ATHLETICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 61

ATHLETICS.

Australasian Championship Meeting.December 26 and 27. D.A.AC. Annual Sports Meeting—January 6.

NOTES UY A3IATEUE. One of the most important matters that the Otago Centre will have to deal with shortly is the nomination of probable members of the New Zealand team at the forthcoming Australasian championship meeting. This question should be dealt with as early as passible in order to give the council an opportunity of finally selecting men to go into training. It is due to those who have claims to represent New Zealand to have such claims considered at earliest possible convenience. So much depends on the amount of training a man requires that no time is too soon to select the probable team. On the other hand, it is too early in the season to make discourses and find out the form of candidates. The probacies must be selected very largely on previous form. So far as Otago is concerned, its athletes who have claims for consideration in firstclass company are already known unless since last season some new star has been discovered. In the sprint events there is really no one at this end to seriously dispute the claims of Opie, of Canterbury, and Woodgor, of Wellington, if the latter returns to the Dominion in time for the big Australasian meeting. •■••- Last year Eggleston was our best, and though full of promise, is not class enough to be selected as a New Zealand representative. I; do not know of any other sprinter in Dunedin who has claims to be even thought of in this connection, unless it be Millard, of Otago University. This athlete would be worth nominating, but particularly for the broad jump, which honours, on his form at. the Inter-varsity tournament at .Auckland at Easter, he has good claims to share with the erstwhile Otago champion Kedd'ell, who will bo Southland's nomination for the broad jump and hurdles. The injury Millard sustained in his record long jump at Auckland was aggravated at the Otago University sports at Dunedin some little time back; tout it is hoped that the rest will have put matters right, and that Millard will turn out this season to show us something of what we know he is capable. Time was when Otago boasted a champion half and miler in H. G. Burk, who did the province proud most every time he started, and who assisted 1 to make athletic history; but I fear me we have seen the best of Otago's champion middle distance runner, and cannot expect him to "come back." There can be no nomination from this quarter, however one might wish Burk's return to form. Still, as it is New Zealand versus Australia, we seek consolation in the fact that the Dominion will be worthily represented in the half by W. G. Hard'ing. of Wellington who at last New Zealand championship won with a fine effort of lmin 58 4-ssec. For the mile and three-mile there can only, be one choice, and that the best—G. N. Hill, of Auckland. This young athlete, provided he does not break down in training, will be in better form than he has ever been in his life, and 1 when is remcmlbered' his brilliant running at the New ■Zealand championship last March, the mile in the splendid time of 4min 25seo, and the three-mile in 14min 53 2-ssee, something sensational may bo looked for. I have great faith in the" future of Hill, because he is a natural runner,. and not one of the forced hothouse variety,, because he has pace, because he has judgment, and because he "knows himself." The_ latter virtue :s possessed by few, and Hill is one of these. One looks no further than Gerald Keddell for the 120 Yards Hurdles Championship, and if, the New Zealand champion be in the form of a few months ago, when he established an Australasian record (15 3-10 sec) for the 120 Yards Hurdles, the Dominion will be so well -served that Australia will have to send over her champion, Davis, of Victoria, to have any chance. By tho way, what a dual it will be between Keddell and Davis in the sprint hurdles! But in the quarter hurdles the Victorian should on' reputation have most all the say. The eix-New Zealander, Harry Murray, who is now a resident of Sydney, may be sent across to represent New South Wales, though he evidently is very raw at present, for in the 120 Yards Hurdles in Sydney the other day he could only get second in 17sec.

For the Broad Jump Championship at the Australasian meeting the athlete who should find most favour on recent farm, is Millard, of Dunedin. At the inter-'Varsity tournament at Easter Millard established a great 'Varsity record by clearing 22ft B£in, a performance -which must entitle Millard to first claim, if his injured 1 ankle, previously referred to, will stand the strain. As the New Zealand record-holder and present broad jump champion, Keddell must find ready nomination for the jump at the classic meeting in i "Wellington. Though 21ft 33in, Gerald will* not beat Australia's best. It will take something approaching 23ft if the Australians are in form.

