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Athletics.

Last year Victoria University College left home with a very strong team, with the intention of wresting the Athletic Shield from Otago. This was duly accomplished, the team scoring a record number of points.

This year with a slightly weaker team, we travelled North to defend it, but with the determination that we would not be beaten.

The competition was of the keenest and some sterling performances were witnessed. At the end of the day's sport, the score sheet showed the points as follows:—

Victoria, 17; Otago, 15; Auckland, 6; Canterbury, 3.

Easter Monday dawned a day to delight the heart of every athlete. There was a very light southerly breeze blowing across a warm and cloudless sky, and the track was in the best of condition. It was predicted that some of the records would be bettered and so it proved.

In the morning the mile record was lowered by Priestly, who ran a great race. In the sprint home, he had Taylor of Canterbury, who was a hot favourite, beaten all the way. The time, 4 mins. 26 2/5th seconds should stand for some considerable time unless he himself lowers it again next year.

Sceats, as was expected showed his true form in the high jump with the magnificent jump of 5 feet 11 inches, just failing at a subsequent attempt, to clear 6 feet 1in. He was jumping long after the other competitors had finished and ever and anon he drank from a bottle. The spectators speculated what it contained and as to whether it was the drink that made him jump or the jump that made him drink. None solved the problem.

Kalaugher was second in this event, while he won the long jump. In the 120 yards hurdles he ran well to defeat Morgan and gain an easy win.

Rollings and Platts-Mills did well in the mile walk but unfortunately in the excitement of the last lap, Rollings was disqualified; however Platts-Mills gained second place.

We filled all places in both the half and quarter mile events. Allan won both with characteristic dash; Priestly coming second in the former and Smith second in the latter.

In the relay race, as last year, we were disappointed, and the result goes to prove that it is essential to have a fresh man to run the half-mile. Otago established a big lead in this distance, and although we recovered a lot of ground in the other distances, we could only finish second about ten yards behind.

In conclusion a word of praise is due to Mr. E. V. Dunbar for his excellent advice which assisted in no small measure in the winning of the Shield.