Athletics.

Would You Believe It? We Have A Chance This Year!

Mister Birks (an it please you) had some of his gloom of last Saturday when approached by "Smad." It would be exaggerating to say that he was bubbling over, but he was as near to that slate as his dignity as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand would allow.

What about the Discus?—Mason is definitely good, and should throw over 100 feet. One of our best prospects.

Shot Put?—Bowling: is capable of 35 feet and should show up in the places.

Javelin—Thos. wasn't so enthusiastic here.

440 Hurdles.—This brightened 'Thos. up again and he reached lyrical heights. "Our best prospect." "A certainty, especially as Ball, of A.U.C. is reported to be stale." It seems that the shirt (or substitute there for) may be entrusted to K.J.M.

220 Hurdles.—Much in the same strain,

100 Hurdles.—Not so hot.

1 Mile.—If Boot doesn't start, Black should be good for first place.

(Thos. did not say what is likely to happen if Boot does start.)

Half Mile.—The same applies (This is getting serious!)

3 Miles.—Scrimgeour is a good determined runner, but he has not the stride of Robinson. He should show up for a place. (With characteristic diplomacy, "Smad" refrained from asking, "What place?")

440 yards.—Bowyer should go well, but he will be matched against the redoubtable Watt (O.U.), the All Black flyer. "So What?"

No answer from Mr. B.

. .220 yards.—Bowyer and Robinson are both good, but Watt is in this, too. (Stop laughing, you cads; this is serious!)

100 yards.—A very deep depression is approaching. If you have a shirt at the end of the day, use it for clothing purposes, as the Hundred apparently does not warrant a plunge. Thos. looked very gloomy.

Summing up then, we (i.e. Thos. and his stalwarts) have a fair chance In the Discus and the Hurdles (except the 120) while the mile and half-mile are a bit up in the air. Things won't be so good in the Javelin and Shot Put or the three miles, but we should get places in these and the flat events.

In all. then, we have letter prospects than last year.

To encourage Thos, "Smad" asked him about prospects for next year's Tournament. This brightened him up a lot. "We have great prospects. We have . . ."

(Aw, who the hell cares about next year's tournament now?)