AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Evening Star, Issue 19723, 25 November 1927, Page 14

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

[By Pistol.]

TRACK AND FIELD ACTIVTIES

FIXTURES. November 28.—Otago Centro’s evening meeting, December 3.—Otago track and fielc championships. December 9 and 10.—New Zealam' amateur track and field championships at ’Christchurch. December : 15.—Caversham Clul evening meet. December 20, 27, 28, and 29—Australian and New Zealand track, field and decathlon championships, at Wei lington. January 7—Australian uhletcs A Dunedin. February 7.—Wellington amateur championships. HANDICAPPING MARS MEETINGFaulty handicapping somewhat marred the otherwise successful Artgli can meet last week, and tho fact that few close finishes were witnessed detracted from the interest of the proceedings. There seems to have been some mix-up iu regard to the handicapping, and “ .Pistol ” understands that the centre handicapper Mr W. H. B. Hobbs) disclaims responsibility for the handicaps, as ho had very short time to go through the lists that were sketched out by the club’s own handicappers. Just who was responsible for the handicaps does n6t appear quite clear, but tho point the writer wishes to emphasise is that in all events in which tho various challenge trophies in the possession of tho centre are in dispute the handicapping should he in tho sole hands of the centre’s handicapper. Preliminary handicapping by the club’s handicappers should not he necessary, and should not be permitted by the centre. In open events it should bo the rule that'handicapping must he done by the centre’s controlling official. The tracks at the Caledonian Ground should be in good order for the Otago championships, hut “Pistol” trusts that the strong and bitingly cold wind that prevailed for the Anglican evening meet will be absent next week when the Otago championships are decided. The wind was all against the recording of fast times, but that merely added to the merit of H. J. Pollock’s victory iu the I,oooyds handicap. Pollock, in view of his recent successes, was rather well treated on _ the ,25yd mark, and he scored a decisive victory by 12yds in 2min 27sec. Pollock is the most improved runner in Dunedin, and in all his races ho displays sound judgment. He was striding well in the I,oooyds handicap, in which he was in good position at th cud of the first lap and a-half. He went to the front with 300yds to go, and, though'ho lost his lead temporarily, ho was challenging the leader rounding the straight- turn, I and went on to win comfortably. He won liis heat of the 100yds froni the fivd mark very easily in 10 4-ssec, but failed to gain a place in the final. His arm action could, be improved upon very considerably, for in tho sprint ho was observed by the writer to be flinging his arms all over the place. “ Pistol ” expressed the opinion some time ago that Pollock was the makings of a fine middle-distance runner, and recent running only serves to confirm that expression of opinion. There are still faults about his style which his mentor. “ Freddy ” llolfe, can be expected to eradicate. What is noticeable is that he hardly has the right hodv balance. Pollock is verv fit, however, and tho writer expects to see him well in the running at the Otago championship meeting. The young Pacific runner, E. Fish, has been fairly prominent of late, and. following on a fairly strenuous harrier season, he has met with quite a fair measure of success on the track. He does not run his races with the best of judgment, and when ail out is just prone to shorten his stride, this being noticeable when he was pushed by Pollock at the entrance to the straight in tho l,ooovds handicap Fish faded onl at flip close, but with a little more training- should be. found in winning position in middle-distance handicaps. He was on the 30yd mark in this event, and ran a good race. J. J. Morris went back to the 10yd mark, and ran. well in the I,oooyds handicap, but he will not show what he is really capable of until he learns to run his races with better judgment, Ho finished third, coming over the last 100yds with a late ran, which just failed to secure iiim second place. Tho Caversham boy is in good hands, and if he runs according to tho instructionof his coach he will bo among the best of the middle-distance and_ distance runners at forthcoming meetings. It is a pity that tho Pacific distance man, A. Holt, was not taken in hand, for ho has tho makings of a very fair performer, but at present is a very crude runner, with much to learn alioui the game Ho is on a long handicap mark, but docs not make tho best use of his handicap, and in tho I.oooyds handicap last week ho was back with the bunch before a lap had been covered. Ho is a powerfully-built athlete. fli The Civil Service Club has unearthed a promising sprinter iit G. Valk, who made no mistake about winning the 100yds handicap. He was on tho 9yds mark, and romped homo in tho final with 3yds to spare in 10 2-ssee. The writer‘understands that Valk ran in professional races while he was attending the Waitaki Boys’ High School, but as lie was then under 1G years of age it was unnecessary for_ him to apply for reinstatement. He is smart out ol the holes, and has a strong finish, and before the season ends should bo winning sprint races from .a mark much further back. Ted Bastings is one of tho gamest runners in Dunedin, and despite the fact that one of his legs is unsound, ho has met with a fair amount qj; success during tho present season. He won his heat off 4yds in the 100yds handicap in 10 4-sscc, and in the final made a great finishing effort, which gave him second place just ahead of S. F. Duncan, Bastings ran a fair quarter in tho relay, and wore ho able to stand solid preparation would hold his own with some of tho best of them over distances from 100 to 440 yards. 'The Caversham representative S. F. Duncan is better known as a wellknown Soccer and cricket player, but. since his first win on the track a few weeks ago fie lias shown good form, and ran a good race in tho 100yds handicap to secure third place off syds. lie should endeavor to lengthen Ins stride, and should cultivate a more powerful finish, for that was where he was found wanting iu the 100yds final last week. _ L. G. M'Lachlnn ran second in his heat of the 100yds handicap off 21yds, but failed to gain a place in the link#. His best effort of the evening, however, was in tho relay Handicap, iu which he ran the last quarter for Civil Service. He had too much leeway to make up to give his team victory, but ho reduced Pollock’s big lead and finished strongly. M'Lachlan is running so well over 440yds just now that in this distance at tho Otago championships, as well as in the huff-mile, he will be a strong contender for honors. C. H. Duff (2yds) gained second place in his heat of.the 100yds handicap, but was unplaced in the final. He should run well at the Otago championships, but does not appear to be in as good trim as ho was last season at this stag". Ho is not displaying the same dash off tho mark, but still the writer expects to notice a big improvement in his running when he stops on to the mark lor the Otago championships next week. ’Varsity has a useful middlc-distanco performer in W. N. Allison, and when ho reaches form lie may have to ho

