THE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8482, 5 February 1891, Page 6

THE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

[BY JASON.]

The preparations for to-morrow's meeting are being pushed forward rapidly, and the roping to enclose the ground was being erected yesterday, while the quarter-mile track has been surveyed and staked. The following note speaks- for itself, ands will commend it to the A.A.A. Club to act upon : —" May Ihe permitted to make a suggestion to the Management Committee of the Championship Meeting with reference to the sprint races? It is that the track should be placed much nearer to the pavilion. A track equally as good as that heretofore used can, I am sure, be obtained within 30 or 40 yards of the western boundary, and the spectators would then be able to obtain a far more satisfactory view of the races. am, etc., One of the Pceuc." Another question has been brought before my notice in regard to our Auckland reps. It is that they are the only team competing who are not running in club colours. The Sydney reps, before leaving were presented by their association with handsome uniforms, besides which the members received neat silver badges from their respective clubs. The Southern contingents are similarly supplied with colours. The Auckland A. A. Club is supposed to be as wide awake as liberal, but this time it appears as if the committee had been napping. A neat badge at least might be given to the half-dozen reps to show that even if they do get beaten that they were Auckland's chosen in 1891. The Domain was as lively as ever yesterday, and all the various strings were present, and nearly all the competitors seem to be in excellent condition. I am sorry to state that R. J. White, the Sydney rep. for the middle distances and perhaps most, graceful runner on the grounds, is still suffering from a bad leg, and will compete at a considerable disadvantage on that account. - Laird has improved much during the past two days, and did a first-class trial over his 250 yards yesterday. A nasty accident happened to the cyclists Wilmot, Hayward, and Ledsham the other night, all getting a bad spill ..ever a dog, in which Hayward's machine (he has, happily, a spare one) was broken to pieces. Fortunately none of the men wore injured. In to-morrow's issue I will essay to pick the winners for the first day's races.

The annual soiree and concert in connection with the Presbyterian Church was held at Matakana on January 30. The tea-tables were plentifully supplied and , liberally patronised. The Rev. R. McKinney presided, and after the singing of the 100 th Psalm, made some introductory remarks in which he drew attention to the want of a new church, the present building being in a state of collapse. He would make a donation of £30 provided the matter was taken up heartily. The first item on.the programme was a pianoforte solo by Mrs. Rayner, who fully sustained her reputation as an accomplished pianiste. Mrs. Leeds was very successful with the song The Maid of the Mill." - The time-honoured and ever popular Annie Laurie," by Mrs. Shoesmith, was received with the appreciation due to her sympathetic rendition and old association. Mr. Moores, in good voice, contributed "The Friar of Orders Grey." Miss Southgate had to submit to an encore after her rendering of "The Song That Reached My Heart." Mr. A. Grant, who was heard for the first time* sang the stirring song " A Soldier and a Man," his resonant voice giving full effect; and with the addition of that rare quality, a clear enunciation, made a greatly appreciated item, which received an encore. He subsequently contributed the comic song, "Duckfoot Sue," and brought down the house. Mr. S. Meiklejohn recited " The Balance of Power." The Misses Campbell, who improve at each appearance, in perfect uuionißim, played the duet for piano, "Woodland Whispers." Mrs. S. Algie sang with spirit, " The Kerry Dance." Mr. A. Campbell afforded great amusement with the reading, " Trajady at Sloaiiy." Mrs. Leeds, in the little soDg, " Little Ones atf" Home," was heard to greater advantage than on any previous occasion. Mrs. Shoesmith, with " Mary of Argyle," again delighted the lovers of the old songs. Mr. A. Grant,. in the comic song " Rather," showed the versatility of his talent. The last item was the song, "Life on the Rolling Deep," which was well given by Mr. Moores. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Rayner in a finished manner, that fully justified the vote of thanks accorded to her. A vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who assisted during the evening, especially to those from outside the district, was passed by acclamation, also one to the chairman, which concluded the concert.— [Own Correspondent.] ~... v ~ 7;