CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 123, 27 May 1930, Page 14

CYCLING.

. THE CASH RIDERS. MANUKAU COUNCIL'S DECISION A HARD RESTRICTION. All cash riders and cyclists in general will have followed with interest during the past week the decision arrived at by the Manukau County Council regarding future road cycling, within the county area. With the object of gaining permission to continue road races over the Mangere circuit, a deputation from the two clubs waited on the council last Tuesday. Messrs. J. L. Harris, president, and H. W. Tonkin, secretary, represented the Auckland Cycle Club, and Messrs G. Paul and L. Wilson, secretary, the Manukau Amateur Club.

As a description of this meeting has already been published in the "Star," it is hardly necessary to go into detail as to what eventuated. But for the benefit of cash riders who perhaps did not see the report, and the decision was not arrived at until after this paper went to press, a few remarks would not be out of place.

Speaking to the secretary of the Auckland Club the writer was able to gain a few facts as to the outcome of the meeting. After Mr. S. Richards, a member of the council, had introduced the deputation, the four representatives were called upon to expound their views on road racing. Mr. Richards explained to his fellow councillors that the two clubs had been holding races in the district for the past six years, whereupon another member of the council informed the speaker that to his knowledge road races had been conducted over the same circuit for the past 20 years. It was also stated by the speaker that the races had been conducted in a first-class manner, and the recent fatality had been the first to occur. Surely this is a "feather in the caps" of the clubs who have been responsible for the races at Mangere, when one realises it was the first accident in 20 years, and not six. "Not a Danger to Public." Mr. Harris said that road racing was not a danger to the public, and gave' various reasons for saying this. He had been closely connected with the sport for the past 11 years, and there had been over 20,000 competitors without a fatal accident until the recent one. Mr. Tonkin explained that a mutual arrangement had been made by the two clubs to race at different times, whereby only one club would be on the road at once. For instance one club would hold a short race one week, and the other club a longer one, and the second event would not commence until the conclusion of the first. On the following week the position would be reversed. This would ensure that the conditions which caused the accident would not occur again. He also stated there was not : much traffic, and only half a dozen pedestrians were noticed on a Saturday over the area over which the races were run.

Mr. Wilson, In endorsing the previous speaker's remarks, stated that the races did not interfere with the rules, of the road.

Mr. F. Waters, in''addressing the deputation, said the council, as trustees, had a duty to the public, and it must be considered first. In discussing the question at length after the deputation had left, he also stated that acting on legal advice he could not favour permission being granted, as the council had no proprietary rights to grant a permit to the clubs. At any rate a motion was carried that no objection be; raised to the races being held, subject to restrictions imposed hy the council, until the end of the present season, when the clubs would be ordered to cease racing in the county. Clubs' Impossible Position. When the decision was made known to the officials of the Auckland Club, they at once set about getting everything in readiness to recommence their races at Mangere on Saturday. The event set down for the day was a 19.4 miles handicap, and with a fine day and good muster of riders, everything pointed to a splendid day's sport. But once again the officials and members were doomed to be disappointed, the race having to be cancelled on account of one of the conditions set down by the council. Knowing full well what the restrictions would be and being all prepared for same, the officials were not prepared for one which appeared in the letter received by the secretary of the club on the' morning of the race. This was read to the members as were the others, and was as follows:—"That each club to take out a third-party risk tothe value of' £1500, and that the said policy for same to be produced to the county clerk for perusal before racing commences in county area." To say the least of it, this was a "bombshell" in the camp. The secretary explained that during the morning he had approached four insurance companies, but was informed that they do not cater for cycle racing. One manager informed the writer that tariff would be very high on £1500, as there was no scope for this sort of insurance. Not only that, but what chance would these clubs, who do not derive any benefit from road racing outside of members' subscriptions, have of paying such a high premium? None at all. This restriction, in the writer's opinion, seems a hard one on the clubs, as they have no possible hope of securing the party risk, and the position remains "as you were." In reference to the other conditions laid down by the cotmcil, the clubs are quite prepared to undertake these. Auckland Athletics. One hears the remark passed every day: Where are our runners and cyclists of by-gone days ? Is it any wonder, when those who are trying to foster the sport do not receive the public support, and obstacles are met at every turn. Auckland athletics have- been on the wane for many years for this reason. Why, in Wellington at the finish of a road race one week-end (which, by the way, finished in one of the main thoroughfares), a Mayor and two councillors were helping to keep back the crowd. This is the keynote to the success of athletics in the capital city. Will Auckland ever be able to produce euck road men as George Sutherland, Mowie'

Itandrup, and of latter years Phil O'Shea, Harry Watson and Sid. McCann, all from the South? It will not, if a ban is to be placed on road cycling in this city. Club Notes. All members are advised to watch the daily Press for particulars as to next Saturday's road event, as the committee have decided to hold a race next week without fail. The course has not been decided on yet. Bill Pratney is now well on the way to recovery. The writer was on hand to wish him many happy returns of the day on his 20th birthday last Tuesday. Word received during the week is to the effect that Jim Harcourt will be on hand to contest the championship in July. There is also a likelihood of 0. Stace, of Te Aroha, competing