ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 7

ATHLETICS.

A New Zealand enthusiast at present on a holiday visit to Sydney informed a writer there that amateur boxing is going to flourish in this colony, but that professionalism stinks in the nostrils of decent people owing to the numerous fakes the "pros." have perpetrated. Later on he thinks there may be a chance for them, but only for clean ones. J. H. Patton, a former member of tho East Sydney Pastime Club, will be a competitor at the June championship tournament of the New Zealand Boxing Association. The international cross-country championship between the barrier representatives of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, run about the end of March, over an eight-mile course (Hamilton Park racecourse), under unfavourable weather and track conditions, was won by the Englishmen. A. E. Shrubb, England's famous distance runner, finished first in 46m. 22 3-55., and was followed home by T. Edwards (46m. 57 2-55.), also of the English team. The latter is regarded as a likely man to trouble Shrubb in the near future. '"Enthusiast" writes :— ' Lyrijc.' Dear Sir,—-Just a Tow words re formation of a harrier club in Auckland. These clubs are strongly supported and greatly appreciated by athletes in other centres, and I am sure that if one were started here it would meet with hearty support. Athletics appear to bo on the wane in Auckland, and this would be just the kind of thing that, would put the sport in the ascendent again. The Auckland Amateur Athletic Club is a very energetic association and I feel sure that if the management took this matter in hand thero would soon be a harriers club in Auckland equal to any in tho colony. Several prominent athletes have remarked to me that it is to be regretted that we have nothing of the sort here. I trust that the club will make an effort to start the sport forthwith."