AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Evening Star, Issue 22990, 22 June 1938, Page 4

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

WINTER FIXTURES ARRANGED OTAGO CENTRE CONFIRMS DATES Arrangements for the holding of winter fixtures were made at the monthly meeting Iftst night of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, a programme of several important events being confirmed. Present at the meeting were Messrs C. W. Clark, J. L. W. Gerken, C. A. Pope, L. W. Woods, B. R. M‘Kernan, M. 11. M’lndoe, D. J. B. Dorman, 11. G. Pilling, J. A. Bond, C. K. Heaton, J. W. Holley, W. H. Masters, H. M. Sullivan, R. Lamb, A. A. Cameron, T. M. Brydone, A. R. Geddes, W. N. Connell, T. Allen. G. Davie, S. L. George, and J. G. Barnes (secretary).

The Harrier Sub-committee recommended that the dates of centre races should be fixed as follows: —July 9, one mile Ness Cup race; August 6, club cross-country races; August 20, Otago cross-country championship; September 17, Port road race; October 1, modified marathon; October 29, Otago marathon championship. It was decided to suggest to the Southland Sub-centre that the Southland cross-count% T championships should be held on July 30, the day of the Ranfurly Shield match.

The Chairman congratulated the Civil Service Club on winning the Kennett Cup race at Christchurch, and A. R. Geddes on winning the individual event. VENUE OF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS. The Secretary of the New Zealand Council wrote asking the centre what support it would be prepared to give the women’s and junior championships at Auckland next summer.—After a discussion on whether sufficient funds would be available it was decided that the council be advised that the centre would send any athletes who showed at the Otago women’s and junior championships that they were up to standard.

The Secretary of the Auckland Centre wrote in reference to the New Zealand women's and junior championship meeting, stating that the centre would be prepared to return 90 per cent, of the profits of the meeting to centres for travelling expenses. He asked what support Otago would give the meeting. —lt was decided that a reply similar to that to bo sent to the council should be forwarded to Auckland. CORRESPONDENCE. The Secretary of the New Zealand Council wrote stating that the question of women competing at the Olympic and British Empire Games had been raised from time to time, and the council wished to have the centre’s opinions on the matter.—Mr M'Kernan moved that the council should be advised that the centre was against women competing at the games, but that while events for women were included on the programme and the athletes were up to standard, women representatives should be sent.

The Secretary of the New Zealand Council also wrote stating that the council had decided to approve of September 10 as the date of the New Zealand cross-country championship to be conducted by the West Coast (North Island) Centre at New Plymouth. The council had consistently urged that the date should be fixed early in August, but apparently no date other than that fixed was available.—The Chairman said that in future, if a centre could not hold the fixture on dates set down by the rules, it should have the championship taken away from it. It had left Otago in an awkward position.— After a brief discussion the letter was received.

The Secretary of the Forbury Park Trotting Club wrote stating that clubs in the centre would be allowed the use of the club’s outside enclosure and inside training track for harrier fixtures on certain specified conditions.—lt was decided that the offer bo accepted and the Forbury Park Trotting Club thanked for granting-the centre the use of the grounds. It was agreed that a copy of the rules for the use of the grounds should be sent to each club The Secretary of the Toko. Club wrote enclosing an application for reinstatement by Albert William Hellyer, of Tuapeka Mouth, who had competed as a cash athlete on one occasion three years ago. R. 1. Hughes, of Cromwell, also wrote applying for reinstatement. He stated that he had competed as a professional at Maheno.—lt was decided to forward both applications to the council with favourable recommendations