HARRIERS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 102, 4 May 1929, Page 22

HARRIERS

BY "PAPEKCHASER"

TEAINING BUNS

NEW RUNNERS IN EVIDENCE

Wellington club ruus advanced another stage last Saturday in weather better suited for track running. Scottish Harriers started out with a pack of thirty-three for their canter at Kelburn. Oneo again the novices displayed good form, and the long gruelling course was covered in exceptionally fast time. Tho 300 yards run-in was a gift to C. Thompson, who put in a remarkably fine finish. Others in tho limelight were Franklin, Montgomery, Sinclair, Lawcr, and Stevens.

The steep Kills of Karori provided exeollent trainiug ground for the Brooklyn runners at their run on Saturday. The party was split into two packs, J. Pederson and S. Willis being in charge. Prosser, Furlong, and Askton were the place-getters in the run-in. Wellington Club members were out at Island Bay last Saturday. Thirty-two runners followed an ideal trail laid by L. Stoics and D. Canton. The fina"l 4-10 yards race was won by V. Klee, I with J. Shepherd second, and J. O'Brien third. A feature of the gathering was the large attendance of supporters. Hutt- Park was the rendezvous for the Hutt Valley Club last week. A tenmile course, which commenced from the Park, led round the Maori Cemetery to the beach and over the hills to Epuni, circling back home by coming through the Hutt golf links. This proved an ideal training run and gave new members somo idea of how they will shape in future inter-club fixtures. The ladies' pack, comprising a number of new girls, selected a three-mile trail, and finished the outing frith a stiff run. Information from tho Olympic Club has been missing for tho last two weeks but with a field of fifty-six runners out on Saturday, at Brooklyn, it is apparent that the club is going to be a strong side. Among, those to show consistent form were R. Kitson, W. Sceats, W. Rae, A. Harding, and K. Webb. New members who ran prominently were H. Howken, J. Donovan, and E. Palmer. Tho rim was brought to a pleasant termination by thoso taking part being the guests of Messrs. Long, Barker, and Rae. In last week's notes "Papcrchaseu" dealt with training operations. An important matter that was omitted was the general attire of harriers. In Wellington there are quite a number of clubs which are not at all particular as to the appearance of their runners, allowing them to start in togs that are not tho standard colours. Rugby football does not tolerate this procedure and at tho big harrier events in England no runner can start unless properly attired. Wellington would do well to follow this example. Another matter that requires attention is the scattering of paper when selecting the trail. Although paper is forbidden in tho main thoroughfares, the paper-distributors should exercise the- greatest care when private property is being unavoidably crossed. Since J. W. Savidan displayed brilliant form in tho principal harrier events by defeating R. A. Rose, the sport in Auckland has progressed by leaps and bounds. It appears that that city has at last emerged from its dark cloud of inactivity in regard to harrier matters, and is looking forward to the season with the utmost confidence. It is also pleasing to note that quite a number of young runners is being encouraged into the sport, a feature which no doubt gives a big uplift to the Northern club. Many local followers of the sport have wondered why Auckland harriers have been at a standstill for the last three years, but it is probable that the failure of proper coaching has been the faulty link. On last season's performances Auckland held third place for championship honours, with Wellington well ahead of Otago for first placo. Christchurch slipped back into last place for somo unaccountable reason.