NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 52, 2 March 1921, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

PROSPECTS FOR SATURDAY.

The increased interest in amateur athletics this season and the splendid performances put up at various meetings indicate, that the 'New Zealand championship meeting at Auckland on Saturday next will be one of the most successful on record. Athletes will be present from all parts of the Dominion, and among the number will be a strong team from Wellington. In addition to those chosen by the, centre's selectors to represent Wellington, several other local athletes will make the trip, making a total representation of twenty-one. The team left for Auckland by to-day's midday express. , Mr. A. C. Kitto went ?s manager of the team. Mr. A,_ Davies, chairman of ths N.Z.A.A.A., together with others interested in amateur athletics, accompanied the team.

Wellington's prospect of success is very bright, and the manager is confident that the local team will experience little difficulty in retaining championship honours. Reviewing this season's performances in various parts of the Dominion, Wellington's chief opposition would appear to be from C. H. Taylor (Canterbury) in the 440 yds, half-mile, and mile events, and from G. Davidson (Auckland) in the 100 yds and 220 yds sprint events. In all other championships Wellington has a. good- chance of success, and it is expected that local competitors will secure second places to Davidson and Taylor.

On form the following competitors should be most prominent: G. Davidson (Auckland), H. E. Wilson (Wellington), W. .Candy (Wellington), Walden (Canterbury), C. H. Taylor (Canterbury), P. Nesdale (Wellington), A. Wilson (Auckland), J. M'Kenzie (Wellington), F. C. Hickling (Wellington), Carrick (Canterbury), E. G. Sutherland (Wellington), G. Harvey (Wellington), P. Munro (Wellington), •J. M'Holm (Wellington). In ,the'three-mile event J. W. Scatchard, .A. Wyeth, and C. Dentice will represent Wellington, and although Webber (Auckland) should run well, Scatchard may win.

In all there are sixteen championship events," the points for each counting:— First, 5; second, 2. There is every prospect of Wellington obtaining about 70 points out of a possible of 112. With favourable conditions new records should be established, and those figuring in this respect may be C. H. Taylor, G. Davidson, H. E. Wilson, and .P. Munro.

Mr. T. W. Leslie (Wellington) is to act as starter at the meeting. ,