ATHLETICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 62

ATHLETICS.

NOTES BY AMATEUR. Thci four araratem- events on the proga'amin© of the Labour Day sports on the 11th have been splendidly supported, there being 25 entries in the Road Race, 19 in the 220 Yards for Bland Holt's trophy, 14in *he 100 Yards, and six teams in the Relay Race. Th<e large entry will amply reward the. Labour Day Committee for the recognition given to amateur sport, and should! be the means of further popularising these 'events with the public^ The" Schools Championship Committee met on Monday evening, when a large amount of routine work was disposed of. It is anticipated that the preliminary programim© will be in circulation this week, and already inquiries are being made by budding sprint and distance champions for entry fowns. Valuable information regarding the management of the Christchuroh meeting has been received from both Messrs Aschmann and Garrard, and will be acted on as far as possible. Arrangements are being; made to obtain the assistance of the ladies in providing refreshments for the children, and a committee will shortly be formed to control this important matter. It is anticipated that over 1000 entries will be received this year, •■and the task of getting through the programme -will be no light one. However, with last year's experience as a guide, there, ia no fear but that the meeting will be a huge success. The keenness of the juvenile in matters " amateur athletic at present was strongly evidenced last Saturday, when the trail layers in the Civil Service championship at Wingatui were accompanied by a sturdy little runner in correct harrier costume., with colours red and white. The little fellow, who is a member of thei Mosgiel School Harrier Club, manfully stuck to the older runners, and received quite an ovation when he ran across the- course with them. Judging fr<jm his performance, young M'Lennaii should prove hard to beat in the 6chool^races on November 9. The twentieth annual report of the Dunedin Amateur Athletic dub diselos.es a flourishing state 'of affairs. _ Starting! last season with a larger active membearship than ,had- .previously been -the ,ease in the history of the club, a splendid season's work has been achieved, The annual -sports meeting, held on February 11, _was the best •both- in<*atMetie x merit* and' financial result - that has yet been experienced ; while the evening meetings have not only provided splendid races, but have done a great "deal to popularise amateur running with the public. Financially, the club lias, materially progressed, and the handsome amount of £41 14s 4d wherewifG to • begin the new season i 3 a welcome change from the "hardup" days the club has experienced in the past. The good results achieved by the Stab have been gained mainly by consistent devotion to the club's interests by its officebearers, who have, notwithstanding, found time to assist in the general advance amateur athletics have made in Dunedin. The 0-A.A.C. is fortunate indeed in it© list of officers. I trust the coming of age this year will be marked by unprecedented prosperity. On Saturday the Civil Service Harrier and A. A. Club decided the third annual championship across country at Wingatui. Fortunately the weather, which had been wet and stormy during the week, took up on Friday, and Saturday proved an ideal day both ' from a competitor's and a spectator's point of view. Wingatui Racecourse, whence the run started, looked a picture, and the surrounding country furnished -an effective setting. . The" trial was laid over slightly different ground from that chosen in former j>ears, and was about half a mile farther vthan the recent Interclub Race. Early in the day Messrs J. Faulks, J. Goodmanson, I BL Mackintosh, R. G. Anderson, and H. ! jrCorkindaie went out with paper and flags ! and laid a good trail, which took off from the course at the turn out of the straight and led straight up the hill to the right, then across towards Silverstream, a stiff hill being encountered, after climbing which the runners made a rapid descent and ran towards North Taieri for some distance, turning off south across part of the Janefield Estate and back to the course. Care was taken to avoid paddocks in which there were sheep and lambs. Eleven started in the race, and kept together until the course was left, where on the rough ground Melville speedily established a lead, closely followed by Tyson, Stephens, and Reynolds. Along the face of the hill Melville increased his lead, and the field were well strung out. Going up the steep hill Melville seemed to revel in the going, while the runners at the rear seemed to be crawling. When the field disappeared from sight Melville^bad a 40-yard lead, with Stephens, Reynords7 Tyson, and French in pursuit. When the men came into view on the return the spectators were greatly sm--prised to see Melville closely attended by Stephens and Reynolds, and everyone looked for a great race up the straight. Once on ' the course, however, Melville swung along 1 at a good bat and was not troubled thereafter, winning by about 30 yards from Stephens, with Reynolds third. Then came French, Ferguson, and Prideaux_ in thai order. The winner's time was 33min 51sec— » an exceedingly creditable performance. The Sealed Handicap was won by Reynolds, with Stephens second and French third. In this connection a word of praise is due the club's handicapper, Mr J. Faulks, for his excellent judgment, no less than five men being within 40sec in the handicap. Mr Faulks has every right to be well pleased with this result. The limit allowed was 6min, which is in marked contrast to that adopted by other club handicappers. The three placed

