AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 27 January 1939, Page 7

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

COMBINED EVENING MEETING I From Oi c Own Corr espondent! Last evening a team of Nelson athletes journeyed to Motueka to take part in a combined sports’ meeting arranged by the Motueka Club. The programme, which consisted of ten scratch events was designed to give the Mahar Cup representatives of the respective clubs a tiv-out. Keen eompeti tiou together with a number of close finishes, sustained the interest of the spectators throughout tire evening. The Motueka athletes gave a good ac. count of themselves and obtained at least one placing in each event, with the ex ception of the 440 yards men, m which only Nelson athletes competed. All the ladies’ events—7s yards, 100 yards, and the 440 yards relay—were won by the local competitors. Miss E. Berry is a much improved runner this season, and, on last evening’s performance, gives promise of being an outstanding athlete in the near future. In the men’s sprints C. Hawken gained second place in the 100 yards eveut and E. iiolinstram came third in tko 220 yards. The local cyclist A. Thomas heat R. Cotton for first position in the half mile and was second in the one mile and the three mile cycle races. '1 lie hop, step aud jump was fought out between Holmstrom and the Deimett Brothers, \V. Ueunett winning with a fine effort of 3b feet 1 inch. Mr A. Adams was the official starter, and the organisation of the evening meetinjg was ii< the hands of the secretary, Mr J. I'ocklington. At the conclusion of the programme Mr \Y. M. Thomas (vice-president) thanked t lie Nelson Amateur Athletic Club and officials for bringing a team t > Motueka—a fact that was much appreciated by all concerned. Combined meetings of this nature would, lie said, help materially to improve the local standard of athletes. He also extended Motueka’s best wishes for success in the Mali ar Cup competition.

Mr J. W. Russell (president, Nelson A.A.C.) speaking in reply said it had pete at Motueka. He was gratified at the progress being made by Motueka athletes and expressed the hope that at no distant dat« the Mahar Cup competition would take place at Motueka. Mr Russell was of the opinion that, with two strong clubs in the district, athletics would flourish ; and when the centennial celebrations take place in 1942 the Pro vineial athletes would, he added, command respect from outside competitors. Mr Russell intimated that his team would be pleased to come again for an evening or Saturday afternoon meeting and would also appreciate a visit from Motueka ou a date to suit both clubs. VISITING OFFICIALS Associated with Mr Russell were Messrs N Manssen, L. N. Ruffell, B. HolyoaUe, Mrs E. R. Parkes, Mr Pa rices, Mr B. Cox (club captain), and Mr J. Burn (cycling captain). Representatives of the Nelson branch St. John Ambulance, were also io attendance. RESULTS (All events from scratch) 75 yards, ladies: E. Berry (M.) 1, R. Ruffell (N.) 2, E. Jlolyoakc (M.) 3. Time 9 2-ssecs. 100 yards, men: N. Dixon (N.) 1, C. Hawken (M.) 2, E. Holmstrom (M.) 3. Time 10 4-ssecs. tlalf-mile cycle: A. Thomas (M.) 1, R. Cotton (N.) 2, R. Gear (N.) 3. Time limn 10 3-ssccs. 220 yards, men: A. Warren (N.) 2, N. Dixon (N.) 2, E. Holmstrom (M.) 3. Time 24 4-ssecs. One mile cycle: R. Cotton (N.) 1, A. Thomas (M.) 2, G. Maekie (N.) 3. Time 2nd ns 41 l-ssecs. 100 yards, ladies: E. Berry (M.) 1, E. Holyouke (M.) 2, S. Barrie (N) 3. Time 12 l-ssees. 440 yards, men : F. Don (N.) 1, N. Manssen (N.) 2, B. Cox (N.) 3. Time, 54 Hop, step and jump: W. Dennett (M.) 39ft lin, 1; E. Holmstrom (M.) 38ft Bins, 2; D. Dennett (M.) 38ft 2ins, 3. Three mile cycle: R. Cotton (N.) 1, A Thomas (M.) 2. G. Maekie (N.) 3. Time Brains 30secs. 440 yards, ladies’ relay : Motueka (E. Berry, E. HolyoaUe, B. Bowers, N. Dennett) 1. Nelson (R. Ruffell, J. Haase, S. Barrie, N. Perry, 2.