CYCLING BREAKAWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 103, 3 May 1930, Page 16

CYCLING BREAKAWAY.

A GILBERTIAN POSITION. TWO CLUBS WITH ONE NAME. COMPLICATION ABOUT TROPHIES. \ (By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. When several members of the Port Nicholson Cycling Club (Wellington) decided to follow the words of the latest song: "Let's Do the Breakaway," they little thought that their movement would throw the workings of the Wellington Centre, New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, into a turmoil. The movement originated from Auckland, and at a general meeting of the "Port Nick" Club held several months ago, it was decided to support the breakaway movement. A subsequent meeting saw the cyclists in a divided frame of mind. Some wanted to "do the breakaway," while others were content to jazz to the music played by the N.Z.A.A.A. The upshot of it all was this. Billy Bray, formerly of Manukau Cycling Club, called a meeting of supporters of the breakaway movement. This was well attended. A notice of motion was prepared to be presented at the annual meeting of the "Port Nick" Club. This was to the effect that the members of the Port Nicholson Club show their support of the the New Zealand Union of Cyclists by cancelling their affiliation with the N.Z.A.A.A., and linking up with the new body. This was duly tabled, and at the annual meeting of the "Port Nick" Club, held on Tuesday last, came up for discussion. After some heated discussions it came to a question of voting. By a large majority the members supported the motion and decided the breakaway. The "true blue" supporters of the N.Z.A.A.A. then left the room, taking with them the books of the club. They held a meeting in the room adjoining the one they had just left, and elected their officers for the ensuing year. After their departure, the original meeting carried on and elected their officers. Both bodies call themselves the Port Nicholson Cycling Club. What is the position in regards to the funds and trophies of the club? The breakaway supporters claim that they are entitled to the "spoils." Tliey are correct to a point. They represent tlie majority of the cyclists, and the majority must always be respected. However, there is another side in regards to trophies. They were presented to the Port Nicholson Cycling Club —"affiliated to the Wellington Centre, N.Z.A.A.A." This affiliation is to be cancelled —the decision of the majority ruled this. Will the donors of the trophies be asked for a ruling as to where the trophies are to go ? At the present time there are two "Port Nick" clubs in Wellington, but the breakaway movement has certainly the claim on the title despite the fact that the founders of the original club are behind the other body. There are more "bush" lawyers in Wellington cycling than there are rabbits in Southland!