AUCKLAND AMATEUR ATHLETIC AND CYCLE CLUB.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 50, 12 December 1891, Page 673

AUCKLAND AMATEUR ATHLETIC AND CYCLE CLUB.

SHE Auckland Amateur Athletic and ’Cycle Club, which is the strongest athletic institution in New Zealand, held its twentyfourth carnival in the Domain Ground on Saturday, November 21st, when there were nearly five thousand spectators present. Besides the usual running, jumping, and ’cycling events, a somewhat novel display was given by fifty of the Maori boys-of St. Stephen’s Native Institution, who went through the dumbbell exercises and marching and counter-marching to music under the direction of their instructor, Professor Carrollo. It proved one of the best sights ever seen in Auckland.

The ptincipal winner at the sports was James H. Buchanan (the champion sprinter), who has a very pretty action, getting over the ground in an astonishing manner for so young a runner. Buchanan is not yet twenty years of age, and stands 5 feet 9 inches high, yet he lias already made a name for himself on the running track, and gives .promise of even better performances. Buchanan made his

maiden effort at the last championship sports held in Auckland on February 6th and 7th, when he ran in the handicap events, but was unplaced with 7 yards in 120, and 8 yards in the 300. His next appearance was at the March sports of the Auckland Athletic Club, when he won the 100 yards with 3J, yards start in 10 2 sth sec, and the 200 yards with 7£ yards start in 20 2 sth sec. These placed Buchanan first for the Club’s handsome Victor ludorum which he now holds. His third and latest appearance was at the last sports on November 21st, when by his performances he stamped himself as the fastest amateur sprinter in Auckland. He started no less than six times during the afternoon, viz , 100 yards championship, time to 10 4 sth sec (won hands down) ; 120 yards handicap (second heat), from the half yard mark, time 12 1 sth sec ; 120 yards (final heat), time 12 l-stih sec ; the run off of the dead heat in the 120 yards, time 12 1 sth sec ; 220 yards handicap (second heat), from the 1 yard mark, time 23 2 sth (after being penalised 2 yards), the final heat of the 220 yards in 23 l-sth sec (many private watches made it 22 l-sth sec). In all these races, he finished first. J. C. Hutchison is one of the best-known amateur runners in Auckland, particularly on account of his splendid run in the quarter mile championship of New Zealand in February last, when, after one of the best races ever seen in Auckland, he was beaten by a stride by W. T. MacPherson, the New South Wales crack, in the good time of 50 2 sth sec. Hutchison’s victories include a first in the 300 yards ladies’ bracelet with 20 yards start on February 25th, 1888 ; second in quarter-mile with 22 yards on November 28th, 1888 ; third in quarter mile with 5 yards on April 6th, 1889; first in quarter-mile with 10 yards in 53 4 sth sec. on November 30th, 1889 ; second in quarter-mile from scratch, being just beaten by J. Hill with 25 yards start in 51 15 sec. ; first in quarter-mile from scratch on November 21st, 1891, in 53 4 sth sec. Hutchison also represented Auckland

at the New Zealand Championship meeting in 1889, but failed to distinguish himself. He has also been selected as one of the four to compose a New Zealand team to invade England next year, but it has not yet been definitely settled whether the tour will eventuate, but we are sure that should J. C. Hutchison measure strides with any of the English cracks we would have little fear of the New Zealander disgracing himself. H. H. Dacre, the winner of the victor ludorum for ’cyclists at the last sports, is only a young rider, but gives great promise of becoming a fast pecllar. His victories on November 21st were first in the 1 and 3-mile, second in the 5-mile, and third in the 2-mile bicycle handicaps. J. Selby is a rider that has had very bard luck on the racing track. He started ’cycling in 1883, and has been a constant competitor at all the Club’s sports. He is much faster on the road than on the grass track, and has established a 20 mile road record for Auckland, having ridden from Papakura to Auckland in Ihr. 29min. 35sec. Selby has ridden the same roadster machine, a 54-inch Budge, since 1883. His victory in the 5-mile bicycle handicap at the last sports was a most popular one, and Selby was loudly cheered as be passed the winning post. Selby, who is well-built, and has a fine physique, unfortunately has the misfortune to be deaf and dumb.