CHILDREN'S SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20217, 30 March 1929, Page 16

CHILDREN'S SPORTS.

THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS, j GREAT CROWD IN DOMAIN. RAIN INTERRUPTS PROGRESS. A heavy fall of rain shortly alter three o'clock interrupted the progress of the Auckland Primary Schools' Amateur Athletic Association's annual sports held at the Domain on Ihursday. Sixteen events out of a programme of 33 •were concluded before rain set in and the remaining contests will be decided on a date to bo fixed by the committee of the association. The association was fortunate in obtaining fine weather for the major portion of the day, as the weather was very threatening in the morning. In past meetings the weather has always been favourable. The finals decided on Thursday were all boys' events, only heats in the girls' events being run. Thousands of young children crowded the Domain during the day and it is estimated that there were close upon 5000 competitors. Forty-Eight Schools Represented. Pupils of the schools competing arrived at an earlj hour and were ready for the running-off of the first event shortly before 10 o'clock. A total of 48 schools were represented and each was allotted a separate space among the trees surrounding the Domain proper. Placarded on oak trees were the names of the different schools, the school colours being shown underneath in many cases. From these several points the competing children gathered for the various events. Separate events were concluded at the rate of one every three minutes. Filled with a crowd of youngsters in various attire, the oval was a busy scene throughout the whole day. There was never a lull in the programme, and spectators were treated to a fine variety of events. Races and team competitions followed each other in quick succession.

A feature of the day was the admirable arrangements made by the committee. Splendid organisation permitted the holding of several events at the samo time, this making for satisfactory running according to schedule. Boys and girls events were run off simultaneously and at certain periods as many as four races were being contested in different parts of tho Domain. Elder pupils would be competing in the jumps while thfir smaller brethren would be running. A changeover would be made with a minimum loss of -time. Epsom Leading lor Banner. An estimate cf the difficulties of organisation can be gauged when it is understood that in some events up to 250 competitor' took part. In one race there were 16 heats and 10 to 12 heats were not uncommon. Barely had one group breasted tho tape when another would be sent away. During tho afternoon a massed display of overhead ball was given by about 20 teams of girls. Arousing great interest, this display was almost completed when rain set in for the day.

Having the object of promoting sport for sport's sake alone, the association does not distribute inanv individual prizes. Tho children arc encouraged to strive for the school and not for individual glory. Points for first, second and third places are computed for the prizes, which go to the schools, A championship banner is presented to tho school securing the most points, while shields aro awarded for most points gained in the boys' and girls' events separately. Points so far gained place Epsom school in the lead for the banner, with 79. The Otohuh 11 school is a close second with points. Details of the Results. Following arc the results of the events decided (iu all cases being boys' events): — Long Jump, under 12 year?.—K. Joslin? (Vauxhall), 1; L. King (Otahtibn), 2: C. Knight (Kokimarama), 3. Winning jump, 12ft. lOin.

High Jump, under 12 yesrs.—C. Jordan 'To Papapa). 1; T. Brown ( Papatoetoe), 2; F. Mortem"?!!. 3. Winning jump. 4ft. Long Jump, under 13 years.—E. Jenkins (Rcmuerri). 1; G. Amos (Gladstone Road), 2; V,*. Hammond (New Lynn;, 3. Winning jump, 14ft, 6in. High Jump, under 15 year?.—K. West (Otahuliu), 1; W. London (Papator toe), and T. Gallagher (Kowhai Junior High), equal, 2. Winning jump, -Ift 31in. Onp .Mile, 12 years and under 15. T. Savidan (Takapuna), 1; G. Jones (Manurewa), 2; D. Mitchell (Epsom), 3. Hnlf-milo Walk, under 15 years. G. Hawkesby (Kowhai I, 1; ii. Spackmau (Richmond West). 2. IOOYds, open.—A. P. Dawson (Papatoetoe), 1; W. James (OUhuhu), 2; A. T. Anderson (Papatoetoe), 3. 50Yds, under 8 years.—N. J. McCooV (Cornwall Park). 1 : G. Coldham (Cornwall Park), 2; R. Girdwi.od (Papatoetoo), 3. uOYds, under 0 years.—L. Oswald (Grey Lynn), 1; M. Rennie (Curran Street), 2; E. Harrison (Wellesley Street), 3. Mile, under 12 years.—B. A. Ellis (Belmont), E. Raincer (Papatoetoe), 2; A. Beord (Napier Street), 3. 75Yds, under 10 years.—R. T. Stott (Curran Street), 1; W. M. Warren (Belmont), 2; R. D. Thomas (Otahuliu), 3. 75Yds, under 11 years.—R. J. Bent (Pi'patoetoe), 1: K. Burman (Otaliuhu), 2; B. Aeliton (Epsom), 3. 75Yds, undor 12 years.—M. E. Rawson (Takapuna), I; F. Mortenson (Epsom), 2. IOOYds, under 13 years.—H. Phillips (Newton Central), 1; O. deal (Grafton). 2; C. Maxwell (Kowhai), 3. IOOYds. under 11 years.—R. E. Bee«ton (Meadowbark), 1; B. F. Phillips (Oneluinpra). 2; T N. Ker (Kowhai), 3. IOOYds, under 15 years.—V. Hale (Kowhai), 1: W. James (Otahuliu), 2; R. Balie (Newton West), 3. Half-mile Walk.—A. W. MeManus (Otaliuhu), 1: p). Rainger (Papatoetoe), 2; J. H. Boneliam (Otaliuhu), 3. Mile Bicycle Race.—N. McKinstry (Papatoetoe), 1: A. Glampit (Kowhai), 2; F. Cameron (Devonporf), 3. Halt-mile, under 15 years.—A. W. We!sted (Remuera). 1; TJ. Bieleski (Grafton), 2: A. Savidan (Takanuna). 3. Junior Relay.—Kowhai, 1; Remuera. 2; Epsom, 3.