Northland's Part In Athletic Union

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1938, Page 9

Northland's Part In Athletic Union

There was a strong Northland representation at the annual meeting of the Northern Athletic Union at Te Aroha last week, when arrangements embracing the district extending from the King Country to the Far North were made for the coming season. Delegates were present from all parts of the Auckland province.

Mr J. G. Draper, of Maungatapere, who was president for the past year, occupied the chair and welcomed the delegates.

Mr R. Coulter, M.P. for Hauraki, who attended the meeting, commended the organisation on its work in organising athletics, which played an important part in the nation, and expressed the hope that it would continue its efforts. Northland Clubs.

The annual report showed that 72 clubs were now affiliated to the union, there being 28 Northland and Auckland organisations, and 44 South Auckland clubs. This figure represented a decrease of four, due mainly to several agricultural, pastoral and horticultural associations having dropped the running of chopping events in connection with their shows.

Registrations issued numbered 180, and day permits for competitors 900. An endeavour would be made to have the 1940 championships held in the Auckland province, and to this end Mr H. E. Lawrence would co-operate with the southern union and would most probably make these championships a featime of the Centennial year.

Touching on the National Council of Physical Welfare and Recreation, the report noted with regret that the code of athletics it fostered had been given no representation. The Minister concerned had been approached, but with no specific result. Northlanders Among Officers.

Of the officers for the coming year, Messrs E. Gorrie (Donnelly’s Crossing) and N. Hastie (Mangawai) were appointed to the council, while Messrs J. G. Draper (Maungatapere), E. Palliser (Waihou) and L. C. Anderson (Mananui) were elected among the consuls. Mr J. O’Donnell (Waimamaku) was appointed official cycling handicapper. Messrs R. Coulter and J. G. Draper were elected life members of the union.