TRACK AND FIELD

Evening Star, Issue 21879, 16 November 1934, Page 6

TRACK AND FIELD

[By Pistol.]

ATHLETIC NEWS AND NOTES

FIXTURES. November 21, 28, and December 12.—Otago Centre evening sports, Caledonian Ground. December s.—Leith Club’s open evening meeting. December 1,8, and 15, January 12, 19, and 26.—Anglican Club open scratch meetings. . December. 26.—Waipiata amateur sports. January I.—Alexandra Caledonian Society’s amateur meeting, March 1 and 2.—New Zealand track and field championships, at Wanganui. March 2,—Caledonian Society’s Gala, Caledonian Ground. South Island Coaching School. The following programme has been submitted to the Canterbury and Otago Centre sub-committees set up to deal with the South Island Coaching School, and has been approved as a suitable foundation on which to establish the first school of this nature in New Zealand:— Commencing Wednesday, January 2: 6.30 a.m.: Physical exercises—-de-monstration, application to particular athletic events; swim or morning walk.

7.30: Breakfast. 8.30- Explanation and demonstration of throwing event, followed by an hour’s practice' by athletes or coaches concerned, all members of the school taking notes of steps taken and methods employed. 10-10.30: Same procedure for jumping event. 11.30- Lesson in some phase of track work, since sprinting is essential for jumpers, and since throwers must acquire well co-ordinated leg action. 1-4 p.m.: Continue with other events as for the morning session. 4-5; This period might be used by members for practice in a particular event, or for-tennis, etc. / 6.30: This period might be employed one evening for a study of relay racing, so that coaches could try out improved methods with their clubs. 7.30- Lecturette and discussion dealing with the administrative side, with judging, rules of competition, or medical topics. . 8.30; Exhibition of Olympic and Metcalfe films, with discussion on points taught by the camera. G. J. Sceats, the former New Zealand high jump champion, who cleared 6ft in winning the title in. 1927-28, has promised to take part as one of the coaches —a great win. •The two Invercargill Clubs are both likely to be represented. The St. Paul’s Club reports that Smiley, a very promising field events exponent, is going to Oamaru. It is said that Ilex Creesev, ex-New Zealand javelinthrowing champion, will go also. 11. W. Mashell and W. A. Stewart will go from the University Club. Barwick Active. After a spell lasting all the winter, “ Bill ” Barwick, the former Olympian, has resumed training, and will compete in the Melbourne Centenary Gaines in January. “ Bill ” considers that he will be seconds faster for the mile after his well-earned rest. For three years he did not let up in his training, and the constant strain began to tell on him, with the result that when he last appeared on the mainland and in New Zealand he did not show his best form (says the ‘ Sporting Globe ’). “ With the runners that are likely to be competing, I’think the mile will have to be done in 4min .16sec or less, and 1 feel that 1 can beat my own record established at Melbourne two vears ago when I covered the distance in 4min 16 4-ssec,” Barwick stated. “ I have a few pounds to.getpff jreti*

but that is not troubling me much, as during the spell 1 put on 101 b.’ 1 Although Banvick will also enter for the three miles race be will concentrate in his training for the mile event. Services of Coach. A visitor to Wellington last month was Mr Paul Ford, who, although on a holiday, was officially representing the San Francisco Olympic Club. His mission on behalf of that club was to endeavour to arrange an interchange of visits by .Australian, New Zealand, and American Rugby teams, (says the ‘Evening Post’). Feeling that he might be able to give some,useful information on the subject, or, failing that, be able to tell' them whom best to approach, representatives of the N.Z.A.A.A. council met Mr Ford and discussed with him the question of obtaining the. services of a coach ,in athletics to pay- a visit to New Zealand. Of recent years the coaching of New Zealand athletes , has been a matter in which centres and others interested in the sport have taken a keen interest, but wo far the question of expense has prevented any definite step being taken. It is a matter, however, which the N.Z.A.A.A. recognises must be faced if the standard of our athletes is to improve. Should a coach be obtained, it is considered, as pointed out in the N.Z.A.A.A. report, that the best method likely to be most fruitful of results would he to concentrate on “ coaching coaches,” who would thus be able to carry on the good work, and in time disseminate the, knowledge and practice of the finer points in athletic endeavour. The N.Z.A.A.A. representatives had an interesting discussion with l ;Mr Ford, and as a result he has

