought to the notice of every club member in plenty of time for the open carnival. Working Bees Required The track at Hinemoa Park has been shifted a considerable distance nearer the tennis courts to allow last year’s track a chance to grow. The re-laying of the new track, complete with seven separate lanes throughout, and a full set of handicap marks over each distance, is a task of considerable magnitude. To cope with this it has been decided to request the attendance of every available member at a working bee next Sunday and the following Sunday, from 10 a.m. till noon. In addition to the work mentioned, it is necessary to erect a wire fence extending the full length of the running field. Members have but to remember that many hands make light work and every-* one who possibly can should attend next Sunday. Jottings R. B. Joyes will re-commence racing this week. The present Waikato and Auckland hurdles champion has been taking things quietly of late so far as his own racing is concerned, although the energies expended in the interests of the club and athletics generally must aggregate the equivalent of a dozen or 20 hard races. A splendid all-rounder over sprints, quarters, hurdles or jumping events, Joyes sets a high standard in each, and is a fine type to which budding athletes may well look for a model. L. D. Irwin is another to re-appear today. Les has filled out considerably since last season, although it is doubtful if he is yet quite to the full extent of possible physical development. The holder of Waikato half and mile titles for the last two seasons, Irwin has gone some great races over hurdles as well as on the flat. Swimming and boxing are sidelines with this fellow, and although “ Nurmi ” does not consider that this will be his peak season, nevertheless, it is more than likely that more than one good field will have reason to respect the prowess of the Hamilton back marker. Poultney Again.—The outstanding recruit so far this season is S. Poultney, who again last Saturday had no trouble in taking first honours, this time over 440 yards. Despite his success, however, Poultney ran very “ greenly ” in collecting his field in the first furlong and then running abreast of Dent right round the bend. His win would have been much more impressive and probably every bit as fast had he taken the first furlong quietly and then moved up to a good position for the sprint down the straight. New members should realise that it is not the actual win that counts, so much as the confidence and experience to be gained by the racing, and every competitor when reasonably fit, should plan how to run his own race independent of others. Of course, it is only natural for inexperienced runners to assume that every post is the winning post, and it is not until they encounter a field containing one or two heady fellows that their error of judgment is really demonstrated. Mrs Heeps Transferred—Any hopes that Hamilton supporters may have cherished regarding the re-appear-ance of Mrs J. W. Heeps, former New Zealand sprint title-holder and present holder of the 50 yards record, have been shattered by the transfer of her husband to Te Aroha. A member of the National Bank staff, Jack was also formerly a splendid performer in sprints and hop, step and jump events, until the lure of golf intervened. Members and admirers from all over our area will join with “ Nurmi ” in wishing Mr i and Mrs Heeps every success in their ! new environment.