SLACK ATHLETICS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 565, 18 January 1929, Page 7

SLACK ATHLETICS

Chronic Torpor in Auckland

It was ludicrous, that jingle of several years ago: "Where Ho the Flies Go in the Winter Time?” . _ More serious, from the viewpoint or people who are interested in a fine sport is the question of where Auckland's athletes go in the summer time, when they should be active. One hears of the runners of New Zealand’s biggest city at fitful intervals. Occasional club events are whispered about after they have been dashed off at the Domain without ostentation. For all the public knows, they may as well be held in back alleys. Unless Auckland’s athletic control tries something really ambitious anC lures new running talent on to the tracks, it will acquire a state of chronic torpor. Auckland takes a leading part in all good sport, but the running prestige of the North has slipped back badly lately. Were it not for such men as Savidan. Elliot and Williams, Auckland would be a real back number in a * Although the 1928-29 ath'etic season will be comparatively lean all over New Zealand, other centres are interesting the public and the a. -. Metes with good programmes. But. Auckland. ... . ... , •4o little is beard of the activities of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Centre that the public could not be blamed for wondering if that body actually exists. And thin, field -vents, a picturesque and point-winning branch of athletics ■’ll Southern centres, where competitors actuallv train. No shot it put in Auckland no hammer brown, 10 jaielin . . Perhaps the sun is too Dot Auckland used to be perhaps the strongest centre of athletics in New Zealand. Its athletes caused heartburnings even among the Australians.