On March 25th, a new page in the history of amateur athletics in New Zealand was written. On that date the first national track and field championship meeting for junior and women atheletes was held. Auckland, where enthusiasm for such a meeting has been keen for some time, had the distinction of staging the inaugural meeting and the success of the venture indicates that New Zealand possesses young athletes of near-international class. All that is needed is competition against star athletes.

An outstanding performer at the meeting was Colin McGregor, winner of the 100 and 220 yds. junior titles. McGregor, an Otago representative, had won his senior provincial sprint title but did not make the trip to the national senior championships where A. R. Duff (second to McGregor at Dunedin) was placed third in the senior championship. Running in beautiful style, McGregor won the 100 yds. title at Auckland in 10 1/5sec. on a track not suited for speed.

Elsewhere on this page I give the Canadian junior records for the purpose of comparison with the performances registred at New Zealand's first junior track and field championships and I think readers will agree that the destiny of New Zealand in track and field sport is in safe hands if the juniors are given encouragement.

Another athlete to take my eye as a prospective senior champion is Jim Bourke, of Taranaki. Bourke, a welldeveloped lad, won the shot-putting title with a heave of 45ft. 9 7/8in. This was his first competition against athletes from outside the boundaries of his own district, but he completely overshadowed his rivals and with coaching he should develop into a better shot-putter than Peter Munro, who at the same age could not reach Bourke's mark.

R. McKenzie, junior javelin throwing champion, who has thrown the senior javelin to 170ft. 11 ¾in., won the junior title with 175ft. 3 ¾in. McKenzie travels from Waikouaiti to Dunedin to get competition and on his showing at Auckland he bids well to follow in the footsteps of Stan Lay, former British Empire champion. Only 17 years of age, McKenzie ranks as one of the best junior javelin throwers in the Empire.

For the purpose of comparison I give the Canadian junior records, as at November, 1935, and the performances of New Zealand junior athletes at the first junior national championship meeting. The N.Z. figures may not be records, but as they were made under strict control they serve as an example of our high standard. Here are the figures: