ATHLETICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3145, 24 June 1914, Page 63

ATHLETICS.

noTF,s nr ahatebb. .The Victorian Cross-countr y Ch;ampionship is fixed for Sept ", nmr) ionship. in Australasian Cross-country C P b which it is hoped New Zealand v'll ° th(j presented, will be co^ 10 * V.A.A.A., on September Wng The South Sydney Jf cti £ n with ahead with arrangements i wv-mcisco next the proposed visit to San Fiancisco year The hon. secretary or the cm oently received several \ fc Mr Eustace Peixotto regarding the tcam and it is now practically certain t of “red-and-whites” will S w red is South Wales at Panama being manifested in San F w jU bo project is one that American P S T»'^o". r u in Cho^ch the rn iato al W. <> h Smipson, the fc-mile an AustiXian Accord. This is a movement that might be taken up by other centres in New Zealand, where the• deceas athlete was well and favourably • The inter-university sports between tea from Melbourne Sydney and Adelaide U versifies was held at Adelaide on and resulted in the premiership being rvon bv the Adelaide University team. Anere were several good performances put up, notably Wallmann’s 15 3-ssec for the 120 Yards Hurdles, constituting a Va r -d. Following XveL rC (A 6^T K : (M4.- 71ft 9in! e 100 Yards Flat: !. B Pender (A.), J. A Troup M.) Time 10 ?A s r G ¥'sW: tiSe P 2ndn L 120 Yards Hurdles: L, H. Waffmann ( -h I. B. Pender (A.). Time, 15 3--ssec ■ la i cord). Shot Put: L. H. Kelly (M.), 6At Tin; N. B. G Abbott (A.) 30ft Bin. 2 0 Vnrds Flat- First heat —C. E. renew L. H. Kelly (M.). Time, J C (T) Sr J 23^r p FiStL L h: £3^ A i previous period Not- a few of the college i t- W a. A street (SO, H. Ofc hams (A.). Time 4mm 46 3-5 s c. W Yards Flat: O. B. Pellew (A.), L- H. Kelly (M.), R. Pittar (S.). Time, 52 l-sscc What is described as the. most r | abl , road race in America was held in New x ork on May 4 This was the Evening Mad Modified Marathon which "“trough the streets of New York, over a distance of Hist over 13 miles. There were no fewer than 2000 entries, out of which a small field of 999 started. Reports of the event state that it was witnessed at various points by nearly two million spectators. It was won by the Finnish Olympic champion Hamu Kolehmainen. Time, Ihr 9mm 0 l-sscc. The ; nter-’Varsity meet the other day gives a good idea of the advance that has been made on the Pacific; Coast (writes the ’Frisco correspondent ot the Sycmey Re ffeiee), particularly during the rast fevv year the times in the track events and the I - tar.ces in the field being far ahead of any previous period. Not a few of the college and coast records were broken, and in some cases bv more than one man in the same reef For exam ole, there was the mile, which Wilson, of Stanford won in 4mm 20 1- C scc He had to make this time to heat Wood of California, who held the record of 4min 21 4-ssoc. Then there was the half-mile, which was won. by Bonnctt, ot Stanford, who lowered the record from Imm 58 l-ssec to Imm 54- 3-sseo. That m itself was a meritorious performance; but the luce is made stiff more remarkable when one considers that the second man Cucndett, covered the distance in Imm Msec, or 2 1 ssec less than the record time; that Crabbc, the third man, did not take more than Imin 57 4-ssec; and that B° oi n«'ehine, who crossed the line in fourth place a shade behind Crabbe, must have done it in Imin 58sec. Just size that up. lour men in one race run the half-mile in faster time than the previous record. And then remember that there are faster runners than these in the American universities in the persons of Reidpath and John Paul Jones who hold the All America College record tor the half-mile, Imin 53 4-ssec. Since May 18 1912 the world’s record for the running high jump was held by George Horine, a Californian and a student at the Leland Stanford University. A week ago yesterday it was taken from him, but still is held by a Californian. The new champion is Dr Edward Beeson, a young San Francisco dentist, and member of the Olypmic Club, who cleared the phenomenal height of oft 7 1 5-I6in This is a fraction of an inch better than Horine’s best mark, the latter’s world’s record having been exactly 6ft 7m. While Beeson’s great jump was in accordance vyith the rules of the American Amateur Union, all the conditions are being carefully scrutinised by the officials of that body before he is officially acclaimed the world’s champion. In making the jump he struck the crossbar and fell prone in the heap of sawdust. The bar shook up and down, but remained on the pegs. The height was not measured immediately, but later it was found to measure 6ft l|in.' Still later a difference was found between the distance to the crossbar from the place of measurement and the spot of Beeson’s take-off. The spirit level was brought into use, and the final decision of the officials was announced at 6ft 7 15-16'n. Horine, then champion, was a competitor in the event, which was in connection with the fifth annual Pacific Coast amateur meet. After both had cleared 6ft the bar was raised to 6ft Bin, at which mark both failed. Then Beeson cleared the bar at the new record mark, a feat which proved beyond Horine. There has been some discussion as to whether a world’s record should be admitted when the bar is struck. However, Horine won the title in 1912 in much the same way, touching the bar. It is not unlikely that a change in the rules will bo made by the American Amateur Union in this respect to govern future records. In other words, for a jumper to take the record away from Beeson it will ho necessary to clear better than 6ft 7 15-16 in without touching the bar. On Saturday the Oaversham Harriers ran as the guests of Mr and Mrs W. Thompson, Law street, Oaversham. In spite of the adverse weather conditions about 20 members took part in the run. The trail, laid by G. G. Thompson and- G. Matthcwson, led along Cargill road to Forbury corner, up the Kcw rise, and so out to the open country beyond, returning along the Main South road. The keen sleet showers in the high country made pleasant running impossible, however, and the pack left the trail and struck over to the left, towards

