CYCLING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIII, Issue 15000, 22 February 1899, Page 2

CYCLING.

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

Cook's Gardens was once again the centre of attraction last evening. Almost all the riders who have nominated have arrived, and from about 3 o'clock until 6 the track was constantly occupied. The riding of the cracks was a, fair "eye-opener," and the task of jiicking the ultimate winnera of the much-covctcd medals is a

most difficult oue. Sutherland, Barker, , Allan Jones, E. Reynolds, Dexter, Ralston, Middleton, Wall, Humphreys, in fact, all the cracks — and every man in the championship events is entitled to this distinction—seem to be in the pink of condition — with the possible exception of, strange to say, "Joey" Barker, whose latest trouble is toothach- — probably due to the absence of his moustache. There is an impression about that Barker was proof against "the ills that flesh is heir to." It seems this is not correct. However, we all hope he will be right on the day. One thing is certain — whoever wins a championship will have to be, in the words of a probable winner, "real spry," and the public of Wanganui may certainly consider themselves "fortune's favourites" in being allowed to witness what will undoubtedly be the greatest exhibition of cycle* racing ever given in New Zealand. The amateur cycling events —although' the fields will not be large — promiso to be keenly contested. Hnrry Thompson, of Christchurch, seems to be the popular pick, and his chance of adding a few more medals to his already numerous collection is a good one ; but on form the amateurs are certainly "much of a muchness," and the local mun, Donald, shuuld be about at the finish.

The amateur athletic events have tilled up very well, and the finishes will, we aro sure, he very interesting. The arrangements for the meeting will be most complete, and the management intend making a strong effort to stop all betting. The police are to be instructed to remove anyone caught betting, or offering to bet, front the ground. Competitors and their attendants will get tickets from the secretary, which they are requested to keep and show if requested, as no one not connected with the meeting will be allowed near the dressing sheds on any pretence whi, Lever. It is to be sincerely hoped that those interested will support the committee in this matter, and so help to carry out the meeting in a manner suitable to the importance of the occasion. The referee for the meeting, Mr. W. B. Eyre, of Auckland, is a gentleman whose experience in cycling matters extends over many years. He ivill arrive with the Auckland visitors by s.s. Glenelg this morning. Tbe competitors are requested to attend a short meeting lo be held in the large marquee erected near the dressing sheds at noon to-day, when the referee and Mr. W. G. Atack (the League representative) will address them briefly on matters connected with the meeting. A full attendance is requested. The programme for the first day is now on sale at sixpence, and it is very good value indeed. The inartistic but necessary advertisement s, of oourse, conspicuous", but still the book is a unique one, and should form a very pleasant memento of the meeting. In addition to the events, etc., are included a number of photographs of cyclists, with suitablo press matter, some capital views of the Wanganui River, cycling information, etc, the whole forming a capital little book, the compilation fi which must have entailed considerable time and trouble to the secretary. In to-morrow's issue we will publish our final remarks on the meeting, and will endeavour to pick the winners. Our cycliincontributor, who once had a ride on a tricycle many years ago, informs us ihat he has been a constant attendant at Cook's Gardens recently, and consequently has the winners all "spotted"— no connection with measles, we hope. Anywiv, we intend to give our readers the benefit of his 'ceaseless vigil" and "cycling acumen."