FOR EMPIRE GAMES

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 29 May 1930, Page 11

FOR EMPIRE GAMES

ELLIOT AND SAVIDAN

JST.Z.A.A.A.'S RECOMMENDATION

Some weeks ago tho Council of the Now Zealand Amateur Athletic Association approved of the Selection Committee's report that S. Lay, of Hawera, the noted javelin thrower, should be sent to the British Empire Games in Canada iv August, and at a special meeting this afternoon it was decided to recommend to the British Empire Games Committee the inclusion iv the New Zealand team of J. W. Savidan, Auckland distance runner, provided the Auckland Centre finds the necessary money, and A, J. Elliot, the Auckland sprint champion. At the previous meeting of tho Now Zealand Athletic Council a decision was made that Elliot's form should be reviewed at a later date with the possibility of his inclusion in the team. A report on Elliot's performances during recent weeks was before the council at its meeting to-day. Tho chairman (Mr. H. Austad) said that Elliot's performances over 110 yards and 220 yards had led the Selection Committee to recommend his inclusion. The official report from Auckland stated that the 110 yards event was timed by four timekeepers, two of whom made the time- 10 ■t-osec, and the other two llsec. In the furlong event three watches^ agreed that Elliot's time was 22 l-ssec and the fourth 22 2-ssec.

"On the strength of these performances I feel Mr. Elliot would bo a very worthy representative at1 the Games," said Mr. Austad. "The second candidate from Auckland, J. W. Savidan, has been brought under our notice by a telegram received from Mr. Metealfe, secretary of the Auckland Centre. On performances during the past year the Selection Committee were not prepared to make any recommendation in his ease, but I would like this meeting to discuss tho matter. The Auckland Centre has intimated that it is prepared to find the necessary money." With regard to Elliot, Mr. H. Amos said he thought his recent performances quite warranted his being sent. Canada wanted all - the representatives New Zealand could send, and he thought New Zealand should give as much support as possible. . The sending of Elliot possibly would also stimulate athletics in Auckland. * Mr. Austad said he was in favour of Elliot's inclusion. His times were quite good; in fact, particularly so, becauso they had been registered on a wet track and on a ground on which a game of football had been played previously. It was unanimously decided to recommend Elliot, and after discussion in committee, Savidan also, subject to the proviso already mentioned. The secretary (Mr. L. A. Traey) reported that he had received a telegram from the Wanganui-Taranaki Centre, stating that it had not ."collected a cent," in connection with Lay's exoxpenses. ' " The chairman said he presumed that it was an indication that no effort had been made. It wes decided to notify the centre and the Hawera Club that the council expected them to do a little to assist in sending- their representative away. An offer made by Mr. Amos to take members of the council to the districts concerned with a view to organising an appeal for funds was also approved. NEW ZEALAND TEAM. Mr. Amos mentioned that the Empire Games Committeo would meet this evening, when in all probability tho New Zealand team for the Games would be finalised and other matters in connection with New Zealand's representation arranged.