reckoned with over both 440yds and 880vds. He ran quite a fair race in the I,oooyds handicap off 15yds last week, but after working into fourth place was found wanting when ho should have been making his final effort, which ho was unable to sustain. Allison is an attractive, runner with a nice stride and easy action, and last season won the ’Varsity 880yds championship,' being third in the New Zealand ’Varsity half-mile event. A couple of years ago he was the best half-milor in the Invercargill Club, his best performance being 2min 4soc for a halfmile which he won 'from scratch at Mataura. ’ . i . There was only cine man in it in the two-mile cycle handicap, and that man was Harris, on the limit of 850yds, and he would have won oil a much worse mark. Ho made the most of his handicap in the final, and was scarcely sighted by the rest of the field, winning easily by 110yds. The cyclists found the wind very stiff, and it is not surprising the tunas wore slow, Harris in the final being able to register only 5m in OOsec. Harris' is tho makings of a good rider, and unlike many long handicap men, he uses sound judgment in riding Jiis races. He chipped on the pace with the wind behind him, and even from tho same mark the writer dues not think ’ that of the 1(5 riders taking part six could be found capable of beating Harris. As pointed out in this column recently, S. Branford, the ex-Christ-church rider, is one of the most improved cyclists in Dunedin, and in the -.riter’s opinion championship honors may oomo to him in the near future. Jlf 20yds ho rude into second place ■ n the two-mile cycle handicap last reek, beating Templeton, who was on • )Vds, by a couple of lengths. Brem- ■ ord is powerfully built, and is a strong . ider with a good sprint at tho finish, .to is one of the best of the local backmarkers. .... W. J. Templeton finished third in the cycling event, and the Pacific man should be well in the running when the Otago titles come up for decision next week. He found the handicaps i bit too much last week, and he faded mit over the last 20yds. Templeton sits ais machine well, and is one of the .airest riders in Otago. H. Ockwell is not riding up to last season’s form, and at present ho seems io bo on the stale side. Ho was 111/ aack-marker in the two-mile cycle handicap last week, and rode as if nis aeart was not in the raco. Ho is not a good rider against a heavy wind, and nus all over the track in tho raco re- ■ erred to. Ho did not make up much me way, though “ Pistol,” for one, expects him to make a better showing at tho Otago championships. Miss M. Stewart ran her best race •>f the present season in winning the I.ooyds ladies’ handicap in 13 2-sscc against tho wind. She was on the !.(yds mark, and scored a comfortable win by 3yds. Miss Stewart is now showing the benefits of the coaching she ms been receiving, -and lias, developed i longS." stride. She may have to be "eckoned with in tho Otago 100yds • ulies’ championship. Miss M. Dawson (3yds) ran a good ■ ico to secure second place, ,and tho ■ insistent Miss E. Burns (24yds) was drd. The last-named is one of the jst lady runners in Dunedin at the j resent time, and with a little more ■ ash at tho finish would take some

mating. Miss D. Moir is not living up to the : romise she showed a season or two i ick, and in her recent races she has ■ ;en climbing badly. She should pay Mention to her coach, and endeavor to * d herself of this fault.

