SPEED THRILLS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20389, 4 January 1938, Page 10

SPEED THRILLS

MORRINSVILLE CARNIVAL

MIDGET CARS AND CYCLING 10,000 SPECTATORS PRESENT (Special Reporter.) MORRINSVILLE. Monday. The great enterprise of the Morrinsville Sports' Club and the progress made in Hie past year were made manifest at the Morrinsville speedway today. when the club's second annual >ports carnival was held in excellent weather. Although severely handicapped by inclement weather at their initial meeting last year, the club had made every effort to present a programme larger than any ever seen in the district, and the result of their efforts was witnessed by about 10,000 people.

The meeting. I lie last of a circuit of three, featured the final appearance of the Australian cycling team, Jack Fitzgerald. “Speed” Morgan and Jack Middleton, prior lo ihoir return to Australia. and also provided the spectators with an opportunity io see Dwiart Garter, the American midget car racer, in action. The latter event was a new departure for the eluh and was further evidence of its desire to present a varied programme.

The Australian cyclists were rather severely handicapped in most events, hut in Hie match races they exhibited a fine understanding of the sport. Professional cyclists from all parts of New Zealand were present and acquitted themselves creditably in most events. The professional runners and the wrestling team from Auckland also provided a good measure of bright entertainment. Australians In Match Raoes The three match races between the Australians and three New Zealanders aroused keen interest and provided a tine standard of riding. In the first match, between J. Bicknell (Auckland) and “Speed” Morgan, the New Zealander took the lead and, although closely pressed by Morgan, won by half a wheel in a thrilling sprint. J. Fitzgerald (Australia) and G. Hall (Christchurch) were next matched, and the Australian lived up to his reputation. showing the spectators a fine display of tactics and a spectacular sprint. Matched with Jack Middleton (Australia), the Hamilton rider, J. Harcourt, gave a great display and won with a fairly handy margin. In the final, Harcourt took the lead early, Blcknell lying second and Fitzgerald riding quietly behind them. Fitzgerald took the New Zealanders by surprise, however, and. although strongly challenged by Bicknell, held off the opposition with a devastating sprint in the home straight.

A steady standard of riding was seen in the two-mile New Zealand championship event, which drew a good field. P. Bicknell and J. Bicknell (Auckland) and A. Sheat (Te Aroha) kept to the front for a time, but the thrills were seen in the last lap. R. Johnstone (Christchurch) had taken the lead but J. Harcourt (Hamilton) sprinted well to overtake him. However, P. Bicknell and C. Hall (Christchurch) passed Ihe post first with Harcourt a short distance away. There, was a time limit on the race, which was run in 5m 10 2-ss, and after a sitting of the snorts committee it was decided to withhold the championship title. The. trophy attached to the face was presented to Bicknell by the club president, Mr D. Barlow. Thrilling Car Racing

