ATHLETIC HITCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22578, 17 November 1936, Page 14

ATHLETIC HITCH

LOVELOCK CARNIVAL THE CENTRE AND CLUB REGRET EXPRESSED AT CLASH A comprehensive survey of the unfortunate and difficult position which has arisen between tho Auckland Amateur Athletic Centre and tho Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club regarding the track appearance in Auckland of J. E. Lovelock was given by the president, Mr. H. L, Powers, at the meeting of the centre last evening. Advice was recently received from Messrs. F. Dwver, of the Department of internal Affairs, and IL MeCormick. chairman of tho Olympic and British Empire Games Association, said Mr. Towers, stating that Lovelock would be in Auckland and available for a track appearance on December 5. Unfortunately the Auckland Club was already granted permission to stage a meeting on that date and bad co-oper-ated with the Auckland Associated Brass and Pipe Bands to conduct a gala afternoon. The centre invited the president of the Auckland club, Mr. W. Morton, to attend a special executive meeting to discuss the matter. At this meeting Mr. Morton put forward the suggestion that Lovelock should appear at his club's meeting, tho centre to receive 33 1-3 per cent of the profits, and tho Auckland club and bands to receive similar amounts. Out of its share the club wished to pay all expenses for the meeting, but the centre did not find these suggestions acceptable. The centre suggested that the club should make way for tho former to hold the meeting on the Domain, and it offered to recompense the club for any loss sustained in a change of dates, and also agreed to pay the club 10 per cent of the gross gate to reimburse it for any expense it might have gone to in arranging the meeting. However, this suggestion and offer were refused by the club.

The centre then decided to hold tho Lovelock meeting on tho best ground available and it was arranged for Carlaw Park on December 5. Preparations had go no ahead, a programme was advertised, and the secretary had finalised matters with the controllers of Carlaw Park.

"It is unfortunate," said Mr. Towers, "that there has been a clash, and that sums up the whole position. We have tried to avoid friction. Lovelock is to appear at our meeting and there is no need for further discussion." Tho Rev. F. de Lisle: We can sympathise with the Auckland club, which is quite within its rights. I would like to put forward a motion that this meeting affirms the action of the executive, at the same time regretting the unfortunate clash of opinion and action. The motion was enthusiastically carried and the matter was closed without further discussion.