THE WAVERLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9391, 18 March 1898, Page 2

THE WAVERLEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

Annual Sp«rts.

(By Our Special.)

Officivls —

Patron, G Hutchison, Esq., M.H.R ; Prefi dent, Georga Johnston, Esq ; Vice-Preji-dents, O H&wcb, R Broaier, and U Taoksou, Esqs ; Umndicaojior, Iff tioorgo Watwn: 3t«rton Mr f StclWild ; Tiraekocpor, Mr W J IJavis ; Committoo, Messrs O lohunton, jr , A Itiddsll, W O Bidilull. B MeDonaM, F Mr:»oiiati], J Kiley, J , O'Ham, J SuHer, O Wilkins, R Johnston. I | W J Da\ i 3, P H><]gett», r ud A Himiay. j Tl'el'e is no moie popular gathering on j this c.oast than that of tho Waverley I Athletic Association, the membors of I which have every reason to be proild of the efforts jiut for'lt to rater for tho public niifl to maintain a standard of efficiency hi the conduct of their annual fixture. [ Welcome rain just previous to Thursday ' (St. Patrick's Day) had materially as&isted in perfecting the well-laid down track, and the prottily-sitimtDd Domain never looked bettor. Unfoitunately, tho wdather somewhat marred tho gonoval enjoyment, for , lowering clouds in the forenoon presaged a disturbance of the elements, and about 2.50 a thunderstorm, accompanied by hail and rain, necessitated stoppages in tho programme of events, and tho laige nnra- [ bor ptesent had, porforce, to seek shelter for the time being. But eten under suoh adverse ciioumstancos those present thoroughly enjoyed tho outing. Those responsible for the general management are to bo heartily complimented on the excellence of tho arrangoments, and in this connection Mr J. W. Emmerson is entitled to unstinted praise for tho manner in which his secretarial duties wero carried out. The \! aitotara Native Brass Band contributed a number of excellent 83leotions, and Host Andrew (of the Clavondon Hotel] provided first-class refreshments of a liquid nature. The heroes I of the meeting were J. B. Woods, tho wellknown Blatarawa sprintor, in tho pedestrian ovents, and Lyon in tho biko oout tests, the former annoxing £S 15s and tho latter £11 10s, both also taking medals. | In the running high jump C. Sboahau cleaiod oft 7^in, according to tho blackboard, and was deservedly applauded for his effoit. Amongst other popular wins were those of D, J. Malone in the l2o>ds Hurdles, Southcombe in the 100 yds, Irwin fu the Half-mile, Whiting in Wio Miler'in andl3owcher in tho Two-milo looal bike handicap. Tho results woio as follow :—: — Maiden Raci\ loOyd^ flat— J. K. Noilll, A. Gußcott 2. Time, 17 2-sth sec. 100 Yvhds Fh\r— C. Southcombo 1, J. B. Woods and S. Corbettdead heat second place. Time, lOsec. The heate re&ulted : Ist, Woods, Corbett, Irwin ; 2nd, Southcomba, Malcno, Marshall ; 3id, Heslop, Clark, Bryce. M^nx Bicvor.c Handicap— H. Lyon 1, M. Ellis 2, E. Campbell 3. A pretty race ; won with excellent judgment. Time, 3min Tho preliminary heats were well contested. High Jojip— C. Sheahan (sin) sft 7Jin, T. Sheahan (sch) sft 7in. Haw-julb Fiht— 3. Irwin 1, J. Milne 2, A. Whiting 3. Won cleverly. Time, 2min 4sec. 220 Yaiids Flat— Woods 1, Clark 2, Southcombo 3. Time, 21 2-3 th sec. An csvsy win, therefore, the official time is somewhat disputable. Thhus Mim Bkvole Uakmcu I—Lyon1 — Lyon 1, George 2, Bennett and Campbell dead heat for third placo. A splendid race; won by a clear half wheel. Time, 9min 53sec. Two Mili; (local) Bicyom: Hvndicai I—S.1 — S. Bowcher 1, C. Johnston 8. The handicapper gave Bmrnoxsou a big order in this event which could not bo fulfilled 1 Huii* Milu BiCiCiji- Hancicap — Lyon 1, Ellis 2, Bennett 3. Time, lmin 25sec. A A splendidly timed run at the back of the course by the Rangitikei uder plaopd him in the van and he camo home full of running, winning somewhat easily. 120 Yabub Hbjidms— D. J. Maloue 1, T. Sheahan 2. Woods fell at the second to lust obstacle when holding a good position. Time, 19secs. Mile Handicap-- Whiting 1, Milne 2, Favr 3. Whiting never gave his opponents a chance, aud running in first-class style, won easily by any distance. Time, 4miu 47seo. 440 Yauds FtAT— Woods 1, Irwin 2. No third placed. Malone and McNeill also started. This was a hollow win for the Matarawa man, who was without doubt in excellent form. Time, sG3ecs. FivuMttß Bicycle Handicap— Bennett 1, Ellis 2. The best contested bike race of the meeting and was only won by a few inches. Bennett and Ellis deserved all the applause they received for their meritorious riding. Time 16min 58seo. CossoLiTiou, 150 yds— Gilchrist (scr) 1. Time, 17 l-sth sec. This concluded the meeting, which was got through, notwithsiasdrng delays on account of adverse weather, in good time.

In the evening a concert was held in the Town Hall, in aid of the funds of the Association., The attendance was particularly good, and the programme met with evident appreciation, for in tho majority of instances the contributors were lustily re called. Amongst the performers were— Mrs Berrit (pianist), Miss Balfour, Miss Wilkinson, Messrs J. W. Wylie, G. Edwaids (Patea), H. Greagor, G. Hamilton, Sheehan, and Irwin. A most enjoyable dance was held at the conclusion of the concert.