ATHLETICS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 23 January 1926, Page 10

ATHLETICS

(Notes by “Spike.”) The Wanganui Caledonian Society rsports will be held at Wanganui on Fcbruarv 6. There is a full programme of amateur athletic events, first, second and third prizes being given. Marton Club’s sports have been fixed for February. The sprint races arc worth trophies to value ot to os and £3 3s. Quite a number of Hawera Club members intend to compete at \V anganui on the 6th February. Members are reminded that they are individually iosponsible for their entries, winch close at an early date. Members can travel end return the same day by train. A fine programme is printed tor The Hawera Club meeting « n February o, at which the world’s champions compete All the trophies have neen generously donated by local business people, whose splendid liberality proves I hat they fully realise that tlie coming c f world’s champions is something unique for Hawera.

The Americans have “broken the ice” in New Zealand, having opened their tour at Hamilton recently. Then times for the respective events m which they competed arc astounding ami easily better than any efforts made by other visitors at the commencement of their tours. Scholz won the L 0 yards in even time. Hahn cut out the quarter and the half miles in brilliant times.

Several entries fire to hand for the meeting at Hawera on .L'obruaiy Finnic Gibbons, of Marton, is coming up and he is the best three mile runner on the coast. Newton, of Wanganui, who is showing brilliant form in quarter and half miles, is also to be a starter hero. He is running about two minutes or under for the 880 and about 51 or 52 for the quarter.

Members are reminded that entries for February •’> close on .January -7, not February 27, as inadvertently printed on the poster. The sports meeting on Wednesday night last was a good show, there being some of the best cycling seen to date. The weather was threatening early in the evening and compelled a number of people to remain indoors. Those present at the meeting were fortunate in seeing some splendid racing and witnessing the smashing of the Australasian and New Zealand record in the javelin event by Stan Lay. Stan’s effort was a most popular one, and it is a great honour conferred on himself and the Hawera Club. It looks as if Stan is sure of a trip to the New Zealand championships at Dunedin Exhibition next March. I feel confident Stan will oven better his present record and eventually will get close to the world’s record, which he is 39 feet behind.

The hot favourite in the 50 yards dash handicap, L. Hunt, won his heat in good style and had the final all his own way till five yards from the tape, where he stumbled and fell. He was the first to touch the tape, but the rules of racing require the tape to be breasted, and accordingly Len was disqualified, much to the disappointment of everyone. Some time ago my notes advised Beauchamp to run 220 yards. He won nicely over this distance on Wednesday," although the time was not very fast.

I. Richards showed plenty of speed for the little training he has done.

Fitzgerald’s winning of the 600 yards race was a popular and well deserved victory. He has been unplaced all the season, but has been a “sticker.’’ Arthur Newall registered over 40 feet in the hop, step and jump. This is a very good effort.

Telfer in the distance events is a young runner, but shows very good style and is likely to turn out a topnotcher. He won the mile in very good time.

A. Rumball, who was reinstated from professionalism on the 11th inst., ran in the ono mile and 600 yards events. He is by no means fit yet, but ran very impressively in the one mile. I pick hiiii to be our best mil or this season.

The effort of G. Collins in the one mile provided a stirring fight, for second place. George is as game as a pebble, and his form this season is much ahead of last season.

Charley Falknor had an easy win in the 880 yards walk, but is carrying much condition. Falknor was heard to remark after the races that Collins, who was second, is walking better than last season.

The cycle races were splendid events. Tommy Lay demonstrated that he is one of the best cycle sprinters we have. His two firsts and a second must put him in the running for the Barnet Glass cup.

Clarrie Griffin is now hard to handicap out of a race, but when lie wins the public get a thrill. His fight with Tommy Lay over the final stages of the throe miles was great to witness.

There arc too many riders who take matters too easy in their events. Quite a number could be distinguished sitting almost upright on their machine peddling away with no apparent interest in Ihc race.

Tippett Bros, are solid triers and deserve to get a win soon. They seem to enjoy their rides, placed or unplaced. If, Stoning could not. make much impression on the fields. Perhaps Harry is holding off for race night to get the big prizes. Mulhally is still, in the picture, and rides very good races. Why doesn't Ronnie Wells start those days? The club has been pretty decent lo Ronnie and he should consider the (dub and not individuals, if that is I he ronson.

All members of the Ha worn Club are revised to get at the top of their form bv race night, when the team to represent the club in the championships at Wanganui on the 27th February will be picked. Seager, of flic Wailuinae Club, H. Ivnotma n, of Fraser Road, and Leo Farmer are joining the club to compete on race night.

Knot-man, Riimball and Arthur New nil are our worthy Fraser Road mein bars.

Next week the position of the various points prizes will be published in these notes. I understand the committee has one or two matters to deal with in connection with the points prizes at a meeting on Monday night next.