NOTES BY AMATEUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 31

NOTES BY AMATEUR.

THE ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIPS.

London papers to hand by the 'Frisco mail contain particulars of the English Championship meeting. The Field says: — "Success in every direction has to be recorded of the meeting held at Stamford Bridge for the purpose of deciding the amateur athletic championships. Never before had so many persons been attracted to a London ground on a similar occasion ; but for a breeze which, while it proved most refreshing to lookers on, troubled some of the runners, the weather was perfect ; and certainly the majority of the porformancss were quite in keeping with the importance of the meeting. One regret was pretty generally felt and expressed, and that was that July 2 should have found our much-respected friends, the New Zealanders, so unfit to show us their very best form. Enough had been seen of J. H. Hempton and H. W. Batger at the several meetings at which they had competed to convince one that they were both possessed of firstclass ability, and to lead one to hope that at our championships they would be able to do themselves full justice. Unfortunately, circumstances were against them, and we sincerely sympathise with them in their want of good fortune. Hempton had broken down in training, and Batger was suffering from a severe cjld. We hope that the non-success of the team now in this country will not stand in the way of another visit being paid to our shores. Mr L. A. Cuff and his 'brother athletes may always make sure of a hearty welcome, and if the visit could be so arranged as to enable the gentlemen from New Zealand to become quite acclimatised and thoroughly used to our athletes and their methods, their chance of success would be greatly enhanced. The defeat of Hempton in the second heat of the 100 yds came not altogether in the light of a surprise to those in the know, but it was nevertheleß3 a disappointment. Had he been at his very best, however, he would have had great difficulty in beating C. A. Bradley, for the new champion ran in splendid form, aud, despite a pretty strong breeze, covered the distance in very little worse than level time. H. T. S. Bell, whose running on the previous Saturday we so favourably oommented upon, is to be heartily congratulated in that he ran to within 2yds of the Huddersfield sprinter, and beat the übiquitous D. Bulger,

A most protracted and somewhat ludicrous affair did the pole jump competition prove. Only two were engaged in it, and though they were at work for" an hour and a-half they failed to decide which was the superior. The method adopted by both was that which the American governing body of athletes recently condemned — viz., that of gaining an increased elevation by altering the position of the hands. A far more attractive competition was provided by the Quarter-mile Race, which was run in three heats and a final. The finish was one of the grandest it is possible to conceive, and not its least feature was the magnificent effort made by Basan, which very nearly secured to him the title of champion. To all three placed men the credit of plucky running and an excellent performance are due. The Hurdle Race also

afforded those present a large amount of excitement, and in the final D. D, Bulger, who won, equalled the best English record of 16sec. A large amount of interest centred in the mile, for it was thought that Harold Wade might bo able to equal, if not beat, the amateur record for this distance, so well had he been running during the present season. Though he did not quite succeed in this, he won a grand race in 4min 19 I-ssec, time which no amateur except W. G. George has equalled. W. J. Fowler too in this race accomplished his best performance at the distance, and it is noteworthy that, with one exception, his time beats anything done at the Championship meeting up to and including 1891. H. Curtis easily retained his title of seven-miles walking champion, and W. J. M. Barry not only regained his position as champion hammer-thrower of England, but he established a fresh record. To D. D. Bulger the long jump went without anything extraordinaryfcbeing done ; and the Steeplechase, which W. H. Smith won, provoked only a small amount of excitement ; but quite a different state of things existed in connection with the Four-miles Race, owing to the fine struggle between J. Kibblewhite and H. A. Muuro. Tho former won, but it was by very little comparatively, and the result would have been one of closer character probably had Munro not made his effort quite so soon. The time made by the winner has never been equalled at tho amateur Championship meetings. A feature of the meeting was the success of Irish athletes, who, between them took five championships.

Tho following are details of the events :—

100 yds Race (holder, L. H. Cavy, Manhattan A.G.). -First heat : D. D. Bulger, Dublin U.A.C, 1 ; W. E. Gibbons, O.U.A.C, 0. Bulger got off the mark very smartly, and had Gibbons honestly beaten all the way. Time, 10 4-ssec. — Second heat : 11. T. S. Bell, Guy's Hospital A.C, I ; J. 11. Hempton, New Zealand A.A.A., 2; J J. Eadie, Old Oxonians, 0. Bell and Hempton got off very well together, but the former quickly held a slight advantage, and he eventually beat Hempton, whoso running lacked the dash of a first class sprinter in the best condition, by three-quarters of a yard : Eadio was beaten olf. Time, 10 2-osec. —Third heat : G. A. Bradley, Huddcrstield G. and A.C, 1 ; 11. Smith, Finchley H., 2 ; A. W. Charles, C.U.A.C, 3. Smith was smartest away, but Biadley soon went to the front, and, drawing away from the half distance, won by 4y'ds ; Smith, easing up slightly, beat Charles for second place in hollow fashion. Time, 10 l-ssec. — Final heat : Bradley, 1 ; Bell, 2 ; Bulger, 3 ; Smith, 0. After an excellent start Bradley and Bell came away together in splendid style. The Hospital man held just the least adyantage for nearly half way ; then Bradley made his effort, and, drawing to the front 40yds from the tape, eventually won by nearly 2yds ; not quite a yard between 801 l and Bulger. Time, 10 l-ssec.

