ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 318, 27 August 1896, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

A meeting of the committee of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club was held at the club-room of the Metropolitan Hotel on Friday evening last, when several items of correspondence were dealt with. Mr Harley, secretary of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, forwarded a communication confirming the report that the championship meeting of 1897 would be held at Auckland during February next, and wishing the Club a successful gathering. The Auckland Eight Hours’ League wrote asking the sanction of the Club to place amateur events on the programme of the Eight Hours Demonstration Sports, and, after discussion, it was decided to recom-

mend the N.Z.A.A A. to permit four events to be granted, two for pedestrians and two for wheelmen. A letter was received from Mr G-oddard, secretary of the New South Wales Athletic Association, inviting members of the New Zealand clubs to take part in the New South Wales championship meeting, at Sydney, on October sth, It was agreed to write to Messrs Brady and Creamer (walking champions), and. Messrs W. Martin and T. Roberts (hurdle champions), asking them if they would be prepared to make the journey if chosen to represent the Auckland Club. Of these four, the

Committee intend recommending that two, if possible, be sent to the Sydney meeting. Mr 0. E. McCormack presided.

This week we give a picture of the famous Scottish athlete, Donald Dinnie. It is simply marvellous the strength that he displays, even up to the present, and in his 59th year. Only quite recently he 1 ifted the 2001 b weight four times. “ The champion athlete of the world,” as he is fully entitled to be called, was born at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on the 10th July, 1837. He stands 6ft lin in his shoes, weighs in his best form

2201b5, measures 48in round the chest, biceps 16|in, thigh 26|in, calf 17£in. I e first appeared in the athletic arena when only sixteen years of age, consequently he has been before the public for forty-three years. During that time he has won ten money prizes, and over one hundred champion medals, cups, etc. At wrestling he has never been beaten in his own native style. Here are a few of his performances :— In 1871, at Coupar, Angus, he threw the 161 b hammer, fair stand, 138 ft Bin; at Stonehaven in 1873 he threw a 221 b hammer, fair stand, 104 ft 6in ; at Coupar, Angus, in 1868, he put the 221 b stone 39ft 9in ; at Perth in 1868 he put the 161 b stone 49ft 6in ; at Glasgow in 1874 he put the 141 b stone 52ft; at Aberdeen in 1868 he threw a 561 b weight by ring, fair stand (total length, including ring, Min), 28ft 4in; at running high jump he has cleared sft Ilin ; 20ft lin at running long leap ; and 44ft at hop, step, and jump ; he has run 100yds in 10 2-ssec ; at Turriff in 1860 he got a record of 6ft 2ft at running high leap. 1 must agree with the Edinburgh Courant of May 18th, 1880, in an article on athletic sports, which says: “ Donald Dinnie recalls to us the labours of Hercules and the feats of Samson.”

The champion distance runner, Bell, of Manawatu, is to take up his permanent residence in Auckland. This will augment our ranks over the long journeys, and we can well do with such a man in view of the big ’97 gathering.