VISITING ATHLETES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26713, 6 March 1948, Page 8

VISITING ATHLETES

CIVIC WELCOME EXTENDED The visiting athletes taking part in the New Zealand track and field championships at Carisbrook were tendered a civic welcome in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. The Deputy Maypr, Cr L. M. Wright, presided, and associated with him were Cr J. G. Barnes and Mr C. W. Clark, president of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. There was a large attendance. Cr Wright said that the council and citizens appreciated the fact that the championships were being held in Dunedin m Centennial Year. He expressed the pleasure of all athletes that among those present was Mr John Deaker, who had won his first race m Dunedin 70 years ago and had for many years acted as a judge of walks at Otago and New Zealand championship meetings. He also welcomed Mr Norman McKenzie, of Napier, who had given many years of outstanding service to Rugby football and amateur athletics Cr Barnes said that the City Council was anxious to do all it could for the physical welfare of the youth of the city because it realised how valuable sport was in character building. Mr Clark extended a welcome to the visitors on behalf of the centre.

Replying on behalf of the visitors, Mr Norman McKenzie said that he had always been very happy to come to Dunedin to enjoy the scenic beauty surrounding it and the hospitality of its people. He added that the general standard of athletics throughout the country was being raised, and he had no doubt that this year’s championship meeting would produce performances even higher than in the past.