ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13286, 19 September 1906, Page 4

ATHLETICS.

The programme issued for the sports in connection with the Labour Day celebration is an attractive one. and should be well supported by the athletes generally. The principal event is the Labour Day Handicap of 120vds (open), for which the prizes are £7 10s, £2 10?, and £1. There is a half-mile handicap of £5 and £2. a one mile handicap of £5 and £2. a quarter-mile handicap of £4, £1 10?, and 10s, a 220 yds hurdle race of £4, £1, and 10s, an amateur handicap over 100 yds for £4 and £2 trophies, and an apprentices' handicap of £1 Is and 10?. The members of unions are provided with a Trades Union Handicap over 220 yds for prizes of £3, £2. aud £1. The amateurs are also provided with a quarter-mile handicap for trophies of £4 and £2. A humorous parade, hammer throwing, amateur wrestling, football drop and place kicks, quoit match, and other events will be contested, providing a really excellent programme. Nominations close with Mr. 11. Banrield, at. His Majesty's Arcade, to-morrow. The full programme was published last Saturday. Mr. James Mackintosh* writes: " The Sporting Editor. Sir,—A good many misrepresentations have been industriously circulated with the view of impairing the success of the championship Highland games promoted by the Scottish Society of Now Zealand, Cliristehureh. to be held on January 1 and 2 in the Exhibition Sports Ground enclosure, and comprising pipe band eontest, solo competitions! en the great Highland warpipe and Highland dancing, also heavy athletics (no running), without the modern farce of handicapping. W© wish to state for the information of the public generally that 'we were invited by the Exhibition authorities to promote the Highland games, and after an uphill fight eventually arranged -them for January 1 and 2, with tlie approval of and a subsidy from the New Zealand Government. We respectfully submit to your readers that all kindred societies and sports unions should give every facility to those who wish to compete at what will be without a doubt the greatest gathering of Scots ever held in this colony, and we are certain that every true Scot in New Zealand will support us in what we have done and hold beneath contempt the unsportsmanlike actions of the New Zealand Athletic Union."