ATHLETIC NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5558, 8 April 1905, Page 14

ATHLETIC NOTES

(By “Advance.”) Mr George Watson (starter at tS» Shrubb-Dußey meeting) writes to say that the telegraphed report sent out from Wellington stating that Duffey withdrew of his own accord from hia heat of the 76yds handicap after being: penalised twice Is incorrect. After breaking twice, Mr Watson stated that' he informed both Duffey and Widmer that if they broke a third time they would, according to the rules, bo disqualified. Both men broke again and walked away from the tapes. The above explanation is made in justice to Mr Watson. Mr E. Dell, of Palmerston North, who returned from Sydney last week, brought a message from A. E. Cummins, who was over here with W. McManus. It was an intimation that R. E. Oromio, of New South Wales, will, race either O. Morris or L. O. McLachfan over a course of from 60yds to 130yds for any stake over £SO. ♦ Mr L. C. McLachlan writes mens follows from Invercargill:—Dear “Advanoe,” I notice in your notes of the 11th inst, that C. Morris has backing, up to £2OO for a match over three distances, (viz., 75, TOO and ISO.yards). As I am hot quite satisfied the best man won on the occasion of our last meet-, ing, I will be prepared to support myself to the extent of a “modest” £SO, to run Morris three distances, namely, 100, 120 and 150 yards. A hit_ beyond my “dollar power” at present is £2OO. As he has already defeated me over th«< middle distance, the two end distances might be a foregone conclusion for either of us. I think what I ask is certainly fair to Morris, and as a guarantee of good faith will post any part of the £SO with Mr W. Murdock, handicapper, Invercargill, or any other citizen of good standing here, and will be prepared to meet him any time after on a date when the ground will be available. If a deposit is forthcoming I will make all necessary arrangements for our mutual benefit. You might kindly let Morris know as soon as possible of the above. I was pleased to .read of the firm stand Mr Geo. Watson, the starter at the Wellington A.A.A. ’ Meeting last Saturday, had taken in enforcing the law governing penalties for breaking over in connection with the 75 yards dvent. I always thought the law governing penalties for breaking 'over had a degree of finality about it irrespective of The athletic standing of any competitor, and if such a weak-kneed method is adopted by athletic bodies in other parts of the world in permitting runners to practically bo their own starters, then small wonder that “world’s records” can be hoisted with but- little effort. A good firm starter is an absolute rarity in l Ma.oriland at least, and in ray experience of the last twelve years on the track, I have never run from a hotter or more capable starter than Mr,Geo. Watson. Most starters I have met consider themselves capable when they don’t let a runner “beat the gun.” If their capabilities lay .in not “beating the runner” they would be voted more than capable.. It is a pity that a body- priding themselves on their strict adherence to athletic laws does not back up a capable official when they have one.