THE EDMOND CUP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20431, 11 June 1928, Page 5

THE EDMOND CUP.

RUNNERS AT WINGATUI. BARNES AGAIN THE WINNER. CAVERSHAM WINS TEAMS’ RACE. A record field of 159 runners lined up for the start of the sixteenth Edmond Cup Steeplechase, which was held at Wingatui racecourse on Saturday afternoon. Although the track was inclined to be soft, the weather conditions were excellent, and a particularly large gathering watched the race. The winner was J. G. Barnes (Civil Service), who finished ip, 17min 17sec. J. J. Morris (Caversham) was second, and J. W. Tapp (Caversham) secured third place. Caversham won the Teams’ Race, and University the sealed handicap. The race, which has grown to be one of the most prominent athletic fixtures of the year, was first run in 1907 under the auspices of the Dunedin Harriers’ Club. The cup was presented by Mr iV. F. Edmond. Since that time the annual event has grown steadily in popularity, and the 1928 effort has eclipsed all others by a wide margin. Sixteen teams took part in the race on Saturday, and the runners represented 14 clubs. The arrangements were well carried out, and praise is due to the officials, who were as follows: —Referee, Mr E. L. Macassey; judges—Messrs A. Cannon, A. M'lndoe, B. H. Rosevear, C. W. Clark, and F. J. Frew; starter, Mr P. S. Romeril; timekeeper, Mr A. Melville; course stewards —Messrs R. Thomson, G. Jackson, and W. J. Templeton. The course was the same as last year, and the starting place was fixed opposite the grand stand. From there the runners headed for the sod wall, and followed the steeplechase course over the post-and-rails and the second sod wall. When the back straight was reached the way led through the fepce and on to the course proper. After reaching the end of the straight the runners took the post-and-rails and the water jump, afterwards coming out on the flat course and into the straight. This had to be covered twice. THE RACE. Despite the unusually large field Mr Romeril had no difficulty in getting the runners away in proper fashion. The pace at the start was made an easy one, but after the first sod wall had been crossed, the leaders quickened, and the field began to spread out. Drumm (Pacific) led the way to the post-and-rails, and was followed by Barnes, Fish ( Pacific), Morris (Caversham), and Maim (Leith), who ran bunched together ■with Tapp (Caversham) and M'Lean (Pacific) only a little to the rear. At the second sod wall Mann had dropped back to fifth place, and the leaders m order of position were Barnes, M'Lean, Mann, and Fish. Barnes was running strongly, and in the first half of the first round had worked his way to the leading position. At the water jump he was leading by about 6yds, and Mann, Tapp, and Morris were in the second, third, and fourth positions. As is always the case, the water proved a difficult obstacle for the bulk of the field, which had thinned out considerably at this stage. However, there were few idlers, and the tail was well bunched. When the home straight was reached for the first time the leaders already mentioned were keeping well together. Barnes had settled down to a strong pace, and the others were running easily, contenting themselves with allowing last year’s winner to make the pace. Mann was running about a yard behind the leader, with Tapp, Morris, and M'Lean close behind. Then M‘Lean spurted and took the lead past the stand. He was followed by Barnes, Morris, Stevens, Tapp, Mann, and Wood (Caversham_), who had come up strongly in straight. At the first sod wall in the second round M’Lean continued to hold his, lead, but was followed closely by Barnes and Chirnside (Mornington), who had come up quickly from the rear. The remaining leaders of the field were Stevens, Morris, Tapp, Woods, Mann, and Masters. This order remained unchanged until the post and rails were passed, the runners conserving their strength for the final effort. At the second sod wall Morris had come up well, and was lying behind M'Lean and Barnes. At the water jump Barnes had again taken the lead and was followed by M'Lean, Tapp, Mann, and Morris. The finish promised to be very exciting, for the runners were keeping well together,, and there was little to choose between them. However, although Morris made another good spurt and came up level with Barnes, the remainder dropped away, and Tapp, who held third place, was more than 20yds to the rear. Morris and Barnes entered the straight practically together and both spurted in a neck-and-nech sprint for the tape. With about 100yds to go, Barnes made a remarkably strong effort and dashed in to win by 10yds. Morris was unable to make the final pace, but he finished at a fast clip. Tapp finished 30yds to the rear, and M'Lean was beaten for fourth place by less than half a dozen yards. No fewer than 140 runners finished the race —a fact that said much for the condition and earnestness of the competitors in general. The results were as follo-w:— Individual Runners.