the Cliffs, and returned by St. Clair The members were most hospitably entertained at tea, and a very pleasant musical evening rounded off what has come to be looked, forward to as one of the best runs of the season. Captain F. P. Frye thanked Mr and Mrs Thompson for their kindness and hospitality, and Mr Thompson suitably replied. Next Saturday the club will hold its annual Vice-president’s Handicap, of three miles, on Forbury Park, I here is every prospect of a large field and keen racing. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather prevailing on Saturday, both the South Dunedin Presbyterian and the St. Kilda Harriers had good musters for the combined run from the Sunday Slehool Hall, King Edward street. The hares, S. Lyon and G. Crawford* got away during a lull, but the pack was not so fortunate, leaving in the midst of a heavy fall of hail. The trail led along the beach to Lawyers’ Head, and thence over the hills. Although the ground was everywhere very muddy, and hailstones frequent, the rim was thoroughly enjoyed, everybody finding amusement m watching others floundering about and their occupation in extricating themselves from the mud. The outing concluded with an exchange of good wishes and cheers. The Dunedin Harriers held their weekly run from Moagiel as the guests of Mr M. Mickelson. There was a good, attendance in spite of the adverse climatic conditions. Paper was dispensed with, the pack setting out along Gordon road in charge of the captain. At Duke’s road a turn was made, the runners heading for the Win.gatui racecourse to run the Pacific Club's race. r lhe pace home was afterwards made a cracker. The St. Joseph’s Harriers hold then- run from/Santa Sabina School. North-East Valley, as guests of a number of lady friends of that district. Messrs Butcher and Doudle were entrusted with the paper, and laid a good trail over Pino Hill and. through Leith Valiev and Woodhaugh. The runners showed good staying powers. The first four home were M'Erlain, Kennedy, Roughan, and O’Farrell. Afterwards the members were hospitably entertained by the ladies, and, a musical evening was spent. Owing to the stormy afternoon it was thought advisable to postpone' the One-mile Open Handicap of tire Dunedin Anglican Harriers.

