Triple-A for performance

In spite of the discouraging weather, there was a very satisfactory attendance at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday for the Amateur Athletic Association’s meeting. The track was heavy, but some creditable times were put up and some of the races produced exciting finishes. One of the most popular wins on the programme came to Jim Beatson, who, it may be recalled, won the Australasian Championship from O’Neill by a narrow margin, after a great race, a number of years ago. The ex-champion showed by his exhibition, on Saturday that he is one of the veterans who can come back successfully. A noteworthy figure among the competitors was the veteran Mr W. Duff, whose two sons competed as well as himself. Mr Duff ran second in the 220 yards, showing that he is still fit for a hard race. The greatest race of the day occurred in the half-mile, when Forbes (scratch), Rolfe (15 yards’ handicap), and Davis (60yds) ran the last lap almost abreast. Forbes, who won by inches, put forth a great effort in the straight. The time for the race (2min 7sec) was decidedly the best for the day. The University competitors showed up well in all the events for which they entered, and A.E. Porritt, the Rhodes scholar, justified the somewhat severe handicapping that he had to face. Something of a novelty was provided by the bicycle race, which was the first of its kind on the Caledonian ground for a long time. There were five entries, and the race aroused much interest among the spectators. Much amusement was caused by the race for the Bugle Band, and the crowd cheered the drummer, who staggered home first in the first heat.

Future highway’s poor state

It is a pity that the authorities do not make a serious attempt to improve the Kingston-Gore road. The road has not changed for the better with the years. From Lumsden to Kingston the road in parts is scarcely worth the name. For miles between Athol and Kingston heavy wagons have worn deep ruts, leaving a crown that would give a low car a great deal of difficulty. Southlanders say "see Southland first," but the road concerned does not entice the motoring tourist to go there even last. Why should motorists make Queenstown the terminus? If the road were improved cars could be taken to Kingston by the lake steamers — the cost is 10 shillings — and then tourists would include the very interesting run to Invercargill in their itinerary. Perhaps the Southland Automobile Association could bring some pressure to bear on those concerned. — by ‘Accellerator’

Maori Hill park plan

The Maori Hill Amenities Society met on Friday evening. A deputation from the local school committee requested the society to take up the matter of extensive improvements to "The Clear" at Maori Hill. The object aimed at is to make "The Clear" a public recreation ground and suitable for various sports for school children and the residents of the district generally. It was pointed out that the city council was to proceed with certain improvements as unemployed relief work, and it was hoped by united effort that sufficient funds would be forthcoming to enable more extensive improvements to be carried out early next year. Mention was also made of the city council’s statement regarding the increased building in the district, with the resulting increase in the rateable valuation. In the society’s opinion this was sufficient to warrant an improved tram service. A public meeting of all interested will be held next Thursday to go further into the matter of "The Clear" improvements and also into the question of an improved tram service. — ODT, 6.11.1922