ATHLETIC MATTERS.

Grey River Argus, 10 December 1908, Page 3

ATHLETIC MATTERS.

WELLINGTON, Dec 9. Coombes, the president of the Araateur Athletic Union of Australia, who arrived to-day, \vas asked his opinion of the dead-lock exisiting in athletics in the dominion. He said that the Australasian Union had no jurisdiction in local affairs, and appeal could only be discussed after it had been forwarded by the governing body,' which in the case of New Zealand was the Council- The Union might adjudicate by consent of both parties without going into the merits of the dispute, which only appeared to concern parts of procedure. He thought that at would have been reasonable to ha,'e forwarded an appeal for cither an expression of opinion or a ruling. The disaffected side had written to him, and he intends to convene the Australasian Union with. a. view.4o healing the Breach'; but it is clear that the Union can' at present only recognise the -Council. . , , He mentioned that Arnst is slightly the favourite in Sydney for the sculling championship.