The Teams’ Race for the Edmond Cup resulted as follows: — Caversham No. I—J.1 —J. J. Morris 2, J. W. Tapp 3, C. W. Frye 6, C. F. Clark 8, D. Brown 15, and L. Wood 24 —58 points 1 Civil Service No. I—J. G. Barnes 1, G: Farquharson 9, R. M. Stevens 11, E. C. Brown 16, L. C. M'Lachlan 17, and R. Graham 20—74 points 2 Leith —A. Mann 5, H. A. Masters 10, G. Ward 28, S. Anderson 30, S.

SEALED HANDICAP. The handicap for the Moller Cup presented by Mr E. Moller resulted as follows; — University—L. W. Logan 7, R. H. Cabot 18, W. MTxechnie 21, H. E. Jolly 22, J. H. Webber 26, T. R. Buxton 96 —190 points, handicap .325. net 135 1 Hanover Street, 430, 550. 120 .. .. 2 Abbotsford, 540, 550, 10 3 At the conclusion of the race the trophies were presented by the president of the Otago Centre (Mr E. L. Macassey). J. G. Barnes was the winner of the race last year and has become known as a strong and versatile runner. He came to Dunedin from Wellington and joined the Civil Service Club. Last year his time was 17min lOsec, and he followed the cup race by running second to J. W. Tapp in the Otago cross-country chamnionship, and finishing fifth in the New Zealand championship at Christchurch. Previous Winners. The previous winners of the Teams’ Race and championship are as follow; 1907 (at Forbury Park) —Cavcrsham; F. J. Frew (Caversham), 16min SOsec. 1908 (at Forbury Park) —Dunedin; F. J. Frew (Caversham). 1909 (at Tahuna Park) —Caversham; G. A. MTCnight (Caversham), 15min 6sec. 1912 (at Tahuna Park) —Caversham; J, Beatson (Caversham). 16min 28sec. 1913 (at Tahuna Park) —Caversham; D. J. Jack (Caversham), 16min 6 4-ssec. 1914 (at Wingatui)—Dunedin; M. Mickelsen (Dunedin), 17miu ssec,

