AMATEUR ATHLETICS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11649, 13 October 1923, Page 10

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

THE COMING SEASON (By “Hurdler.") 1 COMING EVENTS. Oct. 22nd—Labour Day Sports, Newtown Park. Oct. 22nd—Labour Dav Sports, Levin. Oct. 1 22nd—Labour Day Sports, Wanganui. OTAGO CENTRE. The Otago Centre, which is comprised of men of the right calibre to mako amateur athletics a success, have during the past season not worked in harmony with the New Zealand Council, and bv their actions deprived the athletes and public of a chance of seeing the American champions in action, and also lost the control of tffe New Zealand championships which were held in Wellington. I am now pleased to say that the differences, if they really existed, have been amicably adjusted, and this season should see Otago holding the New Zealand championships at Dunedin. AUETBALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. The word "Australasian” does not (as a New Zealander) appeal to me at all. Why should we lose our identity by the use of such a non de plume? Far better to call the gathering the Australian end New Zealand championships, and thereby enable our champions to be of some advertising gain to the Dominion. The next point to consider is can we meet the expense to send a representative team across to Hobart, where the meeting is to be held? To send say eight men across it would cost at least Well, where is t'he money coming from? The New Zealand Council, at the present time, find its finances near the low water-mark, and practioally the only chance of recouping them will he the half profits from the next New Zealand championship gathering. Outside of Wellington the profits from such a gathering have been very slight, so the council oannot expect a great deal this season if the meeting is held in Dunedin as suggested. The only way out of the difficulty would be for the council to approach the six affiliated oentres for J 650 a piece to finance the team. To my mind this could easily be done without inflicting any hardship on the centres. On last year’s form the Dominion has a team that could bring back the banner to New Zealand, and such a fine chanoe of showing oUr athletes capabilities should not be missed. Men worthy of Consideration for selection are : Wellington— P. MunrO. L. A. Tracy, R. Rose. G. Harvey, and K. Griffen. Canterbury— W. Buckhurst, C. H. Taylor, G. Nalder, J, MbHolm, and 1. Ford, Auckland—G. Davidson, R. Webber, G. Plummer, and J. Shirley. West Coast—G. Scott and F. Neodale. Otago—Stewart, Morgan, and Harrington. OLYMPIC GAMES Will Now Zealand be represented at the next Olympio? It looks to me that we have a poor chance of sending representatives. The Olympio Council have a scheme in view to raise funds, but the constant Shelving of the position does not look bright for a teem to get away in time to do justice to itself or to the Dominion. Then question arises have we any first-class talent worthy of Upholding the honour of New Zeeland fit to send, and is it worth the greet expense to send men who have not the slightest chance of success f I am not one of those who say if you cannot win, then do not waste time ana money by sending a second-rate team. It is a fine advertisement for any COtogtyy to he represented, hut I am strongly of opinion that the men selected must have some outstanding performances to be Worthy of selection. Now have w* any such men? I say not! We have not one athlete in New Zeeland' at the present time who is capable of finishing first, second, third, fourth or fifth in an Olympic competition. So 1 maintain that it is not worth while considering sending any athletes to the forthcoming games. Far better to concentrate on a scheme to uplift our standard of athletics for the future. AT ’A DISADVANTAGE. Unfortunately (in one sense of the word) England and New Zealand are at a great disadvantage as compared with the United States in preparing teams, The Yankees seem to ght Sn unlimited Supply of dollars, which secures the best trainers ahd coaches. They also have time to spare to train for months ahead of an Olympia, and work does not interfere with their training In England and New Zealand the champion has to fit in his training between his work, pay liis own trainer, and as a rule coach himself. The American system is very near the border line of professional athletics, while the other two countries turn out the true amateur in the true sense of the word. While I say that the present time there are no athletes up to the standard of Olympic form, I do not mean to infer that New Zealand' should not be represented at the games, for there are other branches of the sport that could make a creditable showing, such as rowing, rifle shooting, lady tennis, and lady swimmerfi. JOTTINGS. ’’Jack” Lundon, who has taken such keen interest ir. amateur smart in this city for many years, has been transferred to Christchurch. “Jack’s” services will be sorely missed. Never a talker, but always a worker, he Was ever-popular amongst the athletes of this city, and I feel sure that all will join with me in congratulating him on his promotion and wishing him every success id the Cathedral City.. First evening meeting October 29th. B. 0. Guy lias been appointed secretary of the WSlllngton Amateur Athletic Club.

