ATHLETICS.

Press, Volume XXV, Issue XXV, 6 January 1876, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE PRESS. Sir —As the round of athletic sports are nearly over, may I be permitted to say a word or two in reference to them. I notice that the sport, if it may be '■ermed as such, is principally confined to flat races by boys and men, and occasionally by v* omen and girls. Now there can be no doubt that pedestrianieni is very good exercise ; but looked upon in the light of sport, the constant repetition of the thin? Incomes in the highest degree mouoconoi's; and I have to suggest to the various committees that when auother anniversary comes round they will bo prepared to introduce some novelty. I notice that there are professional runners and walkers against time, who might reasonably be classed with some honorable politicians who talk against time ; and I may say en pastant that I thiuk old Chronos might be put to better use in both cases. How a large concourse of people can stand or sit patiently (/) for a full mortal hour and look at a man walking, surpasses my comprehension. Possibly there may be something to admire iv the "free hip and waist action " that I fail to discover. I would respectfully suggest that an attempt be made to introduce wrestling ! I come from a part of the old country where this sport has been followed for centuries, and occasionally I see by a newspaper that it is still practised with unabated vigor. I notice that large prices have been given to successful competitors within the last four weeks ; and it is not an uncommon thing to see eighty or 100 stalwart fellows enroll their names for the contest. 1 am sure it only wants a commencement and some encouragement to become a favorite amusement; aud there are a goodly number of settlers iv Canterbury who hail from the lakes and mountains of Cumberland, who would be pleased and proud to instruct, the rising generation. It may be objected that it is a dangerous game ; my -answer is, if you are afraid, don't begin ; but I don't think that anyone in Canterbury would willingly confess that he is afraid of anything under the sun. I can assure the timid that, when once acquainted with the science, there is no danger, and if any slight accident does occur, it is generally with the unskilful. I hope the sporting part of the community will give this their consideration ; but save us from married women's handicap races, or the runaway principle will be imbibed in the cradle. But possibly this comes in the category of women's rights. I admit that it may be well to be able to run away in some cases—from a mad bull for instance ■ but I hold that it is well to teach a ivan to grapple with a foe aa well as to run away, which latter alternative would really appear to be the end and ajm of this eternal flat racing. I might say a word in favor of boxing-gloves also, and prizes for the most proficient in their use ; bnt I am afraid the degeneracy or effeminacy of the present generation ignores all good old pastimes, and finds more amusement in seeing boys and girls running races. Yours, &c, Cambrian. Little River, January 3rd, 1876.