ATHLETICS

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27664, 21 May 1955, Page 4

ATHLETICS

SCHEME FOR WINTER ' TRAINING USE OF ENGLISH PARK PROPOSED Christchurch athletes will possibly have the benefits of winter training facilities this year. As a result of discussions with the director of parks and reserves (Mr M. J. Barnett) it was likely that English Park would be available for this purpose, said Mr J. E. Millar at a meeting of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Centre. Mr Barnett had suggested four areas, Mr Millar said, and English Park seemed the most suited to the centre’s requirements. A levy of 2s 6d would be made on each athlete using the ground, which would be suitably marked. An additional charge would be made for any lighting used. The meeting decided to make a formal application to the City Council for the use of English park. "We should show more confidence in our own sport and use this money as a guarantee against staging a major meeting each year,” said Mr M. R. Craighead when discussing a bequest of £250 made by Mrs M. A. McCully. “The meeting could be named after the late Mr C. S. McCully. If several first-class athletes were brought in for the occasion, this would boost the sport with the public as well as perpetuating Mr McCully’s name.” “We should not allow this generous gift to be frittered away,” said Mr J. C. Harbutt, in proposing the formation of a trust fund. It was decided that the matter be deferred for further consideration at a special meeting on June 16. Expressing dissatisfaction with the existing type of Inter-club programme, Mr Millar submitted comprehensive proposals for making the meetings more attractive. The president (Flight Lieutenant T. E. Lunn) recommended that because of the detailed nature of the proposals that copies should be distributed so that they could be considered at the next meeting. An application by the Olympic Club for the award of an officials’ blazer to Mr V. O’Grady was approved. The throw of 119 ft Ilin by Miss P. Toon (University) at Waimate on April 2 was approved as a provincial record.