NO TAPE OR WATCH
EXHIBITION OF RELAY TRINIDAD STATUS KEPT WELLINGTON, Jan. 27. An inquiry into alleged irregularity at the Masterion sports meeting on Anniversary Day was conducted by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association Council yesterday. Based apparently on a report that an exhibition relay between New Zealand anti Trinidad was decided, a member of the New Zealand team being Mr. A. L. Fitch, Wellington Centre coach, the question was raised whether the Trinidad athletes had kept within the bounds of their amateur status. After hearing Messrs. F. Bond, chairman of the Wellington Centre, A. D. Rowse, secretary of the centre, and A. L. Fitch, the centre coach, the council unanimously decided that no contest had taken place within the meaning of the rule and that those who had taken part In the exhibition in no way infringed their amateur status.
In order to ensure that no question will arise at the British Empire Games at Sydney as to the eligibility of the Trinidad athletes, a cable is to be sent to Mr. H. McCormick advising him of the decision. The Trinidad athletes, who arc now at Auckland, are also to be advised. The council decided also that the Wellington Centre be advised of the inadvisability of allowing any exhibition to be staged by Mr. Fitch where there is any element of doubt as to any such exhibition being classed as a contest and the status of the athletes competing thereby being affected.
The evidence of the officials and coach was taken in committee.
Interviewed yesterday morning, Mr. C. Robinson, Wellington sprint champion, who was one of the athletes who took part in the exhibition, said the exhibition was arranged purely with the object of Mr. Fitch demonstrating the American baton change for sprint relay racing. He said that Mr. Fitch went to great pains before the exhibition to point out to officials and everybody concerned that there was no idea of a contest and that no officials were required, no tape, nor any time taken.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19380128.2.27
Bibliographic details
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 23, 28 January 1938, Page 5
Word Count
337NO TAPE OR WATCH Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 23, 28 January 1938, Page 5
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