DECISION OF CENTRE PROTECTS STADIUM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18013, 25 November 1926, Page 11

DECISION OF CENTRE PROTECTS STADIUM.

ALLOWS UNREGISTERED RUNNERS TO COMPETE IN GIFT HANDICAP.

Arising out of an article that appeared in Tuesday’s “Lyttelton Times there was some discussion at last night’s meeting of the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union in regard to unregistered runners, and the centre decided that they be allowed to compete and that tile English Park Stadium authorities should be protected as far as their big Stadium Gift handicap is concerned.

Prior to the centre holding its cycling inquiry a delegate said he had read in the “Lyttelton Times” an tide relating to unregistered runners competing for the stadium’s big race. The secretary (Mr P. C. Lucas) said one of the competitors registered at the stadium on Saturday night. There were three who were not registered at the time the race was run, but one of them had registered yesterday. Mr G. Henderson said a number of competitors were not making use of their registered numbers and they should not be allowed to start.

Mr Winter Cole moved that the competitors be informed that unless they registered at once they would be disqualified. The small amount necessary should enable them all to register.

Mr C. Stewart seconded the motion, which was carried, and it was also decided to enforce the rule about colours.

Later in the meeting when the English Park Stadium representatives were present Mr J. Johns asked what the position was in regard to their big race. The chairman, Mr W. J. Walter: We have decided that they have all got to be registered. We arc allowing them to go on and we are not being hard and fast about the thing.

Mr Johns: We would like a letter saying that, the centre accepts all responsibility in the matter. Mr A. L. Moffat: I don’t want to tell vou vour business, Mr Chairman, but I think you’ve made a mistake.

"Mr Johns: In anv court of law under a. protest a registered runner could claim the prize money.

The secretary said thc>* had a rule which set out that there was no legal liability.

Mr Moffat; You are not liable, but we are.

The chairman: Not when you are racing under our rules. Mr Johns: So long as the centre are quite clear that’s all we want. Mr Burnand then quoted the rule which appeared in the “ Lyttelton Times” on Tuesda}-, dealing with the position regarding unregistered runners.

Mr Moffat: Supposing an unregiste; ed runner wins?

Mr Johns: It is not a fair thing t those men who have registered.

The chairman assured the stadium authorities that the centre -would take the responsibility, and that in future they would be supplied with a list of registered runners and riders.