Amateur Athletics

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7068, 30 January 1933, Page 10

Amateur Athletics

By “Amateur.” Tho amateur codo has taken a new lease of life in our city since tho clubs have amalgamated, in conducting one evening meeting each week instead of three as previously. Members from the Old Boys club were seen out last week and greater interest, and spirit among both the competitors and spectators was noticeable.

Tho greatest drawback to the holding of sports meetings in the city is that a suitable ground is not available. Our sportsground in Fitzhcrbcrt Street should meet the situation if some arrangements could be made to keep onlookers from congregating at the Esplanade end and enjoying a free show, as they did at the meeting held by the Unemployed Sports Club on Anniversary Day. There were moro people there than on the grandstand, and in spite of all funds going to tho Mayor’s Belief Fund, two collection boxes taken over among them were returned, one empty and tho other contained fourpence.. The above meeting reflected great credit on tho committee of the Unemployed Sports Club and although the runners did not support them as they should have, events put on for them had to be deleted from programmes, the cyclists turned up in good force, and good cycling races were witnessed and enjoyed by the* spectators. This club is very keen and it is their intention to become affiliated to the Manawatu sub-centre where they can be assured of a good welcome. The Wednesday night meeting was conducted by the Manawatu Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, with tho assistance of officials from Kia Toa and Old Boys Clubs. The entries were the best this season, including 14 events. The programme was put through without delay and the spectators were kept interested all the time, and were not slow to show their appreciation of the good finishes in all events. E. Lawrence won both tho A grade l and 2 miles, and is riding at his best, and if ho retains his form should carry off tho cycling honours at the West Coast championships. M. Gardner was not riding in his usual form. The samo applies to J. Casey. Evidently his holiday at Foxton beach interfered with his training. B. Walker who was making his first appearance in the A grade, showed he is capable of holding his own in this class, and his third in the 2 miles was a meritorious one. Beg. Lawrence is on tho improve and i.£ ho would settle down to proper training, should be one of the best riders on tho track. E. Aston, had a night off, but as ho had a big day at the Otaki meeting on the previous Monday, it was not to bo wondered at.

In the B grade, one lap, two new and young riders in Prouse (Ist) and Prichard (2nd) showed promise for the future and if properly coached, more will bo heard of them before the season is very far advanced. The back markers in the B 2 mile, Essex (Ist) and Hobbs (2nd) worked well together, the former having just a little too much in reservo for the final sprint home. O'Donnell also rode a good race to gain 3rd place, and is improving every time out. With the Runners.

The 100 yards handicap drew 12 entries and had to be run in heats, the final providing a great finish. J. Dynes wmn by inches from Willoughby with Macdonald close up third. M. Strange the virtual scratch man put up a good performance, but would have bad to break lOsec to have w-on, but in tho 220 yards lie was successful in reaching the tape first, off 6 yards, in 22 3-5 see which shows lie is capable of holding his own in tho best of company, and he should be a worthy representative of sub-centre at championships. The 880 yards saw a new runner, Hoddinott, gaining the honours leading all the way. H. Macdonald, virtual scratch, put up his best run to date, finishing with a great burst of speed, but found the handicap too much.. L. Cowlind (third) also ran a good raco <ind with mors attention to his train-

ing, should still improve on his present form. Tho team invited from Australia by tho Auckland centre, will now compose fvo men instead of three as originally intended. The members of the team invited are as follows: —Hampson, Sheaves, Golding, Metcalfe, and Gray. They will competo at live meeting only, all in the North Island. I have been asked how do New Zealand athletes eomparo with the Australians ? Records show that New Zealand has always held its own with th<* different States of Australia when they used to competo in tho Australasian championships. The last of these meetings was held in 1927, but are no longer held, as Now Zealand is now a separate body. In tho iiftecn contests held from 1893 to 1927, Now Zealand won the shield seven times, New South Wales live, and Victoria three. At tho meeting in 1893, New Zealand was represented by a very strong team and gained 11 flrsts and 11 seconds. Again in 1911 they secured 10 iirsts and 8 seconds, and in 1927, 10 firsts and 10£ seconds. These were their best wins at these meeting. The above records speak for themselves and tho present times put up by New Zealand athletes are equal to the times now recorded in Australia, but the true test can only be arrived at when both countries meet on the traek. It is a great pity these championships were discontinued. Tho West Coast (North Island) centre championships are to be held at Wanganui on tho 18th of next month, and the sub-centre should at once see to tho selecting of its team to represent them, so that they can get into strict training. Most of those who are worthy to represent tho sub-centre are not fit enough at the present time to compete at a championship meeting.