Relay racing is now very popular in ' unedin, and of the fivo races that ■ avo been decided this season Augli- , has won two. Civil Service, CaverTam, and Boys’ High School ono each. \ nglican scored its second success in fie one-mile event last week, each run■er being called upon,.for 440yds. Andean had a well-balanced team in L. oss, N. J. Suckling, F. J. D. Rolfe, tid H. J. Pollock, but to say tho least, t was well treated on 15yds, and won asily by 30yds. Tho substantial marin was duo most to the fine quarter ■an by Suckling, and to the oven vanning of tho other three. The wining team returned 3miu 44 3-ssec for fie distance. Suckling ran his best • ice of the season, and must have rc- ■ istered fast time. Ho was striding

■ell, and his old fault of climbing was ■at in evidence. With the benefit of nother fortnight’s training on top of v/hat he has already had, he should be mi good shape for the Otago championships next week. Civil Service, from scratch, filled scc- • >nd place, C. M. Olsen running a fast rst quarter. Young Sparrow carried i n ivoll, hut was unable to foot it with '■■•ickling, and Bastings started off a ' '’>ng way behind Rolfe. M‘La chi an was -.-■er 40yds behind Pollock, and, ruu--ing strongly, reduced the gap by , h?ds. Caversham finished third, J. J. •-■orris’s quarter being one of tiro best . ■ ‘Forts. I'. G. Ward registered the best ao-i-ial performance in the javelin throw■:g handicap, throwing the long spear H9ft 9in. He had a handicap of loft, ■chicli gave him an easy victory, 'flic . .eneral standard, however, was a low •■no. OTAGO CHAMPIONSHIPS. Entries for the Otago championships •■ ill now dose next Mmiday night, and resent indications point to the mettng being one of the best contested m many years. Large fields should be ; 'io order,, and club competitibn looks !co being very keen. The List Shield, ablematic of the club championship, is present held by the Civil Service !üb, but the Anglican is said to be along a hold bid for supremacy on ibis occasion. “Pistol” is picking the • University representatives to give both vnglican and Civil Service something to biuk about, for ’Varsity on paper is u ■'airly solid proposition this year, with uch performers as H. D. Morgan (who diould collect first honors in both mrdling events, and will have to he eckoncd with in putting the shot and ■ne or two of the flat events as well), i. G. Leckio (who is performing exjptionally well with the hammer at -resent—doing 140 ft at training con--stently—and may pick up a point or wo in other field events as well), 11. F. iarr and C. H. Dulf (who should be •ell to the fore in sprint events, while ho latter may be found in a place in he hurdles), W. W. Allison, L. Dougins, N. S. Woods, and N. H. North (in the middle distances), Douglas (in the distance events), and G. S. Cabot and il. li. Cabot (in the walks). This is a pretty strong team, and, though it is impossible to make aiiy accurate selection as to likely winners until the entries appear, it seems tliat in the majority of events the finishes should be very close.

Civil Service will be weakened by the ’loss of C. 31. Niehdlsou (the champion cyclist), R. W Lander (the New ■feuland hurdling champion and holder of the Cabot Cup lor. most points at i he championships), and A. V. Stroud (the Otago shot putting champion), Iml an acquisition should he J. G. I’arnos, who will be a contender’ for distance honor's if he strikes form. C. 31. Olsen and 'L. (I. 31 'Lachlan arc contenders ’for middle distance honors, and tlio'New Zealand half-mile champion miay- also start in one of the sprints, in which Civil ,Service may not be particularly strong. C. L.-Tapley, nest ■ to Morgan, is one of the most piomising hurdlers in Dunedin, and should bring pointsrto his club across the sticks as well as being among the contenders for a place in the high jump. Civil Service will miss Nicholson in the cycling events, in which the points may bo divided, though in Brentford the "preesont champions have a rider who may add-to the points se-

