ATHLETICS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1122, 12 October 1911, Page 12

ATHLETICS

The King’s College annual sports are to be held at the Domain on Thursday, October 19, and, judging by the record entries received, some fine athletic contests should be witnessed. The annual sports gathering of this leading Auckland college now ranks as the finest athletic fixture held on the Domain, and each year becomes increasingly popular.

In the 120 yards hurdle championship of New South Wales, run on October 2, the most notable thing about the event was the appearance of H. St. Aubyn Murray, the well-known New Zealand one-time champion. Murray, who had not had a shoe on for some eighteen months, managed

to secure second place, although very tired at the end of the journey. The winner was W. Fraser, South Sydney, whose time was 17sec. He had four yards to spare. Murray won his heat in 18 3-ssec. * * * * After Donaldson’s defeat of Holway in the 130 yards sprint championship, it was fully expected that a challenge to the winner would follow from AB. Postle. A cable from Melbourne on Tuesday confirms this, as Jack Donaldson and Postle have signed articles to run over 80, 100 and 110 yards for the world’s sprint championship on November 13. The match is certain to cause far greater interest than the recent Donaldson-Hol way contest, for the distances appear to have been arranged so as to give each man an equal chance of victory. On past form it looks as though the 80 yards event will fall to Postle, while Donaldson’s recent performances suggest that he will win the 110 yards. Over 100 yards the pair are very evenly matched, and a sterling contest is anticipated in this event. * * * * The New Zealanders, L. C. McLachlan and W. F. Trembath, were competitors at the Eight Hour Sports on October 2, says the “Sydney Referee.” Trembath turned out several times without success, but veteran “Lockie” McLachlan annexed the 880 yards handicap from the 20 yards’ mark in convincing style. A writer in the well-known English paper “Sporting Life” has been interesting himself in the possible personnel of the athletic team to represent Australasia at the 1912 Olympic Games at Stockholm, and his remarks may well bear repeating:—As for Australasia, it cannot be too plainly stated (he observes) that we have never seen the “Kangaroo” team as a team this year. Illness and breakdowns have spoiled their chances. Yet Ronald Opie is unquestionably a

great sprinter. Ere leaving for home he told us he fully intends to be back next year and show us what he can do. W- A. Woodger is just finding some form, but is not so certain. G. A. Wheatley is a good half-miler, but scarcely up to the form of our best men; but perhaps W. G. Harding, the New Zealander, may be picked next year. However, there are others in reserve. G. N. Hill, the New Zealand distance man, is said to be an out-and-out champion. G. P. Keddell, their hurdle crack, is a man who hurdles after the American style, while J. L. Davis, of Victoria, holds the world’s record of 57 l-ssec over 3ft. 6in- hurdles. W . Longworth, the swimmer, is said to be more than the equal of Hardwick, while in L. H. Kelly, Victoria has a jumper who looks likely to make a world beater. South Africa may not appeal’ quite as strong, but with recollections of Reggie Walker and V. Duncker we need not doubt that the Cape would send us men of much merit.