PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16213, 25 August 1923, Page 2

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS.

ANNUAL MEETING OF A. AND C V CENTRE.

The annual meeting of the Povertv Bay centre. New Zealand Athletic anil Cycling Union, was heid last evening, at the Borough" Council Chambers, Mr. H. .1. Edwards presiding. There was <i good a tendance of delegates. The annual report, -a condensed version of which was recently'published in thd Herald, was laid before the meeting, and the| president moved' for its adoption; Mr. Edwards congratulated the centre of the improvement of the finance. ..-..-:

Mr/ C. Williams seconded thei motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Davy took an opportunity of referring to the splendid work of tho president, who, he considered, had a big future in athleticism, and would one day occupy too,. presidency of the New Zealand Union. He also congratulated the centre on having the services of so excellent a secretary as Mr. Allan* Sutton,' who was always eager to do something •for the sport. He (Mr. Davy) deprecated the attitude of affiliated clubs' towards amateurism. Too many amateur events were being included in the programmes of professional meetings,.and'' he held that by saving the cost of cash prizes, clubs were exploiting sport. Arising out of the report, tho president mentioned the subject of betting on athletic events', among officials of tho clubs conducting meetings, This practice must be put down, or it would have a serious effect upon athleticism. The chairman's remarks wore supported by Mr. Davy, who said ho would dcini most drastically with offenders/ 'He had seeW belting going on openly among officials and competitors, and- to stop it, they would have to take firm action Without respect to the personal question. The practice was generally and the meeting proc'cfided to the discussion of the drafting of a uniform set of rulps for the. conduct of horse events. It was decided to recommend to the incoming committee that the question be dealt wjtli as soon as posßible. Thf* secretary was granted an honorarium of £7 7s,

Tho election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr, H, J. Edwards; vice-presidents,-Messrs l T. G. Lawless and F. Henderson ; executive! committee', Messrs J. McLeod, R; B. Hill, J. McN'ieol, ft Williams, L, dcLautour, J. O, Jones, and L, . Ogicr; secretary ,and treasurer, Mr. A. Button; auditor, Mr. W. McKee.

A motion proposed by Mr. C. Williams, to the effect that, as tho Poverty Bay centre had not received fair treatment at the handg of the New Zealand Unjoro, delegates bei appointed to attend the annual conference, was adjourned for discussion on September 3. '