Gerry Mathicson (Auckland) and Dw’art Carter (U.S.A.) gave a good exhibit ; on in the two-lap midget car event, the American gaining the decision. lie covered the distance in 54 i-ss, and gave a splendid exhibition of the sport. The day's proceedings were broadcast on the ground through the Dixon . Public Address System by Mr W. Howard. Eulogistic reference to the enterprise of the club was made through the public address system by Mr R. Coulter, M.P. for "Waikato, who also referred to the Government’s recognition of the value of sport and the part they were playing in encouraging such meetings as that held at Morrinsville. The results of the day's events were as follows: — Cycling Hair-mile Open Handicap.—First beat: P. Blcknell (Auckland), 30yds, 1; L. Barr. (onehunga), 85yd=, 2; K. Knight (Auck- j land), 7 svds. B; time 5 8 3-5-s. Second i heut: E. Wilson (Whakatane), Gsyds, 1; | S. J. Ward (Auckland), 55yds, 2; C. Knight j (Auckland), Loyds, 3; time 58 3-ss. Third heat; K. L. Fish (Tauranga), 30yds, I; K. J Hannah (Wahiou). 85yds. 2; A. MofTatt ; (Walhl), 55yds, 3; time 58 2-ss. Fourth j heat: T. Horner (Ponsonby). 80yds. I: N. i Healey (Auckland), 90yds, 2; J. Birknell j (Auckland), 70yds, 3; time 58 1-5. Final: ; K. Knight (Auckland), 75yds. I T. Hor- | ner (Ponsonby), 80yds, 2; N. Healey (Auck- | laud), oovds. Time, 1 in 0 1-s*. , One Mile Maiden.—First heat: C. Knight i (Auckland) I. K'ellett (Auckland) 2,: W. J. Marlin (Wellington- 3; time. 2m 235. Second heat: 0. Hills (Ponsonby) j 1. M. C.olTev - Waihi • 2. T. Skilllngton ; (Waihou) 3: time 2m 28s. Final; r. ; Knight 'Auckland) 1. W. J. Mart’n (Wei- | llngton i 2. T. 'kimngtou (Waihou) 3;', I 'one* Mile Open Handicap—First tmat:' S. J. Ward (Auckland). 95yds. I: I. Caul- , roil .Wellington -. 120yds. 2; J. Fitzgerald i (Australia-. 3f time 2m 12 !-ss. Second | heat: C. Had < Clirlstchnrch,. 15yds. 1 : J. Harcourt ' Hanrl’on ). 55yd*. 2 : .1. Middleton (Australia ). 3<».vds. 3; time 2rn 13 t -ss. Tlurd heat: T. Horner (Ponsonby). 90yds. I; O. k’ingsrord (Waihi). 110yds, 2; A. Sbeat 'Te Aroha-. 53yds. 3; time 2m 7 1 -ss. Fourth heat: I. Barr (Oneluinsra). 150yds. 1: R. \b=olmn ' Auckland-. 110yds. 2: W. Prafey (Auckland!. 55vds. 3; time 2m Bs. Final: T. Horner (Ponsonby) 1. E. Wilson (Whakatane) 2. 1. Caulton (Wellington) 3*; time 2m 1 1-SS. New Zealand Professional Championship; two miles: New Zealand riders only.—P. Birknell (Auckland) 1. C. Hall (Christchurch) 2. J. Harcourt (HamiPon) 3; time 5m 10 2-ss. (Title withheld.) Youths’ One-mile Handicap; 18 years and under.—T. Skimrnrton (Waihou), 195yds, 1; S. McLean (Pnkekohe). 195vds. 2; J. Bicknell (Auckland), 60yds. 3. Three Miles Cvcle Handieap: New Zealand nders only.—First race: K. Knight Auckland-. 120yds, 1; J. Blcknell (Auckland-. 21 Ovds, 0: A. 11. Kincade (New Plymouth). 110yds. 3: time 7m 16 1-s=. -Second raep: 1.. B. Carr (Wa ; kare), 90vds. 1; A. Moffat t (W.rhi-. 8 syd = , 2; D. Kingsford (Waihi), 110yds. 3; time 7m Bill Hendry Junior Derby: 20 laps.—J. Bicknell (Auckland-. 3 1 points. 1: K. L. Fi=h (Tauransra). 14 pts., 2; F. Hannah (Waihou). 8 pts.. 3. I an Race of 30 T no-c—W. Pratney (Auckland). 27 pts.. 1: P. BicknpU (Auckland). 16 pts., 2; J. Harcourt (Hamilton-, 12 Pts., 3. One Mile Consolation Handicap.—b. K-ntrsford -Waihi), 1: A. 11. Kincade (New Plymouth), 2; O. L. Parker (New Plymouth) 3. Time 2m 4 4-ss. Running 130 Yards Open Handicap.—M. G. Mavo (Katikati), 6yds, i : j. O’llearn (Uordontoiu, 12yds, 2; C. Fox (Auckland), lyd, 3. Time 12 3-ss. Y-wds O’-en Handieap.—G. R. Irving (Matamata), 17yds., 1; A. Gilmore (WaiUMi). - Fox - Auckland), 3yds, 8811 Yards Open Handicap.—A. Gilmore (Waiuku). 15yds, l; W. J. Wells (Rata- I piko), luyds, 2; It. A. Fagan iWaitoa), !

25yds, 3. Time 2m 2 2-ss. too Yards Maiden.—M. Kiely (Te Aroha) 1, J. H. uarnham (Orini) 2. Time lis. One Mile Open Handicap C. P. Hoyle (Waihi), 55yds, l: W. J. Wells (Rataplko), 20yds, 2; R. A. Fagan (Waltoa), 65yds, 3. Time, 4m 41s. TOO Yards; gills under 16.—J. Keating 1, P. McPherson 2, .N. Farrell 3. 100 Yards; boys under 16.—1. Herbert 1, C. East 2, D. Lynch 3. Wrestling A 21 ft -wrestling ring had been erected on the grounds and with six Auckland wrestlers taking part, a series of bright I and exciting bouts was witnessed. 1 Tbe first bout, between V. Rawle (Auckland), lost Tibs, and D. Williamson (AuckI land), lost slbs, was productive or a good i mea>ure of showmanship and a wide vuri tety of holds. Rawle took the decision, I securing a l all in the second round. In | the second bout J. Reece (Morrinsville), i lost 13lbs, and (i. Spice (Morrinsville). I lost 12Jbs, also gave a good showing, tbe ! result going to Reece who secured a fall ! with a bod.v press in tbe second round. I The liehtwelghts. T. Harvey (Auckland), i sst 13 lbs. anti Pekin (Morrinsville), Bst 1 libs, were an agile pair and gave tbe spectators three bright rounds. Pinning his opponent with a body press in tbe sec- | ond round. Harvey gained the decision. In i the heavyweight division F. Irvine ( \uck- : land . I 2st I olbs. wrestled well and gained ! the decision from F. storey (Auckland), j 12st 12lbs. The decision in the special I bout wont lo V. Rawle (Auckland), tost , ?lh=. who boat D. Willetts (Morrinsville*,, io=t Tibs, on points. ,1. Pekin (Morrfns- ; ville*. lost Gibs, beat .1. William (Morrinsville). lost 7lbs. by two rails. W. Williamson (Auckland). 9st Tibs, bear T. Harvey (Auckland). 9st 2 lbs, on points.