CASH ATHLETICS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21304, 25 March 1939, Page 16

CASH ATHLETICS

News and Notes (By "Observer”) The athletic season in South Canterbury is now drawing to a close, after a really good season. There has certainly been a boom in athletics this years and there are several factors responsible for this state of affairs. First and foremost, in the opinion of “Observer,” is the fact that so many people are beginning to realise the benefit that may be derived from participation in the healthy exercise, which athletics undoubtedly offer. The institution of the 40 hour week, and latterly the campaign for Physical Fitness may also be described as contributing factors.

In some quarters it is considered that sports gatherings do not induce enough spectators,-that poor public attendances spells failure. However, if the matter were given thought, it would be found that providing the club concerned enjoyed a good membership, and had plenty of keen athletes, it would be assured of success.

Of course this would not apply to a body like a Caledonian Society, which relies upon a programme, one day. each year to attract a large attendance in order to retain its existence. The Timaru Cycling Club has been particularly active this year, and its members have achieved a considerable number of successes away from home. The club contains some very promising juniors who should, with careful training, develop into really good riders next year.

In the Fairlie Club, too, there are a number of promising riders. Some of the senior cyclists could do with some experience amongst faster riders, as there seems to be a lack of “dash,” which is such an important feature in the make-up of a good track cyclist. “Jumflo” Wells, a one-time prominent cyclist and well-known to South Canterbury sports-goers about 12 years ago, once said when referring to a halfmile dash event: “You have to be able to ride ‘all out’ for a round and a half, then sprint the last half.” From this, it will be seen how much this great rider depended upon his sprint to get him to the winning post first.

Last Tuesday evening the Fairlie Club held a road race to Kimbell and back, in which I. Thompson gained the highest honours—first and fastest time.

I. A. THOMSON There are still doubts as to who will hold the coveted Clayton Challenge Cup again this year. Last year, the issue was not decided until the club’s final afternoon’s sports meeting, where B. L. Whyte was successful. On this occasion L. Carlton and V. Wall are leading with an equal number of points. Both are good riders, but the first named deserves special mention, as it is his first season as a racing cyclist.