ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 900, 6 June 1907, Page 10

ATHLETICS.

DAY BEATS McLACHLAN. The match between the English champion, B. R. Day, and L. C. McLachlan took place at the Caledonian Grounds on Monday. Three distances were run, the first being the 200yds, which fell to the New Zealander, who cut it out in 21 l-ss. The second distance was 300yds, which the Irish runner pulled off in 32 2-ss. With a win to each, interest in the final was very great. This was run over a quarter of a mile, Day winning in 53 2-5 s. Evidently his previous exertions must have taken the steam out of McLachlan, as he is easily capable of beating such poor time for the 440yds. THE 9st 71b CHAMPIONSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND. GODFREY AND GAULT MAKE A DRAW. People fairly poured into the Albert Hall on Monday evening to see the 15-round fight between Godfrey and Gault, and the place was thronged with spectators. James Godfrey, who came not long since from England, has shown particularly good work here, and he was favourite, while the Aucklander, Gault, who is known as a strong, heady fighter, had plenty of admirers. Mr. Donovan acted as referee, but as there was an absence of anything approaching foul play, he had but little to do but give a decision. Patrons who had gorie to the theatre expecting a willing and determined fight, went home without seeing anything approaching it. Fifteen rounds of light sparring is apt to become monotonous. Not one heavy blow was struck through the entire proceedings, which were just about as tame as a Sunday-school social. Godfrey was perhaps a trifle the cleverer boxer, but he rarely attempted to use his right, and there was no power behind his blows. Gault was expected to attempt to go in and mix it, but preferred the woodpecker method, and his gentle taps did no harm. Nobody was sorry when the exhibition came to an end, Mr. Donovan announcing a draw, a verdict which was received with applause. In the amateur class (9st 71b) McKenzie, of Waihi, beat J. Henderson, of Auckland, in four willing rounds, a big contrast to the professional spar. Metcalf, of South Africa, beat Percy Jackson, of Sydney (lOst class), in two lively and exciting rounds. Hunter of Auckland, fought a fourround draw with McClennen, of Cambridge, in which both men mixed matters all through, and were warmly applauded. The management and general arrangements were excellent.