1915 (at Wingatui)—Caversham; W. F. Oxlev (Y.M.CA..), 17min 28 2-ssec. 1920 (at Forbury Park)—Pacific; R. Bell (Brooklyn, Wellington), 16min39aec. 1921 (at Wingtaui)—Olympic (Wellington); T. Wilson (Olympic, Wellington), 18min llsec. 1922 (at Forbury Park) —Caversham; D. C. Lister (Civil Service. 16min 33sec. 1923 (at Wingatui)—Anglican; W. H. B. Hobbs (Pacific). 17min 41sec. 1924 (at Wingatui)— Anglican; E. L. Brown (Civil Service), 17min. 1923 (at Wingatui)—Anglican; E. L. Brown (Civil Service), 16min 47sec. 1926 (at Wingatui)—Caversham; E. L. Brown (Civil Service), 17mm 13 2-ssec. , _ ~ 1927 (at Wingatui)—Caversham; J. G. Barnes (Civil Service), 17min lOsec. OTAGO CENTRE’S PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. The highly-successful contest for the Edmond Cup on Saturday afternoon was followed by an equally successful social in the Embassy Salon at night, when the trophies and certificates won during the track season were presented to the winners. Mr E. L. Macassey (president of the centre) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. The proceedings were opened by Mr Macassey, who said the centre was extremely pleased to see that Mr T. lv. Sidey. M.P., Mr W. L. Hooper, and Mr N. Nickels were present. A community sing put the gathering in good humour, and in that spirit the proceedings were carried on, with the result that one of the happiest functions held by the centre was recorded. The toast of the patrons of the Otago Centre was proposed by Mr J. M Indoe. The mover said that Mr. Taverner was not behind other patrons in assisting the centre. Next to Mr Taverner came Mr Sidey, who had been president of the Caversham Club and patron' of the Pacific Club for many years. Mr Sidey had been successful in his efforts to secure the passage of the Daylight Saving Act, which had been invaluable to all present. The toast was honoured with enthusiasm, which was renewed when Mr Sidey rose to reply. Mr Sidey said he felt honoured by the toast. He was proud of the fact that he was ■ president of the Caversham Club and patron of the Pacific Club, and he congratulated the former club on its win that day. He had been president of the Caversham Club from its inception. Mr Sidey proceeded to congratulate “ the Caversham Club on the many distinctions it had won, mentioning the fact that it had secured the Edmond Cup nine times out of 16 contests. He also congratulated Mr Barnes, who was first home in the Edmond Cup race that day, and Messrs Morris, Tapp, Frye, and Brown, who filled the leading places. The toast of athletics in general was proposed by Mr E. C. Isaacs, who said he thought the Otago Centre could fairly claim to be one of the leading centres in New Zealand. Last season out of six men who represented Otago at the New Zealand Championships five were selected for the New Zealand team. He was convinced that Otago’s future in the athletic world was assured. He thought he was safe in saying that the ‘ field in the Edmond Cup that day was a record for New Zealand. It was an inspiring sight to see such a fine field, and such a fine finish. In the near future the centre intended to appeal to the public for subscriptions to a fund to send a strong team away for the New Zealand Cross-country Championship, in the hope of bringing the Hooper Cup, which would be competed for for the first time, to Dunedin. The speaker said he would couple with the toast the name of Mr J. H. List, who had done as much as most men for amateur athletics in Dunedin. The Caversham Club was now making its presence felt on the track, and it had produced in J. J. Morris one of the finest mile runners ever seen in Otago.—(Applause.) In the course of his reply, Mr List stated that amateur sport had been flourishing in this country for many years. Before Mr Macassey took up the position of president the Otago Centre had eight or nine clubs, whereas now it had about 20. As long they had men of the calibre of Mr Macassey and Mr Isaacs the sport was bound to prosper. The toast of the Otago Centre was proposed by Mr W. L. Hooper, who said he did not think that anyone in New Zealand knew more about the centre movement than he did. It was originated by Mr J. James, who was a well-known rowing man in his day. The movement came into being about 1901, and the centre was established after the formation of the St. Andrew’s Club. Amongst the earliest members were the Rev. G. E. Moreton and Mr A. Cameron. Harrierism was instituted to provide runs for the weak men as well as the strong men, and they should not have too many races for the strong men only. He would strongly suggest that the centre should hold a big carnival to raise money for sending a team to Wanganui for the New Zealand Cross-country Championship. The speaker urged loyalty to the office-bearers, and said the Otago Centre had the finest president that had ever been connected with an athletic body.— (Applause.) He was also convinced that it had one of the best secretaries. In his. response to the toast, Mr Macassey stated that Mr Hooper’s advice would receive careful consideration. The Otago Centre was the only one that had a ladies’ club affiliated to it, and he regarded that as a great honour to the centre. The centre had a very large number of affiliated clubs, and as long as they had such fine officials associated with the centre he was sure that amateur sport would be well controlled. They had a splendid secretary in Mr Isaacs, a splendid sports secretary in Mr Emmerson, a splendid record steward in Mr Heaton, and an excellent treasurer in Mr Swinney. All of them had done fine work for athletics in Dunedin. He was pleased to see Mr Moreton present. Mr Moreton and he took part in the first' harrier run in Dunedin. Mr Isaacs paid a generous tribute to Mr Emmerson for the amount of work he had done for the centre and to Mr Macassey, whose efforts to promote the interests of the sports were not fully realised by the majority. The toast of the donors of trophies was proposed by Mr A. Melville, who stated that the trophies had produced fine competition. One of their oldest trophies was the cup presented by Mr Hooper for the Port Road Race. Trophies had also been presented by Messrs List, Nickels, Macassey, the Cabot brothers, Milne, Moody, Barton, Dewar (through Messrs Scoular and Co.), Greenslade, and Scott and Sons. The trophies had been presented by fine sports. The competition, especially in the last year, had been very intense, and he thought from the way the athletes were coming on, they would have an extremely good season next year. There was a number of runners who would be hard to beat next season. The more racing they could get for their young runners the better their performances would be. During the last year they had had almost numberless sports meetings, and he thought that was the best way to made runners. The toast was responded to by Messrs Hooper, Nickels, List, Macassey, and Cabot. Mr Nickels said he thought that Otago had the material for one of the finest cross-country teams that New Zealand had ever had, and that if they went in for team work they would secure the New Zealand Cross-country Championship for the Otago Centre. The next toast was that of the Civil Service Club, the winners of the List Shield. In the course of his reply, Mr Melville stated that the Civil Service Club had a large membership, and he hoped that in the future it would be still larger. He congratulated the other clubs on their excellent membership this year, all that was wanted was a good track to enable the runners to give of their best. The other toasts were those of the winners of the cups (proposed by Mr C. K. Heaton and responded to by Messrs Bramford and Bastings) and the sports officials (proposed by Mr A. MTndoe and responded to by Mr H. Emmerson). The winners of the prizes were as follow: — 100 Yards. —H. D. Morgan 1, C. M. Olsen 2. 220 Yards. —C. M. Olsen 1, R. F. Barr 2. 440 Yards. —C. M. Olsen 1, N. J. Suckling 2. 880 Yards. —C. M. Olsen 1, L. C. M'Lachlan 2. One Mile. —J. J. Morris 1, L. Douglas 2. Three Miles. —C. J. Frye 1, R. M. Stevens 2. 120 Yards Hurdles, —H. D. Morgan 1, C. L. Tapley 2. 440 Yards Hurdles.—H. D. Morgan 1, A. H. Malcolm 2. Shot Putt.—H. D. Morgan 1, W. J. M'Cabc 2. Hammer. —J. G. Leckie 1, T. Casserley 2,

