NOTES BY AMATEUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 62

NOTES BY AMATEUR.

When tee juuneenn -a.aiai.om .-^j^w Club, with progressive policy, decided to inaugurate evening sports meetings, the executive promoted one of the be~;t movements in the interests of amateur athletics. It has frequently been remarked in this column that the good accruing from theses meetings to the runners and held event mer> have been incalculable, not alone for the opoprtunity it has given these men to, compete, but for the fact that it has brought out athletes who would otherwise never have been heard of. Moreover, these meetings have bear- the means of inspiring confidence into athletes, and of affording them a preliminary preparation for the more pretentious and recognised sports meetings. The athletic season of 1908-09 was ushered in by the D.A.C.C. on Friday evening last, when the first oi its series of summer evening meetings was -hold on the Caledonian Ground. The historic "Cale" was never in better order-,- the turf being in excellent condition, und the caretaker is deserving of sincere congratulations on- -his efforts. Unfortunately a strong nor'-easter blew down the ground, and while it had a serious effect on the times in the flat events, and in the broad-jumping, it did not dampen the ardour of the enthusiasts. There was a good attendance of the public, including several ladies, who -took an intelligent interest in the proceedings. The entries all round were good, fche finishes invariably close, and the events throughout interesting. . . The management was again m capable hands, but an effort should te made to ensure greatar punctuality. On Friday there was » delay of 15 minutes— a eenous delay when daylight is not everlasting. The 75 Yards Dash brought out a good field, which, were spread over three heats and a final. For the first, meeting of the season, the sprinting was of a reasonable standard, but there was a lack of knowledge in the majority of instances of getting off the marks. The final produced a good finish, Sheridan, who was on the 6yd& mark, just beating Heighway (siyde) by inches. On his handicap, I thought Heighway would about win. Another stride or two would have seen Heighway break the tape 'n front of Sheridan. The Mile Flat served to introduce one or two new runners, who, however, were not in the beet of condition, and lack of training was evident. The finish was a. very fine one, Moore just beating Scott after a close tussle. Keddell, the ex-I?ew. Zealand long jump champion and record-holder, competed in. the broad jump, but he was evidently not in form, for he failed^ to catch the "taJce off," and. did not get the impetus out of hie jump \riiieh has always characterised his efforts. . . Keddell w a natural jumper^ and approaches- nearer the ideal created! by 0. B. F-rr than anyone I know. Keddell's best effort on Friday was over lßft-^-a distance that, in form, the N.Z. champion could walk out. , , Mitchell, who wop, ' lias* many qualifications which go to ;a broad- jumper in the making,'- but hi 6 run to the board is unsteady, and when -he makes his leap hia body, instead of moving in 'rythrn, is inclined to wobble. Once Mitchell cultivates a straight run to the take-off with a clean spring, with the one movement from Stride to take-off, he will improve by inches on his present efforts. A cultivation, too, of the second spring .a the air will add materially to the jump. The majority of the jumpers had evidently not studied the art of "taking -off,"' for the efforts made to cttch the board were deplorable, and, handicapped by the gale, the jumps were poorer than they otherwise would have been. Reid probalby showed better judgment than any other competitor in the jump. The 220 Yards Flat proved a good race. Fisher won the first heat off Byds from Tansey (3yds) in 26 4-ssec — reasonable time, considering the strong gale the runners had to battle up against in the straight. The second heat was won by Allan off 6yds in 26sec, which made Allan a good thing foi the final, but Fisher, running strongly, and coming with a spurt at the finish, won on the tape in 27 l-ssec. Fisher should prove an acquisition io the D.A.A.C. _JThe second evening meeting will be hek on" Friday next, commencing at 7 o'clock when the following events will be de cided:— loo Yards Flat, 350 Yards Flal (open), Two-mile Flat (open). Ha.lf-mil< Walk (open), and Putting the Weighi (open). R. E. Walker, the South Africar sprinter, is returning to Durban or October 24. Fhore is every probability that a South African Warn will visit Aus tralia next spring for an international con test, and