men in the race are well-known harrier runners ; while French, who was fourth, and Ferguson have also shown to advantage this year. The club's president (Mr G. B. Dall) acted as judge, together with Messrs Marryatt and J. Lang; Messrs A. Doy, H. S Downes, and J. Melville were timekeepers; and Messrs Willett and H. Franklyn acted as stewards. Mr R. G. Anderson, the club's secretary, had all arrangements well in hand.

Immediately after the- C.S.H. runners had been despatched on their way the eight contestants for the Caversham Harrier Club Championship, who were to run over the same track as their sister club, were got on the mark and set going. The field ran well together until the side of the hill was reached, when some began to fall behind. G. M'Knight soon had a good lead, and when the first men were seen coming across back to the course it was found that he was in front, with Muir and Brown following closely. Another anticipation of a clove race was, however, dispelled when it was seen that the leader was quite holding his own, and the finish saw G. M'Knight win comfortably from H. Muir (second) and W. A. Brown (third). The winner's time was 35min 53 4-ssec. The Scaled Handicap in connection with the race was won by E. J. Allen, who was in receipt of 4min, with T. Schoficld (smin) second and H. Muir (lmin 30see) third. The officials in the Civil Service Club acted for the Caversham Club's race, and had the valuable assistance of Mr W. H. Tily (secretary of the Caverenam club.

An incident occurred in the C.S.H. Championship on Saturday which is in itself an instance of the sportsmanlike feeling existing between the runners in that race. At one part of the journey the two leaders missed the trail and kept straight on. They were, however, hailed by the third man, who waited for them, and it is said thereby sacrificed an excellent chance of snatching a viotory. The winner of the race was the first to acknowledge the spirit in which his clubmate had acted, and the latter was warmly complimented' for his unselfish action.

Many of the runners in Saturday's races at Wingatui bore at the finish evidence of the thoroughly cross-country nature of the course chosen ; indeed, some arrived home with_ very little to show what club they belonged to. The T.M.C.A. Harriers' Championship •was decided at Forbury Park on Saturday last, and as was anticipated, Sharpe proved an easy winner. The track was in anything but good running condition and therefore the time, 17min 44-sec for the three miles must be considered very good. Last year's ■winner, Dawson, had to be content with second place, hi 9 time being 13sec slower than the winner's. A Sealed Handicap was held in connection with the race, and on the handicaps being worked out, P. Scott was found to be the winner, with T. Gordon second. T. Gordon occupied third position in order of finishing, and Scott fourth. Scott's win came as a surprise to many, but he thoroughly deserved it. as he had been training very hard for this event, and with the track in the state it was in on Saturday, that training stood him in good stead. This race brings the club's running season to a close, but members are requested to bear in mind the date of the annual social, October 19, at the V.M.C.A. Rooms, -when prizes and trophies will be presented to the various winners.

(H)ARRIERS' PENSEES

A 'Varsity harrier, no less! — Last Saturday grumbled, "Oh, yes, — . It's very good fun. To go for a run, But you get in a terrible mess."

A person out walking one day, Saw a strange-looking thing by the way, To a doctor he took it, Who found, when he shook it,

'Twas a h'anier covered with clay !

The St. Andrew's Harriers held their annual .sprints meeting at Oarisbrook on Wednesday in tho presence of a fair attentendance of the fair sex and .supporters of the cUtb. The events resulted as follow:

100 Yards Race. — First Heat: Watson, sJyds, 1; Marryatt, scratch, 2. Also started: Sioan 3yds, Duke 3£yds, J. Thomson SJyds, Holland, 10yds. Second Heat: Clarke, 3Jyds, 1; Thomas, 6yds, 2. Also started: White lyd, Connor 2ftyds, Gardiner 3yds, Halford 7yds. Third Heat: Blovj 2yds, 1; Crawley, syds, 2. Also started: Rutherford 3£yds, Carpenter 4yds, A.- Thompson 6yds. Final: Clarke 1, Thomas 2,T310y 3. Time, llsec. All qualified started.

