AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 280, 26 November 1931, Page 18

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

AUCKLAND PROSPECTS.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO GIRLS. HIGH JUMPER HAS MISHAP. A deputation from the Auckland Centre met the executive of the Athletic Girls' Association, and from views expressed at the meeting, girls' athletics will soon take its rightful place in Auckland. It is hoped that this province will then be able to compete on an even footing with the other centres, and that the public will enjoy the contests. Other countries have proved that the girls' events lend colour and interest to an athletic meet, and it is confidently expected that a girl to take Norma Wilson's place as a drawing card will be found from the talent available. G.' Sceats, the prominent 'Varsity athlete, had the misfortune to break a small bone in his ankle whilst practising high jumping this week. It is to be hoped that his recovery will be completed before the important contests in February, as he is a star in his especial departments. Now that James Carlton, the Australian sprint wonder, has announced that he is unable to compete in New Zealand this season, owing to his desire to compete at the Olympic Games, it is expected that the Australian team will comprise more middle distance and distance men. Time will be the deciding factor, with the Bridge Games and Olympic Games ahead of the Australians, but if Goulding or Hillhouse could contest against Evans and Bayne, the public would see some wonderful races. Stanley Lay, British Empire javelin champion,'is residing at Stratford, and expresses his desire to take an executive part, in sport rather than a competitive role. It is doubtful if he could be induced to travel again abroad to represent his country, as his time is top valuable in his business at present." The enthusiasm of the public at the Technical Club's evening meeting last week proved so keen that there was a tendency to surge on to the track and hamper the judges in the close finishes. This will be curbed by the roping-in of a section of the track near along the straight. In Les. C. Barker Auckland has a lialfmiler and miler who has not disclosed his true talent. Barker possesses a natural raking and graceful stride, and is capable of great time's if his sprint could be sharpened up. C. E. Jenkins, New Zealand 220 yds champion, will most likely make the trip to Auckland along with Evans and Rose. With Jenkins matching Elliott, Garlick and Reid, Evans racing Meredith and Ede, and another epic Rose-Savidan clash, combined with the Napier team of athletes, the Domain will be tlie scene of a memorable meeting. Jack Robilliard, brother of All Black Alan Robilliard, was married recently in Christchurch. Robilliard was up here this winter with the Otago Rugby team, and will be seen again on the Domain at the New Zealand championships, as he won the Otago championship points prize last season and was in the final of the New Zealand hurdle championships. Other footballers who will be out 011 the track again include G. F. Hart, All Black and 100 yds New Zealand champion; Bert Geddes, of Otago; R. Steere, of Hawke's Bay; Don Olliver, of Wairarapa; Nelson Ball, of Wellington; and D. Mackay, of the same city. Ail ar e in the championship class and occupy prominent positions in both sports. The Technical Old Boys' next evening meeting for December 2 haSj besides n 100 yds, half-mile, cycle and shot putt, included another walk in a, one-mile event. Entries close this Friday. At the Southland Boys' High School sports, B. Crowther ran the 880 yds in 2,0 2-5, and Iv. Uttley equalled his own hurdle record of 16 4-5s in the 120 yds event. Ihesc times, combined with a high jump of oit 4y 2 in by N. Gillick at the same meeting, and the 4.30 2-5 mile by Matthews m Christchurch. proves that the secondary schools' standards are improving to a decree undreamt of in past generations. \\ itli such a nucleus of athletes to draw on, the future of athletics in the Dominion is well assured.