ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13355, 8 December 1906, Page 10

ATHLETICS.

Entries for the* Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club's sports close at the. Sports Club this evening at nine p.m. In addition to the published programme the cycle importers have given trophies to the value of £3 3s for a novice bicycle race of one mile, and the committee have added a novice race to the programme. The presideut (Mr. L. Myers) has given a special trophy, value £2 2s, for competition in the 440 yds handicap, in addition to the club's prize. The Victor Ludorum cup is also to be competed for in the pedestrian open events. The relay race, open to banks, insurance, and mercantile offices, is creating much interest, and the principals of the various businesses are responding heartily to' the club's invitation for support. Altogether arrangements arc well forward, and given a fine day there should be a good attendance. By walking the distance from " Big Ben," London, to Brighton in Bb. 23m. 275.. J. Butler knocked over 3i minutes off T. E. Hammond's record, made as far back as April, 1904. There were 49 starters in the event, organised under the auspices of the Polytechnic H. Butler was in front all the way, and won easily at the finish. He had cramp in the logs during the last few miles, necessitating several stoppages, but walked the last mile in grand style. The record-breaker finished nearly 20 minutes in front of the second man, T. E. Hammond, the previous holder of the record.

Mr. (J. ,T. Bruce, late of Sydney, writes as follows from Capetown, under date .September 15, to the Sydney Referee:— Herein South Africa we have a unique state of affairs. Professionalism is absolutely unknown in sports meetings, amateur bodies dominate everywhere, and amateur athletics are wonderfully sound and strong, though we have no outstanding champions. We had our first crosscountry championship race in Capetown this month. It was only a small start, but it sets the hall rolling. Three clubs entered teams, 24 started, and 16 finished. The Spartan Harriers won. Collings, the winner, did the course (about 10 miles) in 58m. 45s.—very good time, considering ho led from start to finish, and there was no one in it capable of extending him. All the best grounds for sports, cricket, and football in South Africa are in the hands of the local amateur athletic bodies — just as it should be."