ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7446, 22 May 1911, Page 5

ATHLETICS.

One of the finest spectacular events in connection with the Festival of Empire sports will be the massed gymnastic display. The suggestion first came from Viscount Hill that-a massed Empire gymnastic and physical culture display should he given at the Crystal Palace in celebration of the Coronation. The idea caught on at once, and over 2000 entries were received within a week from the London district alone. A national physical, displays committee was formed, with Viscount Hill as chairman. If all the men come together fit and well, the next Australasian sports should he of very great interest. Keddell v. J. L. Davis, W. Murray v. H. E. Kerr, G. A. Wheatley v. 6. Haskins and G. N. Hill look promising. Then Hartkopf v. Opie in the quarter, Redmond and Burton v. Opie and Woodger in the 100 yards may be closer than New Zealanders think (writes "Harrier," in the “'Australasian”). For all that, I have always considered, and still consider, that New Zealand are quite the strongest in dividual member of the unionsand expect them to win next January. A speoi'al meeting of the council of the 'N.Z.A.A.A. will be held on Mondav evening, when as the result of the Otago centre’s refusal to rescind the resolution revoking the appointment of Messrs Marryatt and Pollock as its degelates. the resignations of those two gentlemen will be haiided in. Their withdrawal will mean a very great loss to the cause of athletics, for both gentlemen have been tireless workers in behalf of clean sport. The somewhat peevish action of the Otago centre ,is deplored by all lovers of athletics and by not a few Otago people. It has robbed the council of two experimencod men, whose seats it will be a ’difficult matter to fill.