AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 109, 1 February 1929, Page 3

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

CRITICISM OF CONTROLLING BODY

SUPPORT FOR INTER-CLUB COMPETITIONS

"As' one deeply interested in all that pertains to clean amateur athletic sport, both in this city and the Dominion generally, I have followed the recent happenings with a good deal of interest, and, I might add, with some concern, said Mr. W. H; Bennett, a vice-president of the Wellington Provincial Centre, in an interview, with a “Dominion” representative yesterday. “I have been endeavouring to understand the recent movement of some of those on the body of control, as to what their objective was, and their method of reaching the desired position in moving and carrying the resolution, as I understand it, “that no city club-affiliated, with the centre should be allowed to hold a competitive meeting other than amongst their own members.’ Was it with, a view of improving athletics generally, and the conducting of such gatherings in particular? or was it with a view of curtailing the success of some particular club or clubs, and forcing all competitive meetings through the control of the centre, to build up the centre’s funds? It might be answered that they had both objectives in view. If so, then, in my opinion, they went the wrong way about it. “It goes without saying that to have a strong and healthy centre, you must have strong and healthy clubs to make up that centre. I cannot conceive of any better way to create that good and enthusiastic atmosphere than by encouraging interclub competitions, in both the local and distant parts of the Dominion. I am sure that the majority of those interested will agree with me, that the interchange of visits between adjacent harrier clubs, between Wellington and Nelson, Gisborne, Napier, or any other district, particularly Wanganui, has done much to build up that healthy and clean sport of rivalry that is so essential to build up a strong interest and support in any community. Therefore, in mv opinion, to do anything that would tend to kill that spirit is a great mistake. “Surely some other means could have been adopted to get the same result without the drastic resolution forbidding such club competitive meetings altogether. For instance, a limit of such meetings might have been fixed at a certain number of days, and even a percentage of the proceeds could have been allocated to the centre. “My conclusions are that without strong club interests and ambitions, you cannot have strong controlling centres, which in turn form the Dominion controlling body. So encourage the club competitive spirit all you can, and do not kill it. . . „ “Whilst on the subject might I say, concluded Mr. Bennett, “that the local controlling body appears to me to be ridiculously unweildy. As one having a long experience of various executive bodies, I am sure that as long as all interests are conserved, the smaller the body of control the better for all concerned. Each branch of sport could have their own advisory committee, who in turn could elect their representative to the controlling centre. Thus a few of the best brains could work together for tn< general good, whereas now a multitude, meet together, each pressing his own tad

and doing more harm than good. In conclusion. I would urge all to work 'foi? clean Dominion sport, sinking all per-' sonal animosities and ambitions.” OLYMPIC CLUB’S TEAM The following have been selected to represent the Olympic Aamateur Athletic Club at the provincial championship, to be held at Masterton on February 9:-r- -' 100 Yards —R. Walker, W. H. Clementson, A. J. Abrahams. 220 Yards —A. J. Abrahams, W, IL Clementson, R, Walker. 440 Yards —J. Long. ’BBO Yards—P. Campbell, P. Wilsn. One Mile —T. C. H. Tutty. One Mile Walk —-A. Hill. Three Miles —H.' Gordon. 100..Junior —V. Glover, J. Pullan. 440 Junior —V. Glover, J. Pullan, E. Warner. A Grade Cycle Events—H. Scarfe, A. Horsfall. B Grade Cycle Events —E. F. Bellman, G. Staveley. Relay Team —C. Campbell, P. Wilson, J. Long. T. C. H. Tutty, R. Walker, A. J. Abrahams, D. G. PajJs. Shot Putt, Javelin, Discus—R. A. McDougall. Messrs. E. G. Warner, W. A. Thomson, H. Moss, W. Scatchard. and.R. Scott will accompany the team as official trainers.