ATHLETICS

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13601, 22 May 1908, Page 6

ATHLETICS

LJSTriiD JfclAltlUEUtf. Ihe tiist loin; distance sealed handicap event for this season, conducted under the auspices of the United Harrier Club, was decided yesterday afternoon. No doubt the beautiful weather which prevailed yesterday proved instrumental to a, cerium degree in prompting members to manifest special cmthusdasni and courage for the occasion. In consequence of the majority of members training venr consistently during the past few weeks, their physical powers and capabilities being thus considerably reinforced, they proved themselves quite capable of withstanding the strenuous nature of the race. The trail was laid over Iho course agreed upon by A. R. Goldsman, who performed the duty very creditably. The competitors bounded awav at a great pace. Mason, Gould, and I'lnoer were observed to draw away from the lemainder of the pack, and these three ma'ntained their respective positions until the Saltwater Creek Hotel was reached, when Mason was Keen to draw away from his two opponents, his pace quickening as ht> proceeded, and he retained the lead until Ik- reached home. The order of the finish «as- as follows

G. .Mason, tirsti and fastest time (22miu. 15sec). A. Gould, second (2omin. ssec.).

Ef. I'crrier ran in fifth, but secured (he lir.st prize for the sealed handicap, his time being 22min. 39scc. lincluding his handicap). The club were very hospitably entertained to afternoon tea by 'Mr and Mrs Stinson. who kindly placed one of their rooms at. the disposal of the club, to equip themselves for the event. Ihe refreshments were thoroughly appreciated by the runners. The club wish to thank Mr A Fraser for acting as timekeeper, and Mr

Goldsnum for his usefulness in laying the I trail. Members are reminded that no run will be held next Thursday on account of Monday being a public holiday, but the following Thursday the club will be the guests of Mr T. Stocker, Orari, and it is hoped (hat member* will endeaovur to make the journey for it is anticipated that a most enjoyable time will bo spent. SOUTH CANTERBURY HARRIERS. The fixture yesterday of the South Canterbury Harriers should have been at Winchester, but unforeseen circumstances arising the club were the guests of Mrs Malthu.s in town and ran from Caroline Bay. The pack was not nearly as large as should have been the case, and the committee hope that in the future members will look •jp their syllabus on Thursday morning ; and attend* and honour the hosts who are the life of the sport, in that they go to a great deal of trouble in preparing for the weekly outings, and for their kindness in allowing the harriers to run from their residences. It was thought advisable to have no haras on this occasion, so the pack ran together, the captain selecting the course as he wont along. The paper was dispensed with altogether, and the members being fairly lit a good fast run. was the result. Along the bay and over the pond at Klmsdale the pack found themselves with Page's road ahead, then over some rough paddocks on to the main road and home again via Benvenue Cliffs and llu- sand. The sprint home was very spirited, Avlen, Claughton and Simmonds making a great bid for first place which was annexed by Aylen. When in ordinary clotluis a move was made to the Kiosk, where Mrs Malthus had in readiness most enjoyable refreshments. Mr Ajrlen in returning thanks to the hostess, regretted that there was not a. larger attendance, but they appreciated the spirit which prompted the hostess' kindness. Mr Malthus, on his mother's belialf acknowledged the compliments paid to her by his fellow-harriers. Three cheers brought, to a close a pleasant afternoon's sport. There being no holiday next Thursday the fixture from Ki Keka, as guests of Mr W. Penrose will be altered to June 4th. On Monday, Empire Day, on the invitation of Mr A. Hope, Raincliff, the Harriers will run from his residence. Mr Hope is a good sport and would like to see a full muster of members. The country from Pleasant. Point to Raincliff is picturesque, and with a fine day a capital outing should be the result. Members will 'travel by the morning train leaving Timaru at 7.45 a.m. and on arrival at Pleasant Point a coach will be in readiness to convey them to Raincliff.