AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 269, 13 October 1932, Page 9

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

MANAWATU SUB-CENTRE MEETS. SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED. The annual general meeting of the Manawatu Sub-Centre of the West Coast (North Island) Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic and Cycling Association was held in the Broadway Lounge last evening, Mr C. M. Stagpoole occupying the chair. Also present were Messrs F. W. Aisher, Al. Strange (treasurer), A. Pearce (Feeding), R. E. East (Kumeroa-Hope-lands), J. S. Nelson (Papatawa), E. J. Harding (Papatawa), 0. Jackson (Bunnythorpe), N. C. Nixon (Mana—watu), V. Gibson (Kia Toa) and C. L. Turnbull (secretary). There was an apology from Air J. W. Clevely (Bunnythorpe). Mr Stagpoole heartily welcomed the delegates. He said that the year had been a very satisfactory one and that clubs would have to pull together as there would be an uphill struggle now that a new mid-island centre had been entered. ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report of the president stated that the year had been a particularly busy one, and members were thanked for their loyal support. The report continued: “Many important matters have had to be discussed, one of the most important being the proposed formation of a mid-island centre. Members will be pleased to learn that our financial position is now clear, and although our credit balance is not large wo are in the fortunate position of having no liabilities. Upon our transference to the new centre both the New Zealand Council and the Wellington Centre decided to wipe off any amounts in and thus we are enabled to start with the West Coast Centre with a clean sheet. The number of registrations handled during the season just closed shows an increase on that of the previous season, this being due to the fact that both athletics and cycling have increased, especially the latter, in the sub-oentre’s district. However, we hope that all clubs will endeavour to expand in the coming season and do their utmost to further interest in our sport. Much serious thought was given to our transfer from the Wellington to the West Coast Centre, and it is perhaps a little early to venture any serious- opinion as to the benefit, or otherwise, of the change. However, we trust that the step decided upon will not only prove an advantage to this sub-centre, but will be of benefit to athletics as a whole. Upon the formation of the new centre our ex-president (Mr F, Aisher) was unanimously elected first president, an honour which is a fitting return for the great service rendered to our sport by Air Aisher. Unfortunately the centre championships meeting was marred by wet weather, and part of the programme had to be postponed for sojne days. T hose of our representatives who did compete are to be congratulated upon their performances, which were of a high standard. It is very disappointing to have to report that although some of our representatives qualified at the centre championships not one was selected to compete in the New Zealand championships. However, this matter has been taken up with our centre, and we can rest assured that our claims will be reasonably considered in the future. Again we have to extend our congratulations to the riders from this sub-centre upon their performances during the Palmerston North-Wellington race. It is pleasing to note that Alanawatu had no fewer than twenty riders competing. Out of this large representation, practically all completed the journey, with very creditable performances. Congratulations are extended to the placed men, especially Air Mutch, who gained second honours. We are pleased to state that, under adverse circumstances, several of our clubs have held their sports meetings as usual,, and to those clubs which found it impossible to function we express the hope that the coming season will see them again able to take up the holding of their meetings. The thanks of the sub-centre aro due to all those who have assisted during the past season. Especially would we mention the delegates from the outside clubs who have given such definite proof of their interest in our work on behalf of amateur sport. To the Press we cannot but express our thanks for their courtesy and publicity. In conclusion, I extend to all clubs my sincere good, wishes for the coming season. That just closing lias- been most unsettled, both financially and athletically, and I know all will join with me in the hope that the worst has passed. Let us all look forward to better times and a more settled outlook.” The audited statement of receipts and expenditure for the period from December 1, 1931, to October 12, 1932, the working account showed a joss of £l6 13s 7d. The balance-sheet showed cash at the bank to be £25 4s 2d.

Air Aisher congratulated the subcentre on their fine performance, the position being better than for some time past. He thought that the neiv centre would help the district. Air Jackson paid a tribute to the executive officers for their tact and ability in connection with the formation of the new centre.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Patron, Air Aisher; president, Mr E. J. Harding; chairman of executive, Air Stagpoole; vice-presi-dents, Alessrs G. B. D’Ath, F. J. Oakley, J. F. McKelvie and the presidents of affiliated clubs; lion, secretary, Mr C. L. Turnbull; lion, treasurer, Air Al. Strange; lion, liandicappers, Alessrs Aisher, B. Crawley, S. Amadio and Al. E. AVoods; lion, starter, Air Aisher; delegates to West Coast Centre, Alessrs A. K. Fison and F. Whitehead; emergency executive committee, Alessrs Aisher, Stagpoole, Strange and Turnbull; local officers, Alessrs Turnbull, Amadio, G. Watson and E. W. Leech; bon. auditor, Air K. S. Glendinning. It was decided to grant donations to the secretary and treasurer in recognition of tlieir good services. A tribute was paid to the excellent work done by Air Stagpoole, who declined to accept re-nomination as president. _ CLUB FINANCES.

Mr Turnbull expressed the opinion that, in view of the sub-centre’s good financial position, clubs which had paid tlieir 1931-32 fees should be credited with the 1932-33 fees. The chairman did not favour such a step. He considered that the money could be more profitably employed in general work among athletes. Mr Jackson favoured taking steps to collect outstanding fees. The president said there was no possibility of collecting frolri the defaulting clubs, most of whom were now defunct. Air Turnbull moved a motion on the lines ho had indicated, Air East seconding it, hut only the mover and seconder voted in its favour. REINSTATEAIENT AIATTERS. The Alanawatu Amateur, Athletic and Cycling Club requested that a remit he forwarded to the centre requesting that the re-instatement of athletes over the active age be made more easy. —It was decided to forward the remit as requested. The meeting considered the formation of a cycling centre, the secretary

explaining that the cyclists desired a separate body of their own. Such a centre would be subservient to the present centre, and it was for the latter body to consider the matter, which had come before the New Zealand Council. Air Dixon supported the formation of a cycling centre, stating that the time for dual control had passed. Mr Stagpoole said that the subcentre should give its delegates to tlie AVest Coast Centre an indication how to vote. The secretary emphasised the need for no split between cyclists and athletes. Each required the assistance of the other, ho said. Air Jackson said the meeting had before it no pros or cons on the question. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to leave the matter over. GENERAL. Alessrs Turnbull and Stagpoole were appointed delegates to the centre’s annual meeting in AVanganui. Air Dixon inquired why the subcentre had not followed its custom of donating trophies for the first and youngest Alanawatu riders to finish in the Palmerston North-AVellington cycle race. The chairman explained that the sub-centre liad had no say in the control of the event this year. On Air Dixon’s motion it was decided to grant the trophies. Tho Kumeroa-Hopelands Club’s apjilication for a date for a meeting was held in abeyance. It was decided that the executive committee in future meet on the first Thursday in the month.