PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22744, 3 December 1935, Page 5

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS

MEETING OF OTAGO CENTRE The committee of the Otago Centre of the Ne'w Zealand Athletic, Cycling, and Axemen’s Union held its first meeting of the year on Saturday evening. -Mr G: M'Queen (senior, vice-president) . occupied the chair in the absence of the. president (Mr Craig, of Roxburgh). Dates were allotted to the following societies for their-annual sports gatherings:—Pounawea Sports Club, December 26; Berwick Caledonian Society, January 1; Luggate Athletic Club, January 1; Kelso Caledonian Society, January 1; Port Molyneux Caledonian Society, January 1; Waitaluma Sports Club, January 1. The dates for Miller’s Flat and Naseby Societies were not settled, and the Awamoko Sports Club was allotted January 11. The executive confirmed Labour Day for the date of the' Maclennan Sports Club’s meeting. The chairman referred to the possibilities of better centre representation at the various gatherings and after a lengthy discussion it was decided to have representatives from the centre at all the meetings with the idea of giving any assistance that might be required and to bring the various societies in closer touch with the centre. Mr R. B. Meek spoke on the subject of handicapping and the variation that opcurrred at different meetings. He said he had no doubt the various handieappers were all doing their best to give satisfaction, but he thought a better system was heeded. Mr M'Queen said he agreed with the speaker, and stated that until a system of standardisation and a better understanding between handicappers were brought about the present system would not be improved upon. He said the subcommittee appointed some time ago to go into the matter had made its report at the annua] meeting, and the secretary was instructed to write to the various handicappers to confer on the subject. However, a conference could not be held, as the various handicappers resided at long distances apart. Mr M'Pherson said he thought there were too many handicappers for the number of sports meetings. It was agreed that this was the trouble, hut the executive could not alter that without interfering with the business of the various societies. After further discussion, on the motion of Mr M'Leod, it was decided to convene meetings of handicappers in their various districts.'