FESTIVAL OF EMPIRE. CORONATION SPORTS CARNIVAL

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 45, 23 February 1911, Page 3

FESTIVAL OF EMPIRE. CORONATION SPORTS CARNIVAL

REPRESENTATION OF NEW ZEALAND. HOW TO SEND HOME ATHLETES. Representatives of various athletic and sports bodies met in conference last evening at the V.M.C.A. rooms to consider ways and means of raising funds to ensure the representation of New Zealand at the Coronation sports carnival of the Festival of Empire. The members present were :— Messrs. 4.. Maryatt, E. L. Chaffey, W. H. Pollock, J. H. Pollock, W. A. Woodser and A. Davies (Athletic Association), R. W. M'Villy (Boxing Association), B. Keesing (Tennis Association), G. S. Hill, A. W. femith, 'and G. P. Hanna (swimming), and M. Hogan. Mr. Marryatt was voted to the chair. According to th? chairman at leasl £400 would be required to send Home a team of three men. As a result j£ Monday's concert £'30 had been raised, which, with Government £ for £ subsidy, would ensure £60. Mr. R. W. M'Vitly stated that on behali' of the Boxing Council he had already issued subscription lists. He thought if they pulled together they would be able to raise the money without much difficulty. The proprietors o£ the King's Pictures, he understood, were prepared to give half of one tiight's takings towards the fund provided afc j lf>ast four days' notice was given. The ! Boxing Association would do all in its 1 power to help the movement. Mr. J. H,. Pollock declared that if Champion, of Auckland, the swimmer, were not sent any team going from New Zealand would almost inevitably be one of runners. Guy Haskins, of Canterbury, had intimated that he would go, if selected, and, so far as tennis was concerned, Wilding was already at Home. Mr. Hill read a telegram from Champion, iv which the Auckland swimmer stated he would be willing to go under certain conditions. The assistance of the swimming people- could be relied on in financing thd tour. Mr. Keesing did not think they should depend on -Vellingtoa alone for funds. INITIAL STEPS. On the motion of Mr. M'Villy it was decided that the meeting should resolve itself into a committee of ways and means. Mr. B. A. Guise was elected secretary. It was decided that the secretary should communicate with the secretaries in other centres asking them to co-operate. "With regard to representation Australia had suggested that New Zealand should send representatives for the 100 yds and 220 yd& and for the tennis. It was decided to cable Australia for information oi' a definite chaiacter without delay. It was further resolved to ask the Mayor (Mr. T. M. Willord) and Dr. Newman lo Become ' members of the committee. The offer of The King's Theatre proprietors was accepted with thanks. Secretaries of the various sports bodies are to be asked to bring the matter before members of their associations. Subscription lists are to bo circulated as Koon as possible. It was decided to approach the Rugby Unions and other sports bodies for financial assistance. On the motion of Mr. W. H. Pollock it was decided to engage the Town Hall for the purpose of an entertainment. Among the items suggested were three or four boxing bouts, tug-of-war, physical culture exercises, and a wood-chopping display. A subcommittee was appointed to make arrangements.