N.Z. ATHLETIC TEAS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11737, 26 January 1924, Page 8

N.Z. ATHLETIC TEAS

LEAVES FOR HOBART FAREWELL GATHERING AT WELLINGTON YESTERDAY. HOPE'S OF SUCCESS. The team of New Zealand athletes rvhic-li is to represent the Dominion in the Australasian championships in Hobart on February 6th and BtU, sailed, yesterday afternoon by the s.s. Marama. Although some doubt existed up to the last moment as to the full personnel of the team, tlioso who finally sailed were those originally chosen by the selectors, raid, were as follow: —J. Mcllolm (manager), A. L. Lewis (Canterbury), J. A. McKenzie (Otago), G. Harvey (Wairarapa), P. Mimi-o, L. A. Tracy, H. E, Wilson, and R. A. Rose (Wellington). The departing athletes were farewelled at a luncheon presided over by Mr A. T. Davies, chair-man of the New Zealand Council, and attended by a large num ber of officials and supporters. Mr Davies said that only r,Tx months agu they had assembled to wish the crosscountry tei'*r success in their first venture acros9 the Tasman Sea. Now they wore met to bid farewell to another New Zealand team, which was going to represent New Zealand on the other side. The team was a good one, the members having won their spurs in New, Zealand, and most of them had done well on previous occasions. They had Mr McHolm as manager, a man who w-as a well-known athlete, who could hold his place in any company of athletes. With Mr H. E. Wilson, he was going to represent New ZeaShnd at the Board of Control Council in Hobart, They all knew that the members of the team would do their best to win, and if they did not do that they would .be the first to congratulate the other fellow. “TEAM WOULD DO THEIR BEST.” Mr R. W. McVilly joined with Mr Davies in expressing his confidence that New Zealand’n present representatives would maintain tfie honour of New Zealand both on and off the field—off it as gentlemen, and on it as sports. They would do their best, and would be welcomed heartily if they brought the Shield back with them, and no less heartily if they were not ablo to win l *Mr A. C. Kitto said that the team was going away to do honour for New Zealand, and while they were competing they would know that all the athletes in New Zealand would be wishing them well. If they won the shield, good and well; if they did not, the people of New Zealand would know that they had done their best. In Mr McHolm the team had a real father to look after them—one -who knew and understood the arduous job ho had- undertaken. The selectors had picked the best team, and one which had u good chance of bringing hack the banner. “GOOD CHANCE OF SUCCESS.” Mr J. McHolm, the manager, thanked the speakers, on behalf of the team, for their goodt wishes. Ho had, ho said, studied the team carefully, and was convinced that it was a good one, and one which stood a good chance of success Mr H. E. Wilson, a member of the team, said that they all felt very keenly the honour which had been done them in selecting them. As representing New Zealand, they would compete first for New Zealand and secondly for themselves The development of the national 6pirit was one of tho objects to he aimed at in contests of this kind, and the athletes who wore representing New Zealand this year would not forget this. PROGRAMME OF EVENTS. The following is the programme for tho Australian championship meeting:— First day, February 6th—looyds, heats, and final; 440yds, heats; 120yds Hurdles, heats, and final; nigh Jump; 161 b Shot; Long Jump; 440yds Hurdles, heats, if necessary; 100yds Handicap; One Mile Handicap. Second day, February 7th—Decathlon Events; Three Mile Championship; 161 b j Hammer; Medley Race, flag; ‘Relay j Championship. Third day, February Bth—Decathlon events; Three-mile Walk; School Races; Cycle race. Final Day, February- 9th—22oyds, heats and final; 440yds, final; 440yds Hurdles (final); 880yds; One Mile; Mile Walk; Throwing Javelin;- Discus; Pole Vault; 440yds Handicap; 880yds Handicap; One Miie Cycle Handicap; Championship events.