ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 54, 5 March 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

ATHLETICS.

Everything promises Avell for the Auckland Al A. and C.C.'s big meeting bn the 26th inst., and Avith line weather it should prove a success in every Avay. Local athletes are settling down to steady training, and large numbers may be seen on the Domain track of an evening. The in\dtatio'n sprint races, 100 yds and 250 yds, Avhich the Club have placed on the programme for the benefit of .visitors will prove the chief attraction of the meeting. The quality of the racing Avhich these scratch events should produce Avill be evident on reading the names o£ the following intending competitors :— S. Rowley, 100 yds champion of Australasia ; G. Smith, 100 yds champion of New Zealand ; A. J. Patrick, 250 yds champion of NeAV Zealand; R. Oliphant, 440 yds champion of New Zealand, besides other local cracks, including A. H. Freeman, H. V. Buchanan, Barton, J. H. Buchanan, Evans Young, and W. H. Francis. Francis and Buchanan, two of the best men Aye have over a short distance, have already gone inbo training with aview of having a go at the champions. Stanley Rowley, the New South Wales crack sprinter, will leave Sydney for Auckland in the Westralia on March 16th. He Avill probably be accompanied by Mr W T. B. Alexander, hon. sprint handicapper and assistant starter to the New South Wales A.A.A., avlio hopes to be able to spare time to accompany the champion. Rowley Avill thus have a clear week in Auckland before the Amateur Athletic Club's Carnival, and should be in good trim by the 26th. The Club's 'Victor Ludorum ' Cup will go this year to the winner of most points in the athletic events, the cyclists having had their turn at the last spring meeting. K. _N. Thomas, of Christchurch, champion mile walker of NeAV Zealand in 1892-3, will compete on the 26th inst. against champion I). Wilson and F. H. Creamer, a fact which stiould invest bhe walks Avith fresh interest. Wilson, by the way, had a big reception when he returned fo Papakura after his visit to Wanganui. The New Zealand championship banner was specially borrowed for the occasion, and altogether the village Avelcomed back its champion right worthily. Entries for the Amateur Athletic Club's Carnival close next Saturday evening (March 12th) at the Metropolitan Hotel. The autumn meeting of the Thames Amateur Athletic Club will be held on Sb. Patrick's Day (March 17th). The programme comprises 120 yds maiden, 100 yds (local), 150 yds, 200 yds, 300 yds (local), 600 yds, I,oooyds, 120 yds hurdles, 220 yds 'hurdles, mile Avalk, 100 yds school championship (under 10) mile maiden bicycle, two-mile bicycle (local), threemile and five-mile bicycle, half-mile bicycle consolation, and running long jump. Acceptances close on Friday next, Avith bho secretary. C. E. Lloyd, Pollenstreet, Thames.