SPORTS BODIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 126, 31 May 1939, Page 11

SPORTS BODIES

BETTER FACILITIES

HEADQUARTERS PROJECT

A preliminary- meeting of representatives of spbrts bodies to discuss .'suggestions bearing, oh. the proposal to establish a sports headquarters, in Wellington has. keen: catted for tomorrow night by Mr. Harry Amos, on behalf of-the New-Zealand:.Olympic.and British Empire Games Association, of which\he;is the h6n._ secretary." Two representatives each Iromthe men's sports bodies have been invited; - ■

Today, in an interview, Mr. Amos, gave some of his personal views on the project. He- said that, although he was not speaking officially, they were views which in the main were acceptable to his colleagues: The meeting had been' prompted by a feeling of the necessity and desirability of (1) having a home, for records where they will be readily accessible; (2) a home for trophies, many of which were of national and historic importance; (3) a comfortable meeting place; and- (4) the promotion and- encouragement of corporate action of all sports bodies by bringing them .together so "that they could discuss matters of common interest. ' Reverting to the third reason, he said ~ that at; present most sports bodies met in private offices. In most cases it was difficult to arrange seating accommodation. Facilities were poor for the accommodation of coats, hats, etc!, and on a wet.evening these often had to be piled* in a-corner or deposited on bookshelves, etc.

Tomorrow night's meeting had been called simply to have a preliminary; discussion. A small committee . probably would be appointed-, to go into the project and bring down -recommendations for another meeting.. ■

Although it: would be gratifying; to have a building such-:as--the -Ghristchurcb Sports Club, said .Mr.; - Amos, this would -be too ambitious for ■ the time being, but an arrangement might be made for a meeting;.room, where typing service, filing cabinets, and, so on could be provided. English, Australian, American, Canadian, and South African sporting journals might also be kept in this room for the use of member associations. It might also be found possible for a small subscription to give reading facilities to individuals.

Mr. Amps said .that, something on a larger scale might be attempted .wiien the tepid baths were\built.. He 'envisaged ." the provision, in. .association with the bathsi of a modern gymnasium, meeting, hall, and committee rooms. If. the. bath's and gymnasium we're properly run and controlled, there should, be a surplus of revenue towards.capital expenditure.