BUSY YEAR

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 124, 21 November 1935, Page 11

BUSY YEAR

ATHLETIC REVIEW

VISITS BY OVERSEAS TEAMS

N.Z.A.A.A, REPORT The year reviewed in the annual report of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, which was released today, was one of more than usual activity. In addition to the ordinary work of the association, there were visits to this country by athletic teams from overseas and two New Zealand teams visited Australia.

During the year several new records were established, and it is considered by the association that the standard of performances by New Zealand athletes has shown on the whole a steady improvement. Nevertheless, it is felt that New Zealanders generally are lacking in knowledge of some of the finer points of athletics. With a view to bringing about further improvement, the council has had under careful consideration the question of coaching and the possibility of obtaining coaches from overseas. It has been found, however, that the cost of such venture is prohibitive, and as an alternative centres have been requested to devote more careful attention to coaching the young athlete with the material and knowledge available. Efforts are being made to build up a library of athletic films, the purpose of which is to demonstrate the technique of the various track and field events. HARRIER SPORT. Reference is made to the desire shown by cross-country runners in some centres to assume more direct control of their special branch of sport. A report of a conference of delegates at which the matter was discussed is in the hands of the council for further consideration. The resignation of Mr. L. A. Tracy, owing to business reasons, from the position of secretary-treasurer of the association is the subject of special mention, tribute being paid to his great efficiency, and unremitting service. In reviewing the provincial activities, the report states that the centres generally have had a difficult year, but still show the utmost keenness. The work of extending the practice of amateur athletics is being steadilycarried on, several new clubs having been affiliated during the year.

NEW ZEALAND TOURS. Eulogistic reference is made to the performances overseas of J. E. Lovelock, the New Zealander, and to the young English runner, S. C. Wooderson. Dealing with, the visit*to the Dominion of the team of Canadian college athletes,- the report says that the team was very popular, though it was disappointing to find public support lacking, owing to the fact that the team was a team of "schoolboys." This, it is considered, was unfortunate, as their performances showed that they were more than capable of extending fully the best of the local talent. The second visiting team consisted of four British runners and two Finns. While their performances generally were of a high standard, the British members of the team, in particular, were unable to reproduce their best form. "The result of this tour," the report adds, "have caused many to consider seriously the question whether or not the council has been reaping from such visits of overseas athletes .- e full benefits which might be obtained. Financially, the tour resulted in a considerable loss, both to the council and to the centres." Performances are reviewed of the New Zealand team which went to the Melbourne Centenary Games and of the New Zealand cross-country team in New South Wales. FINANCES SUFFER. The finances of the association have received a considerable setback, owing largely to the losses on the British and Finnish tour and the Canadian tour, and to the decreased amount received as the council's share ffom the New Zealand championships. The overseas representative fund has been considerably decreased from last year, due I to the expense incurred in sending two teams to Australia. The amount to credit of this fund last year was £297 3s sd. The present balance is £7O 18s.

Following the practice initiated by Mr. Tracy, the report contains a wealth of statistical, data relating to New Zealand performances and records and an up-to-date list of world records. The material in the report is well compiled and set out, and is valuable for recording purposes.