AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24430, 16 October 1940, Page 13

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

ANNUAL MEETING OF CENTRE WAR-TIME DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME MR C. W. CLARK RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT Despite the difficulties that have arisen in the past year because of the war, the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association lias had a successful year, a fact that was revealed at its annual meeting last night. Mr C. W. Clark (president) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of delegates. Successful Year Reviewed Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, Mr Clark said that the centre had had a very successful year and, in fact, more sports meetings than ever before had been held, with excellent competition and support. During the year a new constitution had been introduced for the New Zealand Association, and this promised, to be a highly satisfactory change. Mr Clark referred to the greater interest taken in women’s and junior athletics, and to the formation of a new club at Kaitangata A successful meeting had been held at Mosgiel. and it was to be hoped that further visits could be paid 10 the Taien this summer. The winter season had produced keen competition, and, although the seniors were not up to the usual high standard, the centre had numerous promising juniors. Athletes had responded well to the call of duty, and several had made the supreme sacrifice. Mr Clark said that he hoped the war would soon be over, and that the sport of athletics would once again Uourish as in past seasons. Mr E. C. Isaacs, who seconded the motion, said that the war gave the centre an opportunity to concentrate on youthful athletes. The centre could do more than ever to encourage juniei athletics, and he thought the secondary schools would help the centre this summer. With the assistance of the area sports officer, it should be possible U> encourage more girls to lake up athletics. Mr Isaacs also referred to the possibility of holding sports meetings for the territorials at Wingatui and Forbury. Mr B. R. McKernan said that the standaad of winter athletics during the past year had not fallen to any extent. There were numerous budding champions at the primary schools’ snorts, and if the centre could recruit even a small percentage of these young athletes the future of the sport was assured. There were also young athletes from 14 to 16 years who might be induced to take up the sport, and some of the girls taking part in the coming interhouse meeting might be recruited. Mr C. K. Heaton offered the suggestion that a New Zealand Junior Crosscountry Championship should be held next winter in place of the senior event, which had been suspended for the duration of the war

The report and the balance sheet, which was presented by the treasurer (Mr W. H. Masters) and which showed an improved financial position, were adopted. Election of Officers The following office-bearers were elected: Patron, Mr G. L. Tapley; president. Mr C. W. Clark: vice-presidents— Messrs E. C. Isaacs. J. A. Bond, and C. K. Heaton; secretary, Mr C. A. Pope; treasurer, Mr W. H. Masters; sports secretary. Mr G. L. Austin; auditor, Mr A, G. Melville: starter, Mr H. J. C. McKenzie; assistant starter, Mr L. R. McMillan: surveyor, Mr F. J. Williams: timekeepers—Messrs T. P. Williamson, W. E. Matthews, J. B. Nelson, A. J. Holloway. J. W. Tapp, and S Brown; handicappers, Messrs W. N. Connell (track) and Heaton (field); record clerk and radio steward. Mr L. F. Gerrie: sub-local officers —Messrs R. J. Smith (Invercargill). V. Walker (Milton), J. H. George, T, Lynch', and H. E. Stevens (Central Otago), P. G. Ward and C. P. Keppel (South Otago), and R. E, Dimick (North Otago); delegates lo New Zealand Association—Messrs .). W. Holley, D. T. Woodfield (resident delegates), Clark, and J. G. Barnes; trustees of trophies—Messrs Clark, Masters, and Austin; Sports Committee—Messrs Clark, Masters, Austin, Isaacs, Heaton, Pope. R. E. Nauman, J. L. W. Gerken. R. M. Carroll, McMillan, and Connell; Harrier Sub-commit-tee—Messrs Clark, Pope, F. Sanders, Connell. McMillan, Gerrie, Masters, Gerken, and the Rev. D. J, B. Dorman; Finance Committee—Messrs Clark. Pope, Masters. Gerken. Heaton, and Isaacs. General Mr D. W. McGregor moved that capitation fees should not be charged country clubs, Mr Dorman seconding the motion, which, after a long discussion. was defeated.

Mr H. T. Emmerson’s notice of motion that junior athletes be debarred from senior championship events was defeated. The monthly meeting of the centre was held prior to the annual meeting, Mr Clark presiding. Advice was received from the secretary of the Caledonian Society .that the work of rolling and top-dressing the sports area on the Caledonian Ground was at present in hand. It had been suggested by Mr Clark that it might be advisable to extend the closed period for a further week or two after the end of October. This had already been decided on. If the athletic clubs were prepared to delay their competitions for an extra week or two, Mr Clark said, he was sure (he society would accede to the request if it would assist towards an improvement.—Mr C. A. Pope was appointed to represent the centre on the Works Committee of the Caledonian Society. Gratification at the formation of the Ex-High School Ladies’ Amateur Athletic Club was expressed by the chairman, who said .he felt sure it would be a strong club. —An application for affiliation to the centre was granted. Approval of the formation of a Federation of Snort was expressed, and a motion was carried supporting its activities. The president and Mr B. R McKernan were appointed to attend the next meeting on October 31. The chairman stated that the secondary schools’ championship meeting could be held at the University Oval, and (he Otago Cricket Association had agreed to place the ground at the disposal of the centre. —It was decided to apply for the use of the University Oval on November 2.