AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 456, 15 March 1909, Page 7

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

- WELLINGTON A. A. CLUB. 1 SUCCESSFUL SPORTS GATHERING. BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS. About 1500 people assembled on Saturday Aftornjon at the IJnsin Reserve, where (he autumn sports meeting under the auspices of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club .was lield. His Excellency tho Governor (Lord I'lnnket) was unable, to be present, owing to tho fact that ho had made arrangements to return to Palmerston North (hat day. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph AVard) and Lard AVard were interested spectators, as also was the Hon. G. Fowlds. An apology for non-attewl-auce was received from the Attorney-General, Dr. "Findlay, K.C. From every point of view tho moating was an unqualified success. Misgivings Were felt during (ho morning, which broke dull after several hours' rain. Shortly before tho sports were commenced, however, the sun began to assert himself. It was at first thought that tho rain might have detrimentally affected the tracks, but it was found to have had rather an opposite effect. In most of tho ovonts tho fields were satisfactory, whilst the finishes redounded to the credit of tho iiandicappev. No fresh records were established, but in four instances tho club standard was . eclipsed by a scratch man, and in another event it was equalled. Interest in the meeting was heightened owing to the presence ui.iong tho competitors of a number of entrants in connection with the New Zealand championships at Dnnedin next Saturday. Tnc officials arc to bo congratulated upon the success that attended t'neir efforts. A "Star" Among Sprinters. Most interest in tho sprint events centred in tha meeting of AVoodger, the local champion, aud Stubbs, formerly of AVellington, but now of Palmerston North.. Despite the fact that he had lately been slightly nnwell, AVoodr ger showed that he was the faster over both distances. Tho pair met 011 Hie first occasion in the initial heat of tho 100 jards race, in which AVoodger had to coaccdo Scu'obs limf a yard. AVoodger ioso somewhat slowly, he quickly got into his lengthy stride, and before half the distance had been traversed he had attained a great speed., .AVoodger got second place, but Stubbs was out of it. In order that ho might do himself justice in the 220 yards race, VVoodger did not start in the final. Both started olf scratch in the 220 yards race. Getting away much better than his opponent, AVoodger, after negotiating the bend, eased up, being apparently under tha impression that he could liot catch the front men, but redoubling his efforts he seenrpd third place. Again the pace made by tho place-getters was too warm for Stubbs. Hubbard, who won tho ICO yards, and came second in tho 220 yards, also got second in the long jump. An Elimination Trial. Only three r/iiarter-roilerS took part in a special test race to deoido who was to assist Harding, the ex-professional, in the representation of the local centre in that class at the New Zealand Championship. Among those who entered in this event, but did not take part, were AVoodger and Stubbs. AVilton, the local champion, had no difficulty in beating Williams, of AA'auganui, who can do inside 53sec. for the distance. The other starter was E. E. Fisher,' of "Masterton, who has held the 220 Yards Championship of the Dominion for two years in succession. ' This was the first occasion on .wjiich he had run hero this season. It was apparent after he had gone a couple of. hundred yards that he had not struck form.. Ho had also entered in the 220 yards race, but did not take part. An announcement that AVilton had been selected to go to the New Zealand Championships was warmlygreeted. If Harding is in the best of fettlo record time may bo established over the distance at Dnnedin next Saturday in the quarter mile. The ex-professional has covered the distance in 52 3-flsec., and AAllton's time last month was 52 4-ssec. The Milo Champion. One of the most surprising features of tho meeting was the failure of Burge, the present mile champion of the Dominion. On the occasion of the club's spring gathering he won the mile in 4min. 375e0., which is 3soc. below standard time: Starting from scratch in the half-mile on Saturday, Burge never got going, and he finished a long way behind tho placed men. in 2min.' Usee.