AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 761, 9 March 1910, Page 9

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

'.'.- , KERR AND WILSON.

The action of the president-of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club in sending a challenge to D. Wilson -to walk Kerr-at Wellington for a trophy, is one that should be strongly resented, says the sports writer of the Auckland "Herald." Jt.does not matter what opinion critics' or the general public hold iii'regard to a judge's decision, it should not only be. final in governing officials, but: also be supported by them. It is not necessary to go further into the pros, and cons .of the recent walking events, and Kerr, having the decision given against him, should accept such in a sporting spirit. It is the action of the Wellington officials, however, that does not appeal ,tb' a good sport, and it. is certainly .not in the true amateur spirit to '•. issue . a challenge l against. officials" decisions .which were at least fairly.. . There is .one;• regrettable evil creeping, into amateur sport again which will have ,as great abaneful effect'as : it did in the past.' In; that I refer-'to betting.' There is. a great difference between the honest opinion of the critic and i the howl of. a number of persons who have lost their money.' : During' the past few weeks, wagering has been general on. the' big athletic events. A lot of money changed hands over the the OtagoAuckland cricket match, the bookmaker was present at the swimmine; sports, and a good deal of sidc-wagering was indulged in at the athletic championships. These circumstances are not only likely to contaminate .the young athlete, but also make the path, of the officials hard. The officials should do all in their power to suppress the evil, which, is not only detrimental to sport, but; is also against the law of the land. / ..'.