ATHLETIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9430, 2 January 1909, Page 4

ATHLETIC.

♦ ; — NEW ZEALAND ATHLETIC UNION. [Peb Press Association.] DUNEDIN, January 2. The annual meeting of the delegates of the New Zealand Athletic Union opened here yesterday, Mr G. *W. Woods presiding, and the following delegates were present: — Messrs J. Clarke (Taranaki), A. M. Ongley (Feilding), Thomas Duncan (Wellington), Robert Smith (Wairarapa), L. Merton and A. Corcoran (Hawkes Bay), J. Duffey and R. C. Heffernan (West Coast), R. H. Rankin and J. E. Goode (North Canterbury), J. Kennedy and J. Simms (South Canterbury). Robert Wilson and J. Bell (Southland), 0. E. Keast, D. F. M'Kay, R. Hobbs and A. G. Fehwick (Otago Centre). The president, in welcoming the delegates, made special reference to those who had attended every conference since the inauguration of the Union. The Union was to be complimented on the rapid strides it had made in three years, thus causing it to rank as the strongest body governing athletic sports in the world. He referred to the large initial expenses' incurred .in the formation of the Union, which was ungrudgingly borne by the members of the executive. This testified to the fact that the Union was composed of men who had the interests of every athletio society of the dominion at heart, whose , whole ambition was to i purify and provide healthy pastime for the rising generation. The president remarked that Centres were in existence throughout the dominion with the exception of Auckland, and during the coming year steps would be taken to organise a Centre in that province. It was decided to telegraph to the Wanganui Caledonian Society, the only one of standing, also in the North Island, outside Auckland, that unless it affiliated at once with the Union all competitors competing at its sports on January 22 would be dis-? qualified. -The Union disqualified during the pleasure of the Union all competitors who had competed at the Southland Caledonian Society's sports on December 31 and January 1. The annual report and balance-sheet showed that 176 bodies had held sports, and^that 1690 competitors were registered with the Unibn for^the past season. . The finances are in a healthy condition, the credit balance being £58 6s. The Athletic Union sat till two o'clock this morning. There' was a warm discussion with reference to the attitude of lilywhite amateurs towards cash athletics. The chairman said that- hi the event of the Union receiving much more criticism of the kind indulged in lately it would seriously consider the abolition of all amateur, events in its programmes. Such a course would not cause trouble with the Sports Federation. Southland proposed the abolition of permit fees for cycling events, as well as j amateur athletics. The chairman moved as an amendment — " That no society should contribute , permit or affiliation, fees' to any body except the Athletio Union.?' but on its being pointed out that such an autocratic action would be likely to alienate the. sympathy and support of affiliated societies, the motion was withdrawn. All competitors at the Southland Caledonian gatherings of 1903 and 1909 were disqualified during the Association's pleasure. The disqualification of Thomas Johnston, of the Bluff, who competed in a wrestling match at the Scottish. Societies' gathering in Christchurch, was removed. The New Zealand Athletio Union meeting was resumed this morning. Mr T. Duncan (Wellington) was appointed to visit Auckland, with the object of forming a Centre there. The Union gave authority in the meantime to Centres to permit persons to compete in Auckland. The disqualifications of persons who competed at the Auckland gaslight proprietary meetings were removed as from December 30. It was resolved to remove the disqualification of the Diinedin, Ashburtpn and Waimate Pipe Bands, imposed for competing at the Christchurch Highland Society's sports two years ago. It was resolved to •„ register the Union under the Incorporated Societies Act. Mr Duffy moved that the Union should take control and share the profit and loss up to 60 per cent of all championship meetings. The motion was negatived. Westland applied for the next championship meeting. Feilding also applied, and the meeting chose Feilding.. The following officers were elected: — Messrs G. W. Woods (president^, T. Duncan and J. Clarke (vice-presi-dents), J. Kennedy, G. E. Perkins, O. E. Keast, G. E. Good and R. Smith (committee), W. Reed (auditor), D. J. Corcoran (secretary and treasurer). Mr Woods stated that he would not stand again.