ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 38, 13 February 1904, Page 4 (Supplement)

ATHLETICS.

The Auckland Amateur Athletic Olub were surely very remiss in not ■welcoming Smith and Laurie on or after their arrival from Australia on Sunday. In Smith's case honour was particularly due, for Smith had won two Australasian championships, and had. established a world's record- It would surely have been only common courtesy 1o have conveyed to such a distinguished athlete in a filting manner the satisfaction with which' Aiieklandevs had learnt of his splendid performances. Itis said, I believe, that Smith returned sooner than he was expected, but I understand that some of his friends knew the date of his roturn. and, at any rate, after the officials of the club became aware that he was back there was plenty of time for them to arrange a welcome. There was pven a meeting of the committee on Wednesday night, but nothing was done. Several people prominent in the athletic world have been c.riticirfcjg the inaction of the cluib gomew-hfltr severely Jdurting, "Jhe weekThe 'Enfrlisb Amateur Athletic Association, which Mas approached by the Xf.W Zealand Amateur Athletic Association with a view of securing a team of English athletes to tour the colony at the latter end of this year, lias resolved that, owing to the expenses that would be incurred, it would be impossible for an English athletic team to tour Xew Zealand and Australia in 1004. , "Prodigal" on the 120 yds Championship at Melbourne: 'The heats of the sprint hurdler followed. In the first heat Corrie Gardner, going about his business like a tradesman, ran right through in 10 2-ssec. winning "by 10 yards from Xicholls. Burton (Q-), who got from three strides to a go-as-you-please gait, was last. In the second heat, as George Smith and Macpherson alone started, one expected a "walk-over. , as both qualified for the final. Nevertheless they went at it pretty solidly, the champion finally winning in a canter at the end. In the final, wp saw something happen, as anticipated by the writer. Smith got in at his first hurdle the quicker, but Gardner more than held his own at jumping. They rose the last flight simultaneously, but Smith dashed his leg down first, and got home by a foot and a-half in 16 2-5 sec. Gardner, who has been training well, and having &ome hurdle practice with the well-known pro. Bob Wandin, set Smith a real good go. Both first and second deserve praise for their game and fine exhibition of hurdling-."