AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1094, 5 April 1911, Page 7

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

DELEGATES "CUT LOOSE." AUSTRALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. WELLINGTON THE LOCALE. A meeting of the council of tho New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association was held last evening. Mr. A. Marryatt presided, and there wero also presentMessrs. J. H. Pollock, E. L. Chaffcy, H. Oram, AV. F. Lnrkin, J. F. Thompson, C. E. Bridge, A. Davies, and "\V. G. Talbot (secretary).

Claims of Two Cities. The Wellington Centre and the Dunedin Centre each applied for the conduct of the Australasian championships of next season. Mr. Oram (Canterbury Centre) moved that the Australasian championships be held in Wellington next season. In support of the motion, he pointed out that, on account of the central position of Wellington it would bo much more convenient for Dominion and Australian competitors from the travel point of view. Then, on account of the fact that the New Zealand championships will be held here next yeur, the three days' sports could bo carried on in the same week (Saturday, Wednesday, and Saturday). There was also to be considered the biennial conference of delegates to the Australasian Amateur Athletic Union, which was to be held about the same time. The speaker also.referred to the meeting held at tho Athletic Park some years ago, when Shrubb and Duffy were here, remarking that it was one of the most successful ever held in tho Dominion, and it furnished an index as to what could be dono in Wellington.

Mr. Larkin (Wellington) seconded the motion. Ho • considered that Wellington's claims for the fixture were paramount.

Delegates Throw Their "Instructions" Overboard. | Mr. Bridge (Auckland) moved as Hn amended wording: "Thai, in the opinion of the council, the Australasian championships be held in Wellington." The speaker gave as his reason tor the wording of the amendment that lie had been definitely instructed to vote for JJunedin, but it was much against his will, and do wished to affirm the principle that the question was one to be decided by the council on its merits. Mr. Thompson (Auckland) seconded tho amended wording. Mr. Davies (Southland) stated that he had been instructed definitely how to vote, but he was in agreement with the views, expressed by Mr. Bridge, and would support his amendment. Mr. OhaiTcy (Canterbury) expressed himself as against the amendment. The question was one to be decided by the council now. , The chairman, who represents tho Otago Centre, declared that, though ho had been instructed to vote for Duuedin, he was going to have his way this time, and vote for Wellington, because he thought ■ that this was a question for the council to decide on its merits. Ho knew that tho course that he was taking might imperil his seat on the council, l>ut hn was going to take the risk. The council was in a better position to properly deal with the matter than were the centres. As far as his instructions from tho centre went, the only thing which lie would prepared to do would havo been to formally move that the meeting be held in Dunedin! Mr. Pollock (Otago) concurred with everything that tho chairman had said, and was prepared to disregard the instructions of tho centre in this matter. Jf the Otago Centre was not satisfied with his action, then, of course, they could get someone elie to represent them. The amendment, on being put to tho meeting, was lost. Mr. Thompson (Auckland) moved, as a further amendment, that the matter be deferred for a fortnight. This was seconded by Mr. Davies, but 'wan not carried. ■;•>.:. i:o;;m; ••;.;.. The motion, on being put to the meeting, was carried by a majority of two. Those voting against it were: Messrs. Bridge. Thompson, and Davies. On the motion of Mr. Pollock it was decided that the fixture be held on January 1 and 2.

Other Business, An application for 120 yds. record (11 3-ssec.) by It. Opie, was.ruled out of order, as it had not teen filed within the time stipulated. George Frederick Edwards was granted reinstatement on the recommendation of l.he Mauawatu Amateur Athletic Club. William W. Hogarth and J. \V. M'Gechie were reinstated on the recommendation of 'the Otago Centre, and likewise H. T. Mexted and G. R. Hall, on the recommendation of the Wellington Centre. Alfred Emmanuel Borley. recommended for reinstatement by the Southland Centre, was instructed to apply again, also H. Fletcher, whose application came through the Auckland Centre. An application for reinstatement from Michael Mickelson was referred to the New Zealand Athletic Union, which body controls cycling. Charles Edward Stone was reinstated on the recommendation of the Auckland Centre.