promised to communicate with the authorities here on his return to America. It is hoped that the information will be to hand for the February meeting of the council. An Exceptional Record. J. G. Barnes, ex-New Zealand mile and cross-country champion, has not been on the track since the end of the harrier racing season, and he told the writer last week that he was still doubtful whether he would .be well enough to commence training in time for the championships. Should he bo able to do so, however, he intends concentrating on the three mile event, and his past performances are such that he should make things interesting for the best of them. Barnes is twenty-six years of age, and his record over a period of seven years is ; altogether exceptional. Here is a list of the important events won by Barnes; —

Otago Cross-Country Championship, 5 miles. —2nd 1927, Ist 1928, 1930, 1932, 1933. Canterbury Cross-Country Championship, 6J miles.—lst 1929. Edmond Gup Steeplechase, 3 miles.— Ist 1927, 1928, 2nd 1929, Ist 1931, 1932, 1933, 3rd 1934. . Kennett Cup Steeplechase, Christchurch, 34 miles.—lst 1931, 1932, 2nd 1933, 19341 - ■ Civil Service Cross-Country Championship, 5 miles. —Is.t 1928, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934. Modified Marathon, 14 miles.—Fastest time 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934. Port Chalmers-Dunedin Eoad Eace. —Fastest time 1928, 1930, 1931,_ 1934. Anderson Cup Eoad Eace, 5 miles.— Fastest time 1931, 1932, 1933, ,1934. Temuka-Timaru Eoad Eace, about 104 miles. —Ist 1929, 1930, 1931. Wellington One Mile Championship. —3rd to E. A. Eose 1927. Otago One Mile Championship.—lst 1929, 1930, 1933. Canterbury One Mile Championship. —lst 1930. , Canterbury Three Mile Championship.—lst 1930. Otago Three Mile Championship.—lst 1932, 1933. New Zealand One Mile Championship.—lst 1933. New Zealand Three Milo Championship.—3rd 1932. New Zealand Cross-Country Championship.—lst 1932, 2nd 1934. ‘ Civil Service Half-Mile Championship.—lst 1929. 1931. 1932, 1933. Civil Service One Mile Championship. , —lst 1931, 1932,. 1933>

Civil .Service Two Mile Championship.—lst 1932. , Leo Lermond, Savidan, Barnes Match Race 1930.—2nd to Lermond. Time, 4min 27sec. . . Leo Lermond . Invitation Scratch Race, Dunedin 1930.—2nd to Lermond, Time, Amin 31soc. Leo Lermond Invitation Handicap, Christchurch, 1930. —Ist. Time, 4mm 26sec, off 10yds. , . Fastest Time for One Mile. —4miu 24 3-ssec, N.Z. Championship, 1933. Fastest Time for Half-Mile. —lium 58 4-ssec, Caledonian Ground, Dunedin, 1 933 - , , ,„ Q Racing to Date. —219 starts, lio firsts, 43 seconds, 26 thirds, 13 fastest times in road races. This Week’s Competition.

Each appearance on the track at the evening meetings has been marked by improved form by George Austin, the ex-Canterbury representative now running with Caversbam, and iollowing up his three-mile win he carried off the half-mile handicap on Wednesday night in 2min 1 l-ssec from the 35yds' mark.George ran really well, and more treely than on previous appearances this season, indicating that he is fast approaching his best form. His comeback” has been most successful, and before the season is. over he should be making some of the best half-nulers here move to beat him. Theo Allen, the Otago cross-country representative, went a solid race for second place from the 2Uyds mark. He made his bid just a shade late, but finished on, and the race should do him a lot of good. - Jim M'Lareri ran another fair race for third place from the 15yds mark. Although he retired after passing the ■furlong mark, sufficient was seen of Jack Anderson in- this race, to indicate that with concentration on the middle distance he has it in _ him to give a very good account of himself over both the quarter and half-miles. He has had little experience of middle-distance ■ running, but has the attributes, and with the proper preparation should soon be in the places over either of these distances. It seemed to be no effort to him to take command on Wednesday night, and it was difficult to see why he withdrew, as he appeared quite fresh. The times in the sprint events were slow, a strong wind blowing from the Bay. .J. Hardie, the cx-Ximaru and Invercargill athlete, who has now joined up with Anglican, took the eye as a very likely sprinter in winning the 100yds handicap. He has a smooth style of running,' a good idea of body balance, and will be winning sprint events from shorter marks ,than the five yards he had in the final on this occasion. He is one of the best of the handicap men seen out this season.