—which isverypoor time. He went out again in the mile race,. but did do better, easing up. in the last_ lap, ..when, he found he'was .out, of the 1 race." No one was more disappointed than Burge himself, fo* lie had ran well whilst training. Ho has now asked the Selection Committee to givo him another opportunity of showing that he can worthily represent the centre in his class. It is probable the tost will take place to-night. ■ ■ Creditable Displays of Walking. The walking races were invested with special interest, ..owing to the fact that it depended npon Fitzgerald's performances whether ho would be sont to the New. Zealand Championships in place of 11. Kerr, who is unable through ' illness, to take part. That Fitzgerald was on his mottle will be seen from the times. In the mile race he finished third in Gmin. 57sec.— 13sec. better than standard time—after a very creditable display. . His effort in tho threemile race, which he won 011 the tape in 22min. . 3Ssec.—which is well under standard time, and lmin. 19- 3-ssec. better than Kerr did when he won the event at the latest Australasian Championships—aroused considerable enthusiasm. Somo people doubted whether the full distance ,had been traversed, but, after lengthy deliberation, the officials intimated that they were satisfied that both tho time and the number of laps wero correct. It was thought by others that a record bad been established. However, that was found not, to be the case. Regarding the fairness of his style there could bo no question—ho could increase his stride with advantage. AA'hen it was announced later that Fitzgerald's efforts had satisfied the selectors, there was renewed applause. If. he is in as good form next Saturday he will take a lot of beating. Other Itoms of Interest. During the afternoon J. AA'nllace, the New Zealand champion hammer-thrower, who wi)l represent Auckland at the Championships next Saturday, gave three exhibition throws, the best of which was 111 ft. lin., which he could have improved upon, if necessary. In the threcrinile .flat race the four best runners who were entered did not take part. Sharpe, the 'Australasian champion, who had not quite recovered. from slight indisposition, was only permitted to traverse one round, as it was considered that his prospects might bo spoiled if he continued under the circumstances. It is understood that the reason why Mulcahy did not start was because he has retired from the track. Hill, the youth "who won the Auckland Marathon, was greatly disappointed, in view of the fact that his parents objected to him making the trip. The other prominent non-starter Was Eigg.' who won Hie one-mile flat in good style. M'Kay, the Australasian champion pole-jumper, cleared 10ft. Gin., but failed in attempts to do lift. Evenson, who had done a satisfactory trial over the 120 yards hurdles some nights previously, gained tho high jump with a successful leap over tho bar at *, sft. Gin. In the inter-college events, AVollmgton Colietre had an easy victory over St. Patrick's Collem, who were the previous holders of Mr. L. Bluudell's Cup. THE SPRINT RACES. 100' YARDS HANDICAP.—'WorId's amateur record. 9 3-!isec., D. Kelly. (Walker's time of 9 2-ssec. is not yet passed.) Australasian and New Zealand amateur record, fl 4-ssec., ,T. H. Hempton and A\'. T. M'Phers-on. Standard, 10 l-sscc. First heat.—J. AVilton, Sjyds., 1; AA 7 . Woodit: r, sor.. 2. Other starters: T. Stubbs, 21yds.; C. H. Mueli, 7yds.; J. F. AVilson, Syds\; F. Gnen, 81yds.; O. A. Darby. 10yds. Time, 10 -Ssec. Second heat—AA'. H. Pollock. 4yds., 1; I. Killern, 10yds., 2. Other starters: E. AVilliims, 21vds.; A. T. Duncan. 31yds.; M. Matin-son, 7yds.; L. M'Kay, Byds. Time, liisec. * Thirt heat—F. C. Hubbard. 7syds., 1; O. S. G.pper, 10yds.. 2; H. Roberts, B}yds„ 3. Other sorters: F. W. B. Goodbehore, 2!.vds.; 11. Bridfe. syds.; A. Cunninghame, Glyds. Time, 10 1 .-ssec. Result ot final:— 'F. C. Hubbard. ' 7-lyds. ! ... 1 G. S. Gapp?r. 10yds. ... v ••• " AV. n. Pollock, Iyds 3 There was o;dy half a yard between the ilaced men. Tine, lOsec. 120 YARDS ' ILAT HANDICAP.-AVorld's amateur recoid, B. F. AVefers, 21 l-ssec., 1896; Australasian amateur record, Nigel i Barker, 21 4-$-.ec.: New Zealand amateur record, L. B. Webster,.22 3-osec., 1903. Club standard, 23 2-osec. First heat.—AV. L. Dunn, 12yds., 1; G. S. japper, lovds., 2. Other starters: AV. AVoodger, ,-er ; T. Stubbs, tsr.; and It. Bridge, Byds. t'iine, Msec. Second hoat-J. F. AVilsoii, 15yds., 1; H. Burdekin, 12yds„ 2. Other starters: D. "asev 14yds.; AV. P. Miller, 18yds. Time, h 3-ssec. Third heat-A. T. Duncan, Byds,, 1; AV. M'Keown, lSyds.,.2. Other starters: •5 Tr Mueli. 11yds.; P. Killeen, 17yds. Time, ?4 l-ssec. Fourth heat—F. C. Hubbard 12yds ! H. Roberts, 15yds.. 2- Other starters: T. 0. H'Lean, 18yds. Time, 23 d-osec.