The Civil Service Club ran from the Maori Hill Council Chambers as the guests of Mr R. B. Reynolds. Farland and Hoy were despatched with the paper, and 10 minutes later the pack, numbering 18, followed the trail up through Wakari towards Hume’s, and on to the slopes of Flagstaff. The running was over the snowbelt, and slips were numerous. Despite this, however, the pace was solid. Much of the distance was run in a blinding hailstorm. Mr Melville tendered thanks to Mr Reynolds for his hospitality. Saturday’s stormy weather did not prevent the Y.M.G.A. Club from maintaining its usual excellent attendance. The run was from the Woodhaugh Paper Mills. The hares, G. Bailey and A. Thompson, gave the pack a good run. After circling the reservoir and round towards Halfway Bush, the trail struck across country, through Maori Hill and back to the Mills. Although there -were a number of spills the pack was able to keep up, a steady pace throughout. The Pacific Harrier and Amateur Athletic Club contested its Three-mile Croc..country Race at Wingatui on Saturday. Notwithstanding the bad weather 17 gunners faced the starter, Mr T. P. Williamson, who got his men away in fine style. The limit men, M‘Allan and Grey, made good use of their handicap. The first mile and a-quaitcr was covered in fast time considering the nature of the course, and the back-markers were closing up to the field. The order on leaving the course was M'Allan, Shakesby, Malcolm, Reeve, Driscoll. Harland here retired. Crossing Mr J. Goiv’s paddock the back-markers closed up on the pack, and on entering the course the order was Crosswell, Blackwood, Orchard, closely followed by Brown. This order was maintained to the tape, Crosswoll winning by about six yards from Blackwood, with Orchard 30 yards away. Result: A. G. Crosswell, 70sec, 1; W. A. Blackwood, 65sec, 2; E. J. Orchard, ISsec, 3; W. Brown, 60scc, 4; L. H. Henderson, scr, 5. Time, 18min 14 2-ssec. The winner, A. G. Crosswell, is to bo congratulated on winning such a solid race. This is the second time he has won the Three-mile, and. the ohib hopes that he will continue to improve, and thus bring honour to the club and to himself. W. Blackwood was unfortunate in getting entangled in a wire fence, and tearing his leg rather badly. The judges wore Messrs A. J. Harrison, J. Drumm, and F. A. Orchard, the starter and timekeeper Mr G. P. Williamson, and the clerk of the course Mr F. M. Perkins. The handicapping was in, the capable hands of Mr T. A. Dawson. The caretaker of the racecourse (Mr W. Crawford] showed his usual kindness and enthusiasm in providing dressing accommodation, etc. The Ca-rgill Road Methodist Harriers contested their Mile and a-half Novice Race at St. Clair. The course was as follows: Starting on the beach, along the sand till opposite the racecourse, then through the sandhills to the road, finishing opposite the Metropole Hotel. The race was run in a teeming hailstorm, the men getting the full force of the gale in their faces in the race for homo. Mill. MTndoe got his field away in fine style, the limit men making good use of their handicaps. Blackburn (40sec) at the turning point was still in front, with Fraser and Beadle next. Simpson (lOeoo), who had been making up ground in fine style, was fast closing on the front markers. Blackburn maintained his load till within 80 yards from home, when he was beaten by Fraser and Beadle. Simpson caught up 50 yards from the tape, and in a stubbornly-fought finish won by about 2ft from Fraser, with Beadle a yard away third. Simipson is to be congratulated in winning his first race in such fine style. The placed men are all now to racing, and should bo heard of again. The scratch man, F. Sims, ran a good race, and finished fifth, but found his handicap too heavy. The result was as follows;—A. W. Simpson, lOseo. 1: T. Fraser, 35scc, 2; M. Beadle. 30sec, 3. Time, Smin 57sec. Simpson also secured fastest time, his time for tho journey being Bmin 27scc. Tho close finish reflects great credit on the handicapper, Mr R. MTndoe. The following gentlemen acted as officials:—Judges—tho Rev. F. Read, Messrs R. M‘Gregor and V. Stephens; stewards, Messrs E. Whyte and 0. James; timekeeper and starter, Mr R MTndoe. After the race tho club was entertained by the Young Women’s Bible Class, and an ciiioyablo evening was spent. Tho two-mile race of the Mosgiel Harriers was held on under most unfavourable weather conditions. There was a, good field, and the race was well contested from start to finish, most of the runners showing very good form. The rc-

