AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 91, 17 April 1923, Page 10

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL DECISIONS. ' :

The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association Council met last evening, Mr. A. T. Davies. presiding. J. W. Merchant's broad jump of 23ft 3|in at Auckland on 3rd February was granted as a New Zealand record. Several applications for records were held over pending certificates. These included H. E. Wilson's New Zealand and Australian record of 15sec for 120 yards hurdles, at Wellington on 6th February ; J. W. Merchant's hammer throw of 169 ft 9fin, at Wellington on 24th February; and G. Harvey's lift 4in pole vault, at Masterton on Easter Monday. An application through the Otago Association for reinstatement of : P. P. Gallagher," of Omakau, was . granted. The application of T. J. O'Callaghan, of Wellington, ex-champion professional runner, for reinstatement, was declined on the ground that the applicant was not eligible in view of the necessary three years since his last professional appearance having not elapsed. ; On the suggestion of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association the council approved of barring military defaulters from competing, and resolved to ask associations to assist. The Wellington Centre wrote asking the council to favourably consider the number of men forming a team for the Australian cross-country championship being 'reduced from eight men (the fast six to count) to six (the first four to count). The harrier clubs will endeavour to finance four men to this meeting if the alteration is brought about. The members of the council expressed themselves in favour of the alteration, which would be considered by Australia. It was de-' cided that if the mail vote is favourable to a reduction in : the number New Zealand will be represented at Sydney this year.