AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 8

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

DOMINION’S NEW DIGNITY. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, December 23. A new era in New Zealand amateur athletics began to-day when the Board of Control of the Australian and New Zealand Amateur Athletic Uniipn agreed to the Dominion withdrawing from that body. The matter was brought forward not because there were any complaints to make with regard to the treatment which it had received from the body as at present constituted, said Mr K. W. M’Villy, president of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, in moving—" That the N.Z.A.A.A. shall be permitted to withdraw from the Amateur Athletic Union of Australia and New Zealand, and obtain separate affiliation to the. International Amateur Athletic Federation.” They felt that the time had arrived when New Zealand should control her own athletic destinies. They thought that they should be able to compete not with the individual Australian States, but with the whole of Australia. They also thought that they could produce men as good as any other country, and wished to give their men the opportunity of competing against the representatives of other countries under the auspices of a national body.

Mr L. A. Tracy (New Zealand) seconded the motion. It would take about six months to complete the arrangements for New Zealand’s withdrawal, said Mr E. Marks (New South Wales). Therefore, he threw out the suggestion that the proposals for biennial meetings between Australia and New Zealand and biennial conferences to commence in 1930, should be held over until matters were rearranged between the Australian States. This Mr M'Villy accepted.

Mr Langford (Victoria) said there was no doubt that New Zealand was capable of competing with Australia’s best, and it would mean a great deal to an athlete to be selected to represent the Dominion. The motion was carried unanimously.

The following motion was also passed—- " That this conference makes strong and immediate representations to the international Amateur Athletic Federation with regard to having Australia and New Zealand exempted from the provisions of tho rule which prohibits American and Continental athletes undertaking tours occupying more than 21 days.” -

HEADQUARTERS IN SYDNEY. RECORDS CONFIRMED. (Pee nited - kess Association.) WELLINGTON, December 23. Important legislation affecting amateur athletics was passed to-day- when, with Mr R. Coombes presiding, the biennial meeting of the Board of Control of tho Amateur Athletic Union of Australia and Now Zealand was held. It was decided that the headquarters of the union for tho next two years should bo at Sydney. Mr R. Coombes (New South Wales) was re-elected president, Mr E. Murks honorary secretary, and Mr W. B. Alexander honorary treasurer. The following Australian and New Zealand records wore confirmed:— 100 Yards Running, 9 4-ssec, M. Leadbetter, February 12, 1927, Auckland; L. C. Parker, August 14, 1926, at Bnbane. 220 Yards Running, 21 3-ssec, N. J. Grehan, Brisbane, August 18, 1923. 220 Yards Running, 21 3-ssoc, N. J. Grehan, Brisbane, August 21, 1926. Three Miles Ramtiing, 14min 29 l-sseo, R. A. Rose, Wellington, March 26, 1927. 120 Yards Hurdles (10 flights, 3ft 6in), 15 l-sseo, R. W. Lander, Auckland, February 12, 1927 (grass). 440 Yards Hurdles (10 flights, 3ft), 54 9-10scc, A. J. Watson, Melbourne, February 26 1927. Throwing the Javelin, 205 ft Him, S. A. Lay, Hawora, March 25, 1927. Throwing the Javelin, 193 ft 7im, S. A. Lay, Brisbane, August 14, 1926 Throwing tho Discus, 132 ft, 1 . Munro, Hobart, Tasmania, February 6, 1924; 137 ft, P. Munro, Wellington, New Zealand, March 22, 1924.