suit was as follows:—G. Wellman (scratch) 1, A. M'Leod (45sec) 2, D. Frew (oOscc) 3. Also started; T. Campbell (35sec),.R. Campbell (7sec), J. Gourley (lOOsec). A splendid performance was registered by Master Jack 'i'ickner, of Waitahora, at the sports at Palmerston North last week in connection with the show. He won the senior championship in events for boys under 15 in the 100yds, 220yds, and 440yds, also the senior high jump, and was second in the 120yds hurdle race. safeguardincamateur status. LONDON, June 18. The Olympic Congress has adopted a picturesque regulation. Competitors will have sewn upon the flag of the country they represent a statement that they have nob forfeited their amateur status. BRITISH MARATHON RACE, LONDON, June '2l. His Majesty the King started the Marathon Race from Windsor to Stamford bridge for Sporting Life’s £SOO trophy. Forty-three started, and the placed men were; Djebelia (France), 1 ; Westburg (Sweden), 2; Gruner (Sweden), 3. Time, 2hr 6min 50 4-ssec. LONDON, June 21. Applegarth, in the Marathon race from Windsor to Stamford Bridge, equalled the world’s record for 200 metres. N.Z. AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB. MEETING OF OTAGO CENTRE. The monthly meeting • -of the Otago Centre, N.Z.A.A.A.. was held in the Y.M.C.A. Building on Thursday. Mr E. Rosevear (president) occupied the chair, and there was an attendance of 1.4 delegates. delegates’ attendance return. A return was laid on the table showing the number of attendances of each delegate for the last eight meetings. The return showed that the delegate from the South Dunedin Presbyterian Harrier Club bad not attended any of the meetings. —The Secretary was instructed to write to the club, drawing attention to the matter, and asking that another delegate be appointed. correspondence. Mr H. Divers wrote, under date May 28, stating that at a meeting of representatives of various sports, held on May 22, it was decided to form an Otago Sports-Club. A resolution, approved by the meeting, stated that the objects for which the club was established were ‘‘to promote and support all manly sports and healthy recreations and pastimes, and to co-operate with all sporting leagues, associations, and clubs, and all other bodies or sections of the communities who were in sympathy with the objects of the club, end that all sporting bodies should have direct representation on the executive of the club.” In order that the wishes of the resolution might be put into operation the presence of two delegates from the Otago Centre, N.Z.A.A.A. was invited at a conference.—l be Secretary stated that he had replied to the effect that the letter had been received too late for consideration at the May meeting.— The letter was received. A letter was received from the New Zealand Council drawing attention to the question of open orders for trophies. It had been pointed out that the open-order system might be abused, and the council, therefore, decided to ask the various centres, that as far as possible orders he issued only on a limited number of firms, and. those known to the officials. It was found that whereas several gentlemen in business wore always giving their services to the sports bodies it often happened that competitors gave no consideration to them when getting trophies. It was suggested that centres might bear in mind those who assisted the sport wherever it was - possible.—The Chairman said the Otago Centre had always adopted the system suggested in the letter. Arrangements were made whereby prizewinners could only obtain trophies from those who supported amateur athletics.— The letter was received. The Secretary of the Cargill Road Methodist Harriers made application for the reinstatement of B. M‘Kennan, as an amateur He had been disqualified for 18 months to date, and it was considered that he had been sufficiently punished.—lt was decided to recommend the council favourably to con sidcr the application. The Secretary of the New Zealand Council wrote stating that the affiliation of the Mosgiel Club had been accepted from June s—Noted.5 —Noted. The council also wrote stating that it could not see its way to assist to send a cross-country team to compete in the Australian Ten-mile Championship Race, to be held at Melbourne on September 26. It favoured sending the best man to compete, and would vote two guineas toward the cost. —The Chairman ,said that if it was intended to send a man it was time something was done.—The Secretary pointed out that the centre was in debt to the extent of beween £6O or £7o.—The Chairman said he thought that if Mr Beatson was willing to go sufficient money would be forthcoming to pay his expenses.—Mr Breen said ho did not think it was worth while sending one man to run in a teams’ race. —After some further discussion it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the chairman to see Mr Beatson, and report to next mooting. N.Z. CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP. The Chairman stated that the New Zealand Council had notified the centre that no applications had been received for the control of the New Zealand Cross-country Championship Race this year. He would not like to see the race fall through, and he thought the Otago Centre should apply to have control of the race if there were no other applications. —Mr Melville pointed out that a desire had been expressed by the Canterbury Centre to have the race run in Christchurch this year. Ho suggested that the Canterbury Centro be written to in regard to the matter. —Mr Drecn pointed out that the Canterbury Centre had not held a meeting for four months, and amateur athletics seemed to bo dead in Christchurch. The Canterbury Centre had a big deficit to face as a result of the visit of the American athletes, and in his opinion they were frightened to hold a meeting to find out where they stood. —It was eventually resolved, on’ t,ho motion of Mr Morrison—- “ That the Otago Centre make application for the control of the Now Zealand Crosscountry Championship Race this year, provided no other application bo made.” EDMOND CUP RACE. The Chairman reported that ho had attended the Edmond Cup Race on behalf of the centre. It was held on the Wingatui Racecourse for the first time, and this change had proved entirely satisfactory. The race was well controlled, and the rules of

the association had not been infringed in any way. The absence of Beatson and Jack from the Caversham team gave additional interest to the event, and resulted in the race being won by the Dunedin Club. Speaking in regard to the men, bo had looked carefully for any promising young runners who wore likely to take the place or the older men, but ho confessed that he had not seen any whom lie considered capable of maintaining the prestige won lor Otago by the old runners. —The report was adopted. LOCAL EVENTS. A sub-committee, in a report, recommended —(1) That a harrier sports meeting bo held on Saturday, September 19, on the Caledonian Ground ; and (2) that the Otago Interclub Cross-country Championship Race be held at Wingatui on Saturday, August 1, each of the members of the winning team to receive a silver badge.—The report was adopted, and a sub-committee was appointed to make arrangements for the sports meeting. INACCURATE RECORDS. Mr Melville pointed out that the records of past winners of the Edmond Cup Races which appeared in one of the local newspapers were inaccurate. The record stated that J. Beatson was the first man home in the race in 1909, and this honour belonged to G. MTvnight. Other inaccuracies had appeared frequently in the past, and he thought the centre should take action in the matter, lie considered that it was the duty of the centre to see that the records of previous winners which appeared in the papers were correct. He moved—“ That when inaccurate records were published the centre take steps to draw the attention of the press to them.”—The motion was carried

During the evening the Chairman presented certificates to Dunedin prize-winners at the South Island championship and provincial championship meetings.