AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23320, 12 October 1937, Page 13

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR REPORT OF OTAGO CENTRE A moderately active year, which, however, contained several outstanding features, is recorded in the annual report of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Amatetur Athletic Association, which will be presented at the annual meeting next week. The report states that among several noteworthy features of the season were the visits of the Olympic champion and world’s record-holder, J. E. Lovelock, who competed in an Exhibition Mile before a large crowd, and of the Japanese Olympic representative, Murakoso. During the season the Otago track and field representatives were successful in retaining the New Zealand championship title at Auckland. The cross-country team also creditably represented the province at Timaru, and returned home with the Championship Shield, Otago now having the distinction of having 13 firsts and 11 seconds in 24 starts.

At the present time there were 18 clubs affiliated to the centre —a decrease of five since last year. It was with regret that the centre recorded the disbanding of these clubs, particularly such an old club as the Pacific H. and A.A., and it was hoped that before long this and other clubs would be once again flourishing. The summer season was not verv active, due to the abandonment of all country meetings on account of the outbreak of infantile paralysis. The centre held a number of evening meetings, and also two big Saturday afternoon meetings, one in honour of J. E. Lovelock and the other at which the Japanese champion, Murakosa, competed. During the season the ladies’ events were not supported, but through the active interest of the Y.W.C.A. it was hoped that the coming season would be more successful. The Southland championships were held in February at Invercargill, and were conducted in ’the usual thorough manner. The Otago championships were held under perfect weather conditions at the Caledonian Grounds on February 27. There was a large attendance of the public, and although the times were a trifle slower than usual, due to the heavy track, the large entries and splendid finishes providing a very interesting and successful meeting. The fortysixth track and field championships were held at the Auckland Domain in March. Although considerable difficulty was experienced in raising sufficient money to enable a fully representative team to travel to Auckland, that objective was eventually reached through the support of many wellwishers. The tenth annual championship meeting of the Otago and Southland secondary schools was held at the Caledonian Grounds on November 7, and despite a heavy track the performances were of a high standard. For some years the centre had had to chronicle the increasing popularity of the harrier side of the sport, and it was regretted that the past season had shown a marked decline in numbers of competitors. This decline may be only temporary, due no doubt to the visit of the Springbok Rugby football team, which had created unparalleled interest. Although the falling away in numbers was marked, the centre recorded a very successful season as far as the conduct of the races and competition supplied was concerned. Credit is due to the members of the centre’s Harrier Committee, particular mention being made of the work of the chairman, Mr C. W. Clark, and the secretary, Mr J. L. W. Gerken. The finances of the centre were at present in a better position than they had been for some years, but this was brought about by the successful participation in a carnival arranged by the One Hundred Thousand Club, and not as a result of larger public support for athletics. The Otago championships again showed a satisfactory profit, as also did the Lovelock meeting but the visit of the Japanese athlete resulted in a heavy loss to the centre. Owing to the decline of active membership the usual fees payable to the centre showed a decrease for the year.