ST. PATRICK'S SPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 66, 19 March 1931, Page 9

ST. PATRICK'S SPORTS.

CARNIVAL AT DOMAIN. FINE MASS DRXLL. DISPLAY, KEEN ATHLETIC EVENTS. Pupils of Roman Catholic schools in the Auckland and suburban district roared themselves hoarse in spurring their favourites on to victory when the annual St. Patrick's sports carnival was conducted on the Domain to-day. Hundreds of children participated in the events, and were obviously out to win for the honour of the school and not for the reward that usually accompanies success. In order that the earthquake relief funds might be augmented the youngsters set an excellent example of self-denial by offering to forego their trophies and accept certificates of merit instead._ This means that a considerable sum, which is usually devoted to prizes, will be forwarded for relief in the stricken districts in the Hawke's Bay province. The smiling faces which were to be seen on every side were sufficient evidence that the children made their sacrifice for a deserving cause in a most willing fashion. Hundreds of happy and healthy youngsters, ranging from tiny tots to girls and boys in their 'teens, were enjoying every minute of their sport in a beautiful setting. They picnicked under the leafy bowers of the Domain, and vied with one another for premier honours with friendly rivalry that was good to see. Good fields faced the startsrs, and all the events were keenly and evenly contested. This was further evidence that prizes were not necessary to attract the usual number of entries.

A feature of the day's events was the massed drill display in the afternoon by 300, boys from the Sacred Heart College and 200 from the Vermont Street school. Various manoeuvres were carried out with efficiency which spoke of patience on the part of the instructors, and the keenness on the part of the boys. Shrill shouts of encouragement and •moans of disappointment when overeagerness caused the ball to be dropped provided the music to which the heats in. the overhead-ball competition were decided. There were twenty girls 'in each team and they handled the ball with machine-like precision. Children not competing in this event appeared to get every bit as much enjoyment out of it as the teams themselves, and the officials experienced considerable difficulty in keeping them at a distance. The steeplechase the only athletic event of the morning, attracted a good entry. The boys started their run at Manukau Road and followed the Domain Drive to the gates opposite the hospital. On reaching the ground they were required to make one round of the main track before finishing in front of the grandstand. Entering the Domain gate J; Duffin, of the Remuera Convent, and G. Rack, of the Avondale Convent, were together, but un the run round the ground Duffin sprinted and won easily. J. O'Sullivan, of the Good Shepherd Convent, filled third place. The programme was got off with despatch and without a single hitch. The central figure was Brother Calixtus, and others who worked assiduously to make the sports a success were Brothers Marcellin, Philip, Aloysius, Alexius, Bernard, Fathers Bradley, Duffy and Terry, and Mr. J. Gourley. Results:— Overhead Ball Competition.—First heat: Grey Lynn 1, Sacred Heart 2, St. Patrick's 3. Second heat: Sacred Heart 1, Point Chevalier 2, Grey Lynn 3. Third heat: Parnell 1, Grey Lynn 2, Sacred Heart 3. Steeplechase, one mile and a half.—Joe Duffln (Remuera) 1, G. Rack (Avondale) 2. J. O'Sullivan (Good ShepEterd) 3. 5 0 Yards Girls (under 10). —M. McCarthy 1, J. Fitzpatrick 2, D. Dempsey 3. 75 Yards Girls (under 11). —R. Cosser 1, N. Davis 2. 75 Yards Girls (under 12). —H. Baker 1, N. Smith 2. 75 Yards Girls (under 13). —G. Rowe 1, I. Bermlngham 2. 75 Yards Girls (under 14).—8. Holland 1, E. Melhose 2. 75 Yards Girls (under 15). —M. Moore 1, A. Newton 2. 75 Yards Boys (under 9). —N. Stewart 1, Parkes 2. 75 Yards Boys (under 10). —Falre 1, Corcoran 2. 100 Yards Boys (under 11). —Brophy 1, Callaghan 2. 100 Yards Boys (under 12). —Watt 1, Power 2. 100 Yards Boys (under 13). — Ellis 1, 2. 100 Yards Boys (under 14). —Smith 1, Letton 2. 100 Yards Boys (under 15). —Copas 1, Connelly 2.