ATHLETICS REVIVAL.

New Zealand Tablet, 12 February 1920, Page 37

ATHLETICS REVIVAL.

To the Editor. ’ % Sir, —An item from* your Christchurch correspondent with regard to a monster sports meeting to be held on St. Patrick’s Day has awakened a good deal of interest locally, and people are beginning to wonder whether the Hibernians 'of Christchurch will rise to the occasion and mark a day on which the athletics of Canterbury will receive a much-needed boost. Others have tried here, but have met with little success; but the rumor with regard to the St. Patrick’s Day affair has already had its effect, and numberless runners are anxiously awaiting the publication of the programme. v lf the Hibernians are going to do anything in the matter let them do it well, and let them especially cater for the amateurs by giving good prizes that will act as souvenirs for many years to come. There is one man in Christchurch—His Lordship Bishop Brodie is held in the highest esteem by all athletes, and if a lead were only given by the popular Bishop then he would have a multitude of workers. Although just “a new chum” as far as football is concerned, he created a great impression by his broad-minded views, and I make bold to say, sir, that no man in Canterbury is more fitted to .head a movement that will place athletics on its prewar . foooting. The Irishmen of Christchurch last year gave a taste of their athletic abilities by giving a great display of club football, and the doings of some of the younger members (Getson, Dobbs, and Neilson) shows that we can hold our own on the track. We have the workers for the sport, but badly want a leader. Will Bishop Brodie head the movement? If he does, success is assured, and good luck to the Hibernians. —I am, etc., “The Gold Harp.” Christchurch, January 31.