AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4830, 20 December 1893, Page 1

AM ATEUR ATHLETICS.

THE NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. : A meeting of the committee of the New j Zealand Amateur Athletic Association was held last evening; present — Messrs Croxton (in the chair), Hood Williams, Tonks, Grierson, Wood, Guff, Eeevea, Perry, Webb and Cotterill. The Secretary reported that he had not yet received a reply from the Commissioner of Customs to the application for a remission of the duty and fine on the trophies won by the New Zealand athletic team in Melbourne. Applications for reinstatement from W. J. Piercy, Hororata; J. Prieatnall, Christchurch; and J. Simmellhag, Ngaruawahia, were granted. Two other applicants were directed to apply again, and one. was refused. The local officer at Auckland wrote, with reference to the refusal of the Auckland Club to permit members to compete at the Caledonian Society's sports. The letter was received, the committee re-affirming its practice of not granting each permission except on the advice of the local club or officer of the Association, who had the best knowledge of the circumstances. The Wairarapa Amateur Athletic Club wrote, stating that a team had been selected to - train for the championship meeting, and would probably join Wellington in competing for the challenge banner. Some discussion took place on the point. It was stated that when Ashburlon and Timaru athletes had represented the Canterbury Club they had done so as lon& fide members, and the Canterbury Club had borne all the expenses, without assistance from the other clubs, of which the competitors were members. It was decided to point out to the Waiiarapa Club that clubs could not unite to send a joint team ! to compete for the banner. Mr Webb gave a report of the visit oP the New Zealand athletic team to Melbourne. He first' thanked the Association for having appointed him manager of the team. He explained the proceedings at the conference of a v hletic associations with reference to sending an Australasian : team to compete in the Pan-Britannic contests in England, and gave interesting details of the various performances of the members of the team. The conduct of the team had been in the highest degree praiseworthy, and a pattern to the other visitors to the meeting, and everything had worked pleas in tly during the whole trip. The Victorian athletes had been kindness itself to the team, not OBly ia entertaining them after the meeting, but in refraining from doing so before it. Mr Webb mentioned that after his experience of this trip, he was of opinion that men were in better order as soon as they had settled down after the voyage than they were after the lapse of a week. The Chairman said that he hoped to have submitted the financial statement for the trip to the meeting, but accounts were not quit9 closed. It would be ready for next meeting. Mr Webb, he could say, had been a most excellent steward, and the financial result would be satisfactory. On the motion of Mr Cuff, seconded by Mr Grierson, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Webb for his services with the New Zealand team in Melbourne and at the conference with reference to the Fan-Britannic meeting. Mr Williams moved — "That the association accords a very hearty vote of thanks to the members of the New Zealand athletic team for their efforts on behalf of this colony at the late Australasian championship meeting." This was carried with acclamation. Mr Webb moved— "That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Parkinson, Mr Thomas, Major Wardale and the other officers and members of the Victorian Amateur 'Athletic Association for their kindness and attention to the New Zealand athletic team during its late visit to Melbourne to compete at the Australasian championship meeting." This aiso was carried by acclamation. Designs for the championship medals j were considered, and it was decided to recommend a local design in preference to those of the Melbourne jewellers. Mr Webb presented the association with a photograph of the team, for which he received a vote of thanks. The photograph will be hung in the club-room.