AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Wairarapa Daily Times, 8 December 1937, Page 3

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

WAIRARAPA SUB-CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT. “For several seasons, amateur athletics in the Wairarapa have hardly been riding the crest of popular favour, and when one recalls the outstanding athletes this district has produced, it is particularly regrettable that public interest in the sport should be so small," states' the annual report of the Wairarapa Sub-Centre, N.Z.A.A.A., to be presented at the annual meeting to be held in the Municipal Buildings tonight at 7.30 o 'clock. r ‘ ‘ Since the War,” the report continues, “the Wairarapa has given to athletics no less than six New Zealand and two Australasian champions. George Harvey was the national pole vault champion and record holder several years, his brother Bill, the best hammer thrower for his inches that this country has ever had, was a New Zealand and Australasian champion, W. Candy, a quartermile title holder, H. and T. Oakley won many national cycling titles, and, of course, Masterton was the home of the one and only Randolph Rose. No country district, indeed, can claim such a record. The exploits of Rose naturally made athletics very popular in the Wairarapa and when in defeating Lloyd Ilahn in 1926, he created his world’s grass track record of 4mins. 13 3-ssecs., there were many thousands present. The Masterton Club’s Anniversary Day fixture was for many seasons one of the most popular and best gatherings in the Wellington province, but during the last few years it has not received the support it deserves. There seems no great reason at all why the sport should not recover its former prestige' here, for, together with its fine traditions, the district has, in the Park Oval, perhaps the fastest grass track in the world. Another Randolph Rose would perhaps be a miracle, but it would be a miracle of the nlVst pleasant kind.”

“The activities of the past year call for little or no comment. From the point of view of the clubs under our jurisdiction the season was an improvement on the preceding one but unfortunately the infantile paralysis epidemic interferred with a number of annual gatherings, thus restricting the competitive work of the athletes. The two harrier clubs, Masterton and Kiatere both enjoyed successful seasons and from a financial and numerical point of view must be two of the strongest clubs in New Zealand. Tips Masterton Amateur Athletic Club, which is the largest in the district, has started off this season in good style and anticipates one of the best years for some considerable time. The attitude of the Government towards sport and the increased leisure, consequent upon shorter working hours, give reason for hope that taken right through there may be a distinct revival of interest in the sport this season. The presence of a New Zealand team at the British Empire Games at Sydney should account for keener public interest. The inauguration of local inter-house competitions, it is felt, would do much stimulate interest and attract additional active competing members and a move in that direction is to be made this season. “Good work continues to be done at the primary and secondary schools but it is a matter for regret that comparatively few of the boys maintain their interest in the sport after leaving school. This is a matter that the teachers might very well take up. Our association with the Wellington Centre has been most pleasant during the year' and we extend our thanks to the officials for their courtesy. Thanks are also due to the sub-centre delegates and club secretaries and officials for their energy and enthusiasm during the season. We trust that this season will witness a return to more .successful and happier times for all concerned with the sport.