HARRIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 112, 13 May 1936, Page 4

HARRIERS

—(B.

JOG. TROT.")

Judging by the enthusiasm displayed at the opening run on .Saturday afternoon the 193 b season should be a su«cessful one for the Y.M.C.A. Harrier Club. Members of the Wanganui and Marton Clubs and officials, too. were present and partieipateu in the opening run. • • • • The committee of the club appreciates the assistance given by the ladies’ auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. in providing afternoon tea for club memuOrs and visitors. A big “spread” was provided by the ladies and was appreciated by those present. This no doubt contributed to some extent to thy success of the afternoon. The club is also indebted to- the Mayor of Wanganui, Mr. W. J. Koge.s, for officially opening the season. His presence no doubt created more interest in the sport and resulted in a large crowd gathering at the Y.M.C.A. build ing to witness the finish of the run. More than 40 members of the three clubs participated in the run and were sent away by Mrs. N. Wallace, wife of the president of the club. The run was over an easy course and although a considerable amount of mud was passed through, members enjoyed themselves thoroughly. J. Couchman (Y.M.C.A.). a newcomer to the sport, ran well in the run-in t‘» win the novice grade. He was followed by K. O’Donnell (Wanganui; u-ad Cox (Wanganui). In the senior pack, A Bourgeois’, Wanganui, was the first man across the finishing line. K. Johnston and P. Dix (both members of the Wanngaui Club; were second and third respectively. The dance in the Y.MjC.A. hall in lie evening was attended by a large crowd of dancers who spent an enjoyable time. The financial result of the evening was satisfactory to the committee. Opportunity was taken during the visit of .members of t<iu -Marton Club to arrange an inter-club fixture. Bo bn clubs agreed to find a trophy for the event which will be conducted on the same lines as the inter-club runs between the Masterton and Wanganui Clubs. The date for the first “leg’' of this contest was suggested as June 20, at Marton.

The Y.M.C.A. Club is fortunate m having Mr. J. Silkstone as a supporter. Mr. Silkstonc, who was formerly a member of the Salford Harrier Club, one of the leading English Clubs, is keen on lending his assistance to the club. No doubt his knowledge of the sport will prove of value to elub members. This season the programme committee of the Y.M.C.A. Club intends to arrange a number of novelty events euc>h as inter-team relay races, each member to run two miles. 'The Board of Directors of the Y.M.C.A. has donated a handsome shield for competition in inter-teams relays. The Y.M.C.A. Club 's run next Saturday will be held under the whistle of the. club captain, J. Paterson, over an easy course of about live miles. Arrangements are being made to provide competitors with afternoon tea at the conclusion of the race. It is imp-na-tive that every member of the clu.; should attend as several important club matters are to be discussed. It is understood that a proposal is under way to form a harrier club in Palmerston North. Such a move would be welcome in Wanganui and the new club would secure the co-operation ot the Wanganui clubs. Athletics have not a strong hold in Palmerston North and the formation of a harrier club will probably give a boost to this sport also. In a city of Palmerston North’s population there must be some good talent going to waste.

The Masterton Harrier Club held a 5.1-mile run on Saturday afternoon, 2o members competing under excellent conditions. C. Talbot, «. Kempton and E Creswell were first, second, and third respectively. The Kiatere Club, Masterton, held a friendly run under the whistle of its captain, a run-in being held over the final quarter-mile. The runners were dispatched in t-ree packs. The Olympic Harrier Club. Wellington, held'its opening two races on Saturday in fine weather over a three-mile course. The maiden handicap was won by a new member, A. Shaw, with a handicap of three minutes. S. Bold, another new member, was second, and A. Magnusson was third. Tire Brooklyn Harrier Club's race drew 30 members who were dispatched in four packs. A fast pace was maintained over the distance, which was about 5 or 0 miles. * The Scottish club held a race oyer 'a six-mile course, the run-in over the final 300 yards seeing G. Buchanan 1. Tritt, and' A. W. Brown filling the first three places. « * The Wellington Presbyterian Club s run over a 61-mile course attracted 4cornpetitors. A run-in was held over tae final 200 yards and resulted in a win for A. Napier wit,hy._Bennett,jewn-h