For the high jump Otago might nominate R. Mitchell, who won the last NewZealand championship with sft 6iin; but this will not. he nearly good enough to beat the Australians, who have two men capable of getting up to 6ft. _ Millard is a high jumper of note, having won this event at the inter-university championship with sft' 6iin. Unless Canterbury could resurrect Orbell, I fancy there is no ono in New Zealand at the present time class enough to extend the Australians. ' The claims of A. S. Reid, of Otaero, must not be overlooked for the weightputting. Although De Their (of Canterbury is present champion with 36ft A. S. Reidi, at the inter-university sports at Auckland, put the shot 37ft (Hin, and at the Otago inter-faoulty championships did 36ft lOjfin These -performances are not good enough for O'Reilly, of New South Wales, but on present form De Their,' of Canterbury, and Reid. of Otago, are the only two athletes who have claims for consideration in the New Zealand team. It was generally anticipated that the

N.Z.A.A.A. Council would at ite last meeting fix the venue and date of the next New Zealand championship. Southland! Centre has mad© a strong claim for the championship meeting, but in view of the Australasian championship meeting being held in Wellington, probable competitors strongly favour the two meeting© being held simultaneously. Obviously., it is too much to expect men to obtain leave from thear employers to attend two ship meetings within a few weeks of each other. The trouble that arose over the fixing of the locality for the Australasian, championship meeting may have had something to do with the council's decision to delay settling the question of the data and venue of the New Zealand championship meeting. The programme of events for the Australasian championship meeting in Wellington on December 26 and 27 has been issued. The championship events, with the standards and records respectively, are as follows: —

100 Yards Flat, 10 l-ssec, 9 4-ssec. 220 Yards Flat, 22 4-ssec, 21 4-sseo 440 Yards Flat, 52sec, 48J>sec. 880 Yards Flat, 2min lsec, lmin 56|seo. One Mile Flat, 4min 326.5 e, 4min 22seo, Three Mile Flat, 15min 30sec, 14mm 49seo 120 Yards Hurdles, 16 2-ssec, 15 4-sseo 440 Yards Hurdles, 61sec, 57 l-sseo llunning High Jump, sft 7in, 6ft. Bundling Broad Jump, 21ft, 23ft lsin. Pole Vault, 10ft, lift Uin. Putting 161 b Weight, 37ft, 44ft 3in. Throwing 161 b Hammer (7ft circle).

120 ft, 132 ft 2in. The handicap events, for which trophies have been e Hotbed, are:—7s Yards Flat, 220 Yards Flat, 880 Yards Flat, Two Mile Flat, Three Mile Steeplechase, One Mile Relay (two men 220yds, one man 440yds, on© man 880yds); Half-mile Walk, Two Mile Whik, Half-mile Walk (boys). High Jump, Hop, Step, £,nd Jump; Putting 163 b Shot, amateur cycle events. .Entries »r all events close with the secretary of the NZ.A.A.A. Mr W. G. Talbot, on December 12. I had intended commenting upon the meeting held last week to consider the question of New Zealand having separate representation om the Olympic Games Committee when I cam© across the following from Mr R. Coombes, who, as the Australasian representatives, throws much interesting' light on the subject. Mr Coombes says:— "1 have to thank quite a number of correspondents in New Zealand for sending uie reports of the, meeting recently held in Wellington under the presidency of.Dr A. K. Newman, on the question as to whethel the Dominion should be separately represented on the International Olympic Committee, and apart from Australia. I have also received a copy of tha circular letter issued by Mr G. S. Hill convening the meeting—a, circular, by the way, contaanimg some statements which are somewhat wide of fact, At that meeting Mr Hill moved that the time had arrived' when New Zealand should be represented on the International Committee as a separate country, but the motion was defeated _ by a large majority, only the mover voting in favour of it. I would like to point out that except from the standpoint of getting an expression of public opinion nothing can.be gained by 'holding meetings in the Dominion on the subject of New Zealand having a representative of her own on, the Imternational Committee or not. Presumably that was the reason for holding the meeting in Wellington. At the present time, as in the past, Australia and New Zealand combined (under the designation of Australasia) has a representative, and to make any change will necessitate an application by such representative to the full International Olympic Committee for such change, with a subsequent vote bv the nations. For example, Canada, hitherto joined with the United Kingdom!, has just been allotted a representative on the motion of the British members of the I.O.C.—viz., Lord Desborough, Rev. do Couircy Laffan, and Mi Theodore A. Cook. A vote was taken (Mr Coombes, representing Australasia, voted with the Ayes), and the motion was carried. The Canadian representative had to' be, and was, nominated by the aforesaid British members of the ItO.C. ' At the next meeting of the . International Committee (at Stockholm; 1912) a motion will be submitted by Mr Coombes that New Zealand shall have a representative of he* own—-or course, provided New'-Zealand desires the change. If the- motion be submitted and carried it would then be th« duty of Mr Coombes to nominate the first holder of the position. _ In coming to a finding on the point raised, it must be re« membered across the Tasman. Sea that sepa« rate representation on the International Olympic Committee means obligatory separate representatives at the Olympic Games. Canada" will have her own team at Stockholm next year, and any successes achieved will score to Canada, just as any wins we in this part of the world may secure would score to Australasia. •On the other hand', South Africa will, with no representative on the 1.0. C... group and; score in with the United Kingdom. At the same time, although Australasian or Canadian wins cannot score in with the United Kingdom total, it is proposed—a® mentioned . last week- —that the United Kingdom and South African teams should be joined by the Australasian and Canadian contingents, and! Stockholm be invaded by what it is proposed to call a 'British Emirjire Team.'' 1 nope to be in New Zealand at Christmas time prepared to clear up any matter on the above subject which may require further explanation. There is one point I had almost forgotten—viz., that those who affirm that in other parts of the world the termi Australasian is net understood are greatly mistaken. It is alleged that Australia gets all the limelight, and that New Zealand does not come in at all—or very little, at best. During my touir I always found thab the Dominion, had just as much credit as the Commonwealth, and any examination of the Australasian badges, the prc'Trammes, newspaper'reports, etc., will prove it: And, remember, I have an aibeolute.jy- open mind on the proposal to athletically separate NewZealand from Australia."

