Track and Field

Evening Star, Issue 23325, 22 July 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

Track and Field

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Fixtures. August 12.—New Zealand crosscountry championship, in Hawke’s Bay; Nees Cup mile, at Dunedin. August 19.—New Zealand University cross-country championship, at Auckland. September 2. Port ChalmersOunedin Road Race. September 16.—Modified marathon, at Mosglel. December 2.—Marathon ■ championship, at Mosgiel. HARRIER HISTORY MR R. J. JACKSON'S MEMOIRS Tlio following is taken from the ‘ Sou til land Daily Nows ’: — This “ memoir ” is of particular interest, being written by Mr R. ,]. Jackson, who was responsible for introducing the sport to Now Zealand in 1899 when the Dunedin Club was formed, and the first to advocate the “ centre system ’’ tif control. Not only was he club eaptain during the first couple of seasons, but his previous experience ijtudo him the most useful administrator during the early years, when, tho foundations of the sport were bciiig laid. Present day runners owe a debt of gratitude to those who pioneered the sport so wisely, and modestly, Mr Jackson gives much of the credit to others. Although ho has been resident in the North Island for a number of years Mr Jackson still retains an interest in the sport. “Starting to run with the North Liverpool Gymnasium in 1894, I joined the Manchester Harriers in 1897. ran in Australia in 1898, and found the sport so much to my liking that on arriving in Dunedin in February, 1899. I conceived the idea of starting a club, and advertised a meeting for Tuesday, May 8, in tho Provincial Hotel. The meeting was well attended and strongly supported by the members of the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club, to whom the success of the movement in the early days was largely due. At a committee meeting tho following week the officials of the club were appointed. “ At the first meeting I advocated forming a harrier club quite distinct from the D.A.A-C. in the hope that Someone el«s' s would form another club so that thr&ihree clubs could combine into onq: association for local administration, and although this was done, it was not till some years "later that we were able to realise the ambition of local control and the ‘ centre system ’ was adopted.

“ The first run was a memorable one for the 37 runners who turned out, and provided a good deal of fun, not only for the runners, but for the good folk who saw us. Mr W. L. Hooper, vice-president of the club and chairman of the first meeting, very thoughtfully provided afternoon tea, and it was very acceptable. The run was held the Tlunedip Boating Club’S”- boathouse- and' the rowing men were prominent and gave much assistance then and later.

“There is another class of people to whom gratitude is due—our many hosts on a Saturday afternoon. To popularise the movement I approached quite a number of people with suburban homes to invite ns to run from their homes and never met a refusal. Often T felt deeply indebted to them for going to so much inconvenience by providing us with hot water for a wash and then afternoon tea. Others gavo us invitations to run from places like the St. Clair Baths, and afterwards entertained ns at their own expense. At that time they did not get much reward, but T know that T am not alone in saying that after all these years thev are kindly remembered by the hoys who had the pleasure of partaking of their hospitality. In a way they are the real founders of the harrier sport in New Zealand, and if not too late. T would, once again, like to thank them for their generous assistance. “ Tn November. 1902. the Dunedin harriers held a 10-milo scratch race on the Carisbrook Ground with a view to establishing a 10-mi!e record for tho colony, and, if possible, oclinsing the existing record of Australasia (56mm 57sec) standing to the credit of S. Blake, of Melbourne. (This event was first suggested by Mr Jackson, “Pace”’). The weather was not the best, but the result proved worthy of the attempt. Eight men faced tho starter, and it was soon apparent that it was a race between TTnvrv Murray and Percy Bennett, ns Hector Burk, the club’s five-mile champion, did not start. Five miles wee covered in 28min 50sec, with H. Murray leading, P. Bennett a yard behind, and Arthur Bonnin third. Murray and Bennett kept together until hnlfwav round the last lap, but Murray, running strongly, won by lOvds in the creditable time of 58vnin 9 2-ssec.” UNIVERSITY CLUB ACTIVITIES LOSS OF POPULAR OFFICIALS The University Club will lose two of its senior officers in tho near future through tho retirement of Dr Carmalt Jones from the staff at the end of the rear and the departure next month of Mr Lloyd Woods. Dr Carmalt Jones was the first president of tho club and remained its president for six years, after which he retired to lei a younger man take tho position. He accepted tho senior vicepresidency and life membership of , the club, and has always maintained an active interest in harrier events.

