HARRIER GATHERING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 253, 23 July 1935, Page 15

HARRIER GATHERING

Complimentary Dinner to Visitors One of the largest gatherings of crosscountry athletes, officials, and representatives of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association and allied bodies seen in Wellington for some years took place at Barrett’s Hotel on Saturday night when a complimentary dinner was tendered by the Wellington harrier sub-commit-tee of tile Wellington Centre, N.Z.A.A.A.

Among those seated at the official table witli Mr. R. W. McVilly, president of the N.Z.A.A.A., who presided, were Mr. R. A. Wright, M.l’., Mr. C. R. White, manager of the New Zealand cross-country team, the joint selectors. Messrs. Croker and B. R. MeKernan. Mr. W. Morton, manager of the Auckland team. Mr. A. C. Kitto. Wellington centre, Mr. J. Beatson. former New Zealand champion, Mr. A. C. Bourgeois, 'Wanganui. 11. McCormick. secretary New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, and Mr. A. Austad, chairman N.Z.A.A.A. council.

Following the loyal toast, Mr. Wright apologised for the absence of the Mayor. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and Mr. W. 11. Bennett, and, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, extended a welcome "to the visitors.” “We are always glad to see visitors,’’ said Mr. Wright. “. . . even if they come from Auckland.” (Laughter.) ’Wellington had an idea, he said, that Aucklanders did not like them, but those feelings had been succeeded by friendship. lie congratulated the northerners upon the success earned that day. and extended to the New Zealand team which was to go to Australia wishes for every success.

The toast of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association was given by Mr. W. Morton, who said that, speaking for Auckland, he could say that they were on very friendliest terms with the parent body, which had in the many difficulties confronting them always given them every satisfaction.

Replying to the toast, Mr. 11. McCormick said tiie association was never free from difficulties, but ho could say that there was no body working harder than it in the interests of the sport. The toast of “National Champion and Winning Team” was proposed by Mr. McVilly. who sketched in brief the athletic accomplishments of J. W. Savidan. The New Zealand representative, lie said, had endeared himself to all by his great sportsmanship. A brief response was made by Mr. Savidan, and Mr. S. Gudsell, supporting him, said that Auckland, with the New Zealand track championship and the cross-country supremacy won that day. could regard this as its gala year. The toast of “Our Visitors” was given by Mr. A. C. Kitto, and responded to by Messrs. Morton. Croker, and MeKernan. Reviewing the splendid conduct of the championships, Mr. McVilly said that those present should not forget the part played by the 'Wellington harrier subcommittee tinder the management of Messrs. R. W. Watterson, chairman, and Mr. L. A. Dawkins, secretary. The arrangements were carried out with utmost efficiency. Championship medals were presented to the respective winners by Mr. McVilly.