OTAGO CENTRE N.Z A.U

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14447, 13 February 1909, Page 10

OTAGO CENTRE N.Z A.U

An adjourned meeting of "tho Otago Cent.* <if the New Zealand Athletic Union, held last evening in the centre's rooms, Jetty street, was attended by the chairman I.Mr D. Corcoran), Messrs C. E. Kcast, J. lla-theson, P. Brady, ti. W. Collie, A. G. Fenwick, ami D. F. M'Kay PROTEST AGAINST WINNEIt OF OAMARU HANDICAP. The Secretary of the Oamaru Caledonian Society, under date February 8, wrote staling tiiat R. M'Ta-ggart, who won the Oamaru Handicap at the games on January 2, had omitted to notify the handicapper that he had won the 75yds Handicap at Waikouaiti on Boxing Day, and an inquiry had been held into the matter by the Executive Committee. After hearing the evidence tho committee decided unanimously jo withhold payment of the first prize in the meantime, and it was resolved to send a copy of the correspondence to the centre.

Copies of evidence, etc., wore also forwarded.

The evidence of R. M'Taggart, taken at thl> inquiry, stated thai he handed his nomination for delivery to the Oamaru secretary on the morning of Boxing Hay, and lie won the 75yds Handicap at Waikouaiti the same day, and it never occurred to him to send in Iho Waikouaiti performance to the Oamaru haiKlicappsr—Mr M'Tngeavt appeared before the union, and explained that lie had not seen a programme of theOamaru sports before he gave in his nomination.— It was decided to hold the decision in abeyance until such lime ns the Oamaru Societv gave an intimation as to whether it wished the centre to deal finally with the matter. FIVE ItUNSKHS DISQUALIFIED FOR IWKLVB MONTHS. The Secretary of the Dunbaek Caledonian Society wrote .stating that at a meeting of Ihe society held in January it was unanimously resolved that the society refuse to pay the prize-money for the 440 yds Race, on the ground that the judges' consider the race was not properly run, and also that the society had disqualified tho competitors taking part therein for 12 months. The competitors were A, J. Harbrow, .T. Harbrow, W. M'Laren. D. Sime, and T. Sime, and the race was declared void at the time it was run owing to alleged suspicious and inconsistent running and slow time, and owing to T. Sime pulling out after running about lOOyd.s. The time taken for the race wa.s given as linin 3isec.

J. Harbrow wrote stating that he was claiming first prize-money for the race, his time for the event being 57 2-fsec, after running and jumping all day.

Lon.jrt.hy corrcspondenco and evidence taken in connection with the running ot the race was also read.

A general opinion was expressed that the runners referred to had not exerted themselves in the race, and it wa.s resolved to endorse the action of the Dunbaek Caledonian Society in disqualifying tho five competitors for 12 months from January 20, 1909. to January 20. 1910. THE WANOANUI CALEDONIAN MEETING. On the initiative of Mr C. E. Keost, a. discussion- arose over the action of the New Zealand Athletic Union granting permission to the Wanganui CaledonixnSociety to hold a- meeting under its auspices without the society beinir affiliated. Mr Roast spoke strongly against the principle of allowing registered and unregistered competitors to run at the meeting.

The Chairman deprecated any action that would imply censure on the N.Z.A.U. in the matter, a.s the union's hands had been forced in the matter by the Fcilding Centre, backed by other northern unions, and after several motions and amendments had been drafted, Ihe following resolution was unanimously adopted.—'"That the centre regrets the action of the Feikling Centre in inducing tho New Zealand Athletio Union to grant, permission to Wanganui Caledonian Society to hold a uv'C'ting under its jurisdiction, and intimates that if anv such action is taken in future Otago Centre, as one of the strongest centres of the union, will consider its position in regard to the New Zealand Union." OENEKAI,. It wa.s resolved to wrile to the New Zealand Athletic Union suggesting that that body should get into trued with the centres with a view to granting financial assistance towards sending F. Forde and A. Duncan to Scotland; and it was further resolved that Otago Centre give £3 3s for the purpose.

The resignation of Mr W. M'Donald as a meniibor of the executive was accepted with regret: and it was resolved f<> take stops have vacancies on the executive fiilrt! prior to next meeting.

The acting-secretary of the St. Baton's Club wrote asking whether the Blacks Club or flic St. JLitiiaifs Club were to have priority of right in holding sports on St. Patrick's Day, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Kcn.'t, that the St. •'Baton's Club bo granted priority, as the other society had on occasions not carried out its programme.

The Secretary of the Caledonian Society of Otajfo wrote intimating that his society was in favour oi the registration o( to union if carried out in terms of the letter, subject to a.n alteration in the rules sent forward dealing with the severance of any association, society, or club from the union. The Athletic I inion was thanked for the opportunity given it of securing tTie championship .meeting.—Received.

Accounts amounting to £23 3s 6d were passed for payment, and the bank book laid on the table, showed a credit balance of £64 13s lid.