AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 112, 17 June 1914, Page 3

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

THE CANTERBURY CENTRE. At a meeting of the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Amatpur Athletic Association last evening there were present: Messrs E. Nordon (in the chair),. F. H. Salter, C. S. M '-Cully, J. Mansell, O. Anderson; and D. Robertson (hon. secretary).

RACES AT FOOTBALL MATCHES

A letter was received suggesting that the centre should endeavour to have amateur.' races. .held -before .the .start , of. football matches at. Lancaster Park or during the half-time interval in order to assist in the revival of amateur athletics in Canterbury.—The idea was approved, and Messrs F. 11. Salter and C. S. M'Cully were deputed to interview /the Canterbury Rugby Union on the matter. RUNNERS' LATE PERFORMANCES.

With regard to the case of two Dim-' edin-runners who had been reported by the South Canterbury Caledonian Society for failing to acquaint the handicapper with the fact that they had won races between the .time of nominating for amateur races at Timaru and the time of competing—the cas*e was first before the centre" some considerable time ago—it was decided that the prizes should be-handed Over to the runners. The handicappei' had noticed a report showing that the runners- had been placed in the races which t'h6y .had failed to add to their list of peVformauces, and he had re-haiulickpped them accordingly. It- was also decided that' the attention of the Council of the N.Z.A.A.A. be drawn to tlie necessity of having in its rules a provision that handicappers must be acquainted with performances between time of nomination and time' of running.

CHAMPIONSHIP CERTIFICATES,

The question of procuring championships certificate*, was referred to a sub-, committee consisting of Messrs '"N or don and Robertson. A PROTEST. A protest was received from the Canterbury College Club against the disqualification of its team in the Petersen Shield relay race, the ground of the disqualification by the judge being that one member of the college team was touched by the preceding runner past the starting point.—The matter was held over until the next meeting, which wiil be held next Tuesday, in order that the judge in question might be requested to attend. , . ; OPEN... ORDERS, The Council of tiie N.Z.A.A.A. forwarded a circular . letter asking the centres to bring under the notice of their, affiliated - clubs -the question of open orders for trophies. The letter continued : "The experience of the council recently ; h'as--.lieen that there is al-; ways the probability that this open order system -may be abused, and it was decided to ask that, as far'as* possible orders be only issued on a. limited', .number of firms- and - those- kno-wu to the officials. It, is found, too, that whereas several gentlemen iu business are always giving their services to the sports bodies, iti often happens that competitors give no consideration to, them when getting trophies. It is suggested that centres might bear in mind those who assist the sport whenever it is possible.'' The centre was thoroughly in accord with the council V letter. Several members mentioned instances in which the open order system had been abused. Messrs Anderson and Mansell were appointed a sub-committee to report upon the question.