AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 29, 29 October 1934, Page 6

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Wellington Centre’s Annual Report YEAR IN RETROSPECT The Wellington Amateur Athletic Centre in its annual report congratulates associated clubs on the manner in which they have worked to put the centre on a sound financial footing once more. ‘‘The executive,” the report continues, “also appreciate the real amateur spirit shown by the competing athletes right throughout the season, many of whom received very little reward for their victories. Though we have not managed to retain the high standard of performances shown, in past years in comparison with other centres, we feel sure that our policy of encouraging the younger athlete will, in a year or so, be justified. After all, the winning'of championship cupsand shields, year in and year out, by any one centre is not in the best interests of the sport generally. Your centre has no regrets that the Canterbury centre retained the honours. “We regret to have to state that our one and only sub-centre (Wairarapa) has had a very lean time—in fact, the worst since its inception. The members of the subcentre cannot be blamed for this state of affairs, as they have always done their best to foster the sport in that district. A number of clubs have given up activities. leaving practically only one summer club in the area. We are pleased to state that, after having met the members of the sub-centre, the prospects for the coming season look much brighter.” Long-distance Runners. There was a further strengthening of the harrier branch of the sport,- and the standard of the running showed an improvement on that of the previous season. Three new runners made the representative grade. Prospects for next season, when the New Zealand cross-country championships are due to be held in Wellington, were increased by the quality of the younger runners. The marathon event has been revived and the executive hopes that it will become a permanent fixture and ultimately the status of a New Zealand title event. New Zealand athletes arc not lacking in stamina, and it is felt a series of marathon events.. coupled with road racing, might bring forward a suitable aspirant for Olympic Games honours.

The Wellington Secondary Schools’ Association continued to do good work, but it was regretted that the Primary Schools’ Athletic Association was still out of action. The opinion is expressed that the should again endeavour to induce the Headmasters’ Association to take the matter up, and impress upon them that participation in good, clean sport was a necessary adjunct to the education of boys and girls. The women’s branch continued to make steady progress. Reference is also made to the question of New Zealand tours by overseas athletes, the opinion being expressed that there is no doubt such visits are essential if the sport in New Zealand is to prosper. The report adds that it is pleasing to announce that there is every probability of a select team of British athletes competing in New Zealand this season.