ATHLETICS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10263, 4 February 1899, Page 9

ATHLETICS.

THE CHAMPfONSHIP MEETING.

(By Tel-crai-ii."

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, February 3.

The weather has cleared, and promises to be fine to-morrow for the amateur athletic championship meeting. The tracks may be better than expected, but there is not much chance of records being put up. The meeting Will comaieuco b:ook ground, at two o'clock, with, the throwing the hammer competition, which will be won by Madill, of Auckland, where the 100 yds shouhl also go by tho aid of the champion sprinter, G. Smith. The halfmile will follow, and this, going by form, looks a good thing for Qarsia, of Canterbury. Auckland will score easily, I lancy, in the two walking events, as the champion Wilson is in fine form. The 120 yds hurdles and tho pole jump will also be taken by Auckland, G. Smith and Te Paa (who is said to be quite as good as Hori Eruera) bciug looked upon as next doar to certainties for those events. Canterbury should' score a first in the next event, the mile, if Pentecost is fit, and I think he is. Kingston should register a first for Dunedin in the 250 yds event, in which I think he will beat the Aucklander, Smith. BrOwnlee is expected to add another six points in the next item, the long jump, and then follows the three mile, which should go to Pentecost (Canterbury). Kingston will triumph once more for Dunedin in the quarter mile, and another certain six for Auckland will be scored in the weight putting by Madill. The 440 hurdles will wind up the programme, and if Smith of Auckland does not start, Lindsay and Garsia of Canterbury may fight out the finish, though Low (Dunedin) is not to be despised. I have not attempted to place the men for the banner points, but I consider though Auckland will score most point-, tho place poiuts will put Dunedin ahead for tho oanner, which, together with the medals, will be presented at a smoke concert in the evening. To-morrow morning, at 10.30, the visiting teams, &c, will be accorded an 1 official reception by the Mayor at tho Town 'Hall.' On Sunday the visitors will be driven to the Kurae Bush, returning at 6 S.m. The northern men will -return on londay.