Tho club’s popular captain, Lloyd Woods, lias boon appointed to the staff of tbe Government Snorts Division. Coming from Waitaki Boys’ High School, where lie bad been sports captain and senior champion (bo still holds the school records for tho mile and half-mile), ho came to Otago in 1935 and had a somewhat meteoric career. He took his B.A. at the age of 20, his M,A. (and Honours in Economies) at 21, and a month after his twenty-second birthday was appointed to” the teaching staff of the University as assistant lecturer in economics. As an economist he has been prominent recently, having given cxnert evidence and a report to the Parliamentary Marketing Committee at the special request of the Minister of Marketing. Shortly after joining the University Harrier Club ho was elected secretarytreasurer and club delegate to tho Otago Centre, two years later being

elected captain. In his first year be ran a great race in tho provincial junior championships, being a close second to Bob M'Laclilan in fast time. He lias represented the University every year, having captained tho interuniversity team for three successive years. Lash year he was chairman of the New Zealand University Harrier Council, and this year, as athletics controller on tho New Zealand University Tournament committee, had complete control of tho very successful University championships at the Oval, Logan Park. He won the University mile championship (with which goes tho Lovelock Cup) in 193(5, but will perhaps he best remembered as the organiser and founder of tho Lovelock Olympic Trophy relay race. Ho has been a member of the Otago Centre for over four years, first as a University delegate, and since his departure from student ranks as a delegate for the Collegiate Club, Invercargill. His departure early in August will be a great loss to the University Club, but his club mates and members of other clubs will join in congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Otago’s team for tho intcruniversify championships at Auckland will not be so strong as expected owing to unfortunate depletions. D. Foord will definitely be out of running for the rest of the season owing to a kneo injury. A. C. A. Coombes, however, is in good training and should bo up noth the leaders in Auckland, although he will have to produce top form to stay tho distance with such men as D. R. Scrymgeonr (Wellington), A. O. Knfoeci (Auckland), and W. Taylor (Christchurch). I’. E. Dorman is also in good form, and should be in a handy position at tho finish. It. S. Anderson has not been running as we"! as was expected, but should improve before the internniversity event. The University Club is bolding a farewoll dinner to Dr Cnrmalt Jones on August 1. when the. relay trophies will be presented. HARRIER CLUB NOTES Mornington. A pleasing feature of the Mornington Club’s cross-country championships, hp4d at Wingatui last week, was the presence of the founder of the club, C. H. M‘Lean, who had tho pleasure of starting two largo fields. Some 20 competitors took part in the senior race for tho George Fenwick Memorial Cup. The first four men to complete the first lap were Kennedy, Munro. Moore, and Ferry, in that order. This order was unchanged at the finish, although T. O. Kennedy had slightly increased his lead over G. S. Munro. Kennedy was not extended, and although Munro is more at homo over longer distances, he also found the going comparatively easy. As was expected, C. L. Moore and A. G. Ferry ran solid races to finish within a few seconds of each other. With training both these men are still capable of improvement. Fifth place was occupied by the club captain, F. W. Crooke, who was also runner-up in the sealed handicap. Although the pace was not to his liking, ho will probably put up a better showing in tho Otago race and may be one of the four men to count for team honours.

11 Wilson and E. Lundquist staged a good finish, sprinting together for nearly 100yds. The former gained the decision by a very narrow margin. Lundquist was the winner of tlio sealed handicap in his first race over 64 miles. F. Sanders ran very well, and his time was faster than ho put up in last year’s Otago race. F. Graveson showed something of his true form in finishing ninth. If he would settle down to serious training ho would be a decided asset to the club’s senior ranks.

A. Giilon, W. Taylor, and J. Marrett ran well throughout, but lost ground in the first round, while W. Pullar and D. Paulin were certainly not lacking in stamina. It is a pity that R. Thompson, W. Mitchell, and J. Everett were unable to stand up to tho distance. Here, again, the necessity of solid training may he emphasised.