cured by that club. In the field section Civil Service; and Anglican will probably bo vicing with each other for the honors, while in tho distance races tho Civil Service, will probably roly upon 11. M, Stevens. Anglican will field a strong team, including such performers as N. J. Suckling (who is a prominent contender for the middle distance titles), H. J. Pollock (who may contest both middle distance and distance events), W. N. Connell <*the' ox-provincial three mile champion), B. Thompson (tho Otago long jump champion,' who is also a lair sprinter), R. O. Johnson (one of the most promising exponents of the hop, step, and jump seen in Otago for years), and a number of field men who will be contesting for points with the Civil Service members in some events in ’which tho standard is not particularly high. These three clubs will probably fight out the battle for the List Shield, but individually members of he Invercargill, Cavershaui, and Pacific Clubs may be expected to show to considerable advantage, and one of the best races of the meeting should bo the relay championship, which should bo very keenly contested this season, more particularly as it is now included in the points for the chib championship. A ladies’ 100yds championship will bo staged, and 120yds and I,oooyds handicaps and a half-mile cycle handicap are also included. The preliminaries of the hammer throwing, shot putting, . pole vault, javelin throwing, and discus throwing will bo decided on Friday, December 2, at 6.30 p.m., and the championships proper will be run the following afternoon. The proposal to continue on the evening of December 3 has been abandoned, and the writer believes that the centre was wise in coming to this decision. MONDAY’S EVENING MEEET. As a preliminary to tho Otago championships, the evening meet next Monday should serve a useful purpose. It is being staged by the Otago Centre in an endeavor to raise funds to send the team to the New Zealand championships, and a good programme has been arranged. Very satisfactory entries have been received for the fixture, and it is pleasing to note that a high jump has been included on the programme, as well as a mile walk, which should provide a splendid exhibition and may serve to introduce several new walkers to the frehlic. Other events include 120yds and one mile handicaps, one mile cycle handicap, ladies’ handicap, and one milo medley relay handicap.

. A SHREWD CHAMPION. Arthur Duffcy, tho . American amateur sprinter, who visited Australia and Now Zealand with Alfred Shruhb, tho English long-distance runner in 1906, is now a sporting writer on the staff of tho Boston ‘Post.’ Ho was ono of tho fastest runners who ever lived, and ho also knew every point in the game. When ho made his first . appearance cm tho Melbourne Cricket Ground ho asked to ho introduced to the veteran starter, Mr Phillip Shapporc. When introduced ho grasped Mr Shappero with both hands, and said iu a broad American accent, “I’m right glad to meet you, sir, I’ve heard of you in England and America as the greatest starter in the world, and I’m told that no man has over beaten you out of tho holes.” Mr Shappere beamed with satisfaction at the compliment, and a few minutes later Duffey and those who were to oppose him went to tho starting post. They were told to “ Get on your marks,” “Get set,” and then Duffey jumped out of his holes before tho gun and beat, it bv two yards. Mr Shappere had been lulled into false confidence by the compliment, and Duffey beat him. I recalled the incident to Arthur Duffey a few months ago, 'and he chuckled over it (says a writer in the ‘ Australasian’). At tho other cud of tho course Mr J. O. F. Ulbrich was tho senior judge, and there was a desperate finish between Frank Mueller, (of Bendigo); A. Willmer (of Sydney), and Duffey, and 1 have no doubt, that they finished iu that order, with inches only separating them. In the final 1 dash Duffey sung his left shoulder round and carried tho tape on it. As ho pulled up he never took his eye off Mr Ulbrich. and returned to tho winning post still carrying tho tape on his shoulder, and said to the judge, “ I just got up.” Tho verdict was Duffey first, and again the official had fallen into the trap. It is. not to bo wondered that Duffey chuckled over this also. AUCKLAND NOTES. The ‘Star’s’ Auckland correspondent wires:—J. W, Savidan is in great form at present. His win in the one-mile handicap at the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club’s inaugural evening meeting last week was full of merit. His time (4miu 31 2-ssce) was 7scc faster than that recorded when he won tho mile championship two weeks ago. It is Savidan’s intention to compete at the New Zealand championships, and the local crack is undergoing a special preparation to defend his dominion title. The meeting of Savidan and Gibbons in tho milo championship should be a great attraction. Should the necessary funds bo available there is every prospect of Auckland being represented by four other runners at tho New Zealand championship meeting. Tho officials of . the Auckland Club are keen to send Elliott, Williams, M'Coy, and Watt, and Mr W. Norton (president) expressed the view that these four would do justice to Auckland, particularly in tho relay championship. To carry out this intention a series of trial relay races are. to be decided, and the quartette is to be given every opportunity to gain experience in relay racing. Should Watt manage to run 880yds in about 2min the Auckland team would take a lot of beating in any company in New Zealand. JOTTINGS. At tho recent meeting of tho Wellington Centre it was decided that tho Wellington team, which is to he selected hy> Messrs Kitto and Harrison on November 26, is to leave Wellington on December 7. Mr W. Melrose will be manager of tho team. Mr Kitto will represent the centre at the conference of centres in Christchurch. ...... Few athletes have had a more strenuous season than Lord Bnrghley (says the ‘Athletic News’). Yet his recent form iu Germany and Paris, despite his military training, upon which ho has entered with tho Grenadier Guards, shows that he retains all his brilliancy as a hurdler. His trio of triumphs at the Colpmbes Stadium—--110 metres in 15 l-ssec, 24 3-ssec for the 200 metres, and 54 3-sseo for the 400 ijietres —were great achievements. Relatively speaking, perhaps, the latter was the best, for it is not much inferior to tho world’s record (54 l-osec), which ho holds jointly with J. K. Norton, tho American. Lord Burgh ley now holds the British record for three distances— the ,120yds (LI 4-sscc), tho £2O, and tho 440. Tho old Cantab’s fame in that regard lias been sealed by tho A.A.A.’s acceptance of his performances. How long will they stand unbeaten:''

