ATHLETICS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143762, 10 April 1912, Page 5

ATHLETICS.

FRANKLEY ROAD MEETING. The weather early on Monday 'Horning was by no means promising lor the Frankley Koati-We.stown Reunion Sports. Misty ram fell throughout the morning but about noon the rain ceased and the committee decided to commence operations at 1 o’clock. There was a very poor attendance, and the fields that laced the starter were only fair. However an excellent afternoon’s sport was provided. The liandiciipping of .Messrs. G. Tippins, J. .U'Leocl and J. Clarke was excellent, all the running events being won on the tape. A welcome acquisition to the programme was n horse jumping contest which drew a good entry. The first three places were filled by hoys who rode their steeds barebacked. A tribute must be paid to Mr. A. C. Downes, the secretary, for the manner in which he carried out his arduous duties. He was ever ready to oblige both spectator and competitor. The running and cycling judges, Messrs. Lister, Norris and Lee gave prompt decisions to the satisfaction of all, as also did Messrs. Gus Sole and TV. H. Boulton on the horse jumping. Tlio refreshment booth was in charge of Mr. E. Beale, who on account of the weather did not do so well as expected. The sports ground was in one of the spacious paddocks owned by Mr. 11. Okey, M.P. Mr. Okey entertained the committee at luncheon. Following are the results:--100yds.—M. D. Julian (7yds) 1, J. Vale (10yds) 2, S. Jury (12yds) 3. Also started; F. Macc and H. HCrozier (10yds) and B. M'Grath. Julian gained prido of place by about six inches.

220yds.—R. H. Lawrence (20yds) and J. Vale (20yds) dead heat 1, S. Jury (22yds) 3. - Also started: M. D. Julian (9yds) and Mace (18yds). The judges could not separate Lawrence and-Vale. 440yds.—M. D. Julian (23yds) 1: R. A. Allen (30yds) 2, Lawrence (23 yds) 3. Also started: J. Vale (30,vds) and A. Gilbert (32yds). Julian, lying in a handy position a. hundred yards from home, put on a groat spurt and won on the tape. 880yds.—E. H. Stoddart (30yds) 1, M. D. Julian (50yds) 2, Spence (70yds) 3. Also( started; Lawrence (Boyds), Allen (40yds), T. Lister (00yds). An excellent finish. Spence on the limit lead most of the way, but Julian and Stoddart overhauled him in the straight, Stoddart heating Julian by about two yards. One mile. —R.' Spence (116yds) 1, Lawrence (65yds) 2. Allen (90yds) started but dropped out. Lawrence left his run too late and Spence staving well won bv about a yard and a half.

1.1 Mile cycle.—J. Cross (20y.is) 1, H. Lobb (120yds) 2. Also started; . Lister (100yds), C. Gilbert (120yds) This was a very slow race. Cross who caught the field early winning as he liked.

.Single ladies’ race.- —Miss Bayly 1. Miss L. Hamilton 2. Six also started BoysTace under 16. 100yds.—Bayly (2yds) 1, K. Ward (scr) 2. These two hoys ran a dead heat, the run off resulting likewise; Bayly won the third race by about three yards. Local hunter’s hurdle competition.— R. 0. Okey 1. H. E. Okey 2, E. Allen 3. Also started: G. Tippins, D. Crozier and Jury. Some good jumping was displayed and the judges had a- difficult task. Married ladies’ race.—Mrs. King 1, Mrs. Downes 2, Six started. Mrs. King won on the post. Girls under 16.—Miss E. Bayly 1.

Stepping the chain. —C. Lister, Gilbert and M. Norris stopped within six inches of tho chain and divided the prize money. Sheep guessing (correct weight 1261 b) —F. A. Bridgeraan 12oilbs 1. Fortynine tickets were sold.

Despite the inclemency of tho weather a large number were present for tho dance in the evening. A sumptuous supper was provided and needless to say, justice was done to it. Miss C. Brower, who made her debut as an accompanist, performed her duties excellently and to tho satisfaction of all. Mr. A. C. Downes made an efficient M.C., and saw that tho ball was kept rolling.