No fewer than 13 juniors started in tho three-mile race for the Lucas Cup, which is one of the best fields that has yet contested this event. The first five men ran almost together until they branched off the railway track. Then J. Burrows, who had at no stage been extended, ran out and reached the tape with a brilliant sprint in the good time of 17min 42sec.

Second man homo was T. Wallace, who has lately shown marked improvement. Despite his inability to train, N._ Sutherland ran very well to take third place. W. Gardiner sprang a surprise in defeating A. do Conroy for fourth position. N- Thornicroft ran very solidly and certainly earned a place in the team. First and second places in tho sealed handicap were obtained by two colts, A. Holmes and L. Tombs, who have both been running consistently throughout the season and with due care should develop into very useful juniors. Third place went to M. Graveson, who ran one of his best races to date.

Both L. Bauchop and A. Thornicroft ran well-judged races, and considering that the latter was making his first appearance in harrier running, he did well in gaining eighth place.

Anglican. Anglican hold its annual cross-coun-try championships under fairly good conditions, and both events attracted good entries. In tho senior event the winner was J. C. Smith (smin), who, after taking tho lead on entering the course for the first lap, maintained his position to lead 11. A. Romerill (3min lOsec) home, and Romerill went a very solid race and finished with a fine sprint up tho straight just ahead of the scratch man, L. J. Logan, who this year is displaying better form than ever, and in the Otago crosscountry championships was confidently expected to better his Edmond Cup performance. Logan also takes, for the second successive year, the Connell Cup for fastest time. Tho next home was Walter Norman, who went a very game race, beating Davie in the sprint home. Norman, unfortunately, turned at the railway line instead of turning in at Gow’s paddocks, thus covering much more ground than was necessary. However, ho ran his best race to date, and more will bo heard of him in the future. G. H. Davie ran quite a good race to finish fourth, and was also runnerup for tho Connell Cup. A. C. Marrett’s performance was a little disappointing, and was partly accounted for by leg trouble winch he was unfortunate enough, to experience..

To do the none-too-easy course in gvm. shoes and still finish full of running was the effort of J. Gunning, who also took tlio wrong course-for the first lap. Gunning wont along Janefield road in fine style, and showed that he would bo a good road man should he choose to take up this branch of sport. G. K. Armstrong went quite a fair race, and after being dropped by his litter co-marker had to make his own running, whilst lack of training told its tale. A pleasing feature of the race was the way in which some of the older runners entered, it being most encouraging to the younger seniors, and credit must go to Cyril Crawford and George Coopm for their sporting actions. Tho junior race again went to J. U. Maydou, this being his third successive win in this event, and the case with which ho won on Saturday augured well forlds showing in the junior crosscountry race. F. Mitchell ran another good race to finish second, and at tho same time take the scaled handicap. J. Hyslop is a noth or ■ very promising junior with a very easy style. He went quite a good race. D. L. Sharpe, as in tho novice mile, did nob display anything like his recent good form, and will have to watch his tactics in future races, as he certainly has the ability to do much hotter. . .

