EMPIRE GAMES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 261, 18 August 1930, Page 2

EMPIRE GAMES

THE OPENING EVENTS. FINE WIN BY SAVIDAN. (United Press Association—Copyright.) HAMILTON (Ont.), August 16. Ideal weather prevailed when the Empire Games were opened with due formalities, there being an inaugural flourish of pageantry, with good wishes from the sports-loving world. The Governor-General (Lord Willingdon) officiated. The Prime Minister (Mr R. B. Bennett), and the Premier of Ontario (Mr G. H. Ferguson) attended. Messages were read from King George, the Prince of Wales, Lord Derby, and others. Percy Williams, of Vancouver, the Olympic sprint champion, was chosen to represent the competitors of all countries and take the Olympic oath, surrounded by the flags of the Empire —the Union Jack and ten other emblems of the British nations. New Zealand sent over her first winner of the day, when Savidan raced all opposition off the ground to capture the six-mile event, establishing a new Canadian record. His plodding race and persistence in pace was a heart-breaker to his rivals, and his time was a shade under a minute over the world's record. Not until the third mile did the New Zealander go to the lead. He was never again headed. He never faltered, and finished strongly with increased speed, heading Harper to the tape by a good 150 yards. While considerable comment was caused by the withdrawal of the Australian and South African entries from the heats of the hurdle events, without explanation, Savidan's victory was greeted with satisfaction as a remarkable triumph by the 15,000 spectators. His and Lord Burghley's showings were the most popular of the day v and sports writers from all over the North American Continent stressed the point that the achievement of ' both was outstanding. One correspondent telegraphed to his paper: "Perhaps those who dedicated the Games earlier in the day could regard the results—namely, the victories of a nobleman and a builder —as typical examples of the spirit and interest they hope will pervade these contests." As Australia is not competing in the early events, the Commonwealth athletes, after participating in the parade to-day, acted the part of spectators. The men are reported to be in good condition) and feeling fit. " England was conceded the major honours at the opening of the games. Of the four final events, England took two firsts, three seconds, and two thirds. They also showed outstanding superiority in the preliminary heats. New Zealand took one and Canada one. Three new Canadian records were established—six-mile run, 440yds hurdles, and the hop, step and jump. To-day's results were: — 440 Yards Hurdles—First heat: Lord Burghlev (England) 1, Tatham (England) 2, Hickey Canada) 3. Time, 58sec. Second heat: Leigh Wood (England) 1, Connolly (Canada) 2, Neame (England) 3. Time, 58 3-10 sec. Final: Lord Burghley 1, Leigh Wood 2, Neame 3. Time, 54 4-osec—a new Canadian record. 220 Yards Dash— heat: Englehart (England) 1, Hamilton (Scotland) 2. Time, 22sec. Second heat: Walters (South Africa) 1, Ball Canada) 2. Time, 22 l-Osec. Third heat: Gerhardt (South Africa) 1, Fitzpatrick (Canada) 2. A. J. Elliott (New Zealand) ran third in a strong finish, but failed to qualify. Final: Englehart (England) 1, Fitzpatrick (Canada) 2, Walters (South Africa) 3. Time, 21 l-ssec. Six Mile Event—W. J. Savidan (New Zealand) 1, Harper (England) 2. Eveson (England) 3, Wood (Scotland) 4, Reynolds (Canada) 5.. Time, 3'omin 49 4—ss(?c 880 Yards—First heat: Chandler (South Africa) 1, Thomas (England) 2, Gutteridge (England) 3, Pickard (Canada) 4. Time, lmin 56 4-ssec. Second heat: Hampson (England) 1, Wilson (Canada) 2. Edwards .(British GuianaJ 3. Time., lmin 55 3-ssec. Hop, Step and Jump—Sallcombe (Canada), first in a field of 10 with 48ft Sin. R. 0. Johnson (New Zealand)was sixth. 100 Yards Swimmirfg (Backstroke)— J. W. Tipnett (England) 1, William Francis (Scotland) 2, J. C. P. Besford (England) 3. Time, 65 2-ssec, a newCanadian record. J. W. Cameron (Australia.) finished strongly, less than 12 inches behind Besford. 220 Yards Swimming (Breast-stroke) women—Celia Wolstenhome (England) 1, Marjorie Hinton (England) 9 Ellen King (Scotland) 3. Time, 2min 54 3-5 sec, a world record. After being with the leaders for half the distance, Gladys Pidgeon (New Zealand) fell back, finishing sixth. 440 Yards Swimming (Free' Style), women —Joyce Cooper (England) 1, Valerie D'avies (Wales) 2, Sarah Stewart (Scotland) 3. Time, smin 25 2-ssec. Noel Ryan (Australia) won the 440 yards free style swimming for men. Ryan's win was the most sensational of the night. He was led by Munro Bourne (Montreal) for nearly half the way, but Ryan swam the Canadian almost to exhaustion, going on to win by three yards. Canada swept the men's springboard diving—Alfred Phillips 1. Cyril Kennett 2, Arthur Scott 3. R-. C. Calder (New Zealand), who was fourth, gave Scott a close battle for third place. He was only a few points behind.