T. A. Watson, ’Varsity’s lone representative, has been a consistent performer at • the evening meetings, and his determined finish nearly carried him to victory in the final of the 100yds handicap, the ’Varsity man occupying' second place. Watson requires more practice in starting, being rather slow into his stride, at the start.

Brian Tapley, who , performed so creditably at tiie New Zealand Championships last season, made his first appearance', and finished third in his .heat of the 100yds. The run should do him good, and his re-entry into competition should stimulate still further the interest being taken in the evening meetings. The junior mile was poorly supported, and was won by E. S. Moody, an Anglican runner who went a good race. The scratch men, E. S. Anderson and G. Davie, both ran well to finish together in third place. Anderson has been showing good form for a firstseason runner, and the experience he has been.- picking up at these evening meetings will be to his benefit later in the season.

The performances in the long jump, with the exception of those of the winner, D. M. Stuart, were ordinary, and the competitors showed need of practice in an effort to get more height. Stuart, however, jumped very nicely, his best being 20ft 34in, while the next best was that of K. Miller, who did 19ft 7in. In one “no jump ” Eamsay did 22ft,

P. Souter, the Alhambra Eughy forward, is the makings of a promising all-round field exponent, and with an actual leap of Bft Gin he won the pole vault on Wednesday night, the Otago champion, E, O. Johnson, clearing 9ft 3in. The pole-vaulters were not quite sure in their take-off, and in lifting their feet over the bar some. failed to get.,over as cleanly as is desirable. Johnson went over very neatly, and later in the -season shoulcl he registering figures just as impressive as those of last season. The well-known field athletic coach and judge, Mr W. J. Bennett, told the writer that he was of opinion that Johnson’s participation in diving had undoubtedly helped in improving the champion’s style as a pole-vaulter. A Champion Walker. An interesting letter canfe to hand during the week from Mr T. B. Jacobsen (now of Auckland), who was a champion walker in Dunedin as far hack as 1875. He writes: “ I will be eighty on November 21, and would be very much obliged if you would kindly post me -a copy of my records from your paper in 1875, when I won the three days’ championships for walking. The dates were, I think, January 1 and 2, and the third day, January 7 or 8. In Auckland, at the age of seventy-two, I won easily the walking event. 1 had not walked since I raced in Dunedin in 1875.”

Mr Jacobsen’s memory has served him well, for the dates were as he stated, and on looking back over the files the report of the thirteenth annual Caledonian gathering shows that the meeting attracted 7,000 or 8,000 spectators on the first day, and that Mr Jacobsen was easily the most outstanding walker, a champion in his day. On the first day he won from scratch the two-mile handicap walk, carrying prize money to the value of. £l4. M' Maogregor was second off the scratch mark, and J. Campbell (25yds) was third. The time was 16niin.

On the second day a mile handicap walk worth £ll was contested. T. B. Jacobsen winning from scratch in 7mm 214 sec. M. Macgregor being second off 17yds, and J. Campbell third off 17yds. The third day’s race was also a mile, and once again Mr Jacobsen proved the victor, conceding Macgregor 32yds, and W. Stuart, who finished third, 130yds. The time was 7min 10sec. :