Walker says that in the even of the trip coming off, and he being on< of the selected team, he will do his utmos to be back in England in time for thi A.A.A. championships. Another Marathon race has been pro posed. This lime the suggestion come from Ashburton, the Athletic Club of tha town having successfully applied to th> N.Z. Council for permission to carry ou the big race. Dr Guy EAaskins, who has returned t< Christchurch after studying in America has decided to remain in that city. I) the United Statr-s Dr Haskins, who is i noted athlete, holds the mile intercollegiatj record of America, and during his re&i denoe in that country also won a numbe of important athletic events. At a sports meeting in Chicago recentl; A. B. Shaw made a new world's reoori by winning a 120 Yards Hurdle Race ii 15sec. Melvin W. Sheppard. the Amencai athlete, who won the 800 Metres and 150 Metres at the Olympic Games, has re ceived an appointment as an inspector o the United States Customs service. 1 short time previously he was rejected b; the surgeons of the New York police de partment. J. H. Prende\ille will do a little dis tance running this season if he can ge enough time in port for training (says tli Wellington correspondent of the Cantei bary Times). In any case it is not a all likely that he will be able to ge back into the form that won him two Nei Zealand three-mile championships. Wit Sharpe out of town it is probable tha

Mulcahy will be our best distance runner this year. When in the mood Muicahy is a "brilliant three-mii«r, but he is not always too toncl ot a tight finish. However, he battled out a Tight nnish in the mile recently very pluckily, and possibly it will do him a lot ot gocd.. Acknowledged with thanks irom the secretary a copy of the programme of the Riverton Society's sport;, to be held on Monday, December 28. This meeting is of particular interest to amateur runners by virtue of the fact that four events for amateurs have been arranged : —One Mile Handicap: First gold medal, second silver medal, third trophy ; entry; 2s. 4*o Yards jia-ncacap; tfirst gom medal, second silver medal; entry, 2s. &M Yards Handicap: First gold medal, second silver medal entry, 2s. Harrier Club's Relay Race: First gold medals; entry, 4s a team. Entries close on the 18th mst. From the secretary of the Tokomamro Harrier and Amateur Athletic Club comes to hand a programme of the third annual sports meeting, to be held on the show „ ground, Milton, on New Year's Day. An interesting numbst of events have been listed, including, amongst others lUU Yards Flat .Handicap; Maiden Handicap, 120vds; One Mile Flat Handicap; Haltmile Flat Handicap Amateur Handicap, 220 yds; Teams' Relay Race, about one mils (open to teams of four men) ; *° u J ns Handicap, 220 yd*, under 18 years ; School Relay Race (handicap), open to boys at* tending school, each boy to run quarter of the distance; Pole Jump <hancucap); Long Jump (handicap); Putting 161b Shot (handicap); Schoolboys'- High Jump; 440 Yards Flat Handicap; Three-mile- Flat (handicap). Intending competitors should note that ell entries close on Thursday, December 24, with tlie secretary .box X>, Milton; or A. G. Anderson, tost Office, Dunedin. , The trouble which has been brewing m athletic circles between centres and the council has com© to a head at last, and now there is a reasonable chance of the atmosphere befng cleared and some attention being paid to amateurism and amateur athletes. For some years there has been an undercurrent of feeling towards the council', and the recent upheaval is only the climax of what was threatened and was i bound in the ordinary course of events to 1 happen. It is .veil now that it is so. ! Four years ago, and even .nore recently, the Otago Centre took exception to the actions of ths^New Zealand Council, and endeavoured to point the way to reform, but the other centres would have none of it. Now Otago has gone in holus in support of the Wellington Centre in connection with the latest movement, certainly the most important attempt at reform 1 which has over taken place in amateur , athletics in New Zealand. The position T which led up to the crisis has already been traversed, and is well known to all interested in the legislation of athletics. No other way was open to Wellington and the supporting- centres of Otago and Southland than to secede from the council, and the split was inevitable. Whether the centred went the right wav about the movement ia not for me to disousa at the present ' moment. The position had. been made intolerable, and if tin© general welfare or ' athletics in New Zealand was to be considered some reform was