ATHLETICS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 11 September 1926, Page 3

ATHLETICS

PROPOSED TOUR OF TWO AMERICANS.

(by TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. At a meeting of the council of the New Zealand Athletic Association tonight, it was decided to write to all .centres to ask them if they will agree to a tour of ,two American athletes, Roland Lock and Harld Osborne, holders of world's records.

Lock is on© of the most brilliant sprinters in the world and Osborne is an all-rounder. He holds the world’s record for the high jump and was the winner of the decathlon at the last O'lympio Games. It was stated that if the council did not act at once the difficulties in the way of getting the team across would be considerable. Owing to the fact that the Olympic Games would be held in 1928 it might lie three seasons before they could arrange another visit. The tour would start at Hamilton on Januarv 15 next

HAWERA CLUB. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. A LARGE GATHERING. The annual general meeting of the Hawera Athletic Club was held last evening, Air A. Grant presiding over a large attendance of members. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS. In his opening address the chairman congratulated Mr Stanley Lay upon his performances with the javelin in Australia. He traced the progress of this athlete through club competitions to the West Coast championships, then oB to the New Zealand and Australian championships. At a meeting held last Monday the Nerv Zealand Amateur Athletic Association had decided to put Lay on the books for the Olympic Games in 1925. The chairman then called for “three cheers for Stan: Lay.” These were heartily given.

REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET.

In moving the adoption of the report (already published) and balance-sheet, the chairman congratulated the _ club upon the performances in Dunedin of Lay and Hunt. In cycling, Griffin had represented the club in a 50-mile- road race at Gisborne, and had put up the fastest time. He was capable of hold ing his own against the best in New Zealand. Another club member, E. Oiven, had represented the province at Rugby. On the fianeial side, the club had never been better off. There were no debts, and the sum of £65 was in hand. The, chairman concluded by saying that it was hardly] likely that overseas athletes could bo expected in New Zealand this year.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

NEW MEMBERS,

The following new members were elected: Messrs L. Beaurepaire, E. .T. Insull, C. H. Wilson, E. G. Gimlctt, B. AleCarthy, jun., P. Carr, A. L. Palmer, A. H. Guy, R. R. Henderson, A. H. L. Sugden,' C* Dahl, W. H. Snowsill, A. Cairncross, C. C. Whittington, J. Alatheson, and J. Freyne. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The officers of the club were filled as follows: Patron, Air H. L. Spratt; president, Air W. A. Spragg; vice-presidents, Messrs L. I. Alar ter and AI. E. Jonhs; committee, Messrs A. Grant, J. 11. Hall, R. Foy, G. Collins, R. Allen, A. L. Palmer, C. Dahl, F. Fodcn, G. Hostick, Brown, H. Ale,Cabo, C. S. Alahoney; starter, Air W. Marter; assistant starter, Air AI. R. Jones; hon. solicitor, Air H. L. Spratt; auditor, Air B. W. H. Smart; handicappers, running Mr L. H. Clapham, cycling Air A. L. Palmer; surgeons, Drs. A. M. Young and R. G. B. Sinclair; secretary and treasurer, Air G. H. Weir; timekeepers, Messrs E. Eodcn and B. Foy; delegate to the West. Const Centre, Air B. Fryer. *

THE PRESIDENCY

In vacating the chair, Air Grant said that if Air Spragg received the support which had been accorded to the speaker, the club would progress. Air Spragg returned thanks for his election. He said he had been one of the founding members 17 or 19 years ago. He wished to congratulate the officials who had made a success of the club where its originators had failed. In the old days there had been a conflict of opinions. There was an element of professionalism, ■ which had. since passed. The success to-day was principally due to the enthusiasm shown by members, and by recent committees. The speaker said he would do his best to live up to the high standards set by Air Grant when president. Air AI. R. Jones referred to the good work done by the late president of the club, and, on its behalf, presented AllGrant with a case of pipes as a mark of esteem of the members for his services.

GENERAL.

It was decided that nominations close a week in advance of the sports meetings. A proposal to appoint coaches was negatived. Air L. Hunt advocated laying out a 440 track, instead of the 466 yard one, which was no use at present. He also suggested permanent marks pegged to the ground. These would simplify the work of setting out the track for meetings. Arrangements should be made by the committee for getting access to the gymnasium, in order that members could have convenience for rubbing down.

Scrgcan t-Major C. S. Mahoney brought up the matter of keeping the track clear of all save oflicials and competitors. The meetings last year had shown necessity for rigid exclusion of all spectators. , On the suggestion of Air L. Hunt, a recommendation was made to the committee to go into the matter of adopting a badge for the club. Air D. Ryan urged the meeting to revive the relay races, which previously had been a feature of the club’s activities.

Scrgeant-Alajor CV' S. 'Mahoney advocated" establishing long walking races under sealed handicaps. Air L. H. -Clap-ham recommended a liiore stringent application of the rules regarding the attendances at committee meetings.