ATHLETICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16987, 10 March 1923, Page 7

ATHLETICS.

ST PATRICK'S sports c a rnxv al. The fourth annual sports meeting of the St Patrick’s Sports Association to be held on March 1G and 17 bids fair to be the greatest and most successful gathering of athletes (running and cycling; that has been seen in action at Lancaster Park for many years past. The public will have the opportunity of seeing some of the finest athletes in the Dominion. Though a professional body, the association never has lost sight of tlio amateurs, and there are altogether eigiit amateur events, a like number of races for public schools, and three events for secondary schools. The chief event of the day, the 135 yards St Patrick's Handicap, has attracted the pick of the professional runners from North. Cape to the Bluff. The race is a big attraction, the four prizes being: First, cup and £55: second, £-20; third, £9; fourth, £4, while £l2 Is divided amongst heat winners. There are also six other professional running events, and three jumping handicaps. The dancing events, comprising Highland Fling, Seann Triubhais, piping and 'lrish Jig (all open) are post entry, and take place on the Friday. Two events have been allotted to basket ball competition. Cycling figures prominently on the programme. The two olassic events viz., the three miles St Patrick s Wheel ' Bate, of £SO, and the ten miles Australasian cycling championship (gold medal and blue ribbon) have brought large entries and splendid racing should take place. There are also three other handicap events, and a mile and a half Derby (under eighteen years). Phil O'Shea, champion road rider of Australasia, and traok champion of New Zealand, will again appear to contest the highest honours. Dan Wright, fifth in the Warrnambool race, A. Bonis, and H. W. Bircli, a sprinter of rare promise, will also be seen in action. Such well-known runners as Taylor, probably the finest middle distance runner New Zealand has produced; Cook, of Southland, last year’s Sheffield winner; Jack Steele, from the West Coast, the “ All Black ” three-quarter, and TV. Kelly, who has a number of Sheffields to his credit, will be competing. J. H. Parker, ex-amateur champion, is now back to form, and should score successes. FOOTBALL CLUBS’ RELAY RACE. Some misunderstanding having arisen over the football clubs’ relay race at the annual meeting of the St Patrick’s Sports Association on Friday and Saturday next, clubs are notified that the event is for any team of a football club playing either the Union or the League code. The competitors, however, must be bona fide ama-