absolutely necesBarv. Despite the fact that the old? council does not carry the confidence of the majority of the clubs in New Zealand, and , that it ia not recognised by the centres of Wellington, Otago, and Southland, it must continue to reign until such time as Auckland and Canterbury, who are alleged to be its supporting centres, withdraw their ] confidence. The members of the council being nominated by Auckland and Canterbury Centres are in honour bound to stick 'to them. The delegates from Wellington, Otago and Southland to the conference in Chxietohurch on Saturday took up the attitude that no legally-constituted council I existed, and with that in mind proceeded I to set up an executive to control amateur athletics in New Zealand. The point should not be lost sight of that notwithstanding the opinion held by the delegates to the conference the New Zealand Council does exist. Certainly the council is only supported by the two weakest centres in t^ae- | Dominion (amateur athletics have been practically dead in Auckland for some eeasone. and the position is only a little better I in Canterbury), but the new executive will | have to reckon with the old body never- | theless, and if the latter possesses a fighting 1 spirit, it may prove troublesome. At olast | the position is unique. Here we have two I bodies controlling amateur athletics in New i Zealand; on the one hand the council, and on the other the executive appointed by | the delegates from Wellington, Of ago, and | Southland. The weight of argument is with the latter, and if they <an place the ; matter judiciouelv before the Au-^tnUusian I- Union that body may be prepared I<> listen and to eventually recognise the. newlvappointed executive jus the. f;o\ernint? body of amateur atli]~ti<+ in New Zetland. Thw 1 is a consummation devoutly •<> I"' wi*,lk w <l, but I fear me for llie rextilt Tlw pi* l.=enfc position in intoN*rulil«, iukl (lie nnonoi 1 I matters are wirtnl nlit inli-lli'jfiil lv tin' hotter for amateur Millet «•» in tltii 1 )»!»»)»• nion. . It has bpon pointed out that file Cuiiter- , bury Centre in in full nvnipntltv wilJi llie council, but it Jimv b<« llmt the jifllliuUwl i clubs do not nltogother extend their oonn I donee, and if ihe<<e -lionlil l>o ri'voii v voice i in the matter, tho Cnnte-rbury (Viilre would j probably spo under. Tho wimo position i would maintain with AiK-klatii). ) There can be no question that llie memI bers of the old council nro capable men, ! and have done excellent service in (he con I trol of amateur athletics in the pant, but the latest action was intolerable. No rea- ; sonable excuse can be adduced fot it, ant] • while one must admire the spirit of loyalty ' which pervad-ed th" members to tho president, one must deplore the lack of int-elli-pence and reasoning which allowed them tc forget the broader aspect of the position. The members of the council have only themselves to blame' for the present rupture, but if their action Jia-s been the means i of helping: towards the crisis and of rentier ! mar a situation- which had become intolerj able even a trifle le«s so, no one will regrel ; it for that purpose. While thoroughly in sympathy with the newly-apnoirvted executive to control axna- ! teur athletics in Now Zealand, I pause to wonder why in the name of everything that was reasonable and intelligent, it was deckled at the recent conference to alloi the New Zealand championship meetine t< Southland with the meeting to be held a: Southland, with the meeting to be held a Gore. Did the delegates assemble in eon I ference. and if so, did they conside; I four one moment what tbey_ wen

doing? Surely it was not a cop to Southland. I cannot reconcile that for ,one moment, nor can I believe that was necessary. Wellington, Otago, and Southland must, and no doubt will, pull together over this business, but it is yet too early to ( commence- throwing championships about. "What will happen if the N.Z. championships are decided at Gore? The old council has all the funds— l don t know how much— but the recentlyelected executive has nothing, and must levy its centres, anff the centres again the clubs, to run the classic meeting. Again, what prospect is there of a gate af Gore compared to, say, "Wellington. Dunedin, or Invercargill itself? I would like to hear some intelligent reason for il) allotting the championship to Southland, and (2) for holding the meeting at pore. In h'ts speech at the meeting of the Otago Centre on Monday evening the president (Mr J. B. Callan) struck the correct; note when he enjoined on the members that, whereas the Wellington nominees ■were at present