PROPOSED ATHLETIC CENTRE

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 3 September 1931, Page 6

PROPOSED ATHLETIC CENTRE

DISAPPROVAL IN NEW PLYMOUTH “FORMATION UNNECESSARY. Disapproval of the proposal to form a Mid-North Island Athletic Centro was expressed at a committee meeting of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Club last evening, the opinion being expressed that its formation was unnecessary. It was reported that following a meeting of delegates of all Taranaki clubs, correspondence had been forwarded to I the New Zealand Council in an endeavour to form a Taranaki centre. The council had stated that this w-as impossible, but had' favoured the formation of a Mid-North Island Centre, embracing the Manawatu, Wanganui, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and probably Poverty / Bay' districts. ■, I

Dr. Cr. H. Thomson said that with such a large district and -with centre championships being held in the various towns, it would be impossible to run the centre successfully on the score of finance. Further, there was the difficulty and de.lay in communication.

Dr Thomson moved: "That this meeting of the executive of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Club is of the opinion: (a) That either the WanganuiTaranaki centre remain as established, but the the centre committee be domiciled at Hawera; or (b) that a hew Taranaki centre, controlling an area identical with the provincial boundary, be formed, with the committee domiciled at a place to be decided by the clubs involved. Furthermore, we would state that the pioposed mid-island centre is in our opinion impracticable, on the grounds that it would merely increase the difficulties already, existing regarding delegation representatives and 'communication, and tfiat the expenses of holding centre championships would be prohibitive. ” Mr J. S. Medley (chairman) expressed the opinion that a Taranaki centre should bo formed. Taranaki was a provincial district, and.had its own controlling bodies in other branches of sport. The formation of a mid-island centre would be a retrograde step from the present scheme of things. Others present expressed the opinion that the time was not yet ripe for the formation of a Taranaki centre, but if the lieadquartres of the present Wanga-nui-Tavanaki centre were moved to a more central position things would be satisfactory. The formation of a midisland centre would not be a move in the right direction. After further discussion. Dr. Thomson withdrew - his first motion and substituted one protesting against the proposed formation of a mid-island centre. This was seconded and carried unanimously. It was decided to write to football clubs in an endeavour to secure new members of the athletic club.