AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 119, 13 February 1926, Page 5

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

“AMBASSADOR’S” WELCOME RECEPTION TO AMERICAN RUNNERS An enthusiastic welcome was accoidcd the visiting American athletes, Jackson Scholz* find Lloyd Hahn, at the civic reception held in the Concert Chamber last night. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood) presided, and among those present were Councillor G. A. I roup and Mr. M. C. Barnett (president of the English Speaking Union). . . The Mayor considered that the visit would do much to stimulate the interest in athletics throughout the Dominion. The visitors had proved beyond doubt their fine sportsmanship, not onlv in New Zealandw, but elsewhere. ' The speaker thanked Messrs. Scholz and Hahn for the manner in which they had assisted by coaching young athletes with whom they bad come in contact. _ Councillor Troup, Messrs. I*. Willm, A. W. O. Travers, and Barnett, also spoke. In the course of his reply, Mr. Scholz said that splendid hospitality had been received throughout New Zealand, and especially from the citizens of Wellington. “It has always been my idea, added the speaker, “that the sport of amateur athletics is one common ground on which nations are agreed. The unifying benefit of amateur athletics should do much to stimulate international friendship. Although not termed such at present, the time will come when those taking, part in an interchange of athletic visits will, he regarded as athletic ambassadors.” Mr. Hahn said that memories of the receptions accorded them throughout the Dominion would always loom uppermost in their minds. ■ Both athletes were given an ovation before the proceedings terminated.

AMERICANS AT LEVIN The. American athletes competed at the Levin Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club’s evening meeting on Ihursdav. the track being lighted by electric arc lamps. A large crowd was in attendance. In the 100yds. Open Handican a verv close finish m each heat resulted, and Scholtz failed to get home. I-n the mile Hahn won easily, being challenged in the last lap by.C. I Gibbons, who ran a good race. The principal results were as follow:— Three mile cycle sub centre championship.—Scobie 1, Powell 2, Dun 3. Time 7min. 37 3-sscc. 220vds sub centre championship.— Strange 1. Walker 2. lime 23 3-ssec. Five mile cycle open handicap.— Powell 1. Chambers 2. Time 12min. 20scc. Two mile open cycle handicap.—l‘. Powell (200yds.) 1, . Gappin (150yds.) 2. Lafferty (200yds.) 3. Time lmin. 32 2-ssec. 220yds. open handicap.—Final: W. Kvli: (4yds.) 1, Prcstoji (20yds) 2, Scholtz (scr.) 3. Time 21 4-sscc. One mile open handicap.—L. Halm (scr.) 1, C. G. Gibbons (45yds.) 2, K. 11. Johnson (85yds.) 3. Time 4miu. 21) l-sscc. 880vds. open handicap.—C. E. Fraser (35 yds.) 1, 15. Wylie (70yds.) 2. Time 2niin. 0 3-asec. B grade cycle scratch race.—l-lowsie 1, Lafferty 2, Sinclair 3. Time 2miu. 36 2-sscc. One mile cycle invitation scratch race.—C. R. Flett (Wellington) 1, T. Oaklcv (Masterton) 2, P. N. Robinson (Athletic) 3. Time 2min. 21 4-sscc. Half-mile open cycle handicap.—E. Gappen (50yds.) 1, T. Oakley (scr.) 2. Time lmin. 4 4-ssec. _ lOOvds. open handicap.—Final: Rusdeti 1, Walker 2, Kyle 3. Time 10 1-5 sec.

AT ATHLETIC PARK TO-DAY. At Athletic Park this afternoon then* will be seen in action R. A. Rose, the greatest distance ruliner Australia o New Zealand has produced. Also Jack son Scholz, the Olympic champion an ' world’s record holder, and Lloyd Hahn another world’s record holder. There will also be the cream of New Zealand'athletes in all branches of the sport Scholz and Hahn are now just aboil 1 at the top of their form, and are expected to give a great exhibition of run ning. The race between Hahn and Rose over one mile should be one of the best races over the distance ever seen in New Zealand. Scholz, will be up against the beet New Zealand sprinters in Jenkins, I.eadbetter, and Paris, and with the starts he is giving them ho will have to break records to win. The times of the chief events are as f0110w:—2.45 p.m., 100 yards heats; I p.m., one mile; 3.45 p.m., 220 yards: 4.50 p.m.; 440 yards. A very fine supporting programme has been arranged, including several cycling events, and an exceptional afternoon’-' sport is promised.