The question of holding a carnival in. Auckland just after the Australasian championship, which will be held at Wellington on December 26 and 27, was considered! at a recent meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club. The meeting accommended to the incoming committee that should consider the question of holding a carnival as suggested, but that th« best Australian runners should be invited to Auckland.

It would appear, says the Referee, that of the various State teams to visit Wellington at the year-end, that from "Viotoria will be by far the strongest—it looks like'

being a really formidable combination. So far as New South Wales is concerned, the prospects do not appear . too hopeful, .although if W. O'Reilly and Nigel Barber could! be induced to once again enter the firing-line, things would look more roseate. -Although we have more competitors than ever in action in Sydney, there appears to be but few champions, and our weakness is particularly pronounced in the field game, pole-vaulting, and hurdling departments. However, the coming big meetings—particularly the Dunn Challenge Shield—may bring to light some performers of high class. Let us hope so, at anyrate. At the annual meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, held en September 29, Mr Robinson brought up the question of reciprocity Amateur Athletic Association and the JNew Zealand Athletic Union. The chairman Mr F J. Ohlson, informed the meeting that Mr H. Frost, secretary of the Auckland Centre, had forwarded a recommendation to the New Zealand Council that the two bodies enter into a reciprocal agreement. . . ' a, ' _ Aimateur long-distance running Jias a power of attraction in Melbourne, as evidenced by the attendance of 6000 spectators to witness the Ten-mile Track Chamip.onehip of Victoria. Special interest was taken in the race owing to the appearance of C. R Voigt, the English champion, who has settled in Victoria, and who to be one of Victoria's representatives at the forthcoming Australasian championships at Wellington in December. Vojgts action is described as having been a treat to'watch. In every movement he suggested easo and certainty. Ho.was well ahead at a mile (smin 3 3-ssec), and increased the lead steadily thereafter. His two miles were done in 10.15, three miles 15.35 Z-|5, four miles 21.4 4-5, five miles 26.41 2-5, six miles 32.25 2-5. His five and six-mile figures oreate new records for Victoria, the former by lmin 2 l-Ssec,, the latter by lmin 3sec. Unfortunately, at, six miles and a-half Voigt strained a tendon and bad to retire. The leader was W. Murray, who headed E. Neate by 50 yards. Next came O A. Ryan, 60 yards away, and T. Vines still further back. Murray's seven miles took 39min 10 2-ssec (old Tecord. 39mm 3i l-ssec); eight mile*, 44.52 1-5 (record 45.14 3-5); nine miles 50.43 (record 5110); ten miles, 56.31 (record 56.57 i). Thus new figures were put up for all the miles from five onwards. Murray, who i& aiso champion walker of Victoria, was third in the recent oross-countrv championship. E. A. Neate (Carrbon) was second in 57mm 2see, and C. A. Ryan (East Melbourne) third m 57min 21sec.

