ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15234, 22 February 1913, Page 10

ATHLETICS.

j A.A. AND C.O. AUTUMN CARNIVAL. I A committee meeting of the Auckland ! ibnateur Athletic and Cycling Club wad held at the Amateur Sports Club's rooms last : evening. Mr. H. Frost oeoupiod the ohair, there being also present: Messrs, F. J. Baili don, J. J. Mulviliill, A. Twiname, L. J. Mark. A. W. Dormer, J. Fagan, A. Tilly, ; and W. J. Glass (secretary)- Apologies for ! absence were received from Messrs. A. ; Plugge, M. 'J. Sheehan, H. D. Crawford, and O. E. Robertson. In order to enable i A. W. Dormer to attempt A. W. Harding's | 1000 yds record, the committee decided, subject to the approval of the entrant® of the 880 yds event, to replace .that event "with ; a 1000 yds handicap. Owing to the club's inability to match. A. Duncan, 100 yds and 220 yds champion of New Zealand, with the local champions, it was decided to run & 100 yds provincial championship. The following officals were apponted: —Referee, Mr. H. Frost; stewards, Messrs. M. J. Shea* han, C. V. Lo.ngsford, F. Hull, H. G-. Chevis; judges, Messrs. Ohlson, Speight Plugjfo, and T. B. O'Connor; timekeepers, j Messrs. Russell, R. Gourlay, MacManemin, ; F. Burns, Pierce, Pickford, _ and S. Heaid, : [ handicapper, Mr. H. J. Fialder; starter, I Mr. Austin Smith; , clerk of course. Mr. M. j Ballin; marksmen, Messrs. Tilley. Edgerley, Cowan, and H. W. King.; result steward, Mr. W. Winks: result board, Messrs. Shepherd, Berry. Fagan, Campbell, and A. Coutts; lao steward, Mr. H. D. Crawford: press ctev/ard, Mr. P. Frascr; call steward, Mr. T. Hanson; costume steward, Mr. A. Tilly; assistant-secretary, Mr. F. J. Baildon. UNDER UNION- RULES. i FIXTURES. February 22Premier Sports, in Domain. : March s—Waihi Miners Sports. . .7 j ' Match —St. Patrick's Day Sporto, j Auckland. . • I The Morrinsville Club is placing several Highland events on the programme for April 9, and followers of this < form of sport will have little to complain of as regards the value of prizes. _ I The union has resolutely Bet itself , against granting permits for the holding of sports on 1 Good Friday, and a country club that applied for this day met with a straightout nbfusuL Since its inception, the , union has done much "to elevate professional athletics, and the officials ;• who guide the destinies of the governing body are naturally careful in the granting of permission -where, reproach would be given for 30 • doing. . , v. The athletic sports at Pukekawa to be held to-day ata not under the jurisdiction of the union, affiliation having not yet been completed. .' It is a*, pity this matter has bean overlooked, as persons competing there will incur disqualification. Considering the far-reaching effect of this, especially with Exhibition championships hovmg in eight, competitors •will do well to consider well their own interests. The secretary of Thames Foresters' Sports (Mr. D. K. Redwood), who w»e in town yesterday, reports that arrangements are well forward for the annual sports on Est!'tor Monday. , , The union at Auckland is being urged to assume control of music tod dancing items, and several prominent Caledonians favour putting the bagpipe competitions under the aegis of the governing body. Mr. Gilfeddeir,, president of the centre, states that formerly the union did control these events, but, in a moment of weakness, it " cut the painter." He says, however, that the centre can adopt rules necessary for taking over dancing and musical items within the provincial district of Auckland. . . . A tug-of-war is to bo held at the Exhibition, for which £100 will be given as first prize, and £20 as > second. This should provide. sufficient inducement for teams throughout the Dominion. Some clubs in the southern part of the district, beyond the boundary of the Auckland centre, seem anxious to come under the Auckland branch of the union, in order to take advantage of the circuit sports to bo held next summer. _ , Already suggestions are coming to hand concerning the Exhibition sports, and a busy season is undoubtedly in store for those in charge. , , . A new athletic club has been formed at Papakura, to replace the Band Sports Club ''n that district. The first fixture of the new body will bo held on Easter Monday. Mr. L. J. Mills is still to the fore as secretary, and' Mr. Burbush, Auckland, will act as starter in addition to handioapper. DONALD • DINNIE TESTIMONIAL. Some few weeks ago a cable message was received from London to the effect that Donald Dinnio, the greatest all-round athlete of modern times, was, at the age of 76, practically destitute. By the last English mail the following letter, which speaks for itself, was received: "To the Editor, —A generation ago the name of Donald Dinnio was a household word, not in Scotland only, but throughout the world of athletics.. He wan the greatest all-round champion we have _ ever known. There was scarcely any branch of athletics in which he did not excel, and his strength feats were phenomenal. Wherever Sootsmen are to be found—in other words, from the north to the south pole—his name will never cease to be honoured for the lustre his prowess has shed upon that " land of brown heather and shaggy wood," from whence so many heroes have gone forth, conquering and to conquer. We do not wish to wait until he is no longer with us; wo desire' that in his lifetime lie shall realise how much and how sincerely we honour him. It shall never be said that another generation has arisen that knows not Din* riio, and now that in the evening of life (the grand old athlete is now 76 years of age) ho. finds himself, through sheer very badly off in this world's gear, his fellow-countrymen are gathering together to give him a helping hand. The Donald Dinnio Testimonial Fund, inaugurated by a strong and influential committee is already meeting with a widespread and liberal response throughout tho Empire, and the Scottish and athletic clubs are rallying round us nobly. We fervently hope by our united efforts to raise a sum of money sufficient to ensure Donald Dinnie's comfort and happiness for the remainder of his days. . Remember this, contributions to the fund, however small, are welcome, for ' mony a mickle makes a muckle.' "We appeal to every 'brithor Scot' to help us now. Contributions to the fund may bo sent to the editor of the Herald, or direct to the hon. treasurer, Mr. R. W. Cameron, 397, Queen's Road, New Cross Gate, S.E., or to the London and South Western Bank, New Cross, London." The letter is signed by T. M. Barbour (chairman), W. R. Smith (vice-chairman), R. W. Cameron (hon. treasurer), and E. Stewart Smith and W. Gardner (hon. secretaries), 12, Burleigh'Street, London. f- - - > ;