ATHLETICS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1931, Page 20

ATHLETICS

By "Sprinter"

EARLY FORM

LABOUR DAY SPORTS

GOOD PERFORMANCES

Although, as is always the case, many of the top-notcbers did not make an appearance, thero wero fairly good fields in all events at the Labour Day sports meeting at Newtown Park on Monday, and not a little keen and entertaining competition. Some of the competitors showed unmistakable signs of having had two or three weeks' training; others were not so fit, but doubtless they gained considerable benefit from their competition. Favoured with almost perfect weather, the meeting served a very useful purpose. It set the ball rolling, and from now on no doubt there will be a larger number training each week. As most of them had been computing on the road, the cyclists had an advantage on the runners in the matter of form, so that, viewed from that angle, it was not surprising to find tho cycle contests ono of tho features of the meeting. P. N. Bobinson had a very successful day, and among others who wero prominent were C. Ericsson, I. Christensen, T. Eoe, and L. Sowerby. The entries for the events were good, and it was quite evident on the performances that notwithstanding the continuance of the split in the- ranks, some good riding ought to bo seen this season. It is to be hoped, however, that better counsel will prevail on the vexed question of control; that differences will be settled, and the •jyclists brought together again in one happy family. Somo move, it is understood, is being made in this direction, and there appear to be prospects of a reunion before very long. Two Fine Buns. Added interest was given to the one mile flat race by the appearanco of G. Bayne, Wellington and New Zealand champion over that distance. Bayne said he had not been doing very much training, but he turned in a very fine performance which, indicated that he will be as good as ever this season. Another splendid achievement was that registered by E. M. Watson in the halfmile. True, Watson had a start of 18 yards, but his time of lmin 59 4-ssee for his first run of tho season, on a track which is by no means perfect, was excellent. Among the sprinters, H. Marment and T. Matthews were tho most prominent, and each made no secret of the fact that he had commenced training only recently. Marment is a very promising boy, and should do well if he is careful not to overdo things. Some new runners were seen out in the ladies' events, in which there was also good competition. The representatives of the Petone Club sported new colours and a new costume, modelled on the lines of those worn by lady athletes overseas. Although at the risk possibly of some criticism, "Sprinter" suggests that the time has arrived when the other lady athletes in Wellington could well adopt a similar type of uniform to that chosen by the Petone girls. Centre's Annual Meeting. In the space available it is only possible to deal briefly with a fow of the questions discussed at tho annual meeting of the Wellington Centre this week. One of the principal matters dealt with was tho form sports meetings are to take this season, and where they shall be held. The venue selected was Athletic Park, and it seems more than likely that tho proposals brought down by Mr. J. O'Sullivan and Mr. A. C. Kitto, under which Saturday afternoon meetings will bo held once a fortnight on the lines previously indicated, will be adopted. That question, has not yet been definitely settled, but the schemo seemed to find favour with most of tho delegates, and it was decided to givo it a' trial on 28th November and 19th December. Another very satisfactory decision was that to enter into negotiations with the N.Z.A.A.A. Council with a viewto securing a visit later on in the season from an Australian team of three, consisting probably of J. A. Carlton, a good middle-distance or distance runner, and a cyclist. As suggested by "Sprinter" earlier this month, a visit from such a team would add to tho interest of activities. The question of Mr. T. W. Leslie's nomination as a starter of track events at the Olympic Games was one of several other matters discussed. In the event of Mr. Leslie being selected by tho International Amateur Athletic Federation a special meeting of the Centre will bo called in hia interests. A Council Appointment. According to a report of tho annual meeting of the Auckland Centre, Mr. L. A. Tracy, of Wellington, has been dropped as one of the centre's delegates on the Council of the Now Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. Auckland's action, while possibly giving cause for a measure of satisfaction in somo quarters, has also given rise to some unfavourable comment. Thero have been times when officials and others interested in the sport havo not seen eye to eye with Mr. Tracy, but among those who have criticised in the past there are to-day a number who regret that the Auckland Centre has seen fit to "sack" him. Mr. Tracy, an exNew Zealand and Australasian champion, who was first appointed to tho council in 1925. is an officer with valuablo administrative experience and other qualifications, matters one would havo thought would weigh with anybody in selecting its dolegatos. He has also given very loyal and conscientious service to the sport, and at a timo when tho Auckland Centre appears to be making some headway after having fallen on lean days (which cannot be said to be any fault of Mr. Tracy's) the step that has been taken seems to bo unreasonable and uncalled for. The new delegate will have a difficult task in stepping into the position which has been occupied by Mr. Tracy, and it will be interesting to note what attitude he will adopt in regard to the question of cycling control and other matters. Although now not a delegate, it will be quite competent for Mr. Tracy to continue to hold the dual office of secretary and treasurer of the council, and it is undorstood that his services will be retained in that capacity. He will not, however, have a vote. It is a pity that dolegates to tho annual meeting of the Auckland Centre wero not guided by better judgment. Closing of Entries. Entries for tho Palmerston North to Wellington cycle road raco on 14th November and for the sports meeting to bo held in conjunction with the finish «f the Taco at tho Basin Eescrvo close at James Smith's, Ltd., on. .Wednesday.