ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 9

ATHLETICS.

The performance of W. F. Simpson, _whoran second in the Marathon Race at Wellington on the King's Birthday, wasv in every respect a noteworthy one (says a Wellington writer). By reason of hi* railway duties the veteran was unable to arrive from Ohristchurch until the morning of the race. Ho had a rough trip up from Lyttelton. and, being a sufferer from seasickness, was unable to secure any sleep, a heavy handicap in the face of the severe test set him in the afternoon. Simpson, I understand, felt very shaky before he had proceeded far on his journey, but pluckily stuck to his task. The spectators gave him a great ovation on completing the big distance. In connection with the suggested tour of Wheatley and Davis through the Dominion, an effort has been made to induce .Nigel Barker to make the trip. It is stated tho one-time sprint champion is not.available, also that ho is not in form—yet he ran a wonderfully good quarter, at the last Australasian meeting. • , . V The committee of the Floral Fete, which is to be held at Takapuna Racecourse, on December 18, has placed a Marathon Race on the programme. The Auckland Amateur Athletic Club will have control of the

event. Dave Wilson, ex-champion, has entered for the one mile walk to be decided at the Amateur Athletic Club's sports.

• AMATEUR CLUB'S SPORTS.

The entries for the Auckland Amateur Atheltio Club's spring meeting, which will bo held at the Auckland Domain on December 4, close this evening with the hon. secretary, Mr. S. P. Bass, at. the Amateur Snorts Clubroom. The programme comprises flat handicaps over the following distances:— 220 yds, 440 yds, 880vds, one mile, hurdle handicaps over 120vds and 440 yds, one mile walk,, 880 yds relay race for mercantile firms, 100 yds provincial championship* 100 yds public schools championship. The following field events will be decided:—Throwing the hammer, putting the shot, high, pole, and long jump handicaps. Two cycling events, one. and two mile handicaps, will also be held.. MAUKU SPORTS. The 29th annual athletic sports and picnic in connection with the Mauku Athletic •Club will bo held at tho sports ground, Patumahoe, on January 1, 1910. ' A very i lengthy and comprehensive programme .has been prepared, the list including: A maiden race. 220 yds handicap hurdles, half-mil© handicap, hop, step, and jump handicap, all-comers' handicap (100 yds), egg and spoon race (100 yds), Mauku cup . handicap £?.20vds). tilting in the ring on horseback, 440 yds handicap, obstacle race (440 yds), on© mile handicap, potato race, girls' handicap (75yds), high jump handicap, boys' handicap (100 yds), forced handicap (100 yds). The entries for the principal events close on December 21. Full particulars of the day's sport and conditions of racing appears in' our advertising columns to-day., ' ■ I