WELLINGTON ATHLETIC NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 34

WELLINGTON ATHLETIC NOTES.

By Onlooker.

The Basin Reserve never was so much occupied before as it has been for the past fortnight, and is now, and is likely to be for a while longer, with athletes in training. Athletes complain of the "absorption" of all the space by cricketers, and certainly it is a bit awkward for runners to have to practise hurdling and running by the various club nets. Said one to me the other evening, •• We come here at 6 in the morning, and lo ! the cricketer is abroad ; we come a bit early in the afternoon, and he is still in possession ; we go away with our minds made up to call again at 7 so as to have half an hour to ourselves — bust it all ! he isn't tired yet, and he keeps at it until it is so dark that the ball hits him on the back, when he very reluctantly slopes away, but it is then too dark for us to train, and we go home withhim." The occupation of the Basin Reserve during an afternoon may be thus divided: — From 4.30 to 5.30 the "champions" are training in front of the pavilion for the Dunediu meeting, when early comers are interested in Hempton, Batger, Harley, Nathan, Stuart, and the others. At 5 the professionals come on the ground, training for the various athletic meetings coming off between now and Easter. A little after 6 the fleet-footed members of the drapery business commence operations for their meeting, which comes off shortly. And clobc upon 7we have the cyclists taking the track. The Athletic Club holds its meeting on March 3, the Bicycle Club on March 24, and the Druid's sports are to be held on Easter Monday. Hempton is sure to attend the championship meeting, and is getting as fit as possible for the 100 yds. He will do his level best, as it may be the last meeting he will compete at. He is not in as good health as he might be in, but in all the events he goes for he will stretch himself. He is training carefully, but gently, Batger was never in better nick, and he has developed a rare turn for speed on the flat. I should not be surprised if he is tempted into going for the 250 yds at an early date over the sticks. He has lost none of his flying speed, and' he heartily enjoys his training. He has frequent goes with Hempton. I fancy that Hempton over the 250 yds will have to find his swiftest foot to beat Reeves, if all I hear of the latter may be taken as gospel.

L. H. Harley is in good fettle, but it is not likely he will get the necessary leave.

The " Loan and Merc." men are too busy to get away, although it is likely that Stuart will go down. Stuart is such an in and outer that there is no knowing what he may do at the meeting. M'Cormack is likely to go. The country men are all certainties, as they are nearly all masters of their own time. They are in active training, and will give a good account ef themselves.

Nathan, of this city, is going well, and has an occasional good run with Hempton, who is very fatherly with the young 'uns. Altogether Wellington has a fine set of legs and muscles going for that banner upon which she has cast longing eyes. May she get it.