Notes from Oamaru. In a letter to Mr W. J. Bennett (the sponsor of the Coaching School) Mr R. E. Dimick, secretary of the North Otago Amateur Athletic Club, who has charge of the arrangements for the school at Oamaru, states that those taking part are to be fortunate enough to have the use of practically everything at Waitaki Boys’ High Schooldining rooms, kitchens, crockery, etc., baths, gymnasium, and ! all outdoor equipment. The committee of the North Otago Club is taking in hand the catering. The club is .putting on a complete programme on Saturday, January 5, and for 100yds, 440yds, and mile the trophies will be first £2 2s, second £1 Is, third 10s, and for all other men’s events the trophies will be valued at £1 7s 6d and 12s 6d respectively. The relay will carry a trophy valued at £3, and the ladies’ 7Syds and high jump trophies worth £1 (for first) and 10s (for second). Mr Milner will address the coaching school if he is in Oamaru, and Dr Len. Douglas (formerly a well-known Otago distance runner) is also available. Tliere will be a dance under the auspices of the North Otago Club on the Thursday night. Notes. The Hawke’s Bay-Poverty Bay championships will be held at Gisborne this season. .The date fixed is Saturday, February 2, 1935. At tlie next meeting of the council of the New Zealand Olympic and Empire Games Association the name of T. W. Leslie, of Wellington, will be added to the small number of' honorary members of that body (says a Wellington writer). “ Dorry ” has given much time and energy to the promotion of amateur athletics during the last thirty years, and, although the honour proposed to be conferred on him is belated, it is a thoroughly deserved one. Mr Leslie|s success as a starter at the last Olympic Games is now a matter of history, but if past procedure is followed he is almost certain to be invited to be the first starter at the 1936 Olympics, and in - that event it is to be hoped that the athletic authorities do their best to ensure that Mr Leslie will be able to make the trip. '

Among British amateur athletic records which were approved recently by the International, Board'of the Amateur Athletic Association of England, the Scottish A.A.A., and the Northern Ireland A.A.A. are G. L. Ramplin;s 440yds in 48sec and the 51ft 3Jin for the hop, step, and jump achieved by J. P. Metcalfe, of Australia.

Frank Sharpley obviously has been doing some solid training. Present holder of* two New Zealand spnnt hurdles titles, and now only „ twenty years of age, big things are expected of Sharpley during the next few seasons (says the Napier ‘Telegraph ). Thf present season' prom was to be a very hard one for him, and he would be well advised to take things. easily at tins early stage. • - ■

Although the : circular track on the back ground at Lancaster Park is not all that could be desired, amateur athletics should benefit from the fact that all of its first series of interclub scratch meetings will be held on that ground (says the Christchurch ‘Sun ). Evening meetings will be held at Lancaster Park also, and so, for the first half or the season, the sport has a definite headquarters ground, and spectators will no longer be faced with the necessity of following it all round Christchurch. If the additional grade in open events is the success that is hoped tor the competition from scratch this season should be the best that the scheme has ever produced. lan Driscoll made easy work of his half-mile walk. Conceding he iiltimately won comfortably m time only 3sec short of his own record tor tlm distance. It will take an exceptionally good walker.to wresbthe New Zealand' titles from Driscoll this season (says a Hawke’s Bay writer). His prospects for inclusion m the New Zea landrieam to Melbourne m January must be regarded as bright. L. Meredith, former Auckland quar-ter-mile champiou and a brilliant run* net on his day, is training again after a s pell of twelve months f ™m the tiack. He will concentrate on the -20yds, and as he looks well and has not put on a great deal of condition during his absence from the track there appears to be no reason why lie should not be the same dashing runner he was I wo year ago (says the Auckland Herald ). Jnst as it took the Dunedin starter to show New Zealand athletes that they had not been. in the • habit of being started according to the rule book, so came another bit of information from Hawke’s Bay dealing with relay racing this, time (says W. P. Ingram, mthe ‘New Zealand Soprtsman ). Buie 4b of the handbook provides that relay races np to and including 440yds shall be run in lanes. This has been carried out in the Bay_ .district but so far as mav he ascertained nowhere else, ihe Wellington ladies’ team found this to their sorrow when racing for the Lteveneaux Cup a few seasons ago. The suggestion has been made that the rules should he strictly enforced or cut out altogether. T],© arduous work of superintendent at the weekly evening meetings of the Otacro Centre has been earned out capably by Mr J. W Holley, one of the ablest and most, enthusiastic officials on the Otago Centre. Mr Holley has done a lot for amateur athletics in Otago and Southland, and as delegate for the Invercargill Club has played a large part in seeing that strong teams have gone from Dunedin to take part in- the Southland championships: Bex Creeser, the ex-New Zealand javelin-throwing champion, who was a leading member of the Invercargill Amateur Athletic Club, uow has Ins headquarters in Duncdm, and the writer believes that it would not take much inducement to get him to try his hand dnoe again with the javelin.