ATHLETICS Future Mahar Cup Contests

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 February 1947, Page 7

ATHLETICS Future Mahar Cup Contests

Reversion To Original Programme Until the sanction of the donor of the trophy is obtained to the extensions to the Mahar Cup programme, Which has been added to frequently since the inter-provincial contests commenced in 1932, the original events only will comprise future contests. This was decided at a meeting of club delegates following the 1947 Mahar Cup contest at Greymouth on Saturday. the Marlborough delegates referred to the additional events which had been included in the present year’s contest and pointed out that this was not in accordance with Mr. Mahar’s original desire. There was a considerable discussion on the subject, supporters of the expanded programme describing the original contest as fit for a picnic meeting only, while those opposed to the expansion pointed out that there was nothing in the rules that would allow extra events to be added to the original few. It was eventually decided to revert to the original programme with the deletion of the events added since the contest first started, but that Mr. Mahar, of Blenheim, be written to for his views on extensions. In the event of his approving of additional events, it was decided that the topic be further discussed at Blenheim next y§ar. The reversion to the original programme means that the following events will be deleted: —Senior hurdles, javelin, and discus throws; junior hurdles, long jump, 880 yards, and relay; women’s 220yds and hurdles. The Nelson and Greymouth Clubs supported a proposal that the Mahar Cup rules be amended to allow the contest to be conducted on inter-pro-vincial instead of inter-club lines, thus facilitating the formation of smaller clubs in the various districts. It was decided to seek Mr. Mahar’s approval to the suggestion. Formation of Centre. The formation of a Seddon Shield Districts’ Athletic Centre was mooted at the meeting, and Nelson and Greymouth delegates expressed themselves in favour of the proposal. It was resolved to refer the suggestion to the various clubs concerned, and in the event of all being agreeable, to call a further meeting to put the suggestion into effect. At present the five districts are affiliated either to the Canterbury or Wellington Centres.

A recommendation from the Nelson Club that double points (10 instead of 5) be awarded for wins in the three relay races was defeated. Nelson delegates raised an objection to the Greymouth Club entering two teams in the relay races, but it was pointed out that this practice was not prohibited under the Mahar Cup rules. After a discussion, however, it was mutually agreed that in future each club should enter one relay team only. Records Recognised. Delegates discussed whether the records established in contests prior to this year should be rescinded or not, as it was considered that in many cases New Zealand standard conditions had not been recognised. It was eventually decided to allow the records to continue, but that in future strict supervision be made of all record-breaking efforts. All records broken on Saturday were approved. Subject to the approval of the Nelson Club, which is the trustee of the trophy, it was decided that the McConachy baton be awarded to the team winning the senior mile relay at Mahar Cup contests, and that the formality of issuing challenges be dispensed with. The date of the 1948 Mahar Cup contest was held in abeyance until a decision had been reached concerning the formation of a Seddon Shield Districts’ Centre, but Blenheim was fixed as the location. Events For To-night’s Meeting The following programme has been arranged for the Greymouth Amateur Athletic Club’s meeting at Victoria Park to-night:— Senior: 75yds, 440yds, LJ miles, javelin throw; junior, 75yds, 440yds, one mile, hop, step and jump. Women: 75yds, 100yds, long jump, discus throw. ' Canterbury Centre Amends Minutes At a meeting during the week-end the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Centre, which last week passed a resolution deleting from the list of Canterbury officials the name of Mr. E .E. Mayes, who brought a team of athletes to the West Coast in January when a trial meeting had been arranged for Christchurch, amended its minutes concerning the matter. The Greymouth Amateur AthleticClub this morning received a letter from the Canterbury Centre requesting the club to amend the copy of the minutes of the previous meeting by erasing the paragraph referring to Mr Mayes. This action was taken by the centre, the letter stated, when the minutes came up for confirmation on account of the paragraph being incorrect. “The true position is that Mr Mayes has no official capacity with the centre, though during the season he had acted as call steward. At his own request he will not act in such a capacity on our championship dates, as his time is fully occupied advising the large team of athletes trained by him,’ concluded the letter.