Our Sports Summary

New Zealand Tablet, 3 November 1921, Page 31

Our Sports Summary

DUNEDIN.

The annual presentation of prizes in connection with the St. Patrick's Harrier and Athletic Club took place the other week; In the unavoidable absence of the president (Mr. J. J. Marlow) Mr. L. Marlow presided. In presenting the prizes won during the past season, the chairman referred to the growth of the club from 10 active members two years ago when it was established to 30 at the present time. Two representatives of the club (Mr. R. Monaghan and Mr. E. Mcllroy) were contestants in the Port-Dunedin road race, the former being the first man home, and the latter the first novice. The prizes Mere awarded in the following order: T. McAllen Ist in the 5 and 3 mile championship (prize donated by Mr. J. O'Farrell). E. Mcllroy 2nd in 5 mile championship (prize donated by Mr. M. Dawson), also attendance badge (presented by Mr. Dawson). J. Taylor Ist sealed handicap in o mile championship (prize donated by Mr. M. Moynihan.) C. Morris Ist novice in 5 mile championship (prize donated by Mr. A. Neill); A. Ramsay Ist in field events (prize donated by Messrs. C. and W. Shiel); F. White Ist in mile novice handicap (prize donated by Mr. E. Rowe); W. Allen 2nd in field events (prize donated by Mrs. M. Walsh); 0. Menhenick 2nd in mile novice (prize donated by Mr. W. Heffernan, also attendance badge donated by Mr. T. Cahill); J. Home Ist hop, step, and jump. An enjoyable musical and elocutionary programme was contributed to by a number of members and friends of the club.

TAUMARTJNIJI.

The Labor Day fixture of the Taumarunui Celtic Sports Club held on the Domain, will rank as a record in the history of the club in very many directions (writes our own correspondent). Carnival days here have been ill-fated as regards weather conditions, and the fact that the torrential rains of The week previous still left inky clouds in the sky all „ J day long kept crowds away. The day dawned accompanied by pelting showers that fortunately slackened in intensity as the morning wow on. The afternoon kept fairly clear, though for *somo 10 minutes in the middle of the sports there was a tropical shower, visited by a cold, snap, that made the lot of the onlooker extremely uncomfortable. The patronage accorded the fixture must, in the circumstances, be deemed very satisfactory, and as a result the expenditure incurred on the day will be straightened and in addition it is hoped to liquidate the existing debts of the club. Owing to the fact that the bad weather had delayed ground preparations until the last minute, the running track was a bit uneven and with thte rains w;as heavy, The committee had, however, worked splendidly to ensure the best possible . going and when all is said and done, the runners had nothing to complain about. The handicapper (Mr, H. Grattan) can be complimented on his work, as some close finishes were seen. The starter (Mr. W. Hawkins), an old athlete himself, carried out his onerous work well. 1 The chopping events were the most keenly contested of The afternoon, and some very close finishes were witnessed. The different events attracted entries from a good number of outside choppers. The crowd seemed to get more excited over the tug-of-war for the Kelland Cup than over any other single event,, The policemen pulled a bushmen’s team. The verdict and the cup easily went to the policemen on the first pull, but to satisfy the eagerness of the crowd a couple of friendly pulls were held. Both of these went to the bushmen’s side, but one pull would have been disqualified' in competition because of a tail rope supplemented by two or three extra pullers for the occasion, to the great delight of the crowd. The winning team comprised Sergt. J. O’Brien and Constables L U R. Capp, M. McCallum, F. R. Ebbett, and J. Mahoney) The measure of success attaching to the Highland events is worth very special mention. The club in the past have catered for this section very liberally and yearly the number of Dominion “stars” who perform here increases.

The platform for the events was stationed in a very handy position. As usual the tartan plaid exerted its old fascination and the skirl of the pipes seemed to add an enlivening element to the otherwise "musicless" afternoon. Some highly accomplished dancers from outside .centres were seen. The public also witnessed an interesting display of" firemen's competitions.*