representative, they must see that the Wellington headquarters -were not in process of time a repetition of Christchurch. When the same old officers go back year after year, they are inclined to become fossilised, and to lose towah of the other centres. In framing the new constitution this phase of the question must be carefully gone into, and provision made if necessary for the transfer of headquarters from Wellington* or- any othercentre every three or four years. The council must not be made unassailable. Dear Amateur, — I see by the Australian papers that it is the intention of the amateur authorities there to- hold a roacß race on the lines of the Marathon. If you could let me know if there is any chance of New Zealand sending representatives I should deem it a favour. This is a great couniry for getting fit in. I have trained f*M and others in various parts of the Dominion, and consider that a month's training here is equal to six •weeks in any place I have been in yet. Apologising for troubling you, — I am, etc., Jas. Bennett. [I should say there -was little likelihood of New Zealand sending a representative +o the Marathon Race in Australia. We ihavo two Marathon Races coming off in New Zealand — one at Auckland in March next, and one at Ashburton. 1 which will engage the attention of New Zealand runners who wish to emulate the deeds iof Hayes and Dorando. — Amateub.] Much has been heard from both sides on the subject of British fair play at the recent Olympic games. Now, the cable informs us that the English Amateur Atfoletio Association has issued a crushing reply to the American allegations. It will be remembered that alter considerable friction the trouble came to a head with the disqualification of the Yankee middle-distance runner, Carpenter, for boring in the final of the 400 metres. The action was generally approved — except by Carpenter's fel-low-countryman — and the Amateur Athletic Association followed it up by permanent disqualification of the otfending runner, thus barring him from participation in any future amateur event held under the Euglisii Association. Tne Amateur Atihletio Union of the United States has now resolved that it will not recognise this distyuaiaiication. Going ' a._step turtner, it has "declared that it will not permit its members to compete in international contests unless it approves of the management. Ac it obviously disapproves 01 British management, mis can only mean tnat contests oet^en American, ana Jingnsh amateurs are, tor the present, barred. as a sidelight on the merits 01 tne case, it may be .. interesting to recall the judgment ol Mr William Hill, wiio acted as manager of the Australian team. at the games. He said: "Tnere were 22 nations competing, and 21 of them were perfectly satisfied. ' A correspondent asks "Prodigal" " Who invented' the all-iours set?" 1 cannot say for certain, but, anyway, I believe teat the crouching style of starting was faret .introduced into Sydney lyv Bobby M'Donald!, an aboriginal sprinter, who hailed from the Cobar district. 1 believe this was at Botany somowhere about lb£6. A year later, or in 1887, 1 remember seeing two cracks at Botany adopting the style — Bushell and Ashworth. 1 thmk it can be fairly claimed as an Australian "invention," and that it was propounded by the aboriginals. By the way, I have noticed that a claim for the discovery has been made in America. There teems 'every prospect of an early mseting between G-uy Jtiaskms, the Americar Inter-collegiate crack, and W. ¥. Tre<mbath, of Gore, New Zealand and Australasian champion, either in Timaru or Gore. At a recent meeting of the Gore Harriers, the- Chairman eaid that Trembatb had* Agreed to meet Ha«kins at Timarau mi Jumuu-y. It was suggested by several of those present that it would be a good move to <o;nnui:iicate with fia^kins, and a.«k him if ho would be prepared to run Trembath a! Gore, provided a suitable trophy was onVvod uiut that he wae guaranteed his ov| oiii.o--. Trembath, who was present at llio inc-Hi'iitf, expressed his willingness to iiKk't JJiwkms at Gore at any time. The people of Uoro have such faith in their re]iu>«MiUitivo tlmt there should be no (rouble whatever in arranging the match, idoviileil, of course, that Haskins is wilIwiK", mul (ho sports gathering at which tlx'ir raw forms the star attraction should draw v \tM-y large crowd. The want of properly -organised arrangements for representation at future Olympic games i*>rhaps needs no emphasising, but how many at this part of the world knew that Arthur Hulligan wae available, and showing form fit for the highest class of hurdles. Last year he won the Wellington