CONTROL OF ATHLETICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1931, Page 6

CONTROL OF ATHLETICS.

The decision of the amateur athletic clubs in Taranaki to secede from the Wanganui-Taranaki Athletic Centre and to set up a Taranaki centre is likely to meet with the general approval of the clubs in this province. > For a long time there has been dissatisfaction with the existing centre, and for a variety of reasons. Judging from the statement made by the Wanganui executive, one of the principal causes of trouble has been lack of funds, and this has probably been due to the feeling that clubs did not receive the attention from the centre that was desirable. There is the further contention that in athletic affairs the province is now well able to control local matters, and that thej- will be more effectually managed by a Taranaki centre than by one controlling a larger district. Of course, the proposal must have the approval of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, and as its functions are Dominion-wide it may see objections to a new centre that are not so apparent to Taranaki clubs. The guidance of amateur athletics is not always an easy matter, particulrly among the weaker clubs. The development of healthy sport, for the love of the game only, is good for the community, and thanks are due to those who devote a good deal of their spare time to stimulating this principle among young people. The

establishment of a new centre must not be allowed to interfere with the amicable relationships existing between clubs in the' Wanganui and the Taranaki districts. There is no reason why it should. The aim of them all is the development of amateur sport. Controlling bodies can but give guidance, and their power for good depends upon the loyalty, keenness and efficiency of the clubs "they are trying to assist.