AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19759, 13 October 1938, Page 16

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB

FORMATION IN WAIROA BENEFICIAL TO ALL SPORT ADDRESS BY MR, MERCER (Spucial to the Herald.) WAIROA, Oct. 11. II was unanimously decided, at a well-attended meeting last evening, to form a branch of the Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club in Wairoa. The Rev. C. E. Hyde presided over an attendance of 20 supporters. The chairman emphasised the desirability of the formation of a strong club in the district to help sport along. He stressed the need for whole-hearted support, and appealed to those present not to accept the privileges of it without helping the project. The convener of the meeting, Mr. W. G. Brownlie, pointed out the need for such an organisation in the town. He outlined the enormous benefits that could be derived in training and keeping fit. It would help the boys train properly and would be beneficial to Rugby in the district. Neglected Opportunities Mr. J. E. Mercer, secretary of the uisborne Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, in addressing the meeting, stated that when he first came co New Zealand, he was struck by the few athletes in the country compared with what was available. "You have all the opportunities in the world and for that reason you are inclined to neglect those facilities," said Mr. Mercer. To get keen and keep keen was all that was needed in forming an athletic club. The speaker dealt at length with the physical fitness aspect of the club. Mr. Mercer stated that Gisborne was willing to co-operate and help if a club were formed in Wairoa. Gisborne athletes would be willing to come down and compete in the fii' s t meeting of the club. If it was so desired it could be arranged for Gisborne to meet the Napier club at Wairoa's ground. The chairman thankee! Mr. Mercer for his very instructive and helpful talk and it was decided that a Wairoa Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club be formed. It was decided that the ladies be asked to co-operate with the newly - formed club and that the sports meetings be conducted fortnightly on a Wednesday evening. The membership fees were fixed as follows: Seniors ss; juniors, under 18, 2s fid; ladies 2s Gd; school children free. Green and white were chosen as the club's colours. An honorary members list was opened, the subscripticcn being fixed at ss. Election of Officers The following officers were elected: Mr. IT. L. Marker; president, Kev. C. E. Hyde; vice-presidents, Messrs. J«E. Mercer, R. M. McDonald and B. Pfirkinson; secretary, Mr. W. G. Brownlie; treasurer, Mr. W. Brady; auditor, Mr. J. J. Millar; executive committee, Messrs. J. Hodgson, J. Boag, C. Hall, A. Praser, W. Powdrell. Four more members, representatives of sports bodies have to be appointed.