SECOND EDITION. A PROTEST UPHELD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16230, 3 January 1927, Page 8

SECOND EDITION. A PROTEST UPHELD

I CHAMPION DISQUALIFIED SPORTS SENSATION On the first day of the Ngatapa Sports Club's championship meeting a professional runner, W. C. Preston, of Wliangarei, won the 220yds handicap, and 440yds and mile championship. l A protest was received in connection with his 220yds win on the grounds that his performances, as detailed in the entry form, were incorrect. The protest on this event was upheld and as a result Preston was compelled to forfeit his 220yds win. Later the Whangarei runner contested find won the quarter-mile and mile championships, when a considerable amount of discussion took place on the propriety of allowing him to start. The committee took lfo action on Saturday, however. To-day the question was revived, and a meeting of the Poverty A. and C. V. centre was held to consider the matter. As a result of the. Centre's deliberations Preston was disqualified for 12 months from January 1, and the club was directed to hold all stake money and trophies won by him on the first day of the meeting. Preston was also deprived of the championship honors. The re-distribution of the 'alter raised 6. Murland. of GuJborne, to the status of New Zealand quarter-mile champion, and (1. L. Darlington of Pokaka to a similar position in relation to the mile. 1