AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 128, 2 June 1927, Page 13

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

MEETING AT HENDERSON. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Association continued it* scries of steeplechases At Henderson last Saturday. The event was run over four miles and was a true test of the competitor*' Maying power, the country was the stinYst that has yet been traversed this season, the first creek, about 9ft wide. Wing only about 100 yards from the starting point. The winner of the steeplechase. B. F. White, has turned out a couple of times to compete in races over a mile distance, but last Saturday was his first attempt in a cross-country event. White never appeared likely to get beaten after the field had gone about two and a-half miles. H. W. Savidan may have lieen much closer than fifth at the finish had he not losi his bearings while traversing the first lap. losing at leaM 300 yards. Although Savidan appeared to be unlucky he would have had to have gone very fast to beat the winner. Savidan was also unlucky in not being placed in the 7.") yards sprint handicap. The appeared to be nt least in a place and many onlookers who were near the, judfre nt the finish were of the opinion [ that he was second. It was rather disappointing to hear that (i. Kelis had the misfortune to have a steel girder fall on his foot while at work on Saturday, as many were looking forward to see if he could turn the tables on Savidan. Kells hopes to be able to coni|>eU! at the next meeting. J. W. Shirley found the handicap; he was conceding a little too much and he, failed to win either of the field events. Shirley did not bring his, spiked shoes and consequently could not get a proper footing. A. .1. Elliott added his third successive victory when he won the 75 yards handicap at Henderson last Saturday. Hi- came nlonj; over the last 20 yards at a great pace and none of the others' had a chance with him. It would be a great race : hould Elliott meet Leadbetter, the New Zealand champion, while in his present form, and it would be hard to predict who would lie the winner. A concidence in the 75 yards handicap last Saturday was that the three plaeegctters, Elliott. Koper and Murray, also finished in that onler on the previous Saturday at Otahuhu. Some of the times that are l»einp put up lately for the 75 yards handicaps have been rather remarkable for the tracks upon which the events have been decided. Last Saturday the official time given was Ss. which is excellent, as the course was of a very rough nature. Two non-oQfoials made the time 7 4-.">s. but this seems rather flattering. The clnl> is not holding a meeting next Saturday owing to mo«t of the runners not being available. The president. Mr. W. Morton, will not be there, but should there be some runners who would like to run a competition among themselves, Mr. Morton would endeavour to arrange for a ground. X. F. Cooper, who finished second in the steeplechase last Saturday, ran a great race when it is consiaered that this was his first race of the season. Cooper was a fair performer when competing last season.

WAIUKU ATHLETIC CLUB. Tlio annual meeting of the Waiuku Athletic Sports Club was held on Monday night, when the president. Mr. F. Knipht. presided. The report end balance-sheet showed for the first, time a small debit balance, which tins attributed to tjie heavy expenses, especially I as regards to the rental of the snorts ground. The following officer* wpre elected: — Patron. Mr. .1. I). Chalmers: vice-patrons. Mes»»i>. W, Hosking and A. Knight; presiili:.! Mr. F. Knight: vice president*. Rev. Fnlkr- Taylor and Mr. D. Cooper; secretary. Mr. »'. Swain, treasurer. Mr. \V. Kemp; committee, Messrs. T. Hair. A. J. Hone, H. Wilson. S. Browne. C C Munro, J. Cinuck, D. Rowo, R. Robinson. U. Blac. A. .1. Lowe. H. B. Armitape. \V. Stanton. C. K. Barriball and T. Miller; auditor,. Mr. .1. Frtrl>es; starters. Mr. J. Hanflnijz. chopptiievent*; Mr. H. Wackier, running events; judges for chopping events. Rev. Father Taylor. Messrs. A. White and J. Crouch. Substantial help was promised the club for the coming year.