Past And Present

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 193, 16 August 1941, Page 2 (Supplement)

Past And Present

ATHLETES FOREGATHER

Famous "Old Timers" Attend

Auckland Rally

Veteran and present-day athletic champions attended a re-union in Alston Chambers this afternoon as the guests of the Olympic committee of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club. It was the second of such functions held during the past few weeks and an enjoyable time was spent by all present. The president of the club. Mr. W. Norton, was chairman.

The chairman said that the prime reason for holding the function was to present the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield to J. W. Robinson, of the Technical Old Boys' Harrier Club. This shield, which was one of the finest athletic trophies in the Dominion, was presented by Mr. Johnstone to commemorate W. J. Saviden's great performance in the six-mile event at the Olympic Games at Ontario in 1930. Unfortunately, said the chairman, it was not possible to present the shield, as it had not been collected. The trophy, however, would be presented on some suitable occasion. It was the first time the shield had been competed for in New Zealand. Mr. Norton mentioned that among the veteran athletes present were: C. C. Laurie. New Zealand champion pole and high Jumper: Fred Corbridge. runner and boxer: W. A. Woodger, Australian and New Zealand champion: M. Rosengrave. Jumper and hurdler: J. P. Kalaugher, all-round athlete and footballer; R. M. Webber. Australasian and New Zealand one and three miles champion; T. Elliott, all-round athlete and staunch friend of the sport in Auckland and the South; and J. McKean, half and one mile champion, who had stayed with the sport until he was 60 years of age. Mr. Norton mentioned that Mr. Rosengrave was one of the best all-round Jumpers and hurdlers the world had ever seen. He was brought from Australia to beat the New Zealand champion. George Smith. These two great champions met In the New Zealand championships on the Auckland Domain in 1900. Rosengrave led his famous rival over the first six hurdles, but tipped the seventh and eighth and fell at the ninth. They were great men and among the best athletes the world had ever known.

Among those present were Mr. H. L. Towers, president of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Centre. Mr. J. McCormlck, a member of that body, and Mr. Hallyburton Johnstone. Several toasts were honoured and songs and musical items contributed.