DUNEDIN CENTRE N.Z.A.A. ASSOCIATION. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Dunedin Centre of the above association was held on Thursday evening in tnc New Zealand Express Company's Buildings, and was immediately followed by the annual general meeting. There was a good attendance, Mr E. A. Rosevoar (president) occupying the chair. The business of the monthly meeting was confined almost entirely to dealing with correspondence, the following being the more important items: — Mr W. G. Talbot, secretary of the N.Z.A.A.A., wrote notifying that Joseph Jobn Scott had been reinstated, and also that a permanent Olympic Committee was being set up, and that two members of the executive had been appointed to represent the association. He reported further that the association was making inquiries as to Australians competing at other centres, and stated that he was trying to get a definite itinerary arranged so that it could be submitted to Australians.—Approved. A letter from the same source was received requesting the centre to nominate men for inclusion in the Australasian team, and the matter was referred to the next monthly meeting. In eonsequenco of certain correspondence and a report by Mr A. G. Melville, a resolution was carried regretting that tho privileges generously granted by farmers to local harriers had been abused, and resolving that the various affiliated clubs be written to asking them to prevent a recurrence of the. troubles, and that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to Messrs Gow and Andrews, with the thanks of the centre for past favours. ANNUAL JMEETING.

In presenting the annual report and balance sheet Mr Rosevear congratulated the centre on the success achieved during the past season. Two of the clubs had been compelled to close down through lack of support, one of them being a country club. He thought it would be a good thing for the incoming committee to take into consideration the advisability of devising some scheme to encourage the country clubs. To set against the two they had lost, two others had joined—viz., Y.M.C.A. and Cargill Road Methodist. Referring to the North End track, ho noted that two very successful meetings had been held there last season. They had spent a considerable amount of money on it lately, and the City Council had top-dressed it. He thought it would be ungrateful not to make some reference to the gentleman to whose assiduity it was largely due that they had it. After referring in some detail to the various sports meetings, and suggesting one or two improvements with regard to the conduct of the events, the speaker reminded members that the next inter-University Easter tournament was to be held in Dunedin, and suggested to the incoming committee that it should support the University in making it a most successful meeting. Speaking with reference to the Olympic movement, he mentioned the desirability of the Otago Centre's support, as it was from Dunedin that the movement nad emanated. The question of finance also would require the earnest attention -of the incoming committee.

Mr A. C. Smith seconded, endorsing the chairman's remarks, and referring to the work of the Citizens' Committee set up to conserve the interests of athletic bodies in Dunedin. Messrs- Mazengarb* Melville, Smilh, Breen, Anderson, Divers, and others also spoke to the motion, and the report and balance sheet were adopted. A motion that an appreciation of the services of the secretary (Mr J. H. List) be recorded on the minutes and a bonus of £3 granted was carried unanimously. With regard to the question of finance, a. sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Roeevear, Sanderson, Murray, Melvillo, the geoTp'tarv and tho treasurer was set up to consider scno scheme by which an improvement might bo mad© in the financial position of tho centre. \ notice of motion had been tabled that eo pereon ehould -be eligible to compete

in the Intorprovincial Cross-country Teams Championship unless he should have previously taken part in at least three ot his club runs during that season, After some discussion the motion was agreed to, with the addition of the following word 3: " The centre to have the ipower to make exceptions to outside athleuc clubs." The following office-bearers were elected loc the ensui.-i.g- season: —President, Mr E. A. Rosevear (re-elected); vice-presidents-Messrs L. Sanderson, C. R. Andrews, A. R. Barclay, and A. C Smith; secretary, Mr J. H. List; treasurer, Mr P. W. Breen; auditor, Mr A. G. Melville; handicapper, Mr W. M'Donald; starter, Mr W. Rudkin; delegates to N.Z.A A.A., Messrs T. Crouch and J. C. Ousack.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

At a meeting of the Olympic and International Executive, constituted by the governing bodies of sports and pastimes in Otago, Mr S. S. Myers occupied the chair.

A letter was received from the town clerk (Mr Lewin), replying to a request from the executive, stating that the City Reserves Committee was considering ways and means for securing more recreation grounds for the city.—Received. Sir J. G. Ward wrote acknowledging receipt of a letter as to the necessity for action to secure separata recognition for New Zealand at future Olympiads, also asking the Government to grant facilities for passing the Daylight Saving Bill. In reply the Prime Minister said tho representations in the communication had been noted.—Received.

