PLEASANT POINT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20668, 5 March 1937, Page 3

PLEASANT POINT

ATHLETIC CLUB CRITICISM OF SUB-CENTRE Strong exception to remarks contained in a letter from the Timaru Sub-Centre was taken at a meeting of the Athletic Club on Wednesday evening. Those present were Messrs H. F. Christie (chairman), W. C. Grant, S. Gibb, F. Simmons. K. Hammond, F. E. G. Malcolmson, R. Cunningham, and the secretary Mr Gordon Gliddon. At a previous meeting of the Club it was decided to write the Sub-Centre in reference to the long delay that had occurred in the re-instatement of some of its members, five months having elapsed since the inaugural meeting which was attended by delegates from Timaru for the purpose of giving first hand knowledge in the setting up of an Amateur Athletic Club. Delegates had assured the local club that reinstatement would only take a few weeks. Mr Hamilton said that he was going to Christchurch in

a day or two and that if these reinstatement forms were filled in immediately, he would endeavour to call a special meeting of the Canterbury Centre for the purpose of expediting the confirmation of these applications for reinstatement, the forms would be sent to Wellington for consideration by the New Zealand Council and it should only be a matter of a week or two before these applicants would be able to take their place in amateur athletics once again. The affected com. etitors had complied* with all these suggestions and requests, but had found it somewhat difficult to fill in their application forms to the satisfaction of the Timaru Sub-Centre.

In the correspondence received the Sub-Centre stated that anyone with average intellect or commonsense should have no difficulty in completing the reinstatement forms correctly, and the main theme of the Sub-Centre’s letter drawing the Club’s attention to an old saying: “People in glass houses should not throw stones” was taken strong exception to. It was neither courteous nor helpful to be treated in such a manner by the controlling body. Members had expressed a hope that they would obtain every assistance from the Sub-Centre when the Club was first formed. Instead of this, the general opinion appeared to be that the Centre was being a destructive force in every way possible. One member questioned the advisability of the Club continuing to function.

Mr Malcolmson said that he would be very sorry to see the Club disband because it had always been his aim to see a club functioning in Pleasant Point to enable children leaving school to participate in the sport of athletics which was a particularly healthy recreation, and which was being fostered to a great degree in the District High School.

It was agreed to endeavour to carry on, but the committee decided to withhold payment of the affiliation fees in the meantime pending inquiries as to certain aspects of amateur athletics. A road race is to be held on March 13. If there are not six entries or more there will be no race. The inter-club meeting run under the auspices of the Timaru SubCentre in conjunction with the local Club which was scheduled to be held to-morrow, has been cancelled. An endeavour is to be made to stage an afternoon meeting on March 27. The secretary reported that there was a distinct possibility of a fairly large representation of Fairlie athletes competing. A working bee will prepare the grounds for the school sports on March 25 at which members have signified their willingness to assist. BOXING Much interest is being displayed in the boxing tournament to be held m the Town Hall to-morrow evening. A first-class programme is promised and

intending patrons should be assured of an excellent evening’s entertainment. Local competitors have been in hard training for some time, and visiting boxers will no doubt be surprised at the form some of these boys are capable of producing. The Rev. Clyde Carr. M.P., will put forward Labour’s “Prosperity Plan” in an address which is scheduled to be held in the Town Hall to-night.