TRACK EXHIBITION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 7, 7 December 1936, Page 9

TRACK EXHIBITION

FAMOUS ATHLETE. LOVELOCK AT AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Dec. 6. A track exhibition over five laps by J. E. Lovelock thrilled a crowd of' 4000 spectators at Carlaw Park on Saturday, when the. Auckland Amateur Athletic Centre held a special carnival in honour of the New Zealander. When Lovelock, attired in a unite sweat-suit and shoes, walked on to the field ho was given a magnificent reception. Accompanied by four Auckland distance runners—Savidan. Cooper, Birtwistle and Wade —the champion jogged the first Jap. He then donned the shoes in which lie won his famous Olympic 1500 metres victory, and discarded his slacks to reveal his allblack running kit before the party went away again to stride a half-mile. Each time Lovelock passed the stand and terraces he was greeted with renewed cheering. ’The Aucklanders dropped out at the completion of the third quarter-mile, and Lovelock, increasing his speed appreciably and lengthening his stride, continued alone to cover a lap at racing pace. When he passed the post again the others joined in and one more lap was covered. Addressing the spectators at the conclusion of the exhibition Lovelock said amateur athletics was one of the finest of sports and was deserving of public support. At the end of the meeting lie gave tlie competing athletes Half an hour’s talk on general training methods and answered several questions.