ATHLETICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2057, 27 July 1893, Page 34

ATHLETICS.

NOTES BY AMATEUR. Mr W. H. Hislop, the new secretary to the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club, has shown by his few performances on the track that he is considerably above the average as an athlete; and I trust that his new duties will not prevent him taking part at the annual sports of the club as a competitor. Mr Hislop has the interest of the club at heart, is enthusiastic, and will therefore, I think, make a good secretary. Athletes will regret to learn that Mr J. Taiaroa (Donedin's popular hurdler) is about to leave the district for Ellesmere, Canterbury, where he intends to go in for farming. Although he will reside some distance from us his old club will reap the honour of his successes as an athlete, for ib is his intention to continue runningas a member of the D.A.A.C.; and it is the wish, I am sure, of his many Dunedin friends that "cardinal and white" will be well to the fore whenever sported by Jack. Mr J. H. Chapman had the sympathy of a good number of the members of the D.A.A.C. in regard to his motion to do away with trophies; but I fancy the meeting was unanimous, all bub one, in the opinion that ib would be most injudicious to carry out such a proposal yet awhile. The arguments put forth by Mr Chapman in support of the motion were sound—a statement that could hardly be'made in favour of a number of those who spoke against ib. It was with the best intention that Mr Chapman brought the matter before members of the club, and the discussion will, I feel convinced, have a beneficial effect on the club. I must, however, take exception to the latter part of his speech giving the opinion of people outside the club, that the amateurs of Dunedin were amateurs in name only, and that they tried to turn their trophies into cash. Such a libellous statement cannot be allowed to pass uncontradicted. In so far as the D.A.A.C. is concerned the statement is simply false, and the good cause Mr Chapman has so much at heart cannot be benefited m the least by such remarks. Mr Thomas Kerr should feel highly honoured by the compliment paid him on Saturday even* ing when he was elected a life member, causa honoris, of the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club at the annual general meeting of the club, This is no empty title, as the fact that Mr Kerr is the first person to whom the distinction has been bestowed proves. I understand that in Auckland not much interest is being token in the Australian tour, and it is likely that the district will not be represented by either men or money. The Canterbury Club has voted £10, towards the expenses of the team, and will probably give more if it is required. The Dunedin committee meet this evening to consider the matter, and from what I can gather from some of the committee I fancy Dunedin will contribute a similar amount to Canterbury. Mr L, A. Cuff has sent me a circular calling attention to the fact that the annual general meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association will be held on August 15. Besides the general business to be done, proposed alterations and additions to rules will be considered. The proposed alterations and addi- ! fcions of which notice of motion has been given are as follows: — Mr L. A. Cuff will move: " That the following be added to Rule XXI:-' Sec. B. That no application for reinstatement shall bo considered unless accompanied by a deposit of ss, such deposit to be returned to the applicant only in the event of the application being declined. Should the applicant be recommended jfco apply again at some future date, he may do so without any additional fee, provided he has not competed in the meantime. Sec. C. The application of Sec. B may, in the case of new clubs, be at the I discretion of the committee."' The delegate to the Hawke's Bay A.A.C. will move: " That the following be an exception to Rule XX, Sec. 1 :-(b)' That receiving remunerajbion for services as gymnastic instructor to schQQls or ,clubs does not constitute a man a professional, provided he has some other fixed occuPam\ H. Croxton will move: '-'The teaching gymnastics at a school does not constitute a man a professional, provided his engagement also includes scholastic duties at the same mstitu- *%: L. A. Cuff will move: •" That as the numerous clubs affiliated to the association fcave now been in existence for some time, and are in a firm and satisfactory position, the time has arrived when in dealing with applications for reinstatement the association should show less leniency than has been deemed necessary in the past, and that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to give effect to this resolution. The Halifax sports (says Athletic News) promise exceedingly well. The prices are the best ever offered for a meeting at Halifax, and if they don't attract good runners nothing will. There are no fewer than eight 19-guinea fjlr&jb At jihe Salford Police sport3,'held on June JO, there were four open events, and 10gujnea first prizes were given for the 120 yds Handicap, 1000 yds Scratch Race, and Twomiles Bifcfcle Handicap j whiltt the winner of the Mile Handicap got £7 worth of plate. The prizes, which were on view at the Dunlop Tyre Company's Djpob, Sb. Mary's gate, Manchester, were a very fine collection, ami were supplied by Mesßsrs Lloyd, Payne, and Amiel. Sid Thomas accept 3W. G. George's challenge to run five miles, if the A.A.A. will allow h'm, the stake to go to a charity! '