WANGANUI’S COOK'S GARDENS TRACK IS KNOWN OVERSEAS

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 February 1949, Page 4

WANGANUI’S COOK'S GARDENS TRACK IS KNOWN OVERSEAS

“Wanganui is known overseas because of its track on Cook's Gardens, on which Doug. Harris, in his memorable run with the American, John Fulton, registered such fast time for the 880yds., back in 1947.” said the youthful Australian world-famous athlete, Morris Curotta, in an interview yesterday with the "Chronicle.”

"To reach world class in athletics a runner must have modern training facilities and cinder tracks," said Curotta.

He said the tour so far had been dogged by bad weather, which had militated against fast times. Curotta is an old boy of the Christian Brothers School, Sydney, which is noted for its scholastic and athletic prowess. After competing at the Olympic Games last year he returned to school and left last November. His best times at school in 1947, were 9.7 for the 100 yards, 22Jsec. for the 220, and 50.8 for the 440. He holds the Australian and N.S.W. open and native records for the 400 metres at 47sec., established last year. A twin brother, Ivan Curotta, was a member of the school first Rugby fifteen and was a member of the first eleven for live years.

Two famous footballers turned out from the Christian Brothers' School. Sydney, are Dave Brown, the former Australian Rugby League captain, and Cyril Towers, the former Australian Rugby captain who played on Spriggens Park in 1928. It is Curotta's intention to enter Seaton Hall University, New Jersey. U.S.A., at a future dale to study for the dental profession. Curotta and his team mates will appear on Cook’s Gardens tonight.