NEW ZEALAND MEETING

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 36, 14 February 1929, Page 13

NEW ZEALAND MEETING

COJIMENTS ON OTAGO TEAM

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.")

DUNEDIN, This Day

The Otago athletic team for the New Zealand Championships is a thoroughly representative combination; in fact, it is one of the most comprehensive touring teams that has left Dunedin for some years. Five members of the party have represented New Zealand at the Australian Championships, but of these only one (G. S. Cabot) has won New Zealand honours. He has held both the New Zealand mile and three-mile titles, the former twice and the latter once, while he has been placed in the Australasian championships hi Brisbane. He has not been walking up to his best form this season, but may yet come to light in Wellington. K. H. Cabot was second in both walks at the New Zealand Championships last season, and gained a place in the New Zealand team. As he is now approaching form, he should again do well this season.

J. G. Leckie is one of the best hammer throwers in.New Zealand .to-day, and has a reasonable chance of carrying oft' the title next week. Last year he was second to M'Holm iv the New Zealand title event, but could only gain third place at the Australasian Championships.

R. 0. Johnson is one of the best allround athletes in Otago, and his inclusion in the team was assured last season. He was third in the New Zealand hop, step, and jump championship, and was in the New Zealand team. If he cau do as well at Wellington as he has been doing here •during the past few weeks he may improve upon that position this season, and ho may even gain a place iv the pole vault, at which he is a fair exponent.

Otago's highest hopes will centre on Bert Geckles and Lachie M'Lachlau, both o£ whom have competed once previously at a New Zealand championship meeting, Geddes in 192G at Duuedin, when he failed to strike form on the day, and M'Lacblan at Christchurch last season, when he was fourth in the half-mile championship. Both are brilliant young runners; Geddes's best chance of success probably being in the 100 yards and M'Lachlan's in the- half-mile. They should be among the foremost contenders for titles, and A. W. Findlay, the recently reinstated professional, is another who may keep tho opposition busy in the 410 yarils if he runs with judgment. H. H. Lethaby has been included largely to take his place in the relay team, which should stand more-than a small chance of' success if all its members are able to too the mark.

Miss V. Nichol is Otago's most formidable contender for the 100 yards ladies' title,' and as she has never really been extended there is no telling what she may do.

Fogarty is the sole cycling representative, but he is a worthy one, and one horn whom some good performances may be looked, especially .if he is able to get accustomed to grass track riding between now and the time the championships are decided. ■ ■ .

Malcolm, the 120 yards hurdler champion, and Morris, the long distance runner who was second to Savidan in the mile last year, are not available.