Hurdles Championship in 17sec, and waft third to H. T. Cook and Anderson in the New Zealand, championship, won in 16 2-ssec, besides securing successes in handicap hurdles and high jumps. He then went to Denny yards, at Dumbarton, for electrical experience, and at the Scottish championships won hie heat of the hurdles, and in the final, after falling at the first hurdle, got up and finished a close second. As a result he was picked for Scotland v. Ireland, and 4 won it. After the Olympic game* he vra» picked *or Scotland v. America. C. B. Bacon, the 400 metres Olympic hurdle champion, was the American representative. Halligan led him by about 2ft from first hurdle to last, but Bacon throw himself at the tape, and made a dead-heat of it. Halligan's performance created much fervour, as he was carried 1 off the ground by enthusiasts, and entertained publicly on returning to Dumbarton. The following item from "Prodigal is of particular interest: — "I have been asked

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by a New Zealand correspondent if I can vemerabet any trial which took place at the Sir Joseph Banks Grounds, Botany, during th-e visit of the New Zealand team to New South Wales in 1890. This is going fcacfe 18 years, bm I can remember the trial referred to as if it took place yesterday. The powerful }Jew Zealand team under manager L. A. Cutf, of C.iristehurch, comprised : J. H. Hexupton, H. M. Reeves, f. Wood,, and H. V". Sr^che (sprinters), D. \Vood (middle and long distances), *\ ilorrison (long distances), E. J. M'Kelvey (walker), R. if. Cook (miler), and JF. C. White and R. B. Lusk (hurdlers, jumper*, etc.), whikt manager Cuff was the broad jumper of the party. A notable visitor also was Mr P. Selig, now manager of tho Press Company in Ciiristchurch. The partystayed at the famous Sir Joseph Banks Grounds, and one day Mr Sehg invited the writer out to see the team at practice. Tuis wa^ some few days before the sports meetiug, and the day was a- very fine one. A strong training gallop — in fact, what might be called a trial — was run on the sprint (cinder) tracks, the services of W. H. Williams, the famous professional sprinter, being requisitioned to 'iell the time of day ' so far as Heinpton was concerned for his then forthcoming meeting 1 with W. T. Macpberson. Nowy in fairness lo all parties, 1 must mention that Wilt hams was running exceptionally well at the time, whilst the New Zealanders, Bempton in particular, had not quite recovered from a rough passage from Maoriland. Mr R. Coombes and Mr P. Seligf !N./i.) acted as judges, and the first-nanietl mad-3 a handicap. -Jack Goodliffe, o£ Huntingdon (a well-known English * ped:h held the gun, whflst there were several watches on the run, one being held byMr Cuff. The allotted starts for 100 yds were : W. H. Williams owes Byds, J. H. Heinpton owes 2yds, H. M. Reeves scratch, and JH. V. Styche 2yds start. The start was an excellent one, and the finish remarkably close. won by a few inches irom Hempton, w-ith Reeve* a few inches away third, and Styche close handy. Time, 10£ see. Williams ran 3yds ' inside,' Hempton a-bout 3yds ' worse,' Reeves about * half-second ' and Styche about 7£yd« to Bydfe 'outsider' The tracks were in good order. Of course, this was * purely private spin, but it is one talked about to this day, and I think there can be no harm in giving the facts of the historic trial." Cricket on Lancaster Park had to give way on Saturday to the public schools' sports. The attendance, mainly children, was enormous, and the officials bad an unenviable time in the hot sunshine getting off the scores of hea-ts and finale, "he individual entries must have reached four figures, and in some events over 90 competitors were engaged, and there was no suggestion of "stiff running." There were foot races for boys graded' Trom "trader eight" to "open" and "championship," cycle races, jumps, relay xacee, Siamese races, hurdle races, throwing at the wicket, and co an, .with sometimes 12 eliminating heats in an event. Some of* the performances, too,, were remarkably goe'd for youngsters. The Half-mile Championship was won in 2min 20sec; Open High Jump, 4ft 6in; 100 Yards (under 15), 12sec; 100 Yards Open Hurdles, 16aec; 100 Yards Championship, 11 4-ssec; Long Jump (under 12), 13ft Bin. There were sack races, military -dfill competitions, . bugle competitions Isome very fine playing); and Old Boys' handicaps. The other events were scratch races, the age limit being the only handicap. For girls there were hoop races, skipping races, foot races, potato races, throwing tennis ball, decorated bicycle, etc. Sash, flag, dumb-bell, and