ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XII, 20 September 1902, Page 724

ATHLETICS.

Mr G. W. Smith, of this city, who has returned from England after winning the 12Oyds hurdles championship at Stamford Bridge, London, on July Gth -was welcomed home by. his fellow - members of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cyclo Club on Saturday night at the Federal Club-rooms, Mi - C. E. McCormick presided over a large and cordial gathering, and among those present was the Mayor (Mr A. Kidd). Mr John Marshall, vice-president, wrote apologising for his absence, and a telegram was read from Mi- W. J. Napier, M.H.R., regretting his inability to be present to welcome one who had so worthily upheld Auckland in the athletic field of Great Britain After the toast of “The King” had been honoured, the chairman proposed the health of “The Guest of the Evening.” He made a neat, speech, congratulating the champion, and referring to his creditable achievements at the New Zealand and Australasian Championship Meetings. After he had broken the Australasian record for the 120yds hurdles last year it was decided to send him to England to compete in the 120yds hurdles championship there. It was a matter of history how well he had fulfilled that mission. They had seen many great athletes, but he (the chairman) had known none with so long a career of continued success as Smith had experienced. The popular athlete was received with warm cheering on rising to respond. He expressed h’s gratitude at the kindness shown him, and gave n resume of the events in which lie and W. F. Simpson, of Christchurch, had competed. They hand landed in England in a fog, and there being no one to meet them they had to wander about looking for lodging for three days. As a result, they had only 14 days to train for their first race in England. Some thought that in the race he had gone to represent the colony in he might have put up better time than 16sec., but he had been sent to win a race, not to put up a record. His companion Simpson had not won a championship, but had subsequently broken records in England.

Refreshments were handed round during the evening, and a most enjoyable time was passed. Songs were given at intervals by Messrs 11. Absolum, G. M. Reid, P. Dufaur, A, Rowe, W. George and the Coronation Quartette (Messrs G. M. Reid, A. Rowe, A. Rogerson and C. H. Young), and recitations by Messrs W. B. Eyre and J. Keenan.