AMATEUR CYCLING

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 125, 22 November 1935, Page 7

AMATEUR CYCLING

CONTROL OF THE SPORT

ASSOCIATION'S REPORT

The annual report of the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association, to be presented to the annual meeting on November 28, gives the total num- | ber of registered cyclists under its jurisdiction as 824, made up as follows:—Auckland Centre 361, Canterbury 132, Hawke's Bay-Poverty Bay 20, Otago 70, Wellington 127, West Coast (North Island) 114. The total represents a considerable increase and affords an indication of the popularity of cycling. '"The relationship between the New Zealand Cycling Federation and the association throughout the year has been very cordial," states the report. "This was due to the sporting experience and business ability of the chairman and hon. secretary-treasurer, Messrs. E. F. C. Hinds and H. B. London respectively. There are still some important matters to be, adjusted ' as between the two bodies, but there should be little trouble in coming to an understanding, provided the present conciliatory spirit prevails. HOLDING OF CONFERENCES. "At the wish of certain centres, two conferences were held during the year, one preceding the New Zealand track championships at Wellington, on March 23, and the other on the evening preceding the New Zealand road championship at Palmerston North. These were both without much practical result since there were only two chairmen of centres present at the former and three at the latter. While the council is not antagonistic to such conferences, it considers them of little value unless they are attended by the majority of centre chairmen or some responsible officers. At the last conference it was decided that only the centres should be represented, but the council is of the opinion that the conferences might be of more assistance in the administration of the sport, if provisionv were also made for the representation of clubs and competitors. "As no provision is made in the constitution for the holding of conferences, this is a matter to be decided upon at the annual meeting of the association. POLICY OF COUNCIL. "The policy of the council throughout the year has been to administer cycling affairs as closely as possible to the rules and regulations laid down in the constitution and to obtain sufficient revenue to carry out its work in a businesslike way. Naturally with the adoption of a new constitution, defects have been found in a few of the rules and regulations, but in the main, these have been overcome, although not without a little friction from a few of the centres. Such centres do not seem to appreciate that the position , with a, constitution is infinitely prefex-able to carrying on without one. The council is quite ready to concede that no constitution is so perfect that it cannot be improved, but all that it asks for is a little tolerance and understanding until it has the time and opportunity to remove any present weaknesses. The council has indicated to centres in ,what direction the constitution can be improved, and has given reasons for its suggestions. It is to be hoped that representatives of centres will attend the annual meeting to a helpful spirit and assist the council to make the necessary amendments to secure efficient control and harmony in administration. REGISTRATION OF RIDERS. "The constitution effected a change in * the registration of riders in the issue of licences by the association instead of by centres. In this respect, it followed the example of the N.Z.A.A.A., which has been doing this, to the satisfaction of all parties, for some time. The council recognises that this method of registration increases the work of centre secretaries, but it must be remembered, too, that it increases the work of the secretary of the council to a much greater degree. It is > absolutely necessary that the council! should have a complete record of re- | gistered • riders and it cannot suggest ' a better means than is provided in the rules laid down. There has been little or no delay-in the issuing of licences immediately they are applied for, and the work of the hon. secretary in this respect has been commended." The council asks centres not to oppose the continuance of the present system, and on its part states it will undertake to see that no unnecessary delays occur. Reference is made to the debt of gratitude the association owes Mr. H. D. Bennett in all he has done to put the control of the sport on a satisfactory basis, and to the regret felt over his resignation, for business reasons, as president. The statement of receipts and payments shows a balance in hand of £34.