HARRIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 243, 14 October 1931, Page 4

HARRIERS

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The aecuud ruad race from Wangaehu to Wanganui, held on Saturday, was in every way a success. Everything went off well and there were no hitches. This reflects credit on the secretary and others who made the arrangements. It was rather unfortunate, in some respects, that the handicapping was so much in favour of the slower iunne..s for it gave the back men a very hard job to make up much of their ground. However, it will give the slower men mere confidence for future runs of such - mature and will provide experience for the handicapper when ne is framing the handicaps for next year. The fact that there were no fences or other obstacles evidently worked in favour of the handicap men. Nevertheless, young Granville in every way merited his victory, and is to be congratulated on his fine showing. Indeed, it was a day out for the Granville family, for his elder brother ran home in the fifth position and dispelled all doubts as his ability as a worker. Another outstanding performance was given by young Penberthy. It is remarkable how this youngster can plod along and place the miles behind him with such graceful ease. He finished the course in no way distressed after his journey but. on the contrary, was m better trim than some of the older and more experienced men. There was some doubt as to whether this youngster should be allowed to start in the race, but seeing that his parents were agreeable the committee decided to allow him to compete. It is stated on reliable authority that Penberthy will now “lay off’* harrier and track work for the next year and will not commence running with the club until the 1933 season. By that time he will have had time to develop further and become more hardened for the work that is ahead of him. There has been a certain amount of comment concerning the performance of this lad. But there has been no need for more than half of it, for the committee, which had its eyes on all the members, has watched his interests at all times and has had no cause for alarm. K. Johnston and Weller are to be congratulated on their performance of Saturday afternoon. The pair paced together all the way and finished in fitting style after their fast journey. In view of his recent indisposition Weller did remarkably well. F. Hoskins is another man who is deserving of congratulations. He plodder away well all the afternoon and showed some of his old form. There is no doubt that this man, with cartful and proper treatment, would be one of the best. It is to be hoped that he will take care of himself and turn up trumps next season. Bourgeois and G. Johnston made a decidedly good pair. The latter made a faster journey than his pacer, but he was unable to beat Bourgeois to the tape. Bourgeois has a useful stride which should place him ahead of many fields before he is much older. Minncli had one of his days out and showed some of his best form, for several weeks. In good trim this man takes a lot of heading. Wisnewski and Foster were two who plodded along steadily all the afternoon. They were rewarded by gaining a good position. The former has done well this season, while the latter has stuck doggedly to the sport and is making good headway. Collings and Craig evidently made up their minds to see their way through, and this they did. Although he came in last, that did not detract from the performance of Gaze, who stuck to his work well and would not take an easy way home, preferring to complete the journey regardless of the position he filled in the field. He will make good. The last official road race* of the season has been run. There will be no outing for harriers next Saturday iftcrnoon, although those members who ire expecting to take part in the road relay race to be held the following Saturday, when teams from Masterton and Wellington will be pitted against them, are advised to do so. The A team for the race to represent Wanganui has been chosen as follows: K. Johnston, C. Weller, G. Johnston, A. Bourgeois and J. Northover. Judging by last Saturday’s efforts this should be a formidable team. Northover may prove the weaker link, if his time last week is to be taken into consideration, but he can be relied upon to give a good account of himself. The other two teams will be picked shortly, and it is practically certain that Law, M. Granville, Minnell and McKay will be figuring in it. This race is one of the biggest that has been attempted in this centre, and it is up to the men representing the local club to give a good account of themselves and show cause why the event should become an annual fixture.

On Saturday afternoon two crews will represent the Wanganui Harrier Club in a sprint race against the Pirate Football Club, at the opening of the rowing season to be held at the Wanganui Club shed. When this race was held last year the harriers won the day. The Pirate crews are said to be particularly strong, and it is therefore expected that a hard race will result. Following are the crews to represent the harriers: No. 1. Crysell (str.), M. Granville (3), Bilderbeck -2), L. Bilderbeck (bow); No. 2, R. Edwards (str.). A. W. Mitchell (3), F. Hoskins (2), O. Bilderbeck (bow).

Good work was done last Saturday by Mr Helcan, the club’s official timekeeper. When it is noted that he gave up a game of golf to take over the watch it will be seen that the club has some staunch supporters. Another gentleman who did good was Mr A. C. Bourgeois. Ho has taken a prominent part in the club’s affairs recently, and his experience in sporting matters is valuable.

On the Saturday before the road race from Marton a carnival dance is to be held by the Union Boat Club and the Wanganui Harrier Club in the Druids’ Hall. All members are asked to come along and to bring their friends with them to make -the evening a success.

The winding-up function of the season will be held ou Saturday, November 7. when the presentation of trophies will take place. Members are