SPORTS AT MIDDLEMARCH

Evening Star, Issue 15072, 2 January 1913, Page 4

SPORTS AT MIDDLEMARCH

Tim Strath Taicri Caledonian Society hold their annual games at Middlemarch yesterday, the weather being ideal- for the purpose and the attendance good (though not a record). Athletes were present from the surrounding districts, from Dunodin, and still farther afield. Competition was keen in many instances, but no fast times were put up. The MiddJomareh Handicap, of £lO, £3, and i'l, was not run, owing to there, being only six entries instead of the stipulated eight. A 100 yds race was substituted for it, and was taken full advantage of by the sprinters present, there being ]3 entries. A. K. Hamilton (Matakanui) won the. Imp, step, and leap and heavy-weight Cumberland wrestling, besides" getting second in putting the weight (off scratch). J. P. Hair, of Shannon, won tlie '22oyds handicap, carrying a prize of £-!. after a good race. ' The 100 yds and '(-'Oycls were both accounted for'by P. Devon, a promising young runner from Duucdin. A. W. Valentine- won the half-mile against weak opposition. The 220 yds hurdles was a most exciting race, and was won by F. Pedofsky (MiddlomarcM off Byds. A. M'Askiil annexed first place for light-weight wrestling, after putting up a skilful performance. G. Gardley won the onemile bicycle handicap by a wheel off the limit mark, and the two-mile event was won by John YValquist. A severe struggle saw K. Fisher (South Dun.edin) get homo, in the 120 yds flat handicap from G. Hely (North Dunedin), who won his heat in good style, but could not last the final. The hammerthrow was won by G. Peat with a throw of _7-jft. .J. Peat was second, his throw being 72ft (including 2ft handicap). The heavy-weight eatoh-as-oatch-can wrestling was watched with interest by a large crowd, who saw some very lino work. G. Peat was the winner, with T. Sproule second. IT. Movnihan, with a handicap of 3ft and a, "put" of 33ft 7in. won the shot-putting contest from A. K. Hamilton, whose, figure was 36ft Gin. A youths' handicap was won by W. Prendergast. The arrangements were good, and barring a little delay on occasions there was iin friction of any kind in the eonduct of the sports. The sport also was clean, and on that account, there, were no protests. One competitor had the misfortune to fall in the 100 yds race and hurt bis knee a little, but though he was in a winning position lie did not attribute the mishap to any foul play. The hop, step, and leap event was contested under somewhat unique conditions, and provided a species of amusement, for all except the competitors. The bicycle track, where it took place, was as hard as ironbark. the necessitv for _ providing a " pit" to land in having been overlooked. In the circumstances A. K. Hamilton's effort of 41ft was extremely good. The only side show on the ground was Mr H. Waldie's "Aunt Sally," which, not alone by the keen competition it evoked, but by means of the promoter's picturesque flow of language, served to keep the crowd in the best of good humor. Mr Waldie did well, and, unlike certain distinguished gentlemen who "do" country meetings, he provided a fair go for money spent, and left the ground good friends with everybody.

Those deserving of eulogy for good work done are numerous. Mr G. Robertson, as Press steward, deserves a special word; and as for Mr R. Walker (secretary), he is probably so used to seeing himself praised in' the papers for his good services on such occasions that the well-meant dose must be getting a little monotonous. However, he did well again. All the events were "post entry," a circumstance which competitors, appreciated very much.