Final resulted as under:— H. Burdekin, 12yds. F. C. Hubbard, 12yds - A. T. Duncan, Byds — — ' Burdekin and Hubbard were i' 11 .""11 on-e at th" bend. Duncan then put 111 a clinlion,.l, but failed to maintain the eft:ortC Ihe ntliei*. Dunn seemed to bo blocked, i..peci< } straight. Time, 23 2-ssec. MIDDLE DISTANCE COURSES. 410 YARDS TRIAL CHAMPIONSHJP.World's amateur record, M. i\\ • /America) 47' cc.. 1900; Australasian recoid, iSisoc, Nigel Barker; New Zealand mwUoui record, I, B. Webster and AA. 1. Mlhc._ pnn «S0 °-sscc., 1303 and 1891. Uuo.Man C'd Winner of race o represent Wellington at New Zealand Championsiys in the quartev-mile race at Dunedin, M.uch, 20, 1009. . J. AVilton (Wellington) „ E. AVilliams (Wanganni) ... - ••• The only other competitor wiis E. j. ■ * nf Af'isterton ' AVilliams led foi' 300 y.mls wicu WiHon at his heels and Fisher «jme y«r nvav Fisher at this stage pulled up, anil Wilfon went to the u^ l %»;« ,b Sl eo h h e maintained without difficult}. > 4-10 YARDS HANDICAP. J. F. AVilson, J O. A. Darby, 32yds. ...' - E. E. Bust, 25yds - Also took part:—A. Cunninghame, 7yds.AA. L. Dunn, 15yds.;' O. H. Mueli. l.jds., Jt. Bridge, lSyds.; D. Casey, 18yds., 1. C. Hub bard; 20yds.; A. Murray, 25yds.; H. AV. Thorn son 25vds.; E. C. Prendeville. 2i>yds.; A. b. Johnson. - 20yds.; F. J Wilson 30yds.; J. T?vit! HOvds : T H- M Lean, .-.Ojds. This was a splendid race. Time, Msec. HALF-MILE • HANDICAP.-AVorld's amateur record, C. 11. Kilpatrick (America , lmin. r .l o.tjcpn 1895; Australasian amateur record", G.'A. AVheatley (Victorin), lmin. 50 4-ssec., 1905; New Zealand amateur record ■ P. G. Burk, Imm. 58 l-ssec., 1905. standard, 2min. ssec. F. AV. Reed, 35yds J AV. M'Keown, 43yds. ... H. AV. Thompson, 28yds Other starters: A. B. B.urge, scr.; AV. A. M'Kenzie, 33yds.; E. C. Prendeville. 35jd»., 3. Ryan, 40.vds.; S. AA llson, 10yds.; I'. AA i son, 40yds!; AV. Jt'Keown, 43yds.; T. Lambert, 45yds.; 1,. C. Hawk, 50yds.; J. T. Donn, 50yds.; A. C. Johnson, 55yds.; C. M'Erlean, 00yds., and C. Lamberg, 60yds. , . Three of the front markers wero in the van when half' tho distance had been traversed. Reed shot out in front at the beginning ot the back straight and soon established a good lead. Burge gave a poor display. Time, 1 3-ssec. LONG DISTANCE EVENTS. ONE-MILE FLAT HANDICAP.-AVorld's amai tenr record, J. Coneff, 4min. lo 3-jsec., Australasian and New Zealand amateur record A. A. Shrubb, 4mm. 22fec., 190 a. Club standard, .4inin. 40=ec. T. Rigg, 35yds. ... ... •- J H. J. Pollock, 90yds - - P. Dyett, 80yds. ■■■'> Also took part—A. B. Burge, scr.; AA. Harvev, 55yds.; AV. A. M Ivenzie, GOyds.; F. AA. Reed, 85yds.; P. M'Gralh, 43yds.; S. llson > SOyds.; J. 1). Nash, 80yds.; S. Donkin, 80yds.; L. C. Hawk, 100 yds.; and J. T. Bridgman, 10 Three hundred yards from home, Bnrge, who again performed disappointingly, gave up. The winner had an advantage of 20yds., when he reached tho tape. Continuing on, he traversed the full distance in 4min. 41 3-ssec. Ik' ho had' been pressed lie couJd improved on the time. THREE MILE FLAT HANDICAP.