Athletics

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 96, 20 October 1934, Page 22

Athletics

By "Sprinter."

GROUNDS QUESTION

TRAINING FACILITIES

LABOUR DAY MEETING

Entries for tho Labour Day sports meeting ou the Basin Reserve on Monday aro stated to bo fairly good. For j a long period now a good series of events and trophies have been provided for the Labour Day gathering in Wellington, but of recent years tho number of competitors has not always been as great as once used to be tho case. Unseasonable weather, but, above all, lack of training facilities, are probably largely responsible. The grounds question is indeed a vexed one in Wellington and there is probably a great deal of j truth in the statement made by Mr. A. C. Kitto at the annual meeting of tho Wellington Club that 'until, the athletes have a ground set.aside for them, tho sport will not progress as it should. The privilege of- training on tho Basin Reserye is governed by the payment by the individuals Of certain fees, which, to say the least, are not calculated to inspiro the belief that tho best is being done for the athletes and the sport in the city. This is the more so, if, as has been reported, it is proposed to spread the revenue net further and attempt to catch in it coaches and other club officials who go on to tho ground and have a part in training operations. To ask such men, who give their time and services gratuitously for the advancement of the sport, to pay 5s apiece, as was reported during the week to be the proposal, hardly savours of a desire to be helpful. Such a matter requires looking into surely. To revert to the Labour Day meeting on Monday, among those who have entered aye W. J. Fitzsimmons, the former Canterbury sprinter, T. J. Crowe, ex-New Zealand high jump champion, P. Bowie, the University hurdler, R. Ball (Kiwi Club), R. Blakeway (Athletic), C. Chalk (Athletic), C. Gibbons (Wellington), and R. Coombes (Athletic). Provided the weather is suitable, a good afternoon's sport should be provided. OVERSEAS CHAMPIONS. Advice from Melbourne indicates that the Victorian Amateur Athlotic Association, in addition to securing :> I visit from four English athletes, of j whom sonio mention was made last ; week, is making strong efforts to objtaiu the services of other noted over- | seas performers for the Centenary games. ; The United States of America has declined the invitation to compete, and when tho position was reviewed the other day at a meeting of the executive of the V.A.A.A., it was decided to forward cablegrams to J. E. Lovelock, New Zealand's little champion j Jarvinen (Finland), javelin champion and fine all-round athlete; L. Lehtiven (Finland), 15Q0 metres runner; _ and Nishidu, Japanese pole vaulter; inviting them to take part in the contests, which, are to bo held in Melbourne on January 2G and 28. The Finnish authorities have been asked, in tho event pf the men named not. being able to make the trip, to recommend capable substitutes. ' ' . ■ According to a Sydney announcement, the invitation for a visit by, English athletes has been accepted. In its original invitation to English athletes, the V.A.A.A. suggested that a sprinter, hurdler, middle-distance runner, and utility man comprise the team. The arrangements, it is'stated, are for the team to arrive on December. 8, compete in the Centenary events, and then visit:in turn Sydney and Brisbane to compete at meetings, there on February 9 and 16 respectively. The N.Z.A.A.A. Council has in hand the question of inviting some of tho athletes to tour New Zealand after--wards. Should it be possible to arrange such a .visit on; satisfactory terms and conditions, followers,. of amateur athletics in New Zealand -will be in for a treat.