SEPARATE EEPKESENTATION. Some time ago the executive communicated with the various centres in New Zealand urging- separate representation of New Zealand at fubure Olympic contests, instead of being bracketed with Australia, as at present. Replies were received from the Auckland Centre N.Z.A.A.A. and the Northern Boxing Association to the effect that the members of those bodies considered the time was hardly ripe to secure separate Olympic representation. The Auckland Lawn Tennis Association and the Auckland Rowing Association both replied thai the subject would be considered in duo course by the respective executives; similar replies were received from the Wellington Centre.—Mr G. B. Hill, chairman of the Wellington Swimming Association, wrote suggesting that the Dunedin Executive should at once address the supreme governing bodies, urging them to adopt the suggestion of appointing two delegates to meet at Wellington to set up a Dominion Olympic Council and at the same time urge them not to sonsent to allov/ the Festival of Empire Committee to carry out the work on the grounds that the latter was not sufficiently representative of the sporting bodies entitled to send representatives to Olvmpic gatherings. Mr Bill further suggested that the Otago Executive should address Mr R. Coombs, the Australasian representative on the International Olympic Committee, asking if ho was prepared to support and carry out the suggested separation at once if he received instructions from the proper quarter in New Zealand'. If the reply was favourable it could be used at the first meeting of the Dominion Olympic Council. The proposed council should comprise representatives of all sports, and not the selected few as now ohosen. In his opinion all sports should have somo say in the constitution of the council, as they might at some future time be interested in the work of the committee. They could always bo summoned when matters affecting their respective sports became involved.

Several members commented upon the lukewarm reception accorded the executive's endeavours to win the support of the various centres, and the general opinion of the delegates was that Mr Hill's suggestions should be acted upon.

Mr Myers then moved that the secretary address the supreme governing bodies representing sport in the Dominion, asking them to appoint two delegates each to confer at a meeting to be arranged for by Mr G. B. Hill, who was appointed convener of the meeting. Mr W. Atoek was also appointed to act in a similar capacity at Christ-church ; Messrs J. E. Green and J. F. Olsen to be also asked to axrange that similar steps bo taken in Auckland.—The motion was carried unanimously, and Mr Hill was thanked for his valuable suggestions. APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATES. The Hon. Secretary (Mr H. Divers) reported that delegates had l>een appointed by the following sports bodies for representation on the executive: —Otago Football Association—Messrs Bceby and Yorston; Otago Rowing Association —Messrs Stath;un and Wilson (Port Chalmers); Cricket Association—Messrs C. G. Wilson and T. T. Ritchie; O.R.F.U.—Messrs F. E. Campbell and H. Harris; Otago Centre N.Z.A.A.A.— Messrs E. Rosevear and A. C. Smith;.Otago Boxing Association—Messrs R G. Anderson and F. R. Hobbs; Otago Hockey Association—Messrs J. L. S. Wright and A. Canter.

CHRISTCHURCH CRICKET. CHRISTCHURCH, October 14. Tho grade matches opened to-day on good wickets, but the weather was bitterly cold, though fine. Last year's winners, St. Albans, were pitted against the weak East Christchurch Club, but the last-mentioned, thanks to a* last-wicket partnership of 83, cmassed tho respectable total of 184 runs, Ward, the Last man., making 63 by very vigorous cricket. St. Albans responded with 44 without loss. Sandman fsiled to get a wicket, but Crawshaw bowled excellently, getting six for 67. Riccarton had first sti-oke against Linwood. and an excellent first-wicket partnership between Cayjrill and Al.f Norman was chiefly responsible for the- total of 198 runs, to which Caygill contributed 41 and Norman 59. Thomas was tho best bowler for Linwood getting four for 67. Linwood lost two of their tail men for 35 runs. West Christchurch, batting against Sydenham, made a sorrv start, five wickets falling for 29, but G. B. Lusk (brother of H. B. Lusk, the CBntsrbiiry representative) came to tho rescue with a finely-played innings of 64 and so s.aved the total from mediocrity. When the last wicket fell 143 runs were on the sheet. Bennett was in jrood form with the ball, and captured four for 46. Sydenham's opening was inauspicious, font- wickets fa.llLinsf for 49 runs, of which Hayes compiled 39. Tho total when time was called was five for 55. In lower grade matchas ocntu/riei3 weire scored on Hagley Park by Iliokmctt (Boys' High School), who made 112, and Walter (St. Albans), who made 110.