-AVorld's amateur record, A. A. Shrubb, 14imn, 17 3-ssec.. 1903; Australasian and wev; Zealand record, AV. F. Simpson, 14min. 49sec., 1901 ; Club standard, lGmin. H. T. Thompson, ISOj-ds. ... •- - 1 AA T . B. Bennett, 200 yds. ... - F. AVilton, 120 yds 3 Other competitors—T. Lambert, 250 yds., and AV. R. Roberts, 350 yds. This event was won by over 100 yds., a similar distance between second and tliird. Time, 15min. 53 l-ssec. THE JUMPING CONTESTS. HIGH JUMP HANDICAP. r. A Evenson, scr., sft. Gm. ... J P. J. M'Namara, mclud. 31m., sft. 5 2 in. L The only.other competitor, L. M'Kay, jumped sffc. /' POLE A T AULT.—'World's amateur record, 13ft. ' 2lin.; Australasian and New Zealand amai teur record," L. M. M'lvav, lift. lin. Ciub : Standard, 9ft. Oinl' l ' L. M. M'Kay, 10ft; Gin. 1 A. Evenson, oft. sin. ... -. Wallace, of Auckland, cleared only 7ft. Gin.; but it is only fair to say that this was his first effort with the pole in public. LONG jfjMP HANDICAP.-AVorld's amateur record, 24ft. lljin., P. O'Connor, 1901; Australasian record, 23ft. 7-liu., Jl. M. Rosuigrave, 189G; New Zealand amateur record, G. P. Keddell, 23ft. 3in., 190 G. Club standard, 20ft. Gin. \H. Bogle, includ. Ift. 6iu., 20ft. ... 1 F. G. Hubbard, includ. 9in., 19ft. 7in. 2 AV. H. Pollock, includ. 6in., and 1 1 . , Green, includ. 2ft. 3in., 19ft. ... 3 Other competitors—L. M'Kay, scr.; G. Goodbehore, Gill.; R. Bridge, Ift.; P. J. M Namara, lft. WALKING HANDICAPS. ONE MILE AVALK HANDICAP.-AVorld's amateur record, C. F. Lanier, Gmin, 2fcec., 1904; Australasian and New Zealand record, H. E. Kerr, Gmin. 20sec., 190 G. Club standard, 7min. lOsec. D. Cashman, 55yds 1 i M. Traccv, 100 yds 2 P. Fitzgerald, scr ... ••• 3 Other entrants—G. Turner, 90yds.; C. Brock, 210 yds.' AVhilst in the lead, 300 yds. from home, Brock was disqualified for running. A welldeserved victory was secured by Cashman. Time, Gmin. 52 2-ssec. Fitzgerald's-time was 6min. 57sec. THREE MILE AVALK HANDICAP.-AVorld's amateur record, 21niin. 9 l-ssec., F. Murray, 1883; Australasian amateur Tecord, 23min. 6 l-ssec., A. Barrett, 1897; New Zealand amateur rccord, 21min. 31sec., F. H. . Creamer. P. Fitzgerald, scr , 1 D. Cashman, 110 yds. 2 Other entrants—G. Turner,' 190.vd5.; M. Tracey, 380 yds.; and C. Brock, 400 yds. For several laps Tracey led. Then Turner went to the front and made the pace verywarm. AVhen the last lap was entered upon Turner, who had done remarkably well, appeared to be tired. There was a grand struggle for first, place between Fitzgerald and Cashman. Fitzgerald won on the tapes. Oiice during the race Cashman received a caution.i Ho accomplished tlfe initial mile in 7min. 15sec.; the sccond mile in lomin. lOsec.; and the wliolo distar.co in 22min. 36sec. HALF-MILE AVALK FOR BOYS. , J. Hicklin ' ... 