CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 252, 24 October 1934, Page 17

CYCLING.

WITH THE AMATEURS. MANUKAU CLUB. FIXTURES. Sunday, October -S—JUurhvai Run, from HcservoL\ at 0 a.m. Last Monday's Labour Day sports wore the most efficiently conducted for many seasons. Starter Jack JJ. Auckram can take inucJi of tlie credit. His long business-like warning whistle spoke volumes,, and had the riders on their marks in double quick time. The last race was started right on schedule time of 4.20 p.m., a rare treat for the big crowd. Over delighted with his nice liberal handicaps, and riding with rare conlidencc, Gordon 11. Cunningham might have won the three handicaps had he not been rehandicapped for the twomiler, in which lie was third in his heat. Ho won the half-mile oil" (55yds, and tlio mile oil' 140vds in bunched finishes. R a rely does a newcomer to grass-track racing win at his lirst attempt. Cunningham certainly rode impressively, for lie beat many backmarkers in the sprinting finishes of his handy little gear of 77 inches. He is only a little chap, but has a strong, shapely pair of pcdailers. Fred K. Markham (90yds) won the two-iniler after a hard finish with the l'apatoetoe pedaller, J). X. Pinfold. Fred, was one of the neatest riders on the track, and his ankling action allowed him to convey every ounce of energy to that rear wheel.

Junior Jim F. Archer did well to finish second in the mile, while burly Bill Morris, after a tough ride in his heat of the two-milcr, was third in the filial. Jack W. Clark rode like a novice in the miss-aiul-out race, in which he was a bad third. Instead of taking a leading position he remained at the rear, and had to sprint cverv lap to save being called oir the track. Anyhow, he gained an immense amount of sprinting exercise, which may come in handy during the more strenuous racing ahead. The bronzed Len Beuth was tlie only other member to be "placed on the day. Although not mentioned in dispatches the team which competed in the Palmerston North to Pet one race of Kiid miles last Saturday were able to win the teams' shield which Captain Chas. A. Clarke proudly brought back with him on Sunday night. Both Johnny Brown and Chas. Clarke started oil' scratch with L. J. Richards, of Ghristehurch, but failed to hold him for more than 05 utiles. Clarke cramped and Brown just "petered out," to quote his own version. Kk»ith Clark (1S.0) finished half a length behind Brown, and the ever happy Chas. Clarke, racing in his fifth "Palmerston," rode in some few minutes later. Tho most dejected looking person in Palmerston North at !) a.m., the time Palmerston North's Mayor sent oil' tho riders after a few happy remarks about head winds ahead, was Lionel M. Nicholson, who took stage fright on Thursday, contracted a sore throat on Friday which sent him to bed of all placet*, and awoke Saturday morning the picture of misery. He did not start, and moaned considerably over his ill-luck. Better luck next year "Nick." The team were royally "treated, and Brown is keen for the 1935 race, even if he has to hike down to compete, while Keith Clark is also enthusiastic. Chas. Clarke is contemplating marriage, 'but it is hoped lie will again race, for southern riders know him almost as well as the event by now.

ANNUAL.CLUB MEETING. MR. J. D. AUCKRAM LIFE MEMBER. Last evening the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club held its tenth annual meeting at the Y.M.C.A., when there was an attendance of 00 members. The chairman was Mr. F. J. Casey.

The annual report showed a satisfactory year, in fact the membership topped tlie century mark for the first occasion in tho club's history. An increase over last year's membership of 30 was made. The year ended with 110 members, made up as follow:—Seniors 75, juniors 23, honorary members 10 and two life members.

Tho accounts revealed a healthy credit of £96 8/2, after meeting loss of £14 on tlie second night carnival at the Western Springs Stadium and £0 loss on tho picnic. The dances netted a profit of just on £30. Officers elected for 1934-35 season: — Patron, Mr. E. J. Phelan; president, Mr. F. J. Casey; captain, Mr. J. G. Morris; vice-captain, Mr. R. G. Foubister; starter and track handicapper, Mr. J. D. Auckram; road race handicapper, Mr. L. Wilson; referee, Mr. J. D. Auckram; committee, Messrs. J. D. Auckram, F. J. Casey, G. F. Clark, D. Wilson, F. C. Mahon, J. G. Morris, R. G. Foubister, J. H. Gillbanks, L. Wilson; delegates to Centre, Messrs. F. J. Casey, R. G. Foubister, L. Wilson; dance committee, Messrs. K. N. Clark, F. It. Markham, H. O. Browne, J. G. Morris, W. R. Walker; machine inspector, Mr. J. Gillbanks; auditor, Mr. K. N. Clark; touring committee, Messrs. C. J. Cronk, I. H. Reid, L. McFarlane, J. G. Morris; assistant secretary, Mr. F. C. Mahon; secretary and treasurer, Mr. L. Wilson. It was decided to retain the club ruling restricting the junior age limit to 17 years, although the association rules allow 18 years. The club ruling will, howM-er, not prevent members between 17 and*lß years from competing in Centre races for juniors. A happy election during the meeting was that of Mr. J. D. Auckram to life membership, an honour worthily gained, for Mr. Auckram was the first secretary of the club when it commenced activities at Otahuhu in 1924. Tlie services rendered by Mr. H. 0. Browne, dance organiser, and Mesdames J. Morris, J. Dwight, G. Clark and J. Gillbanks, in providing refreshments to riders after the road races, were also appreciatively mentioned.

AUCKLAND AMATEURS.

FIXTURES. November 17.—A.A.A. and C.C. 57th Anniversary Carnival. Under ideal conditions the A.A.A. and C.C. opened its track season last Monday when the Labour Day sports were held in the Domain. The attendance was large and there were some splendid fiuishes witnessed. R. Linn did well to win his heat in the half-mile cycle, but could not repeat his performance in the final, in which lie finished third. Luck came Linn's way, for the second rider to finish was disqualified and the judges therefore placed him second. Another rider to win his heat was J. Garrod. He also could not repeat his performance in the final, in which he finished third. Tho club's annual dinner was held on October 15 at Hotel Auckland, the evening being a very enjoyable one. Owing to a club meeting being held next Sunday morning, the Ramblers' branch of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club will meet at the Ferry Buildings to catch the 1.20 p.m. boat, instead of the 10 a.m., as intended. Anybody who wishes to join this branch, which is for non-racing cyclists, may inquire from Secretary R. Linn, 1, Flower Street, Eden Terrace, C.3. The A.A.A. and C.C. will hold its 57th anniversary carnival at Western Springs Stadium on November 17. The cycling events will be the same as usual.

LYNNDALE AMATEURS.

Last Sunday saw a willing few out at the track clearing it off ready for the coming season. The work is well in hand now, and next Sunday should finish it olf, providing the support of the members is given wholeheartedly. Wlien this is finished the track will open to a very promising season, for tlie junior ranks are growing apace, and as tlie age limit has Deen raised to 18 years, this gives many a further chance to compete.

After the "busy bee" a general meeting will be held to determine events, etc., for tlie coming season. Tho Laoour Day sports were held in perfect weather, ±2. L. G. Hughes and K. Hankin being the club's oniy representatives. K L. U. Hughes, oif 25yds, rode a good race, only to be beaten by half a wheel in his' heat. With his earl}' training he should go well in club events. Quite" a number or the boys are taking advantage of the extra hau-hour daylight tor training on the track. The others should see the beneiit of this and get in early with their training.