220 Yards Race. — First Heat: Marryatt, scratch. 1; Watson, 11yds, 2. Also started: Duke 7yds, J. Thomson 12yds, Holland 20yds. Second Heat: Thomas, 12yds, 1; Clark, 7yds, 2. Also started: \Vhite 2yds, Connor syas, Sloan -6yds, Halford 14yds. Third Heat: Bioy, 4yds, 1; Gaidner, 6yds, 2. Also started: Rutherford 7yds, Carpenter Byds, Crawley 10yds, A. Thompson 12yds. Final: Marryatt 1. Bloy 2, Thomas 3. Time, 26sec.

440 Yards Race. — Marryatt. scratch, 1 ; Bloy, syds, 2;* Gardner, Byds, 3. Also started: Clarke 10yds. Duke 12yds, Watson 16yds, A. Thompson 2Oyds. Thomas 20yds, Holland 3Oyds. Time, 56<=ec.' Local athletes will no doubt be interested in the following amateur events on the programme of tho Labour Day sports: — 220 yds Handicap— lst. trophy £5, to be won twice in succession or three times at intervals and £1 Is; 2nd, silver medal; entry fee, Is 6d. Road Race, handicap, Evansdale to Waitati and bark — Ist, £2 ; 2nd, £1 Is.; 3rd, £1 Is; fastest time, £1 Is; fee, Is. Teams' Relay Race, handicap, 5 men, to run 220 yds each — Gold medals for winning team; fee, Is per man. 100 Yards Handicap— lst, £1 Is ; o fee, X

Hie question of New Zealand representation at the Australasian Championship gathering is one that received some attention at the Wellington A.A.C. committee meeting. It is generally agreed that in Hector Burk, F. Ross, and) Thos, Craig, present New Zealand champions, therf. is the nucleus of a fairly strong team. P. H. Hartland (sprints), W. H. Pollock (middle distances), and -C. C Laurie of Auckland (field events), if in their best form would assist to make a fairly strong team. F. Herring, the English runner, who ran 100 yards with his back to the winning tape all the way, in 14- l-ssec, at Tufncll Park, last September, had a shot at his own-re-cord, on the same track recently. Moving in marvellous fashion, he"breasted the tape with his back," as an Hibernian spectator remarked, in precisely the same time as on a previous occasion. Herring's legmuscles seen to be rieveloged the reverse way round. He gets into his running as quickly as do splinters who travel in the orthodox, fashion.

As a, result, of the final of the boxing tournamonb at tho Sydney National Sporting Club oii the sth ult., the loser. Dugg&n,,

who was defeated by Griffin, of New Zealand, had to be. taken to a private hospital at Paddington. suff3ring- from concussion of the brain. His condition improved, but •ihe police have taken action in the matter. Griffin was arrested on the 10th ult., and charged at the Central Police Court with inflicting grievous bodily harm on Duggan. The case was remanded.

The fourteenth Ten-mile Cross-country Championsmp .Race under the auspices of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association was run at Caulfield on Saturday, September 23, in the presence of between 5000 and 6000 spectators. The meeting was in every sense a success, and remarkable for speed records put up. The winner, George Blake, of the Melbourne Harrieis, covered the distance in 57min 59-.cc, while the second man, A. J. C. Bult, of .East Melbourne Harriers, took 58min 52sec. These times are both well ahead of the previous record of the race — 59min sfcec — made by C. C. Herbert in 1896.

The Team Race was won by East Melbourne Harriers' first team with 73 poiits, closely followed by the Melbourne Harriers, last year's winners, with 87 points, and Tasmanian Harriers, well up, third, with 135 points. Altogether 138 men lined up at the start. Blake, who wac leading nearly the whole way, won, running strongly, by nearly 300 yards. There- was about 100 yards between second and third, and a little less between third and fourth. The win was very popular.

The East Melbourne Harriers had its team, of six in the first 21 past the pcofc in 62min Bs.ec — a time that in nearly all previous years has been beate.n only by two, three, or four of the leaders, and is fair evidence of the pace that was set and kerjt. N. J. Wallace, of Ea^t Sydney Harriers, who went over to run as an individual competitor, finished eighty-first in 66min 535ec. Blake has now won the championship three times (in 1900, 1904, and 1905). He was fourth. in 1901 and fifth in 1902, and did not run in 1905r

