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Athletic Championships

The athletics championships were decided on Easter Monday, at the Domain. The track, contrary to expectation, was somewhat "dead," and militated against fast performances. The absence of R. Opie (C.C.) left the three southern Colleges very evenly matched, and a close and exciting contest resulted. Otago, Canterbury and Victoria opened their scoring accounts early in the day, and by lunch time, the score stood four all. On resuming, Otago forged steadily ahead, Canterbury and Victoria scoring more slowly. At the finish of the 440yds. Flat, the scores stood: O.U., 13 points; C.C. 10 points; V.C., 7 points. It almost looked a runaway victory for Otago, but V.C. came with a late rush. G. Strack added two points by winning the 120yds. Hurdles, while Rigg and Burbidge added another three in the 3 miles. The scores now stood: O.U., 13; V.C., 12; C.C., 11 points. Excitement was now intense, for it was seen that the fate of the shield rested with the hurdlers in the last race of the day. The hopes of the three southern colleges were centred in Brookfield (O.U.), Strack (V.C.), and Harley (C.C.). At the pistol, Strack and Harley set a merry pace for the inside running. About 50yds. from the tape, Harley overhauled Strack, and seemed to be an almost certain winner, but fell at the last hurdle. Brookfield, however, had been coming up fast on the outside, and, catching Strack at the last hurdle, sprinted magnificently and won the shield for Otago by two yards, amid wild enthusiasm. A truly great finish to the most exciting contest ever witnessed at a New Zealand University Tournament.

Among the competitors, Millard (O.U.) stands out prominently for his prowess in the High and Broad Jumps. He established records in both events, and his jump of 22ft. 8½in. was a remarkable performance. The Held events were also responsible for some good performances by Reid (O.U.), who established a record in the Shot, with a put of 37ft. 0¼in., and won the Hammer with a throw of nearly 94ft.

A. T. Duncan at last achieved deserved success, by winning in good style, both the 100yds. and the 220yds.

G. Strack shone in his new role of hurdler, and his win in the 120yds., and his fine effort in the 440yds. Hurdles page 33 were excellent performances. The middle distances again went to Dougall (C.C.), Reid and Oram filling second places. Rigg had no difficulty in again winning the three mile, Burbidge filling second place, after an exciting race with Tracy (C.C.).

Egley gained second place in the Long Jump, with a good jump of 19ft. 8in.

The Relay Race proved a somewhat easy win for Canterbury College, Victoria College filling second place.