ATHLETICS

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1919, Page 4

ATHLETICS

CALEDONIAN MEETING

(By "Sprinter.")

From aU parts of the Dominion comes news of a general revival of athletics, and the season promises to be a record one. .The number of meetings already set down to take place in the Wellington Province represents a spirit of enthusiasm that has not been displayed for many years; the programmes so far arranged are attractive and provide1- a splendid inducement for every follower of the track. Chief interest, however, is centred in tho Wellington Caledonian meeting to be held on the Basin Reserve en Boxing Day, and at- which some of the world's best athletes are to compete. To refer to such men as D L. Mason, li. E. Wilson, J, Lindsay, and J Wilton a° being of the world's best is no exaggeration, for whilst away from New 'Zealand they had the opportunity of competing against champions of all nations, and their achievements were remarkable. In fact, this small Dominion is now the proud possessor of more notable athletic championships than has ever been the case In England and France the New Zealanders made a wonderful impression, and that such a team of champions is to be seen here on Boxing Day should make the Caledonian gathering the most notable in the history of athletics in this Dominion. To detail the performances' would mean a lengthy list of successes, but it is worthy of note that Lindsay, who is coming up from Christchurch 'to compete at this "meeting, defeated Applegarth, the world's champion, while 11. E. Wilson, the young Wellingtonian, won the English championship.

_ The programme, which has been published in The Post, and which is exhibited in all parts of the city and district, is a most attractive one; so much <so, that it is expected that .the number of entries for the various "events will constitute a record. '.The committee is receiving many requests from all parts of New Zealand for full particulars of the meeting, and this points to a large number of competitors from other centres. One of the .main attractions of the meeting will be the 200 yards provincial championship, and likely competitors for this event include Lindsay (Christchurch), Martis (Wanganui), Barker (Wellington sprint champion), Heley, and H. E. Wilson. Before the war Martis put up many fine performances, and it is reported that Jie is once again in training. Others are expected from Wanganui, while a strong team will be sent down from the Wairarapa. Locally many athletes are in training for the meeting, and there is a 'good deal of promising new blood which may upset some of the more experienced performers.

Items worthy of note on the programme aire the various field events, this being the first occasion on which wrestling and tossing-the-caber will be decided' as ainateur_ events. Among those to compete in this section will be many members of the Police Force, notably Brown (champion shot-putter), M'Eolm (holder of the Australasian hammer-throwing record), and Munroe (Army champion) In training for the half-mile is Burke, a son of "Billy" Burke, who will be remembered as an old-time champion over that distance. "Billy" is looking after the young fellow, and he should produce some of the form, shown by Hecfor ■ Burke, who was one of the 'best half' milers in tho Dominion Wilson, holder of the half-mile championship, is now in Auckland, but is coming down to compete Among those to participate in the long-distance events—and there should be big fields^-is Bell, holder of the one mile and. three mile,championships. Altogethev great' enthusiam is being' shown, and Mr."Dome" Leslie, Mt W. M'Kee (secretary), and an energetic committee, are leaving no stone unturned for the successful revival of a popular gathering, and one well worthy of the patronage of the general public. Of dancing, etc.. there will be a great deal, forty events being set out oh the programme. A large number of competitors are expected from the South and others from various parts of the Wellington Province The programme is so arranged that throughout the day there will be a continual supply of sport, in

some cases as many as five events will be decided -almost simultaneously. Then, too, there will be several aide-shows..

OTHER MATTERS 1 The Wellington A.A. Association is now in full working order, and a -ta,rt has been made with evening meetings. These are already becoming popular, aud much interest is being .taken in tho next meeting to be held at the Basin Reserve on Monday. The University Club is also active, and a successful gathering was held at the Hutt this week

A matter which should engage tho earliest attention of the New Zealand controlling body is whether representatives are to be sent to the Australasian championships, as well as to the Olympic Games. Recent performances by New Zealanders abroad alone provide sufficient evidence of the material available. A team equal to the'world's best is available in New Zealand, and it is high time some announcement was made as to the intention of the head council.

"People here don't know what a good performer we have in Wilson," remarked Mr. Leslie, after witnessing the English champion's great exhibition at Wellington College on. Monday. "I had a yarn with Keddell when lie came back from England, and he told me that Harry Wilson was the best in the world. He is a. beautiful hurdler. You'll see him. in action on Boxing Day!" Mr. Leslie expressed the opinion that he was even, bettei than the late Harold Batger. The Taihape Athletic Club is holding a big meeting on New Year's Day, the prize-money totalling £190. The events include the following handicaps:—7syds, 100 yds, 150 yds- 400 yds, half-mile, and mile. Wood-chopping events and a tug-of-war are also on the programme.