AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20288, 22 December 1927, Page 2

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

OTAGO CENTRE MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Otago Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A. was held last night, the president, Mr E. L. Macassey, occupying the chair. COKESPONDENCE. R. if. Cabot wrote asking that, as his performances had gained some points for dago, the centre consider paying ut least some of his expenses in connection with the Now Zealand Amateur Athletic Championships.—lt was decided to leave the matter in abeyance until the next meeting of the centre. The Secretary ot the New Zealand Olympic Association wrote asking support for the Olympic movement, and pointed out that £2OOO was urgently required to raise an investment fund of £20,000 which would enable New Zealand to send a strong team to the Olympic games every four years.—Received. The Secretary of the Otago Cricket Association wrote asking if tiie centre would arrange to stage several amateur athletic events at the association’s open air entertainment to bo held at Carisbrook in February next. It was decided to put on a 100 yards, a 300 yards, a mile and a relay race. A letter was received from the secretary of the New Zealand Council stating that it appeared to his council that a ladies’ club hud been affiliated to the Otago Centre. As no such application had been considered by the council, he wished to know the position of the club.—The Secretary reported that he had replied that the club was not affiliated to the centre, and *riis not represented on the executive. The centre was endeavouring to encourage the lady runners, but the club had not applied for affiliation.—The secretary's action was confirmed. The Secretary of the Now Zealand Council wrote stating that, as there was little possibility of there being sufficient first-class athletes to tour New Zealand at the conclusion of the Australasian and New Zealand championships, it had been decided, subjict to the centre’s approval, to invite S Standen, champion track cyclist of Australia, to tour (he Dominion,—lt was resolved to write asking for more information about the proposed tour. A PROTEST DISMISSED, The Chairman said that at the recent champ.nship meeting tic, as referee, had received a protest against Miss M. Stewart being allowed to compete in the final of a ladies' race without first running in the heat. This protest he had dismissed, but an appeal had now been lodged against his decision.—Mr E. Isaacs moved—“ That tho appeal be dismissed, and the reieree’s decision be upheld.” In all cases, he said, it was the custom to regard the referee’s decision as final.—Mr W. Hobbs considered the appeal should be upheld. As he read the rule, first and sceond in each heat only were qualified to start in tho final.—Tho Chairman said there was absolutely nothing in the rules to say that Miss Stewart could not start. Tho motion, which was seconded by Mr C. VV. Clark, .was carried. —Mr C. K. Heaton further moved —“ That tho fee of five shillings accompanying the protest be refunded.” Mr MTndoe seconded tho motion, which was carried. . PERMIT’S REFUSED. Tho Secretary of the Otago Athletic and Cycling Club wrote expressing his committee’s regret at the centre’s refusal to grant a permit for amateur events at tho club’s meeting, held recently. The’ writer pointed cuit, however, that the club was unwilling to accept tho inadequate reason advanced for rejecting the application. The members wore aware that the centre had power to refuse permits at its discretion, but wished to know if tho centre intended refusing all applications from tho clubs affiliated to tho New. Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union for permits to include amateur events. —Tho Chairman mentioned that the club had previously passed a motion that it would not allow amateur events on any of its programmes. —Mr A. MTndoe said he considered that if the applications wore all refused, such refusal would react on the centre as far as country members were concerned. Ho would move—“ That all individual applications should be considered on their merits,”—Mr Hobbs seconded the motion. —Air P. Breen moved, os an amendment —“That tho Athletic and Cycling Club be written to. replying that the centre does not fool disposed to entertain any such applications.”—Tho amendment was seconded by Mr W. Clark, and on being put to the meeting was carried. GENERAL. It was decided to hold a preliminary evening meeting some tune in January, and a monster evening meeting the first Saturday in February, and to invite the Canterbury championship rolay team (which includes M I.oadbettor, the New Zealand sprint champion) and F. J. Groso (Dominion champion cyclist) to compete. It was agreed that it bo a recommendation to the Sports Committee that competitors in sprint races be graded. Advice was received from the New Zealand Council that championship meetings for the ensuing season had been allotted as follows Track and field, Wellington Centre; cross-country championship, Wa-nganui-Taranaki Centre; 50 miles road cycling championship, Wellington Centre Tho Secretary of the Now Zealand Council advised that the application of W S. Hodge for reinstatement had been granted, and that of W. Robertson declined. An application for reinstatement by G. Sumpter (Oamaru) was received, and it was decided to forward on the application to tho Now Zealand Council with a favourable recommendation.

Application for affiliation to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association was received from the Northern Club.—lt was agreed that the application bo forwarded to the Now Zealand Council with a recommendation that it bo granted. , An application from J. E. Dunn for a transfer from the St. Kilda to the Northern Club was granted. It was decided to forward a letter to Mr H- D. Morgan, who is at present in Hospital, conveying the centre’s sympathy with him in his illness.