ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 48, 25 February 1913, Page 8

ATHLETICS.

A strong effort ie being made to start an Amateur Athletic Club at Papakura, and the well-known e.x<hampioiT -walker, '"Dave" Wilson. w'io is one of the leaders of the movement, is confident that the club will shortly be an assured fact. At the Papakura sports on Easter Monday two 'amateur events, 100 yds and 1.000----yde, hays been placed on tUp prograjnrae, but if the latter race is -not acceptable to runners any other distance will be substituted if the majority of the competitore desire it. •It is hard for keen enthusiasts to keep out of the game, and "Dave" Wileon states that he intends having another attempt for championship -honours, and

if nothing unforeeeen occurs will bo a competitor at the championship meeting at Exhibition time.

The Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club will hold a carnivaJ on Saturday afternoon next on the Domain, the first event being timed to commence at 2.30 o'clock. An excellent programme has been arranged, and, given decent weather, patrons should be asSured of a splendid afternoon's sport. Dormer and Mark, fresh from their fine performances at the X.K. championships last Saturday week in Wellington, will meet in the 440 yards handicap, and the battle between these really first-class athletes should in itself be worth going a long -way to witness. In addition to this event, the 100 yards provincial championship will be decided, when Mark wiH again be" seen in action, his Triost power-

ful opponents being J. J. Mulvihill, H. A. Robertson and J. R. Simpson—all of whom are in fine form, and keen after having a go at Mark's scalp—for this championship. In the I*ooo yards handicap Dormer is confident of beating AY. G. Harding's record of 2m 22 2-ss, made on December 3, 1910. in the Auckland Domain, in the memorable contest with G. X. Hill. Dormer is in fine form at present, and, provided he gets a good '" run," the record is certainly in jeopaTdy.v Splendid entries have been received for various other events, and the 300 yards ladies' bracelet — always a popular event—should provide a great finish, and the winner is hard to pick. In the maiden novice race there is some really good talent, and most promising material for future champions.

The bicycle races, also, should be good contests. J. Adlam is a rider quite above the ordinary, and as some of the other competitors, notably, E. W. Burton and H. Burr are cyclists of no mean merit, these ■contests should be more than interesting. Tt is to be hoped the contestants will strictly observe the rules governing these races. There is nothing finer to watch than a good cycling event, there is nothing more "galling , ]/, to gee, than a

"waiting" race. . The handicaps for the various events have been, carefully framed by Mr. H. J. Feikler, while the -starter's: pistol will be in the capable hands of Mr. Austin Smith. The committee have done, everything within their means to make the meeting a success, aad-it only remains for. patrons to extend their presence to make the gathering a notable one in the> history of amateur athletics in Auckland.

It is most refreshing to observe the number of young fellows in training at the Domain and at Victoria Park, and this, in itself, is evidence that amateur sport in Auckland is slowly but surely on the way to once more place the Queen City in the forefront of athletics. It must not be lost sight of, however, that without the support of the public, no sport can be successfully carried on, and the committee of the club confidently ask for a fair share of patronage at their carnival next Saturday. Competitors are requested to be on their marks ready to start punctually to the time advertised in the programme, as it is annoying to the puilic and to the officials to have vexatious delays in this respect. Those competing are also Tamed to dress themselves in proper ■regulation loose neck to knee costume. It is worthy of note that a costuaie steward lias been appointed, and it is to be hoped he will carry out Ida duties ", _, "-. •■ ■„•-. ...