club drill was gone through by some hundreds of children, and the cadets gave a free-arm, display. The Cadets were reviewed, <A<s many companies marched in a manner that a \olunteer company might envy. They were greeted with round upon round of applause, and were a Body of lads anycountry might reasonably be prond o . The L. B. Wood Championship Challengo Shield was won. by East Christchurch. School (&7 pointy, ~West Christchurch (28) being second and Weet Lyttelton (It) third. The! Lancaster Park Company Drill Challenge Shield was won by Sydenham A (94 points), with Waltham (90) eecond. Ashburton won this trophy last year. Tho Girls' Challenge Shield was won by Wcoiston (73 points), with Richmond (35) second and East Ciiristchurch (29) third. Wcolston won this shield la-st year also. The representatives of the 29 schools competing each wore ribbons and sashes distinguishing their schools, and the colour combinations were in many instances Aery pretty. Public school sports day is one of the principal events of the schoolboys' year, and there is no doabt that it will prove a most valuable nursery for general athletics in years to come. For months before "the day" kiddies of all ages and sizes indulge Ir* "training" on the less-frequented roads and footpaths, by engaging in races with one another, and it is amusing to watch them arranging heats and handicaps for the smaller or slower competitors. The starter retains the dignity attaching to his position while he stands behind his "field" loudly and authoritatively calls "Ready —set," and for want of a gun— " Go." Judging from the remarkable popularity wh : ch these sports haVb attained co x speedily, it would appear t3iat the draw- * back of the future will be unwieldinese through the weight of enormous entries. Children from seven, years upwards are. catered for, and practically every child who is physically capable . wants to have a "go" in some event. On Saturday the first event started at 9.20 a.m., and the last event was timed to start at 4.15 p.m. — which it didn't. At times there were nine events going on at once, so the work of the officials may be imagined. Between, 10.30 and 10..55 a.m. no fewer than. 42 heats and finals were timed to take place. Tihe success which the association has attained in eight years is largely due to the wholesouled enthusiasm of many "sporting" schoolmasters, sneh. as ,P. T. Evans, I\ Mensies, Waller, and several others, ami to the eupport of lady teachers. As a bpectaole of healthy, *well-dresßed, happy little folk it would fee difioult to equal it anywhere. The discipline of the children was wonderful^; there was no growling-, and each child carried out the instructions, with alacrity and to the best of its Ability. The sports are purely amateur, and the winning of a trophy is a secondary consideration to the joy of competing in a race. Schoolboy tricks, eucii a» cribbing, pushing, etc., were entirely absent, ana every event was contested in the best meaning of the word "sportsmanlike." He would indeed be a misanthrope. wiho could not eoi£y the outing. Long may the Norib

Canterbury Public Schools Athletic Association — unwieldy title — flourish, and may the movement . spread. Few institutions are better worthy of support. Id connection with the Marathon Race, to be run, next April from Nowra, N.S.W., <an age limit of li) has been fixed, which is two years less than that for the Olympic Marathon. Objection has been taken by some parties to the. restriction (says "Harrier" of the Australaeian), as they ■ allege that several runners under 18 are quite competent for such a race. In thia connection it may bet useful to refer to the result of the professional Marathon Race on October 10, won by the Frenchman Menri Siret in 2hr 37min 22e.ee, with P. "Whate (Ireland) 2min behind, and J. Keywood (England) third, anorher minute further back. Siret ran 26 mile» 586.yd6, from "Windsor to the Stadium," in 6min 17? Ec; Caster time than A. Mason's professional track record for 26 miles. Henri* Siret, who follows the occupation of a barman, is a native of Paris, and is 21 years old, standing sfc sin in height, and weighing Sst 101b stripped. The commencement of his -athletic career dates back fiW years, and his firs-t race was from Bordeaux to Paiis, in wh-ich* he finished tventy-Sfih"-, He. w«s then only" 16, *ad for a boy to cover 365 miles was then looked ur;on by the French people as a wonderful perform_ance» Witii age Siret has improved both .in pace and stauiino. In each of the last three year* h& has won the race round . Park, a distance of 40 kilometres. A fortnight bfefore this race he was