CASH ATHLETICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 63

CASH ATHLETICS.

Bt Sport. March 13.— Athletic Sports, Matakanvsi. March 17.— Athletic Sports, St. Bathans. March 17. — Athletic Sports, Ophir. March 18.— Athletic Sports, Invercargill. Messrs C E. Keast and D. J. Corcoran, delegates from the Olago Centre to the N.Z.A.U. conference at New Plymouth, have returned to Dunedin after having- had a very enjoyable trip. They report the Sculling Championship was alone worth the long journey, tho crowds on the bank and the enthusiasm after Webb had won — especially on the part of the Maoris — being beyond description. The championship has already proved a veritable gold mine to Wanganui. and it is safe to predict that the champion's race with Arnst will eclipse all records as far as attendance and enthusiasm are concerned. But lam getting away from the point. The trip to New Plymouth, so my informants tell me, wag "equally enjoyable. The sports themselves were of a high-class order, all the competitors being in the first flight, consequently competition was very keen. The conference also was in keeping with the surroundings, and much was done for the purification and advancement of athletic sport generally. The Kaiapoi Oyolingf Club, which is this year holding the Now Zealand championships on Easter Monday, have included three cash running events" over distances of 100, 220, and 440 yards. One of the principal alterations to the New Zealand Athletic Union's rules is the allotment of the competitors' registration fee of 2s 6d in the proportion of Is 6d to the centre and Is to the New Zealand Athletic Union, this to take effect from August 1, 1807. This, in my opinion, is a very wise move and will tend to materially strengthen centres requiring financial assistance. It is probable that some of the centres will give a portion of the Is od to the clubs issuing the registration ticket. On Wednesday next, 18th tost., cotnes up for discussion the big £60 Sheffield in connection with tha Ixixh, qjftlf>tjn sports at

Invercargill, and judging by the local iateresfc in the events a large crowd should witness this year's race. Proprietary disqualifications imposed "during pleasure" at Auckland and Wellington may be removed after July 31 next upon individual application being made for their removal. I am informed that the leason for this latter proviso (which also refers to the Scottish Society's disqualifications) is to prevent a number from again competing under union rules who, to put, it plainly, are "not wantaJ." Scottish Society disqualifications may be removed upon the same terms at any time now. It was the unanimous opinion of the visiting delegates at the New Plymouth championships that the recreation sports ground there has. from the pubAc point of view, few equals.