CASH ATHLETICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14000, 5 September 1907, Page 10

CASH ATHLETICS.

Bi Spobt. Tho conference between tho governing bodies of tho various branches of sport will take placo in Wellington oither on tho 11th, 12th, or 13th September, at tha request of tho New Zealand Rugby Union. Members of Parliament will bo a6ked to attend,, and it is cxpected that the objects aimed at will bo favourably considered in all their states. Other matters for tho niutilal benefit of the delegates present will also bo discussed, and an understanding with regard to. disqualifications will doubtlessly bo'arrived at. I,understand that the pedestrians of a largo northern centre, who last year competed at proprietary sports, havo petitioned tho, N.Z. Athletic '"Union authorities to bo "again : admitted to the fold. This act is somewhat of a. facer (says "Onlooker", in tho Southland News) for. irresponsible people throughout the colony who are at.the present time advocating that athletes of all branches aro entitled to control and reward themselves as their pockets dictate.

Tho N.Z. .Athletic.Union will be represented at the coming conference of athletic controlling bodies in Wellington by Messrs' G. W, Woods (president), a.nd Tlios. Duncan (vice-president). ' Tho Labour Day Association aro first in the field-,, as.'usual with theii> programme of sports to bo hold on' October 9 (Labour Day). Tho site selected for this year's picnic-sports : is Henley, .and is ' ill every way suitablo. for an' onjoyablo day's outing. Cash pedestrians are catered' for with a Sheffield handicap (135 yds; to ba run in heats) with prizo-monoy o£ £5 and £2, thero' being' no third prize; entry fee, ss; and a Half-mile Handicap with prizes of £1 -and trophy valuo £1 63 for first, and a trophy valued at £1 Is for second; entry, 2s. .Altogether tho attractions for runners are not so encouraging as in previous years. Dancers aro catered for in tho shapo of' hornpipe; Highland fling, and Irish, jig, while''a solitary event is also included, for pipers. ! Pedestriails aro ■reminded that,, registration under Union rules is again due; tho jold ticket . being out of - date as from July 31 last, . It, should also be borno in mind that, when filling .in. their entry, runners should not fail to givo a oomplote list of races': won and competed • in, with their correct marks; as fajluro in this direction can only meet with one result. I understand registration-may bo effected within 0, week or so with tho local contro secretary, or with Mr M'Kay, Jetty, street.

Already tlio question of "dates" for sports meetings generally held on the samo day and within a abort radius of one another has cropped up with the' local centre.' It is contended, atul with somo reason, too, that- societies within a radius of 30 miles or lc6S if one another should not be allowed to hold sports on the same day,' as tho - competitors and public 'who would attend both meetings in held on different dates have now to divide their patronage to one gathering only. Qn tho other hand, it is argued that societies within the- above-stated radius havo held sports successfully for a number of years on tho isame day, and no reason in tho interest of the sport csin bo adduced for practically • waiting ,to " kill" one society to mako a bigger success of the other gathering. .Tho position requires careful handling, _ and it is certain that whatever decisiqn is como jo by the centro thesocieties concerned will treat it as being in the best interests of sport. • . ■At the Wren Athletic Pavilion, Melbourne, during show week eight events, with prise money aggregating 220 guineas, will, extend over three evenings for chopping and 6iiwing contests.' .