Ait the Athletic Championship meeting of the Gaelic A.A. at Cork on July 23 there was a rare battle between J. J. Bresnihan, of Castletownoonyers, and Con. Leahy, of Charleville. The writer on Dublin Spoit lias the following about the event: "Hop, Step, and Jump (running). — J. J. Bresnihan was the holder, and he retained his title by a very close shave, lin, from Con. Leahy. The battle between both men was as interesting as it was last year, but the jumping was net altogether so good. Bresnihan jumped 49ft B£in last year, and he waa 9£in behind that on the 23rd. C. Leahy jumped 49ft B^in last year, and he was 4fin behind that this time ; so that both men were not up to last year's form. The jumping of both was something splendid, and Leahy wa3 very unlucky. The world's record in this event stands to the credit of D. Shanahan, Kilfinane, since 1888, at 50ft O^in." With regard to Shanahan's 50ft O^in, put up on August 6, 1888, it was not, to the best of my belief, in a : running hop, step, and a jump competition, but in a running two hops and a jump event. The only man I know of to get- over 50ft at a running hop, step, and a jump (says a writer) was M. M. Roseingrave, of Gort (the boy from Galway is now in New Zealand), although for some reason or another the figures were never accepted. At the same meeting, when Con. Leahy, of Charleville, won the running high jump at 6ft, it made his fifth victory in the same event in successive years.

The passing of Bill Lang will doubtless create much debate upon tho relative degree of the quality of past and present slayers, and one could find material for ah article on the topio of Lang v. Shrubb, • a study in times and performances. The two men, as athlet&s. were much in common, but (says an Athletic News writer) I am not going to raise the question of which was the superior. The younger generation will maintain Shrubb ; the veterans will stand out for Lang. There is always this' undeniable fact to be surmounted, that Lang never ran on the superfine tracks that Shrubb lias laid feet upon. If the Sussex boy had had to perform on some of the cinder heaps that Lang had ; if he had run for professional watch-holders as Lang did, would he have done such good work? Then, on the other hand, a line of argument can be laid thuswise : if Shrubb had had Lang's training would ha not have been far superior? There is a lot in that — a compensation balance sort of argument. But incline thrown in, Lang's mile at Newmarket in 4min 2seo was the most remarkable run, in my mind, to be found in the annals of athletics. That is a lot to say, but I thoroughly mean it. There is evidence that in his trial Lang did inside 4min for that same male, and -then he had something tip his sleeve.

Perhaps I 'was one of the last journalists to see the old man in his closing days, and a-quiv&r full of stories he told me. but his "4.2" mile ■nas a feat he always dwelt upon.

When running hi? trial, Lang, ore he reached full distance, v, as. told to slow up. This he did, and cried back to his companions that hs could "find a bit moro." For the race tho road was swept for a certain 300 yards, but in tho night a heavy rain fell, and when h-? reached this point Lang rolled like a ?hip at sea, yet he flung himself foivvnrd. and was but t\.o seconds outside, the 4min when the tapd was reached.

I may be a drcam-cr. but the first time I set eyes on fJeorge Butreifiold, years ago. Bill Lang's picture rose like a vision, and I never think of one of the twain without the other. Curious how thoughts beget thoughts! DI'XEDIN AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB. The following are the principal clauses in the icpcrt of the committee of tho Dtuiodin Amateur Athletic Caib fcr the season 1904-5, to bo submitted to the aimuui nie&tang ol meni'foei <■ —

Your committee has the pleasure of congiatulating the members upon having completed another successful reason. The statements or receipt's and expenditure and balance sheet show the club to l'& in o> sound financia l position, a result which in a great roe-astire is atliibutablo to the continued iutta'est taken in the club by thip public. The credit balance with which we begin the rew year is £30 14s 2d, aa against £21 Is 3d brought foivarcl from last year. In addition the club niadie a payment of £10 103 as guarantee hi conn cation with tho Shrubb-DiifEey visit to New Zealand. Thia amount your committee expects will be refunded in p, few days. Further, there is a sum of 10s 2d, representing accrued interest on amount deposited a-t Post Office Savings Bank, so that blie actual Ctedii balance with which the clnb coniniences the season JLr uv *-§ is_ £11 lls id»