Half-mile Race (standard 2min 2sec). — W. J. Holmes (holder), North Lonsdalo 11., 1 ; F. O. Jones, Kildare A.C , 2; A. R. Williams, L.A.C, 3; 1\ M'Mahon, L.A.A. and 8.C., 4. The running for tho first 150 yds was of a scrambling character, owing to the number of competitors. The holder secured third position nearing the home straight, and going with great determination, came through about COyds from the worsted, and beat Jones by three yards and a-half ; a like distance separated Jones and Williams, tho latter of whom beat M'Mahon for third place by a foot only. Time, 2min. Putting the Weight (lClb) from a 7ft square (standard 37ft).— W. J. M. Barry (holder), Queen's College, Cork, 42ft 10Kn, 1 ; W. Murray, L.A.C, 38ft Jin, 2 ; W. Kelly, Captain-surgeon Medical Staff, 36ft 9in, 0.

High Jump (standard sft 7in ; holder, T. Jennings, C.U.A.C.).— A. Watkinson, Hull G.S., sft Biiu, I; W. Wylie, Southport, and H. Le Fleming, C.U.A.C, tied at sft 6 Jin. Pole Jump (standard 10ft ; R. Watson, holder). — Bardsea and N. ,D; Dickenson, Windermere, after a protracted competition, tied at lift. Quarter-mile Race (standard 52sec ; holder, M. Remington, Manhattan A.C.)— First heat : E. C. Bredin, L.A.C., 1 ; E. J. Fryer, Wymondham A.C., 2 ; J. P. Shuter, L.A.C, 3 ; T. S. Sinnott, 5.L.H.,0 ; J. J. Eadie, Old Oxonians, 0. Bredin took the lead at a very early stage, and kept it to the finish. Time, 52sec.— Second heat: P. Wood, New Zealand A.A.A., 1 ; D. Basan, L.A.C, 2: W. E. Gibbons, 0.U.A.C., 0. While Gibbons was able to press the others, they ran hard, and alternately the lead was held by Basan and Wood. The last-named, from the bottom or nursery stretch, showed the way, but the Oxford man was no longer to be considered dangerous, and the pace moderated, Basan keeping a little more than a yard behind Wood, and in this manner the heat ended. Time, 53 2-ssec. — Third heat : C Dickenson, Dublin, 1 ; O. G. Holmden, L.A.C, 2; A. W. Charle3, C.U.A.C, 0; G. w! Turk, Walthamstow H., O. Time, 52sec— Final heat Dickenson, 1 ; Basan, 2 ; Bredin, 3 ; Fryer, 0 ; Wood, 0 ; Holmden, 0. Basan cut out the work smartly for 50yds when Bredin rushed to the front at a pace which was injudicious, especially as the bend into the stretch on the stand side of the ground had to be negotiated. The effort was, however, well maintained, and Basan followed his fellow clubman up pretty close to the bottom of the straight, with Fryer next. Just before turning into the nursery stretch Dickenson tried to get through, but finding his path blocked, had to ease tip. Along the bottom bend, however, the Irishman separated Bredin and Basan, and as the straight was neared, he took the lead, though ho was never able to get far away from Bredin. Basan was distinctly third for some distance down the home straight, but, coming with a characteristic rush, he drew up to Bredin's shoulder, and for the last 30yds there was the grandost of grand races, Dickenson winning by the fewest of inches from Basan, who headed Bredin by next to nothing. Time, 52sec. The first four gained standard medals.

Hurdle Race. 120 yds, 10 flights.— First heat : G. B. Shaw, L. A.C., 1 ; D. D. Bulger (holder), Dublin U.A.C., 2; H. Le Fleming, C.U.A.C, 3; A. J. Gould, Newport (Mons.) A.C., 0. Neither Lc Fleming nor (iould ran up to expectations, but both Sbaw and Bulger proved to be in rare fettle, and a grand race between the pair the whole way resulted in favour of Shaw by rather less than a foot ; Le Fleming finished third, four yards off ; Gould struck tho ninth hurdle, and did not persevere further. Time, 1G l-ssec. — Second heat : H. W. Batger, New Zealand A.A.A., 1 ; A. G. M. Groome, O. U.A.0., 2; J. Johnston, C.U.A.C., 0. Batger skimmed bis hurdles in elegant style, and, though suffering from a bad cold, had not much difficulty in beating Croou-.e, though the distance separating the pair at the finish amounted to but a couple of feet. Time, l(i 2-5->f;c. — Final Heat ; Bulger, 1 ; Shaw, 2 ; Batger, 3 ; Graoine, 0. Batger got away smartly, and taking his hurdles in smooth style, led the way for the first four flight?, when Shaw and Bulger drew up level, and in a grand struggle the pair came slightly away from the New Zealander. To clear the last hurdle Shaw and Bulger rose almost simultaneously, but on landing the latter sprinted away and beat the L.A.C. man by three-quarters of a yard ; a yard separated Shaw from Batger. Time, lcisec, equal to best on record.

