ATHLETICS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16211, 8 December 1926, Page 11

ATHLETICS

THE HOLIDAY MEETINGS

CLUB MEMBERS PREPARING

(Notes by " Wheel.")

The approach of the holiday meetings gives an annual stimulus to athletics, and', this season there is every prospect that both in the amateur and professional divisions, the runners, cyclists, and field event competitors Will compare favorably with those of last year, both numerically and in quality. The 'Reserve track is the scene of weekly gatherings, and the training' assemblies are well patronised two or three times a week by aspirants for athletic honors. The Christmas and New Year meetings will not lack interest on this side, at least. Among the forthcoming sports events are several that have attracted attention from athletes outside the Poverty Bay district, the chief of them being the New Zealand professional championship meeting to be conducted by the Ngatapa Sports Club. It is only within recent years that this organisation has taken a prominent part in athletics, hut by the provision of excellent prize-money for the professionals, and good trophies for the amateurs, it has succeeded in drawing the best oft the local talent during the past two or three years. In its' more ambitious effort, the staging of the New Zealand championships, the club has tackled! a proposition that will require the expenditure of much energy and organising ability, but there should be no fear of failure on this account. Last year the club' drew the bulk of the public patronage, from the town, at any rate, with only local athletic talent on the programme; this.season it will have the additional draw-ing-power of outside athletics. The Kaitaratahi and To Karaka sports clubs have planned special efforts for their holiday meetings, and they will provide alternative sources of entertainment. Both have excellent groundfe on which to conduct their meetings, and they can count on the loyalty of the athletes for whom they have provided trophies' and cash prizes in the past. From long experience, they; are qualified' to stage attractive gatherings,! and the speciarconveniences offered to country patrons in the way of rail communication will ensure them plenty of support from the population of the hinterland. Town too, have spent many enjoyable days on the grounds of either club, and have noted the manner in which modem methods have been absorbed! by the respective institutions. ; Both Kaitaratahi and Te Karaka may expect to entertain strong contingents of townspeople at their annual meetings.

Somo years have elapsed since a motor-cycle sports meeting was conducted: in 'Gisborne, and the attraction organised by the motor-cycle sports club will bo welcomed by the public. ...The club has received from many prominent riders intimations that they will compete at the meeting. The club is a live body with aspirations to make Gisborne one' of the centres of motor-cycle racing, as well as to provide pleasure for its membersi by gipsy runs and special lest features, "which it conducts at intervals.