A good bunch of juniors, comprising D J. Caradus, G. Mitchell, C. Andrews, K. Pnvno, and H. Norman, all went solid races, and considering it was thenfirst effort at cross-country running, they must be congratulated on their performance. Leith. Leith's junior and senior cross-coun-try championships were decided at Wingatui last Saturday. J. Dickey, who started in the junior race, and incidentally had his first run in the harriers, showed excellent form to lead tho field home. Such an auspicious debut augurs well for Dickey’s future as a runner. W. Carter, who continues to improve, has been training with W. Arthur, and appears to have derived much benefit from this. Carter was placed first in the junior race, as Dickey had not had tlio sufficient number of runs to qualify for the event. I. Larkins ran exceptionally well to fill second position, and displayed form reminiscent of his run in the mile maiden earlier in the year. R. Raton, an improving runner, was unlucky enough to miss a placing, but was dose up fourth. Just ahead of Raton was W. Freeman, who took third placing, quite a good effort. The surprise of the season was .produced in tho senior event, when Noel Arthur reached tho tape 20yds ahead of Stephenson after running an effortless race. Arthur stands out as the most promising runner the club has had in recent years, and, as his age qualifies him for to-day’s junior race, his performances would bo followed with interest by Leith Club supporters. J. Stephenson, placed second, has shown consistently good form this season, but his finish was just not strong enough to head Arthur. A good performance was registered by L. Wright, who is going very well considering tho short time ho has been with the club. Peter Garden, who appears to make hard work of distance running, appeals more as a short distance man, and, as with Steve Smith, his performances in the coming sports meetings will be watched with interest. A good sprinter, B. A. Timms, has not taken his running seriously so far this season, but is expected to show up in the sprints later- on. Another member who could do with a fair amount of work is 11. Hutchison. Civil Service. The club’s junior and senior crosscountry teams that competed in the Southland championship at Invercargill last Saturday again gained success. The senior team .produced the fine teamwork that has gained many a success during the last few seasons. The junior combination exceeded all expectations, and has also welded into an evenlybalanced team, there being only a few seconds between the first five men: The course was exceedingly heavy, but this did not seem to effect A. R. Geddes. who ran the distance in record time. From the gun Geddes made tho pace very fast, but within a quarter of a mile the first five places were filled by Civil Service men. Geddes had no trouble to retain his title, and after running a fast first lap eased up considerably. „, . , , . W. Maddunoii had one of Ins hardest runs for quite a while. Strong opposition from an Invercargill runner made him give of his best all the way, and it was not until the last quarter-mile that ho gained the upper hand. If R. AVhittleston ran tho same race to-day as last Saturday, he was expected to bo a strong contender for a .place in tho Otago team. Whittleston has now filled fourth place in tills race on two occasions.

J. G. Barnes stepped it out with the leaders, but the heavy plough took its toll, and he slipped back a little during the last lap. Next to cross the line was N. Coutts, who filled sixth place. This course seems to suit Coutts. and ho usually runs a good race on it. K. Baird was the remaining member of tho team, and ho fully justified his inclusion in the team, running a steadyrace.

C. Walker was right on form, and again ran one of his outstanding races. Walker was the club’s big hope in today’s junior race. The next four places were filled by Civil Service men, being within seconds of one another.

C. M'Kcrsey must rank ns the second best junior in tho club, and perhaps tho most improved iruuner this season. M. Collins at last seemed to have a race that suited him, and his placing of fourth represented a good run. More training is yet required to put A. Richards in the top flight, but, as he is looking forward to bigger racing ns a senior, he is wise not to do too much as a junior. C. Greaney ran a very solid race and teamed well all tho wav. H. Nelson, tho remaining member of the team, was undoubtedly not at bis best, although his twelfth placing was quite a fair effort. St. Kilda. Tho junior race for the Pope Cup, which was run on Saturday, was verywell contested, the placings being R. Baldwin, J. Hodge, and M. Spain in that order. Baldwin won this race last year. Tho Pope Cup was presented fo the club by the well-known runner C. Pope in 1937, when it was won by 10. Cope, who in the same year ran third in tho Otago junior cross-country race. The senior race on Saturday, the Bell Memorial Handicap, was contested by a good field of runners. L. M’Kny and E. Talbot, off the limit, wore together for the first three miles, with about 30 seconds to the next man, A. Smith, who was off tho lj-nuru>te mark. Smith caught the leaders at the Pinos,ami led on to tho racecourse for tho run homo, where T. licatson. who was running very freely, came to the fore and finished well to win with about 20 yards to spare.

