AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 40, 17 February 1943, Page 5

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

WARTIME CHAMPIONSHIPS

WAIKATO REQUEST IS DECLINED

The monthly meeting of the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association was held last evening. The president, Mr. H. L. Towers was in the chair. The request of the Waikato sub-centre for the wartime championships to be held at Matamata was refused, owing to transport difficulties. It was stated that any athlete engaged in essential industries or. in camp, would be unable to obtain permission to be absent for two days to attend a sports meeting in the' country. Arrangements were completed , for the five championship meetings to be held on Sarawia Park during March. The wartime championships will be first, on March 6. Many communications were received from soldier athletes asking for particulars of the service championships, to be held on March 20. It was decided to make the meeting open to any member of the fulltime war services, and also those of the United Nations who might be stationed in Auckland at the time. No medals are to be issued this year, and in their place certificates for the three placed competitors will be given. +ha f The Newmarket Borough Council notified that it would present two trophies for the man and woman athlete most consistent on Sarawia Park during the season. fhof +>,- The Waikato sub-centre sent word that the Waikato championships would be held at Hamii ton on April 10.

Private William Harrison Birtwistle, youngest' son of Mr- and Mrs. H. J. Birtwistle, 14 1, Bassett Road, Remuera, previously reported missing, believed prisoner of war, is now reported killed in action. He was a prominent cross-country runner, holding a number of provincial championships, and also played t r the Manukau Rugby Union Club. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and went to Australia after the outbreak of war, enlisting tKere and becoming a member of the first Australian Commando force. .