AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11647, 29 July 1903, Page 5

AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

A special meeting of the Council of the Amateur Athletic Association w_ held last nigtit, when there were present Messrs J. F. Griersou (chairman). A. H. Anderson (vice-president), H. S. Batchelor (Pioneer), G. H. Mason (Auckland), J. R- Morrison (North Otagoi. W. G. Alack (Wanganui). C. T. Aschmau (South Canterbury Public Schools), J. Davis (Wellington). R." Vincent (Manawatu), and C. East (Canterbury College).

Mr W. H. Toy, the local officer at Auckland, wrote stating that it was intended, in the course of a few days, to hold a meeting at Auckland for tlte purpose- of forming a local centre of the. New Zealand Amatvur Athletic Association.

-Mr K. W. Cardale, of Wellington, wrote, suggesting that the Council should send a circular letter to the Wellington Clubs, fixing a date for a meeting to discuss the formation of a Wellington Centre, and asking them to appoint delegates.

'lue question as to where the Crosscountry Championship race should take place then came up for discussion. The chairman said that if Lancaster Park were decided upon there was a greater chance of obtaining a good gate than if the event took place further out, such as at Plumpton Park or Riccarton. The necessary course could be laid out ut Lancaster Park, und the only objection appeared to be that the competitors would have to cross the asphalt track several times. Mr Batchclor said that Lancaster Park could, by no means, be considered suitable for a Crosscountry Championship event. He. thought himself it was probably ground that could have been selected. A letter was read from Mr Kduar Lough, who udvised that the Council should secure the Riccarton racecourse for the race. Cpon the motion of Mr Anderson, seconded by Mr Vincent, the meeting decided to hold tlte race, at the Addington show grounds, if procurable under favourable conditions.

A letter was received from the Australasian Amateur Athletic Union, Hiking for a vote on the question of allowing aboriginals to compete as amateurs. The Queensland Association had resolved that full-blooded aboriginals should not be given an amateur status, but had asked fof'the Union's decision as to whether full-blooded aboriginals and half-castes should lie allowed to compete. On the motion of Mr Atack, seconded by Mr Aschman, it was decided that- the Council was in favour of giving aboriginals an amateur status. It was further resolved that the Council should explain that it considered Maoris to be on a different footing to Australian blacks.

An application for reinstatement was received from Mr W. A. Gunn. It was decided to reply that tlie necessary interval had not elapsed.