NEW ZEALANDERS AND THE WARRNAMBOOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17183, 29 October 1923, Page 4

NEW ZEALANDERS AND THE WARRNAMBOOL.

The success of the New Zealanders «n this great road race calls for a short resume of the performances of visitors from this side The New Zealand invasion commenced sight at the start, Andy Calder, of Temuka, winning from the 120-minute mark in the first race, held in 1895. Incidentally “’Andy” is now with the Bell Cycle and Motor Company, of this city, and in that capacity has an interest in the present day contests, as the Australian team invariably comprise one or more “Bell” riders. The next appearance of a New Zealand rider was in 1901, when Andy Ralston went over and carried off the fastest time in 9hr 30min. Ralston also secured fastest time in the Timaru to Christchurch in 1899, and first and fastest time in 1902. Two years later saw Jack Arnst securing first place and fastest time in t-h«* fast time of 7 hours 43 minutes. This time stood a*s a record for three years, and has only .been beaten twice since. 1906 a big team wont across. Ham Mehrtens securing the coveted fastest time, with his fellow New Zealanders, Alf. Birch, Ab. Huinm, and George Smith, filling second fastest, third fastest and fourth fastest respectively. In 1911 Phil O’Shea went over and secured fastest time, which perforins'* nee he repeated last year, with Peter Hill in first place, arid T>an Wright fifth. This year’s race found Phil again the winner of the Blue Riband. Charlie filling fourth place, and George Watson fifth. Taken all round, these performances show that New Zealand riders can more than hold their own with the pick of the Australians, and incidentally it says something for the local cycle makers, as practically all these successes in the late years were gained on cycles built in Christchurch. The 1906 team, consisting or Ham Mehrtens, Alf. Birch, Abbie Humrn, and George Smith, were all on “Bells,” O'Shea has ridden a “ Speedy ” in all bis races, Peter Hill scored his win on a “ Bell,” Dan Wright pinned his faith to a Gamage, while of this year’s team Charlie Bell rides a “ Bell ” and George Watson a 1 ‘ Butler.” The cycle trade of Christchurch may therefore pride themselves that they can build a cycle that will set the Australian makers thinking. 6