ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 303, 14 May 1896, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

PRESENTATION TO MR J. F. LOGAN.

On the eve of his departure for England Mr J. F. Logan was agreeably surprised to be asked to attend at the Metropolitan Hotel on Thursday night, when the clans of the local athletic circles gathered in strong force to assist at a hearty send-off to their chief, and also to make him a presentation. Mr B. J. Esam (vice-president and treasurer of the metropolitan club) presided, and had on his right Mr L. A. Cuff (ex-secretary of the N.Z. Amateur Athletic Association), on the left being seated Mr Logan and Messrs. Frank Lawry (M.H.R.) and Buchanan (president of the North Shore Club). Mr Esam, in rising to make the presentation to Mr Logan of an album containing the signatures of 336 athletes, said no one who had been identified with Mr Logan in athletic work could fail to recognise his ability, knowledge of rules, and sterling worth, and he had always been of great assistance to the local associations, and he had ever been assiduous in attending to the duties pertaining to president of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, vice-president of the North Shore Club, and local delegate of the N.Z. Amateur Athletic Association ;

while even the cricketers would have occasion to remember him as a vicepresident of their association. Several other speakers (including Mr L. A. Cuff, recently from Canterbury) referred to Mr Logan's valuable services in the interests of athletics. Mr Esam then presented the album, which was beauti fully bound in morocco, and contained the signatures of no less than 336 athletes, including the officials of the Auckland and North Shore Clubs, the, executive of the N.Z.A.A.A, the executive of the Cambridge Club, and the N.Z. Cricket Council. The frontispiece comprised a very handsome illuminated address, bordered with artistic imitations of athletes participating in the several branches of outdoor pastimes, a view of the Domain cricket ground and pavilion, with a match in progress, and a view of the North Shore and Rangitoto. The address was as follows: —“ Auckland, May 7th, 1896. To Jas. Fowlds Logan, Esq. Dear Sir, —We cannot allow you to depart from Auckland, for probably a considerable period, without expressing our sincere regard and esteem towards you. As president -of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, vice-president of the North Shore Athletic Club, local officer of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic

Association, and vice-president of the Auckland Cricket Association, you have for many years identified yourself with us, and it affords us great pleasure to convey to you our high appreciation of the inestimable services you have rendered towards the development and welfare of all branches of outdoor sport, and the able manner in which you have fulfilled the responsible duties attaching to the offices mentioned. Your enthusiasm has been an admirable example for many of us to imitate, and by your courtesy, tact, consideration, and encouragement, our institutions have been greatly benefited. In wishing you good bye, we ask your acceptance of this memento of our regard, which is accompanied by our best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of yourself, Mrs Logan, and daughter.” [Then followed the signatures.] Mr Logan suitably replied, and expressed his regret at severing his ties with Auckland for a lengthened period. He concluded by stating that he proposed to offer a challenge cup to be run for as the committee may decide. (Cheers.) Mr Logan, as president of the Auckland Athletic Club, presented the prizes won at the meeting in aid of the Brunner Relief Fund. Mr Logan concluded by announcing that Messrs. Read Bros.

would give a valuable gold medal for competition next year. Songs and recitations were given during the evening, which was most sociable, and after three cheers, “a safe passage and quick return ” to Mr Logan, and “ Auld Lang Syne ” in good old Scottish style, the evening’s enjoyment terminated.

At a meeting of the 1895-96 General Committee of the English Amateur Athletic Association, held on March 14th, the following walking records, recommended by the Southern committee, were passed Two miles walking, by W. J. Sturgess ; time, 13min 44sec, at Windsor and Eton Sports, September 26th, 1895. Records made at the Polytechnic Harriers’ Meeting at Wembly Park, December 26th, 1895 : Eleven miles walking, by W. J. Sturgess, lhr 29min 32 4-ssec ; thirteen miles walking, by E. Knott, lhr 45min 6 4-ssec fourteen miles walking, by E. Knott, lhr 53min 36 2-ssec ; fifteen miles walking, by E. Knott, 2hrs 2min 57 4-ssec. The twelve-mile record of lhr 39min 55 2-ssec, made by W. J. Sturgess in the same race, was refused because E. Knott undoubtedly beat it, but as Knott’s time was not taken at that distance he could not be credited with Sturgess’ time, which he certainly beat.

Very few people were surprised when they heard of Peart’s death at Sydney. Hardly a spectator at Fitzgerald’s Circus came away with any other opinion than that it was only a question of time, and he would break his neck doing the tank trick. Still the public like sensationalism, and support a suicidal sort of act like Peart’s. He was undoubtedly foolish, and has paid the penalty which he has been courting for some time. Fortunately, few people in the circus in Sydney, where the fatal dive took place, knew that anything had happened to Peart. His diving act was always the last on the programme, consequently when Peart disappeared into the tank and was being drawn up the side, the crowd began to disappear as quick as possible. The H awkes Bay Amateur Athletic Club (writes our Napier correspondent) held their Autumn Meeting at the recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon. There was only a limited attendance. Following are the results : —Maiden Race 150 yards—C. L. St. Hill 1, J. Riddell 2, T. Baker 3. Time, 17sec. Three Mile Walk —D. Jameson, 250yds, 1; J. Hamilton, scratch, 2. Time, 26min Hundred Yards Handicap.—First heat: A. H. Holder, scratch, 1; G. Heslop, 11yds, 3 : W. Woods, 10yds, 3. Time, 10 4-ssec. Second heat: R. Neagle, 7yds, 1 ; R. Riddell, 10yds, 2 ; J. Ryan, 4yds, 3. Time, 10 4-ssec. Final: Holder 1, Heslop 2, Neagle 3. Time, 10 l-ssec. Won on the post. One Mile —0. L. St. Hill, 80yds, 1 ; H. Marshall, 50yds, 2 ; H. G. Anderson, 25yds, 3. Time, 4min 36sec. 250 Yards Club Championship —J. Ryan 1, F. P. St. Hill 2, W. Woods 3. Won very easily. Time, 29sec. Hurdles, 440 Yards—A. H. Holder, scratch, 1 ; R. Neagle, 25yds, 2 ; A. G. Balfour, 35yds, 3. The winner jumped none too well, but succeeded in beating the record, held by Roberts of Auckland, by 1-5 of a second. Time, 60sec. Putting the Shot—Fahey 1., Bracelet, 440yds— C. L. St. Hill, 35yds, 1; heslop, 35yds, 2. Time, 62sec. Long Jump —Neagle (2ft 6in), 19ft 7in, 1. Half-Mile Officials Bicycle Race —J. E. Conell, ;scratch, I.x* Half-Mile—Baker, 40yds, 1; Hamilton, 55yds, 2. Time, 2min 16sec.