Those feet did quick time

Harold Abrahams (England) is right at the top of his form, since just a short while back, at the Woolwich War Memorial Sports, he ran 100 yards in 9 3/5 sec, equalling the world’s amateur record. Abrahams, who is a member of the British Olympic team, will certainly be with the best of the sprinters. At the Hull City’s sports at Wembley the outstanding performances were those of Harold Abrahams, A.H. Rodway and J. Dalrymple. The old Light Blue won the fastest of the three heats in the level dash. Abrahams won the long jump with a fine leap, and went straight to his mark for the final of the level hundred. He was quickest away, and kept ahead throughout, winning in glorious style from Nichol, who, in turn, had all his work cut out to beat Crowley. The time, 10 sec, on a slow track, was distinctly good. — by ‘Amateur’

Starting them young

The North-East Valley United Band of Hope held its monthly meeting in the Institute. It was most encouraging to the workers to meet such a large gathering of children, all of whom listened eagerly to what was being taught them about the evils of strong drink. The trophy which is presented to the member bringing the largest number of new members was this year won by Alex. Watt, who brought seven new members. In response to the invitation to sign the pledge, 10 names were added to the roll. A most successful meeting was closed with the Benediction.

Ordeal at sea

The cargo steamer Waihemo, which left Port Chalmers last Saturday for Nauru Island, via Newcastle, returned to Port Chalmers yesterday morning with a list to port and several feet of water in No 2 hold. She had been in very bad weather, and had not come through it unscathed. On Sunday morning when clearing Foveaux Strait and before reaching Puysegur Point she encountered a furious gale, accompanied by high seas. The trouble was augmented by the wind changing several times, but nevertheless blowing with almost hurricane force. As there was no cargo on board to steady the vessel she rolled and pitched heavily. The lack of cargo also prevented the propeller from exerting anything like its full power, the propeller, even in smooth water, being so near the surface that its upward turned blades were nearly half out of the water.  A well-found ship, in bad weather, seeks safety in open water. The Waihemo tried to push her way to the open sea, and thus free herself of the ominous possibilities of the main coastline, with Stewart Island lying southward at an angle. It was a wearing struggle to keep the steamer clear with the wind changing its direction but never easing in intensity. Several feet of water had accumulated in No 2 hold. The bilge planking and flooring timber were afloat. On Sunday afternoon the men on deck were almost dazed by the exceptionally lurid lightning which seemed to strike the ship forward of the funnel and race along the wireless aerial.About midday on Tuesday a seaman named Don Broderick was seriously injured through falling down the hold. A wireless message was despatched asking that another vessel be sent out to land the injured man. No vessel came out, probably owing to the heavy weather. The injured man, who belongs to the West Coast, was conveyed to the Dunedin Hospital when the Waihemo arrived at Port Chalmers. — ODT, 26.6.1924