1 Frank Sullivan 2 There wero about 30 competitors. AVhen the straight was reached Sullivan had a lead of 10yds! By a magnificent spurt Hicklin caught him on the tape. Time, 3min. 52sec. / WRESTLING AND CYCLING. The Wrestling Competition (catch-a?-catch can style), which was watched with great interest, resulted in a win for, Templeton, with Stewart sccond. Grosvenor also took part. ONE MILE BICYCLE HANDICAP. A. AVaiker, GOyds 1 E. C. Young, 80yds 2 Other competitors—G. Tomline, 30yds.; T. Collins, 100 yds.; and AV. Browman, 130 yds. AVaiker passed Young 200 yds. from home, and eventually won by a wheel, Time, 2min. 38sec. TAVO MILE BICYCLE RACE. E. C. Ynung, 90yds 1 G. Tomline, 50yds 2 A. AVaiker, 75yds. ... • 3 Also competed—W. Browman, 220 yds., nnd M. Lyons, 240 yds. AA r on by half a wheel. Time, smin. 35 l-ssee. INTER-COLLEGE CONTESTS. 100 YARDS INTER-COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP. M. R. Stewart, Wellington College ... 1 C. Ramsden, AVellington College ... 2 G. NutuscJi, AVellinglon College 3 Also started—E. M. Mackerse.v, AA : ellington College; AV. Maher, M. Mahoney, S. Porter, and J. Casey, St. Patrick's College. Stewart was in front throughout. Ho was strongly challenged by Ramsden from half-way. Time, llscc. 440 YARDS INTER-COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP. M. R. Stewart, AVellington College ... 1 Cl.' Ramsden, AVellington Collego ... ... 2 E. M. Mackersey, AVellington College ... 3 Other entries—A 7 . Gallic, AVellington College; and M. Mahoney, 3. Logan, and A. Brennan,'St. Patrick's College. Wou by less than a foot. Time, 58 2-sseo.

OTHER EVENTS. 410 YARDS HURDLE lIANDICAP-AVorld's amateur record, 58 2-ssec.. J. L. Davies, Victoria, 1!) M, and H. St. A. Murray, New /.ealand, 190S; New Zealand amateur record, 5S 4-osec., A. H. Holder, 1897. A. 11. Bogle, Gyds 1 A.'C. Kitlo, lfyds 2 R. E. Bust, scr ... 3 Other entrants—P. M'Grath. Gyds.; Ci. H. Mueli, 18yds.; G. Saunders, 30yds.; and T. C. C. Patterson, 35yds. A capital spurt was made by Bogle at tho finish. Bust, who had gained u lot of ground, collided with the last jump. AVon by syds. Time, G3 2-s;ec. OLD TIMERS' RACE. AV. G. Talbot, 3yds 1 A. J. Abbott, 2yds., and C. E. Bridge, 2yds 2 Other entrants—M. Burnett, scr.; P. .T. Nathan, 3yds.; H. S. Robinson, 4yds.; A. Davies, syds.; AV. Turnbull, G}-ds ; ; G. Johnson, Gyds.; J. J. Callaghan, "yds.; AV. H. Jones, jyds.; and J. H. Pollock, J n vds. This was a splendidly contested race, and the result was greeted with loud applause.