Long Jump.—R. 0. Johnston 1, E. J. Thompson 2. , High Jump.—C. L. Rout 1, A. H. Maicolm 2. Pole Vault. —R. 0. Johnston 1, B. —C. C. Nicholson 1, P. G. Ward 2. Discus. —B. Provo X, R. 0. Johnston 2. One Mile Walk. —J. Wilson 1, R. H. Cabot 2. Three Miles Walk.—J. Wilson 1, R. H. Cabot 2. One Mile Cycle.—S.Brenford 1, I. G. M'Millan 2. Three Miles Cycle.—S. Brenford 1, F. Hodge 2. Relay Race.—Civil Service 1, University 2. . -vi During the evening an ■ enjoyable programme of songs and recitations ’ was given by Messrs H. Clark, C. Frye, H. E. Clark, J. MTndoe, W. Duff, G. Pearce, and F. J. D. Rolfe. The accompaniments were played by Messrs Rolfe and F. Cawley, L.A.B. CYCLING ROAD RACE. An 18-Mile Cycling Road Race was held on Saturday under the auspices of the Otago Amateur Cycling Club. _ The course lay from the Mosgiel Junction to the Silverstream bridge. Beal, a young performer, gave an outstanding performance, finishing fourth irf the fast time of 50min lOsec. The race resulted as follows; — C. Lucas (SJmin), 49min 17sec .... 1 W. Isaac (4|min), 50min 6sec .... 2 T. Dillon (6|min), 56min 6Jsec .... 3

J. G. Barnes (Civil Service) .. 1 J. J. Morris (Caversham) .. 2 J. W. Tapp (Caversham) .. .. 3 D. M'Laren (Pacific) .. .. .. 4 A. Mann (Leith) 5 c. W. Frye (Caversham) .. 6 L. W. Logan (University) .. 7 C F. Clark (Caversham) .. 8 G. Farquharson (Civil Service) .. 9 H. A. Masters (Leith) .. :io R. M. Stevens (Civil Sfervice) .. 11 A. Kay (Hanover Street) .. 12 VV. N. Connell (Anglican) .. .. 13 A. Chirnside (Mornington) .. 14 D. Brown (Caversham) TEAMS’ RACE. .. 15

King 31, and S. Peterson 32--136 points .. 3 University, 190 points .. 4 Anglican, 2C5 points Pacific, 308 points .. 5 .. 6 Civil Service Xo. 2, 3 55 points .. .. 7 Northern. 358 points .. 8 Caversham Xo. 2, 387 points .. Hanover Street, 430 points .. 9 .. 10 St. Kilda. 447 points .. .. .. .. 11 Mornington, 400 points .. 12 Cargill Road, 489 points .. .. .. 13 Abbotsford, 540 points .. .. .... 14 St. Patrick's, 546 points .. .. Dunedin, 589 points .. 16