ATHLETICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18613, 8 July 1930, Page 10

ATHLETICS.

THE CYCLING SCHISM. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, July 7. A circular said to have been published widely by the New Zealand Union of Cyclists w r as considered briefly at this evening’s meeting of 1/ie New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. “ While I do not think it is the wish of us to enter into a controversy on this subject,” said the chairman (Mr H. J. Austad), "I think it is right for us to say something and make some sort of declaration for the sake of our own cyclists, who may happen to read this.” Mr Austad pointed out that the Union of Cyclists said in the circular that it was affiliated to the Union Cyclists Internationale. The position was that the New Zealand Union of Cyclists was not affiliated as a controlling body at all.” “It is in the same position as we are,” he said, “and it has been advised the same as us, that a body must have control of the professional as well as the amateur branch of sport before international affiliation will be granted.” The facts were quite clear, he added, and the circular could be taken as a desperate measure of the New Zealand Union of Cyclists. The new board of control had applied for affiliation, and the New Zealand Union of Cyclists had done so too. We hope that the new board will get affiliation, because it is really the only one with proper control of both branches.”

It was pointed out by Mr G. S. Bright that Mr H. D. London, Christchurch., was an office-bearer in the New Zealand Union of Cyclists, and that Mr London had attended a meeting last week of the Cycling sub-Com-mittee of the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. The Canterbury Centre is to be communicated with. Overseas Tour^„ In regard to a tour of overseas athletes, including cyclists, during next track season, a sub-committee was set up, consisting of Messrs Austad, Bright and V. Hugo, to consider the question and to bring down a recommendation. Australia will be considered in addition to America. Mr W. F. Tracy reported on the business done by the administration committee in connection with the Empire Games. Money for Elliott and Lay had been lodged; the sum of £136 had been taken from the Overseas Representatives Fund; £66 from the general fund; and £66 would be available from the Rose Trust Fund. Mr Austad made strong reference to the lack of practical support, which had been received from Hawera, when there was a remarkable athlete in the district, and not a shilling came from that district toward sending Lay overseas. It was time to consider the position seriously. The tone of correspondence which had passed from Hawera to the Council had not been helpful.—The position was noted, but no action was taken. A New Zealand pole vault record was granted W. J. Batsone (Canterbury) who reached lift 3 5-Bin. on April 1 at Kirwee. Reinstatement as an amateur performer was granted to K. W. Wickins (Greendale), and to J. Nicholson (Ellerslie).