Congratulations to L. A, Tracy font champion sprinter) on being nominated for the 1923 Rhodes Scholar. Let us all hope ho wins the final! The Gisborne Amateur Athletic dub concluded last season wtih a credit balance of J!2B. A real, lire body, this club!

The Gisborne Club are inquiring of the New Zealand Connell as to whether they will receive r a share of the profits of the American tour. This is not the only club that is seeking that information. But from what I know of the position the clubs oan condole with themselves when I say that they will not receive one penny from such profits. The said profits only ran into JE2O9, and lately the council’s funds have been sorely depleted. Through, what I say is Tnismausgement on somebody’s part, the council is forced to pay out over JH7O to meet the expenses of sending a harrier team over to the Australasian crosscountry championship in Sydney. Then the new rule book will cost at least 4150. So there will not be any dividend this season.

I see that the Otaki Amatenr Athletlo Olub is starting off the season by holding evening meetings. To my mind this is the proper way to push the eport, and is (bound to show an improvement in the form of the athletes later on. A suggestion was given to me, and l think it a real good one, and one likely to do a great amount of good amongst

our nearby country clubs. I pass it on to the dubs concerned. Waikanae, i’araparaumu. To lioro, Levin, and Otaki all have an Amateur Athletic Club, ana most Of these clubs run evening meetings. Now, what is wrong with, the | Central Club calling a meeting represented by a delegate from each club, and deciding on holding a series of combined evening meetings, say one* a week, in the respective towns? As train arrangements vtonld not in all cases be suitaable for Competitors, a motor 'bus conld be hired for the purpose at a small cost. This sobeme Ts workable, and would do an immense amount of good to, amateur othietios in the district, as the competition would be keener by the clubs competing one against the other. The annual meeting of the Wellington Centre will take place on the 24th instant. . . .. J. McKinlay, one of our promising distance runners last season, who broke his amateur status by competing at the Taihape professional sports meeting, is applying through tho Auckland Centre for reinstatement. There is not chance of McKinlay getting back to the amateurs. ...... The Albion Club (Masterton) is evidently in a bad way financially. Trophy orders won at their meeting last Easter have not come to hand. The Wairarapa Caledonian Society aro out extra early with their-programme for New Year's Day. A fine list of events are scheduled. , The Hutt Valley Amateur Athletic Club will, before the season opens, have more active members than any other club in Wellington, The officials should be well satisfied with their efforts. Entries close for Labour Day sports on Monday, 15th inst. RACING IN ENGLAND E. H. LIDDELL "THE FLYING SCOTCHMAN.” Before an .attendance of 16,000 the amateur athletic championships were held at Stamford Bridge on July 7th last, and some record performances were accomplished. The outstanding feature of the day was the double win of E. H. Liddell, of Edinburgh University. The famous Rugby footballer had. the honour of winning the 100yds and 220yds events in 9 7-10saa and 21 3-ssec respectively. Liddell is described as a glorious runner and tbe greatest sprinter Scotland has produoed since Wyndham Hldswell (who fell in the Great War). His Style is splendid, for he is quick in his running, has a rare stride, and puts all hie strength into the race. T. MAttheWeen, a youthful runner from Huddersfield, ran a close second to Liddell in both sprint events, and a great future is predicted for this lad. tidier results were:— 440yds—W E. Stevenson (England), 1. Time, 49 S-seeo. SKbkds—C. R. Griffiths (Wales). 1. Time, liei& 56 3-ssec. One Mtle---Il B. Stollard (England), 1. Time, 4min 21 9-5540. 120yds Hurdles—F. F. Gaby (England), 1. Time, IS l-ssec. 449yds Hurdles—L. H. Phillips (England), 1. Time, 58see. Long Jump—H. M. Abrahams (England), l; 23ft B*in. High Jump—P. Tewden (Franca),’ 1; 6ft, Tewdan afterwatdA cleared 6ft 4ln. T Puttinsr the Shot—J. Barratt (Ireland), 1; 39ft 2iin. Javelin Throwing—J. Dalrymple (England), 1; 148 ft 9}in. Discus Yhrowing—G. T. Mitchell (England), 1: 110 ft Sin. Hammer Throwing—M. C. Nekee, 1; !«lft 4t*n. Hop, Step and Jump—J. Odde, 1; 46*t 4&ln.