second in the Mi La. a (Italy) Marathon Race, covering 42 kilos in 2hr 42uiin; and on October 4 he won the hour race in Paris, coyering about Hi rniks in that time. Siret ■ began his athletic career as a professional, and as such he is content to remain, havi?ig won prizes in money and value to come £600. Be is "a veiy moderate smoker, and equally moderate in, his consumption of alcoholic beverages. On his return to Paris he had to enter upon his military duties, going to Tool, where he joined the 153 rd Infantry, an<i •will serve the necesaary tiro years. The second man, P. "White, is 26 years oIH, and has been running eight vaare. ibe, first five as an. amateur; while Key wood (age 28) only tucaed "pro." for this race. He was eignth in fch-s- South of Thames Cross-country Championship in 1900, and I riintb in the southern championship a fewyears later — his best performance. A much * more famous ex-amateur in this race was &. Aldridge, Shrubb's rival a few years ago. He ran well, finishing fifth, about 2£min behind Keywood, and s£min behind the winner. Commenting on this race, and Marathon races generally, the London ' Sporting Life says: — "Herein lies the great of all these Marathon contests. Experience is the most useful asset. Th*> men who did so well in July have run Marathon after Marathon. SaturdayVleaders, Sire* and White, are old hands at the game; men like Aldridge v«*: -T-okaeton. lacking ihe experience of the others, coul^inot show t&eir real form. Again, it is evident that continued racing doss not hurt a man like Siret any more than it did the Canadian runners, who were having lons.distance road faces every few weeks. It seefes, indeed,' that, granted a man sets fcimsejf out to be a long-distance runner. ii« •may do any amount of .work without getting stile. The "cross-country man thrives on a 10-mile run or race every Saturday in January and February, with many mid- ' week runs as well. If you asked a halfmiler to do as muoh he would thi:j]c you wanted to kill him ; bat it is the harrier's ' game, and being fit to do it he docs the , running without a trace of stateness. With j more long-distance road races we should soon develop a class of stayer who would hold- his own with all comers, amateur or professional." • MR- MURRAY WELCOMED HOME. OHRISTCHURCH, December 4. At a gathering of the Canterbury Centre of the Amateur Afhletio Association, held at the United Service Hotel this afternoon, H. St. A. Murray, who competed at tho Olympic Games, was welcomed home. Mr O. J. Cooper (vice-president of the centre) presided, and welcomed Mr Murray back. They were very pleased, he said, • with -the way in which Mr Murray had conducted himself right through. For a young man to go Home and run third in the 120 Yards Hurdles. Championship, against the whole of the world, was a very i : «o performance. They had watched his «'oing3 with the keenest interest, and from tbe start he had done meritorious work. ' Jr Thomas (president of the centre) endorsed Mr Cooper's welcome, and added thut Mr Murray had worthily upheld New Zealand in the eyes of the people at Home. They had heard nothing nasty of him, as i they -had heard about the American competitors. He had done them credit while he was away, and they i were all glad to see him back "as fit as 'a fiddle." The toast of Mr Murray's health was ' enthusiastically honoured. \ Mr Murray, in returning thanl^. said that he was glad to be bs*-k. He had seen and learned a great deal. The meeting had been the greatest that had ever botn \ held. There had been a lot of noi^e he- ] tween the Americans and the T>i'iii=h, > though there should have been a spirit of ! give-and-take manifested. There had been faults on both sides, and the >asr &:<i<l about the matter" would be best. Th°y d-d not want a split between tho athletes of America, Great Britain, and ihe colonies. TH& finest race- was the 130 Yards Hurdle". ' and" the American team which competed was absolutci? tho fines!; body of men he had ever seen. Their hurdling had been j absolute.'}" r«rfe£i. He espresaed regret , that the result of ail the races ha<d not beci sent to the r-.~sT.- Zealand r*wspsjrcr.-. It had hzojx erra^f.-J v-ifh the Press As-.Oijia- . tion tn b&ve tho j-ccu^-b cabled. r UHsra wbo scare-el? a wet';. lo which he had not be«n ploo-d in o ?c<->2. He paid a high tribute <o Air Ilvh (s-'o ii:*ij&z*>r of the Australasian te^ir.'., £.:■'. e-prei*s?d *he hope that ths ccmlt'j v<-,..kl riiar.k Mr Hill and the Vie- i toricn Centre for tho way in which the iezm had boe:i k>okcd after. Mr Murray then • gave .TOn*» interosi-ing details regarding atn- j letics in England.