ATHLETICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 260, 2 November 1928, Page 5

ATHLETICS

THE AMERICANS’ VISIT HOPE STILL ENTERTAINED NEW ZEALAND TO PLACE POSITION BEFORE U.S.A. (Special "Chronicle” Service.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. Though the Foreign Relations Committee of the American Amateur Athletic Union would not sanction extension of leave to allow an American team to tour the Dominion, the New Zealand controlling body has not yet given up hope of obtaining a visit from a United States team. Steps arc now being taken to place the matter before thc proper authorities and it is possible hat thc decision may be revised within thc next few weeks. The New Zealand Council surmises that the American body acted as it did because of the fact that athletics in the States i$ becoming commercialised and that sonic American athletics and visitors to thc republic have received large rake-offs from thc gates which they drew. However, the American Union is to be told thc true position in thc Dominion, that small entrance fees arc charged and that the refusal to allow American teams to visit New Zealand may have the effect of retarding the development of athletics here. Previously thc New Zealand Council explained the position to Baron de Coubin, thc president of the International Federation, and the facts wore placed before thc Federation by JMr H. Amos, manager of the Now Zealand Olympic team, during his visit to Europe. Thus it is apparent that a misunderstanding has arisen and there is even considerable doubt as to whether the United States Foreign Relations Committee has heard from the International Federation. The position is the more piquant because shortly Australia is to be visited by the famous German athlete. Dr. Otto Peltzer, who may be affected by thc New Zealand situation.

WANGANUI CLUB CAPTAIN LOSS TO ATHLETICS DEATH REMOVES MOST ENTHUSIASTIC WORKER Thc unfortunate death of the captain of the Wanganui Club Mr W. Bramwell, came as a great shock to those who had been associated with him for thc last live or six years, for during that period he had been one of thc most enthusiastic workers in the cause of amateur athletics and to him must go a great deal of credit for thc revival that has placed athletics on such a high plane in Wanganui. It was particularly with regard to thc introduction of harrier running that Mr Bramwell did such good work, and it was as a result of his untiring efforts that this branch of the sport obtained such a good hold in Wanganui, culminating in tho holding of the New Zealand cross-country champicnIship race in Wanganui during the winiter season. The success of this event | was, in a large measure, due to his asjsistance and enthusiasm, and in this l connection it may be remarked that I the arrangements that were made in Wanganui for the race were considered by visitors to be beyond criticism. | As a mark of respect to-the memory [of their club captain tho Wanganui j Chib postponed the athletic sports • meeting that was to have been held on Cook’s Gardens last evening. I Popular with atletes in all branches [of the sport, “Bram” will be missed jby all who had acquaintance with his I cheery smile and his cheering optimism.

ON COOK’S GARDENS WANGANUI CLUB MEMBERS NOTES AND COMMENTS By “Kestrel.’’ The tracks on Cook’s Gardens arc in great order at this stage of the season and judging by the numbers training every evening, both on grass and asphalt, the local clubs should have a very successful season for thc 1928-29 period. Preparing for Christmas. H. E. B. Newton has been seen out a couple of times, but is only doing light work these days. He should, however, be. in good condition when the Christmas meetings come round. Always in fairly good “nick” Cyril Maitland is moving along nicely, but h. is a bit too fond of training and is inclined to overdo it. He would be well advised to case up at intervals. Clarrio Gibbons is doing light work these days, and promises to be in good order by the time thc championship meetings are ready to be attended. Wellington’s Spell. A big loss to thc Wanganui Club is the enforced retirement of Mervin Wellington, their crack sprinter, who has been ordered a three months’ spell by his medical adviser. It is hoped that a speedy recovery will see him back to the tracks before the autumn. lan Ross is in training again and judging by the way he sprinted in the quarter-mile tho other evening he should keep the best of thc riders in the country busy later on. Fraser McLean intends getting into the business seriously next week, and should show greatly improved form over a mile this season. The Half-mile Title. Two or three times a week Jim Pawson puts in an appearance and the writer has heard a whisper that he has his eye on the Dominion half-mile championship title this season. The evergreen "Y.A.” Bradley and “Mick” Darby are out after the scalps of some of last year’s champions, and if training counts for anything they should get several between them. A Good Performance. Sam Gudsell, who is now a member of thc Wellington Club, finished second in the two-mile walk at Dannevirke on Labour Day. He was virtual scratch man and gave away up to 300 yards, so his was not a bad performance for practically a beginner. For the Broad Jump. L. Tilley, the representative Rugby I footballer, has joined up with the Wanganui Club, and should make a name for himself on the track just as well as he has done on the Rugby field. He is a well-built youth and has a groat stride. Last season ho won the broad jump with a 20ft lOin effort, •

and he should keep the best of them busy this season. “Dit” Wakeley, the crack cyclist, has had to ease up in his work lately but he should soon be out again and perhaps in a week or two he will be found extending his confreres on thc asphalt tracks. An Acquiistion. V decided acquisition to the ranks of the Wanganui Club should be Jack Hare, of the Technical College, for he has. done over 20ft in the broad jump and sft sin in the high jump. Jack has a lot of pace too, and will be of. much assistance to his club. Several new members of the AVanganui Club have been out on tho tracks doing steady work and with the right coaching they should turn out more than useful. Guy Broad in Sydney. Advice has been received to the effect that Guy Broad won the 220 | yards hurdles in thc inter-dub contest at thc East Sydney v. Kingston meet-

ing at Sydney on October 20. Scott, who represented New South Wales at the Australian anti New Zealand championship meeting at Wellington last season, finished second to Broad. Both are rmmbers of the East Sydney Club. J. Lnnkpy. the New Zealand and Australian champion walker, will not bo a compctitltor this season as his

doctor advised that a rest was essential. King. Elliott, formerly one of the leading field event exponents in Wanganui, is hard at work with shot and javelin in Wellington. Ho should show a bllmprovement this season.