The clnb held a series of 10 evening sports meetings during the season, and m every, lespect these meetings were a complete success. The racing throughout was of a high, standard of excellence arkl th-c public libeaaY.y supported the club. The various competitors are deserving of the club's oosd thanks for their loyal support. A feature of tho niestir.gs Vifls tho teams' relay races* which were exceedingly popular, and which, furnished capital contests. The special prizes awaided to the member of the D.AA.C. sec-tiring most points for the series resultsd in a tie between H. Burk and R. E. Brown with 12 points each. In ccnnectioji with the evening unoetings the club desires to express its thanks to the Dunodin Cricket Club foe ceEEing cricket- practice at 7 o'clock on the nights of our meeting!?. The twentieth annual sports of the club was held on Febiuary 11 on the Caledonian Grounds. T'be weather was perfect, the^attendancs excellent, the racing was splenmd, tho meeting being in every respect a highly successful one. The enthusiasm shewn augurs well for the future success 1 of ihe club. Tho principal event of the. day, the 220 yds Championship of Otago and Southl?nd, furnished magnificent racing. The event was run in heats-, the final resulting in a dead heat between P. H Hartland (Ohristchurch) and E. B. Fraser (Oamaxu). Burk'a fine performances oreated enthusiasm, and. were features of the meeting. Tine presence of Messrs P. H. Haartland (Christ chuxen), Dansey (Ashburton), E. B. Fraser (Oamara), and G. Gunn (Timanu), all of whom acquitted themselves wdth success, lent additional interest to the meeting. Standard badges were won by H. G. Buirk, who won the One-mila Flat m 4min 35 2-ssec (standard time being 4min 36sec), and R. F>. Brown, who cornple.tc.il the Half-mile Walk in 3mdn 23ecc (standard time being 3mm 30sec). The first international championship meeting held in New Zealand 1 took place at the Carisbiook Grounds on March 11. The meeting was one of the most successful ever held in New Zealand, andl tho Otago Cent-re is deserving of every praise for the admirable rriarner in which the meeting was managed. The start attraction was A Duffey, and his feat in breaking the world's record on grass fcr 50 yards — which he won in the magnificent time of 5 2-ssec — created the greatest enthusiasm amongst the large number present. Of the D.A.A.C performers, H. Bulk, with his fine performance in the Half-mile — in v-Lich he established an. Australasian record, lmin 58 l-ssec, for the distance, W. J. O'Kane, J. T. Hamiann, A. Hoaxei, and H. Murray worthily upheld the honour of the club, whilst of the new members I. M'Cracken. and A E. Shand secured winning honours. The New Zealand Championship meeting was held at Christ-church on the 17th and 18th March, and, from an athletic point of view, was a magnificent success. Otago was well represented, and H. Btak and J. M'Lachla.u upheld thie best traditions of the club. Burk's win in the Mile Championship-, m which lie defeated tha redoubtable Shrubb, was one of the most popular at the meeting, and he is to bo congratulated upon his performance, not only in defeating Sha-übb, but in creating a new record for the mile — namely, 4miu 27 2-ssec. J. MlLachlan's win in Ilia Po'e Jump Championship was also a popular: win

The annual presentation of prizes won during tho season was held on Wednesday evening, May 10, 1905. The function took tho form of a euchre tournament and musical evening The presence of lady friends of the club added a special charm to the function, vhdc-Ji wais most enjoyable. Yout committee desires to tihank tyzssrs P. S. K. Macassey, J. Smcl&ir-Thonr'irn, H. B. Courtis, aaid Da- Batchelor, sen., for donations tc. the club's funds, also Dr Roberts and Mr Ben Fuller for challenge cups, Messrs F. J. Tcr.TEsend and J. Blarney, aiid the Caledonian Society for donations to the sports fund, and M-: S. Jacobs for special -prize for evening races. The club's thanks aro duo to the Dunedm Cycling dub, University Club, Otago Boys' High School Committee and the Labour Day Cbmmittsa for including amateur events upon th-oir* programmes. Mn W. M'Donaid is istt-iU handicappor Mid starter, ar.d his services to the club are, highly appreciated. Mr S. M. Park continues to act as auditor, and to him the beist thanks o<f the" club aro due. I>: is a pleasure to record an appreciation of the help and assistance given to tho club by the press during the yt-ar It is tho wisih. of tiho co-mmittee that n-embers of the club when racing compote) in the proper uniform of the club, which ia white., jersey -with cardinal trimmings at sleeve, neck, ajid breast, and cardinal pants. In coj.clusion, the retiring committoc hopes that nitntbers will continue the interest niamfesbed in the club during the past season. The incoming year marks the majority of the club, aad your conimdttoe- hopes that its- successors will do their utmost to make tho forthcoming noason one worthy of the occasion of the club leaching its majority.