Caversham. Club members were delighted with tho performance of the junior team which travelled to Invercargill last week-end to compete in the Southland cross-country championship. In running second to R. Martin, of the Toko Club, Caversham’s first man home, L. F Turner, went his best race to date. Congratulations go to the Milton runner, who is secretary of that club, which will entertain Caversham next week-end. Turner is the best typo of runner Caversham lias bad for some years. With furtlier concentration on style he would go a long way in t}ic sport. E J. Flockton and L. M‘L. Gernc ran very well indeed. They allowed the Civil Service team to obtain a break on them early in the race. This factor was to prove their downfall. They made up the leeway, but could not get up amongst them. R. Morrison did not run so heady a race as on the previous week, when he won the club championship. The experience in this interclub event will no doubt" have a beneficial effect on his future performances. B. Taylor and S. Loins showed much improved running. The latter is improving every week. In view of the fact that ho has boon in tbe game only a short time ho is an unknown quantity, and may surprise quite a few before the season finishes. The seniors had a try-out under good conditions at Wingatui. Congratulations are extended to George Austin on again winning tho club senior crosscountry. His -time was one minute bettor than last year’s.

Members join in hoping that G. R. Colston’s foot will respond to treatmont

Celtic United. Almost ideal weather conditions favoured Celtic United for their senior and junior cross-country championships, held last week at Wingatui. As was expected, large fields competed in both events, and the high standard that was attained augured well for those competing in to-day’s cross-country championships. The senior event of six miles resulted in a win for the titleholder. W. Kennedy. who had the race in hand from the start, although over the last 300yds it was only the lead he had maintained which kept him from suffering possible defeat from R. Baker. At the completion of tho first lap Kennedy held a lead of 150yds from 15. Paterson, who was running very strongly. Following close behind came R. Carroll and R. Baker, and thenco back to A. E. Dyson and H. Sullivan. Entering Janefield road Baker overtook Paterson, and finishing as fresh as ever, came in a good second. His was the most meritorious performance of the seniors, and he thoroughly deserved to win the sealed handicap. Third to arrive was 15, Paterson. He ran a good race, but it must have been the heavy going which enabled R. Baker to overtake him. He was placed third in the sealed handicap. R. Carroll ran right up to form, and to finish in fourth place he did all that was expected of him to gain second place in the sealed handicap. Tho time for tho distance was 3Gmin 59sec. The junior course of throe miles was. an outstanding win for that brilliant little runner, H. Coombs. In winning this race for the second year in succession, Coombs established a track record for tho distance, bis time being 17min, which was 19sec faster than the time put up in last year’s junior crosscountry, while he improved on his previous performance by almost a minute. The fast time was mainly due "to the fact that tho pace was a “ cracker ” fronivthe start. From the word “ Go ’.’ D. Ryan jumped into the lead, followed by Coombs, Pettitt, and Kennclly, and this pace was maintained till the ploughed paddock, when tho pace began to toll, and Coombs forged ahead to win by a good 200yds. Ryan, who was placed second, ran a very courageous race against such a rival, and his inclusion in the junior team to-day should enhance bis reputation as a three-miler. F. Kemielly, third to finish and also winner of the scaled handicap, showed that the three miles is his best distance, and after his win in the club’s three miles handicap race it was not a surprise when he finished such a good third. F. Pettitt, F. lleshn, and B. MacManus were placed fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively, and all deserve credit for running well. F. Heslin won second place in the sealed handicap. Tho colts also held a run over a lap of the Wingatui course, and in an exciting finish M. Gil lick defeated J. Hungcrford for the bronze medal, donated by Mrs A. E. Dyson. 1 1 . Pedofsky was third. The sealed handicap went to S Anderson, with D. O’Gorman second. NOTES

Tho Smith African Amateur Athletic and Cycling Association has decided to invite athletes from the dominions to tour South Africa in 1941. This means that invitations will be extended to England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The scheme has tho full support of tho South African Empire and Olympic Games Federation. A highlight of the Civil Service visit to Invercargill was tho meeting on Sunday with tho former world 440yds professional champion, Mr W. Trembath. Great interest was taken by tho runners when he showed them his large collection of cups and medals and answered tho many questions that were put to him. Many a tip was picked up, but one thing be stressed was plenty of training and rest. Mr Trembath was tho New Zealand amateur 440yds and 830yds champion in 1908. when lie was only 17 years of age, and tlio same year ho won tho Australasian half-mile title. An obvious error crept into last week’s notes in connection with a photograph of tlio North End Harriers which was reproduced. Tho group was taken in 1910.