Athletics

io8 ATHLETICS. meeting can proceed to elect its officers, make rules, etc., For the former itis always advisable tohave an influential (and monied) man as president, and some, at least, of the V.P.'s ought to be men ofmore than merelocal importance. A committee of willing workers, a reliable treasurer and smart hon.sec. will complete theinitial officers. The office of captain may be left open until the ability of members is more developed, and a suitable man chosen. He oughtto be not only a good runner himself, but also capable of judging the merits of others, coaching improving runners, assisting novices,and generally helping theclub along. Selectionof Head-Quarters.—The Evils of Street Running.— In mostcases doublehead-quarters are required—the head­ quarters atwhich business istransacted, meetings held, etc., and the head-quarters from which the runs start. Where possible these ought to be combined; but this is seldom feasible, asif convenient forone, it is out-of-the-way for the other, andany head-quarters for active work which involves street running must at once be tabooed, or the club will become a curse, instead of the reverse, to the neighbourhood. We cannot too strongly urge the absolute importance of this proviso. Nothing has done so much to injure the sport as the undesirable practice resorted to by some town and Cityclubs, of holding both practice spins and actually races in the crowded streets of the city. We have met a pack in full cry on Blackfriars Bridge; the Embankment is a happy (?) hunting-ground, and in various partsof London peaceable passers-by are often jostled by scantily clad men and boys, who plunge through the vehicle and foot traffic as if they alone had any right to use the highway. If these " 'Any 'Arriers " couldonly hear the remarksthat are hurled after, not only them, but the sport they are degrading, it would, if they had a grain ot sportsmanlike feeling amongst