AMATEUR ATHLETICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21359, 7 December 1932, Page 18

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

GROWING IN POPULARITY PAPATOETOE CLUB'S MEETING CHAMPIONSHIPS NEXT FEBRUARY The growing popularity of amateur athletics in Auckland. is strongly evidenced by the fact flint there are now twenty amateur athletic: and cycle clubs affiliated to the Auckland Centre. This docs not take into consideration a. number of clubs affiliated to the Hamilton sub-centre, the reorganisation of which body is a strong step forward. Defunct clubs have again commenced to operate, notably Rotorua and To Awanuitu, and the formation of a club at Whangarei, whore for years amateur athletics liavo been entirely neglected, is the first step toward establishing what it is hoped will be one day a strong northern sub-centre. The prominence of the Americans at the last Olympic Games has compelled inquiry into American methods of training, and there is no doubt that the system of training as practised iri that country could bo adopted in modified form to the great benefit of the sport here. One club in Auckland, the Technical Club, has established three coaches, and instruction is given in training and diet, and the gradual shaping of the novice into competition form. Branches Co-operate

A discussion took place last week between members of the cycling and athletic centres, with a view to furthering llto co-operation already existing between these closely allied branches of sport. A report of Mr. 11. D. Bennett, of the New Zealand Cycling Centre, to tho New Zealand Council, pointing out the interdependence of the two sports, was read and approved. Tho reintroduction of walking races at Auckland sports meetings last year resulted in the "find" of R. Cameron who, at tho New Zealand championships, won tho half-mile walk in almost world's record time. So far this season the fields in the walking events have been very poor, and it is to be hoped that walking races will not again be allowed to die out in this province. The Papatoefoe Club held its second meeting on Saturday last before an attendance of about 500 people. Rain again marred the events, but a fair muster of athletes was present and keen competition resulted. Tho short laps, although they prove a handicap lo long-striders used to the 440 yards tracks, nevertheless enable the spectators to follow tho racing at closer Quarters. Walker Unfortunate

The open 100 yards again proved a struggle, between Walker and Funnell for first place, the honours going to Funnell by inches. The time was 10 l-ss. Walker was unfortunate, in the 220 yards, being obstructed early in the race and having to pull up dead and alter his course. The winner proved to be Thompson, who, making the most of his 13 yards start, held the lead to ■ win by (ho narrowest of margins. G. Mitchell added another to his already long record of second places. A. llynll, who started from scratch,' was easily master of the field in the 440 yards event. A long, fast, even stride characterises this runner who, although small in stature compared with (ho majority of 440 yards men, shows remarkable promise. If lie could check a tendency to throw his head back it would assist his time for this event.

R- Crawford took full advantage of his 45 yards start to win (lie 880 yards in 2m 1 l-ss. Lowry, who also won the mile, found second place off 80 yards. Barker and C. Dow found the handicaps altogether too hard. It should be pointed out that the handicap limit for this event is 50 yards.

Lowry ran strongly to win the mile and bis keenness and evidence of strength and stamina deserve encouragement. Birtwhistle, oft 95 yards, also gave a good exhibition to gain third place in 4m 53 l-ss.

I lin clalo for I lie Auckland provincial championships has been sot for Fcbraarv 18 next.