HARRIER SEASON

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21646, 6 May 1940, Page 5

HARRIER SEASON

Official Opening

Mayor As Runner

In order to keep a promise made at the opening last year the Mayor of Timaru, Mr W. G. Tweedy, patron of the sport, donned shorts and singlet and took part as a runner with the harriers at the official opening on Saturday of the 1940 season. There was a large attendance.

Mr H. Preston, president of the Timaru Harriers’ Management Committee, expressed pleasure at seeing so many runners; in tact there were about 20 more harriers than were present at the official opening last year. It was most pleasing that, although so many harriers had either left or were going abroad with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, they were being replaced by young men who were taking up the sport. Mr Preston, who welcomed Mr Tweedy, said that it was very pleasing to see their patron in full harness ready to take part in the opening run. He recalled that at the opening of the season last year Mr Tweedy had emphasised the necessity of physical fitness. Mr Tweedy had also referred to the critical position in European affairs, and his words had come true a few months later. Ten of the senior harriers were now serving with the Forces, and it was pleasing to think that by reason of their physical fitness they had accepted the duty of serving their country and had taken their places as efficient soldiers. As time went on no doubt other harriers would feel it their duty to join up, and their colleagues wished them the best of luck. Mr Preston urged the harriers to pull together so that when their colleagues returned from abroad they would find that the sport in South Canterbury was stronger than ever.

Mr E. C. Hetherington, secretary of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Sub-Centre, who cordially endorsed Mr Preston’s remaiks, wished the harriers every success in the various events during the coming season. Harriers as Soldiers The Mayor expressed pleasure that the number of harriers was greater than at the opening of the season last year. He was particularly gratified that 10 harriers were already serving. He endorsed Mr Preston’s appeal that the sport should not suffer during the war. He was glad to see that there was more than an average sprinkling of younger members taking an interest in the sport. Mr Tweedy urged them to be encouraged by two motives—physical fitness and the pleasure they got from running which resulted in a personal sense of fitness. They should also cultivate the club spirit by promoting friendliness one with the other and by loyalty to their club.

In referring to training Mr Tweedy remarked that young runners were inclined to over-train, and many good runners had been spoilt through over training. The South Canterbury harriers were very fortunate in that they had excellent trainers, and he urged the runners to be guided entirely by the advice of their trainer. Walking was one of the finest exercises, but, then again, how far and when they should walk was a matter for their trainers to decide. The number of harriers who had enlisted was about one-tenth of the members in the sport, which Mr Tweedy thought was very creditable Unfortunately the war had entered a much more serious stage and extra demands would be made upon the youth of the country. He urged them to attain the highest possible physical fitness so that they would be found ready to answer the call. He was sure

the harriers would play their part. “I am declaring the season open,” concluded Mr Tweedy, “in the best way possible by coming out for a run with you. (Applause.) I wish you a very successful season and hope that South Canterbury will be worthily represented in the amateur athletic field and that the high standard of past years will be maintained.” The harriers, including the Mayor, were then despatched on a six and a quarter mile practice run. The runners were divided into three packs running over the Orr-Walker course. The first pack was somewhat more dignified than usual as included were the Mayor and Mr Preston and the veteran. Mr Arthur Foden. More than 30 runners left with this pack and they were followed shortly after by the intermediate pack < abou: 20. and they evidently made the pace fairly solid as they overhauled the slow pack going through Springs. The fact pack followed a few minute . later and by the time the leaders c.‘ the first two packs had reached Page’s Road the fast pack, led by S. Johns, H. Brown, K. Rowray and V. Macka •. was close on thoir heels. Going down Luxnxore Road a championship pace \as set for the finisl. The following was the finishing order:— Official pack: M. Drake 1, J. McKim 2, E. Hassall 3. Intermediate pack - F. McCart’•“•••! 1, E. Stirling 2. P. McCambridge 3. Fast pack: S. Johns 1. V. ■ tackay 2, H. Brown 3.