Commenting on some wonderful broad jumping recently, Loudon ‘Sporting Life’ remarks that De Hart Hubbard has held the world’s record for the broad jump since 1925, when-ho cleared 25fi“ lOir. at Chicago. It in now reported from Cincinatti that ho, has cleared'-26ft 2ih—at IM ■ years of age! Hubbard won the broad jump at Baris Lom another negro, kiddie Gourdin. Neither wept near 25ft there, Hubard winning at 24ft sJfin. An extraordinary circumstance happened when Ray Legendre, who was not in the U.S.A. long-jump team; cleared 25ft f'Hin the pentathlon competition. The- Haytian negro, Cater, who competed in the English championships

without success in 1925, afterwards cleared 25ft in Franco, and is said to have even gone near 26ft since. . . J. Lynch, the Auckland broad-jump champion, is training along satisfactorily, and expects shortly to better his recent fine performance of 21ft 8-Jin (says a northern writer). W. S. Hodge, tht, Otago cyclist, who recently applied for reinstatement, has now a good chance of being reinstated. - His. application .was referred by the N.Z.A.A.A. to the Canterbury Centre, which has recommended that Hodge be reinstated. The application of Robertson, another Dunedin cyclist, has been refused, while E. K. M'Gillivray, the long-distance runner, whoso application was referred to Australia for “ special ” consideration some tune ago, has now been turned down altogether. In the 120yds hurdles F. S. Ramson (lyd, ono hurdle down) and R. W. Lander (scr) both failed to oomo up to expectations (says “Spike,” in the ‘Dominion,’ in referring to a recent meeting). Victory in the final went to'G. Hethorington (4yds, one hurdle down), who beat E. G. Sutherland (3yds, ono hurdle down), by a couple of yards, after running practically neck and neck until the last hurdle was cleared. Lander will have to get a move on if ho wishes to retain his title. Ramson, who beat Lander at the previous meeting by a fair margin qualified in his heat, but in the final lie failed to get up. Referring to a recent meet at Hastings, a northern writer states that Miss O. Jane, of Napier, found her handicap too great for her, but she ran well, and in another month will extend the best lady runner in New Zealand. C. C. Nicholson, holder of the Otago javelin throwing championship, will probably represent the Invercargill club at tho forthcoming Otago championships. i In addition to the javelin he will also contest the one and threemile cycling championships, and possibly the shot and discus events. Nicholson is now stationed at EdenThe re-election of Mr R. W. M‘Villy as president of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association should serve to show that the attitude he took up when ho disqualified C. Gibbotfs in the last New Zealand' one-mile championship for interference has been generally supported by centres throughout New Zealand. The writer does not wish to discuss the’ merits of that particular case, but he wishes to point out that Mr M'Villy was refereeing at that particular meeting, and that it is a great pity there should have been so much discussion and criticism over a decision given by a fair-minded and outspoken official. The referee is there for the purpose of seeing fair play, and the fact that so much "comment has been made regarding Mr M'Villy’s decision does not redound to tho credit of those concerned who should have accepted the decision as final. At an evening meeting at Auckland last week J. W. Savidan, the New Zealand onc-milo champion,. won a mile handicap from scratch in 4min 31 2-ssec. When the field had gone three laps Savidan took tho lead and went on to win easily by 30 yards. Although not at his best, tho Australasian 440yds champion and record holder, A. ,T. Watson, fought over again his. Victorian championship, when he again defeated Elliston, of Glenlumtly, in the 440yds. hurdles in 57 l-ssec at a recent meeting in Melbourne. Watson shortened his stride in Hie approach to the battens, but won easily. The Invercargill Amateur Athletic Club will probably be represented by a fair-sized team at the Otago championships after all, though it is not regarded as likely that Bert