ATHLETIC NOTES.

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 49, 16 May 1934, Page 5

ATHLETIC NOTES.

The .guessing competition recently conducted by the local clubs was won by K. O'Council, Connelly Street. Second prize went to G. Hoy, Myrtle Street. Now that the athletic season has concluded, the time is opportune for a brief review of the season's activities and to discuss future prospects. Although the membership shows a slight increase over the previous season, there is still room for improvement in this direction. Had the Recreation Ground been available theie would have been a greater increase this season. If each member would guarantee to enrol at least one new inem'bei for next season the present nienibeiship would be doubled

The club has sonic very promising material within its ranks and with proper coaching and training, they should go a long way in the game. An endeavour should be made next season to set aside special training nights meeting's clash Avith those conducted by old athletes. There are quite a number of these who have "taken up their residence in Lower Hutt and if dp proached woulcl no doubt be only too pleased to pass 011 their knowledge. One Australian and N.Z. champion and record holder has already promised to assist in this direction next season. If half an hour on two evenings a week, say 7 to 7.30 011 Tuesdays and Thursdays could be devoted to this purpose, the improvement shown would be amaz

mg. The Monday evening meetings were well supported by club members who also benefited by the presence of competitors from outside clubs. As these meeting clash with those conducted by city clubs on the Basin, the committee

should explore the possibilities of a change of night. When the club returns to the Kecreation Ground next season, something will have to be done to put these weekly meetings ou a better footing. A, full set of officials should be appointed at the commencement of the season and a start made promptly at the allotted time. If the club wishes to win public support the weekly meetings must be made attractive. As regards finance, the club has just managed to live within its income during the past two years. This has been made possible by the tunning of guessing competitions but owing to various causes the in-come from this source is gradually decreasing. As the club contemplates holding a sports ■ meeting next Boxing Day, an endeavour should be made to strengthen the finances. As a measure of safety, a backing of a few pounds in hard cask is essential.

The club is also badly in need of new gear. A new jumping standard is required and the hurdles need a thorough overhaul. They have done service for about eight years and some of them require replacing. Lack of .finance prevents this being done at present. ' • i ■ 1 .1 wu. JC-JII