ATHLETICS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 151, 27 June 1914, Page 18

ATHLETICS

ITEMS OF INTEREST (By Sip Lancelot). THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO. Ono matter not touched <in last week, and an important ono bearing on the futuro of amateur athletics, was a suggestioit made by tho president of' the N.Z.A.A.A., Mr. A. A. Marryatt, to provide for annual shield competitions between tho secondary schools of the South Island and tho North Island. The idea is to havo a champiohship meeting annually in both islands between the scholars attending tho different high schools and colleges. Tho contests would be held alternately in the different centres. In the South Island the contests would be between Waitaki, Timaru, Christchurch, and Invercargill. It is suggested that a suitable hmo for tho South Island meeting would bo in November when the annual inter-collegiate cricket match betwoen Christ's College and Dunedin High School would take place. In tho North Island .Borne difficulty may be experienced in bringing the pupils of tho different schools together. The Nelson. High School would come \o Wellington to compete for the North Island shield. Wanganui, Napier, and Te Aute would compote against Wellington College and Bt, Patrick's College. For further north it is suggested that there would be *. contest between tho schools up there, an<s that the victorß could oomo to Wellington and meet the other schools here, or later on in tho seasoh, which over was the most suitable to the two schools concerned. The idea seems an excellent one, and ifc is to be hoped the wish of the president; of the N.Z.A.A.A. will be carried out. One foature of the suggestion is that it will bring into the amateur ranks many promising athletes who would otherwise be lost to tho truck after they leave school. NEW SECRETARY N.Z.A.A.A, Mr. W. L. Dunn, acting'secretary of thfe Wellington Cenkoof the W. A. A,, will probably succeed Mr. W. G. Talbot, as secretary of the N.Z.A.A.A. It is probable that the position of honorary treasurer will bo filled by a well-known local amateur with some previous experience. Both are good workers in the amateur cause, and the future of the governing body of amateur athletics should losa none of its prestige in their hands, OPENING OF THE SEASON. In recent years it has been noticed that tho Wellington Centre has taken more active interest in the harrier movement than formerly. In this connection it might be mentioned that at a recent com* mittce meeting of the centre the delegate of the Wellington Harriers moved thai the date of opening the harrier season in the Wellington district be fisted by the centre, * and that t the eeaeon bo declared open by tho Wellington Centre. WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. The Wellington provincial croes-ooun.» try championship will b© held at Mira^ mar on 18th July. The course will bo over a journey of five mites. In addition to' the title, tho race carries a gold medal. The Whyte M'Kay Shield, which goes with the successful team, is at present held by the Brooklyn Club. The Masterton Club is expected to eend a team, and there is a hope that tho Manawatu and Feilding Clubs will also be represented. NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP. The Wellington Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A, has decided to make application for the New Zealand cross-country championship to be held here. Applications for the race will come up for consideration at next meeting of the councih ' NOTES. Among club members there is a good deal of discussion as to the probable win* ncr of the cross-counlry championship, to be held at Miramar on the 18th July. There is an impression that the holder (W. Byrne) will be able to retain the title. The teams race is a very open question. The Olympio team are expected to make a big bid for it. The Olympic juniors are shaping well, tnd ar* expected to make a name for the club in the future. Seventeen enthusiasts turned out at Ka« rori last Saturday at tho Wellington Har« riers meet. J Peart walked in from Khandallah in tho rain, and hnd the misfortune to miss tho p_aok by a few minutes. R. Eagje was making his second appearance this season. Ho is a bit on the heavy side, and it is doubtful whether he will be able to strike form for the championship. , A. Pleasant, last year's novice winner, appears to be getting into form, as also does W. Power. > The Brooklyn Club will run their smile Cook Cup race at Miramar next Saturday. Nineteen entries liavo been ro» ceivetl, and the handicapping scorns to bo good. It is extremely difficult to pick n wirtner, but W. Coop, C. Willis, and N Cummings should be amongst the first men home. J. Douglas should also run well. Brooklyn men do not seem to realise that the championship is very close. There has been no mention of R. Ballantyne. Where is lie and >vhafc is ho doing ? Prom all reports^ both he and G. Hutton ard not showing form expected of reprosenla* tive men. Indeed, if they do not get moving quickly it is doubtful if they will get a place in their club's team. How-, over, S. Hall, N. Cummmgs, P. Harvey, and A. Oliver 'are fit, and are mentioned .is likely men in the team. S. Hall i« exceptionally fit, but it is doubtful if he can last the distance. . .