One-mile Race (standard, 4min 30sec ; holder, J. Kibblewhite, Essex Beagles). — 11. Wade, Lea H., 1; W. J. Fowler, Fincbley H., 2; W. E. Lutyens, C.U.A.G., 3 ; P. M'Mahon, L.A.A. and 8.C., 4; W. 11. Smith, Eirchficld H., 5 ; H. A. Munro, U.H.A.C, 0 ; W. J. Wainwright, Finchley If., 0. Lutyens took up the running, and was followed by Munro, Wade, and Smith in the order named. Before the lap was nearly completed, however, Lutyens was fifth, Munro showing the •syay at the quarter, done in 592-ssec, with Wade second, Smith next, and Fowler fourth. Nearing the finish of the second lap Munro retired, leaving Wade to complete the half mile in 2tnin 6Asec, Just ahead of Fowler, who was closely followed by Lutyens. Appearingtoberunningwith the greater ease, Fowler continued to keep within a yard of Wado, who covered threequarters or a mile in 3min 15 l-ssec, but the Lea Harrier half-way in the final quarter began to widen tho gap, which he eventually increased to eight yards. His time was 4min 19 l-ssec ; Fowler did the distance in 4min 21 3-ssec. Lutyens finished third, 50} ds behind the Finchloy Harrier, and 30yds in front of M'Mahon, The first three beat the standard time,

Walking Race, Seven Miles (standard 57min). — H. Curtis (holdor), Highgate 11.. 1 ; D. Fenton, Essex Beagles, 2; A. AVooll, Highgate H., 3. Wheeler was cautioned directly after the start, a period at which many modern style walkers are apt to court disqualification. Curtis took the lead after covering 250 yds, and lie eventually won very easily in 55min 5G l-ssec ; Fenton's time was 57miu (i 4-ssec; Wooll's, 57min 32 2-sscc.

Throwing the Hammer (Uilb) from a 9ft circle (standard 37ft; holder, C. A. J. Queckberner Manhattan A. C) — W . J. M. ;Barry, Southport A.C, 133 ft 3in (English record), 1; W. Kelly, Captain-Surgeon Medical Staff, lOlf t Sin, 2. Long Jump (standard 20ft 6in).— D. jD. Bulger (joint holder with M. W. Ford, Manhattan A.C), Dublin U.A.C, 21ft 4Jin, 1; J.;s. Mackintosh United Hospitals A.C, 20ft 7iin, 2 ; A. P. Square United Hospitals A.C, 20ft 7"lin, 3 ; L. A. Cuff New Zealand A.A.A.,'l{)ft 4Jin, 0 ; F, A. Waylen, L.A.C. 0 ; Bulger, in an exhibition jump, cleared 22ft Uiu. Steeplechase, Two Miles (holder, E. W. Parry, Salford H.).—W. 11. Smith, Birchfield 11., 1 ; G. Martin, Essex Beagles, 2. Smith was only a yard in the rear of Martin, who had cast both shoes, when the last lap was entered upon, and ISOyda further he took the lead, "and eventually won pretty easily, his time being llinin 23 4-ssec, and Martin's llmin 31 4-ssec.

