CYCLING

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22388, 29 April 1938, Page 3

CYCLING

AVON CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING

DISPUTE WITH CANTERBURY

CENTRE

"Unhampered by the harsh and oppressive treatment of the controlling body in Canterbury, the club has been able to uphold Its dignity, retain its prestige. command the public support, and to provide greater and better competition; ior Its members during the year,’’ said the annual report presented to the annual meeting of the Avon Amateur Cycling Club , last evening. "Attempts have been made to undermine the club by the oposing factions, but so far have failed. Members have been canvassed, and offered the possibilities of overseas trips, and other rewards. Only a few wavered, and those still await the fulfilment of the promises made. The number on the roll Is approximately the same as last year, 18 new members having joined up, while an equal number have resigned for various reasons. VThroughout the . year the committee has been persistent in its efforts to bring about a harmonious settlement to the differences that exist only in Canterbury. Support was given to the proposals of the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association to re-establish amateur cycling under one - representative head, but everything was upset by the gate-crashing methods adopted by members of the Canterbury Centre to achieve their own ends. Recent events have convinced the committee that history does repeat Itself, and that there is truth in the saying, 'the darkest cloud has a silver lining.’ , “There has been a rift in the lute, and the committee feels that with the continued loyalty of the members, together with the assistance offered by the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association, that in the near future amateur cycling will be brought together again, and under a saner ■ control will make the progress it has in other centres. The New Zealand Cycling Federation has also entered into the field with a view to effecting harmony in the amateur ranks. Its investigations should assist in bringing about, a . speedy settlement. ’ Mr G. Gourley presided over the meeting, at which there was a large attendr ance. The club was some time ago disqualified by the Canterbury Amateur Cycling Centre, but the officials were confident at the meeting that a settlement of differences in the sport would be achieved soon. . . ' The report, and the balance-sheet showing a cash balance of £23 10s 9d, were adopted. Election of Officers * Officers were elected as follows: —Patron, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. M.P.; patronesses, Mesdames P. E. Pearl, C. E. Jones. O’Donnell, and Miss D. Chamley: president, Mr G. Gourley: vice-presidents, Messrs F. T, Evans, V, Wilkinson, E. McLaughlin. R. H. Neill. E. Doyle, C. Collins, F. E. Pearl, R, H. Mackenzie, A, Barrett, G. Lowis, C. H. Bascand, W. Berryman, Joe Blerman, F. R. E. Davis, L. Vangionl, R. L. Kennett, E. W. Stevens, R. Kelleher, R. M. McFarlane. and Mrs J, Sturrock; club captain, Mr W. D. Marks; deputy-club captain, Mr F. Stoddart; treasurer. Mr J. Hamilton; secretary, Mr J. Sturrock: assistant ! secretary; Mr J* H. Cattermolei handicappers, Messrs E. W. Stevens, C. Clark, A. G, Williams: timekeepers and starters, Messrs A. W. McNickel and A. C. Hands: referee. Mr F. E. Pearl; judges. Messrs J. H. Cattermole, E. W. Stevens, M. P. Pearl, C. ‘ Clark; committee, Messrs C. Clark, E. W. Stevens, A,. W. McNickel. F. E. Pearl, W. P. Wllcockson, A. G. Williams, A. C. Hands, and W. D. Marks; auditor, Mr F. E. Pearl; social committee. Messrs A. C. Hands, W. D. Marks, F. Stoddart, A. G. Williams, A. Hall, and members of the Ladies’ Cycling and Touring Association. , Opening day was fixed for May 7. It was decided to give £2 Zs to the St. John Ambulance Association. _