Geddes, holder of the Otago 100yds and 220yds championships, will defend his titles. In the jumps Invercargill should .be strong. C. W. Rout, who won the title at sft 7in in 1926, is a likely competitor,', and J. P. Wayto, holder of the title at sft 6in, who has thrice hold the provincial championship, are both likely to compete in the high jump, and Rout should also bo hard to beat in the Jong jump, in which he was second to D. R. L. Stevenson in 1926, when he cleared 20ft 6Jin. There are some good middle distances in the south, and these may he brought To light at the Otago championships. • One of tho most popular track runners is Dr J. J.. Brownlee, tho Otago cx-champiou, who is now attached to the medical staff of the Auckland Hospital. Ho ran well enough in the recent sprint championships to suggest that ho will bo seen to advantage very shortly (says the Auckland ‘Herald’). Brownlee was one of tho best sprinters at tho ’Varsity while he was in Dunedin, but did not succeed in ever winning an Otago sprint title, though ho achieved Canterbury honors in 1925. The appointment of Mr W. J. Duff as manager of the Otago track and field team for tho New Zealand championships should give general satisl action, for ho is in close touch with the local runners and has tho experience necessary to act us trainer and adviser to members of tho team. Tho team will ho selected on tho night of tho Otago championships, and it is anticipated that about eight athletes will represent Otago. Tho Training and Selection Committee will meet the athletes at the Caledonian Ground on Monday night after the evening meeting for the purpose of ascertaining those who will bo available if selected, and ns to what portion of their expenses the runners themselves will ho able to defray. Mr E. L. Macassoy and Mr 0. W. Clark will probably represent the Otago Centre at the annual conference of centres to bo hold during tho championships. The Cavorsham Club has secured an acquisition in Busbridgc, who is said to be a good exponent of the hop, stop, and jump, in which he should be able to do over 40ft. This is an event which is gaining in popularity in Dunedin. The only athletes definitely selected by tho Queensland Amateur Athletic Association to represent the State in the championships in New Zealand next' month are L. C. Parker, 100yds State and Australasian title holder, and State furlong champion, and! Eiuo Keskinen, for iho decathlon. Tho final, selections for the team will depend upon the results of tho furlong and high jump tests. Will Dr Peltzer come to Australia? That is tho question amateur athletes are asking at the present time (says the ‘Sporting Globe’). There is no doubt about the German speed ace being willing to come for the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association has agreed to all his requests, even in regard to paying the expenses of his trainer, Hoke. The fly in tho ointment lies in the fact that tho German A.A.A. do not wish him to travel overseas, as they consider such a trip might interfere with his prospects as a German representative at tho coming Olympic Games. This was cabled out some little time ago, and in reply Peltzcr said that the association was interfering witli his own private business, and added words to tho effect that he would not take notice of their decree. Yet the matter is serious from our point of view, for it is doubtful if Victoria could accept Peltzer against tho express command of the German A.A.A. Amateur athletic associations like to swing their weight about at times, and evidently the German association feel in that mood at present. Something similar caused a big break in the United States when Y.M.O.A. athletes were prohibited from journeying to Sweden by , the U.S.A. A.A.A. Such actions .on the part of governing bodies do no good for the sport at all. It is a sheer impertinence to interfere with' the liberty of the individual.. There are some types of men who get into office who appear to think that their mission is that of ijictators, when humbly they should he giving their best to make amateur sport, more attractive. Such an attitude drives young men out of amateur sport.