Four Miles Race (standard 21min ; holder W. H. Morton, Salford 11.).— J. Kibblewhite, Essex Bcaglcß, 1 ; 11. A. Munro, United Hospitals A.C, 2; S. Thomas, Kildaro A.C, 0; F, J. Strange, Southampton tH., 0 ; T. 11. Robinson. Queen's Park 11., 0 ; C E. Willers, Essex Beagles, 0 ; 11. Wellin, Finchloy IL, 0 ; W. E. Gilson, Finchley IL 0 ; C. Pearce, Birchfield H., 0 ; 11. A. Heath, S. L. H. , 0. For a mile and a half Thomas, Kibblewhite, Willers, Strange, Pearce, Heath, and Munro ran in close company, the pace being alternately set by Thomas and Kibblewhite. At the distance named but 12yds separated first man from soventh ; but the field now began to lengthen out, and with half the distance covered, the same seven being ahead of tho others, Kibblewhite, who was leading held an advantage of 50yds over Heath, who was seventh. Kibblewhite, Thomas, and Munro at two mile 3 and a-quarter had drawn away from tho vest, of whom Pearce was the foremost, but the last-named at three miles was 50yds behind the trio mentioned, and there was small hope of his improving his position. The pace, all along of exceedingly good quality, continued to be maintained, and the close company of Thomas, Kibblewhite, and Munro caused great excitement to prevail, especially as the Hospital man was running just behind the others, as if simply biding his time. Kibblewhite went by Thomas in the last lap but one, and appeared to be coming away; but Munro, without losing that high action which, together with his tall figure, makes him conspicuous, quickly got with the Essex beagle, leaving Thomas some yards behind. All the way along the far straight Munro stuck close to the heels of Kibblewhite, and with about 160 yds yet to go tho former took the lead, causing great excitement to prevail. For a moment, as Kibblewhite made no effort to recover the position, Munro's victory seemed assured, but as the straight was neared Kibblewhite quickened up, and a fine struggle began. The last-named gained slowly, but there seemed still a chance of Munro's staying home, when some of the crowd broke into the inclosure and selfishly robbed those who kept their places of a view of what would probably have been an even finer finish had the path not been invaded. Kibblewhite regained the lead 40yds off the worsted, and won by 4yds, Munro having eas>ed slightly. Winner's time, 19min 50 3-ssec ; Munro's, 19min 51 3-ssec.

In the evening a dinner was held in honour of the New Zealand athletes at St. James' Hall. Mr Montagu Shearman presided, and amongst those present were Messrs L. A. Cuff, Dixon (Referee), J. M'Neill (Sporting Life), and C. J. Butcher (Field). Owing to the short time at the disposal of those assembled the toasts were few in number. Mr M. Shearman proposed " Our Guests, the New Zealand Team," which was responded to in a capital speech by Mr L. A. Cuff. Mr Montagu Shearman enlarged on the difficulties of climate, &c. they had to contend with. Their visitors were a fine team of athletes, he said, and he only regretted that after their long journey they had been unable to secure any of the coveted titles. There was loud applause when Mr L. A. Cuff rose. He said they had done their best, and though not successful, he hoped they had given evidence by their running that their visit was not the outcome of mere presumption. If they had been unable to take away championships, they would return to New Zealand with the knowledge that they had created a feeling •of good fellowship. An extra toast was proposed by Mr Shearman, "Our Hon. Secretary, Mr C. Herbert." The latter gentleman, in his reply, gave the information that the takings for the Championship meeting amounted to L 340, and, as he estimated the expenses at Ll7O, there was obviously a goodly balance in favour of the Association.

The Sporting Life, in an account of the proceedings, says: — "No mean performers have the New Zealanders proved themselves, and while not successful in obtaining a single championship trophy between them, the whole party have created such a favourable impression by their gentlemanly behaviour, that they will carry away with them to their distant homes the best of good wishes, not only from their late opponents, but from athletes as a body in this country, and a feeling also of sincere regret that their well-meant and plucky efforts met with no better roward. Some members of the team are undoubtedly second only to the very best of the Home division, and under different circumstances would most probably have shown to greater advantage,"

Regarding the Crewe Alexandra meeting, held on June 25, the Field had the following: — "The anticipated renewed meeting between the New Zealand champion (Batger) and Shaw in the hurdle races had naturally been regarded as the leading feature in the programme, and the general disappointment was keen when it became known that Shaw was not present, his absence, of course, detracting greatly from the interest of those particular events. Batger, however, ran, but with even less success than at Huddersfield, as in the 120 yds Handicap he was thrown out in the trial heats, while in the "quarter," in which he was expected to do great things, he not only failed to concede 25yds to A. Wall, Liverpool — a man quite without a record as a hurdler — but was also unable to give away 12yds each to A. J. Gould, Newport C.A. and F.C., and T. Baylis, BirchfieH 11., who finished second and third in order of the names, the visitor obtaining only the empty honours of fourth place. In truth, the New Zealander's performance was not equal to his Huddersfield show when he led Shaw over the last hurdle, and would almost certainly have won had he but kept his head straight, for, beginning well, he got dangerously near his men in the last 100 yds, but then tired, and was unable to finish with the others. P. Wood ran very creditably iv the Quarber-mile Handicap ; and he, like his compatriot Batger, looked like winning at one time, but failed somehow to stay quite home at the pace, and was consequently beaten somewhat easily at the finish by A. Ware, Liverpool (23yds), to whom' he had been asked to concede 9yds only. D. Wood, though amongst the entrants for the Steeplechase, did not go to the post, neither was his number displayed as a starter for the Mile." The time for the 440 yds Hurdles was 59 2-sseo, and for the Quarter-mile Handicap 50 3-ssec.

The members of the New Zealand athletic team who have stayed behind are to compete at the Berlin championship meeting,