Amateur Athlstic and Cycing Club.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8609, 13 March 1897, Page 2

Amateur Athlstic and Cycing Club.

INAUGURAL BPOETS GATHERING,

On Wednesday next the inaugural race meeting in connection with the newly-established amateur movement will eventuate at Mr Dodd's paddock, Farawai, and we confidently expect that, weather permitting, the gathering will be the most successful which has been held here for years past. It has before been pointed out in these columns that the growth and establishment of amateurism marks an epoch in Thames history, and we feel sure that the youth and strength of the district will rally round the new banner in the interests of true sport. One of the features of Wednesday's meeting will be the careful manner in which the course has been prepared. The circular track is in good condition, aud the central straight course is fast being put into shape, and both will be favourable to fast running if the rains do not intervene. The short distances—loo yards and 120 yards— will be run on the central course and in heats, and the competitors will run between tapes, so that there will be no interference. In the longer distances the use of tapes is impeded through the circular formation of the outer course.

The programme comprises twenty races, and as training operations have been steadily carried on at Parawai for some time past, close contests wi^l probably be the order of the day. In the 'cycle races a special feature is supplied by the presence of Messrs Beynolds and Dexter, who will compete and will also give exhibition performances. At Wellington recently Eeynolds annexed the One-mile, FiYemile, and Twenty-five Mile Championships, and Dexter won the Half-mile. This meetinfg of champions will in itself be of sufficient importance to attach great interest to the gathering. On the whole, an afternoon's programme has been provided which should highly interest all those to whom sport and athletics appeal, either in the general sense or the particular —that is, we take it, to the general public. The first event will take place at 1 o'clock sharp, and the last event is timed for 5.15. It is expressly notified that no one but the competitors and the officials will be allowed inside the wires, and active measures will be taken to prevent any encroachment by other persons. The familiar legend, " Dogs not admitted," should be sufficient warning to the owners of canine pets, which in the past have had an awkward habit of " bobbing up serenely" between the legs of the runners. The Naval Band will, as usual, be in attendance, and special steamers will run from Auckland and Coro-

mandel. The prices of admission have been fixed at the most reasonable I figure—adults, Is; children, 6d.