ATHLETICS ON THE SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1675, 6 April 1904, Page 55

ATHLETICS ON THE SCHOOLS.

INTERESTING DISPLAY AT

PALMERSTON

PALMERSTON, Thursday Special to the “Mail.”

Tlie Manavatu Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association held its inaugural gathering at the show grounds to-dfay. Practically the whole of "■the schools between the Kaug ; tikei river and Otaki were represented. There was a very large attendance. A long programme included military drill, clubswinging, dumb-bells, etc., and running and cycling events. Six schools took part in the military competitions, Staff)-Sergeant-Major Peac'oek acting as adjudicator. Contrary to expectation, College street (Palmerston) were the winners, scoring 112 points for tho various movements, including rifle exercises and marching. The judge spoke well of the performances, remarking that the teachers were to be commended for the valuable work they were accomplishing by means of their cadet Corps. Pie hoped, however, to see a better standard of efficiency amongst the officers. The other competing schools wore:—Campbell street (Palmerston), 109: Foxton, 104; High School (Palmerston), 113; Otaki, 98; Asiihurst, 92. The 100yds championship was won by J. Small '(Taonui) somewhat easily, F. Thompson (Fcildin.g) being second, and F. Whittier (Palmerston High School) third. The 880yds championship' resulted a,s follows :—C. Stewart (Fitzherbert), 1; F. Thompson (Feilding) and 11. Barmcoat (Palmerston High School), 3. In tho bicycle races the. open race was won by F. Christensen (Palmerston High School), who heat Iwi Kawa (Tao'nui) by a bare half-wheel. Iwi Kawa also won the boys’ high, jump. The exorcises included club-swinging and dumb-bells, and the display was exceedingly effective, eliciting warm applause from tho spectators. In the ho vs’ division tho winning schools were, a.s follows: —Wandis—Lower Taonui, 1; Ashhurst, 2. Clubs—Palmerston (College street), 1; Tiritea, 2. Dumb-bells —Palmerston (Campbell street), 1; Lower Taonui, 2. The winners in the girls’ division were: Wands—Palmerston (Campbell street), 1; Aehlmrst, 2. Clubs Palmerston (Campbell street), 1; Stoney Creek, 2. Dumb-bells —Palmerston (College street), 1; Lower Taonui, 2.

During one of the sack races a son of Mr S. R. Lancaster fell, and was badly stunned.