ATHLETICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16611, 30 September 1925, Page 11

ATHLETICS.

THE NORTHERN UNION. The annual meeting of the Northern Athletic Union took place at Tc Aroha on Monday, there being present the president, Mr R. Coulter, and Messrs J. Harris (secretary), S. Vernon (Foresters' Sports Club), W. Shannon (Springdale), C. Morrison (cycling club), W. Findlay (Mauku), G. Swain and J. S. Brown (Waiuku), W. Howard (Waitoa), P. Pilkington (Tc Aroha Fire Brigade Sports Club). ' The balance sheet for the year was read which showed that the receipts amounted to £lO7, and after disbursements had been accounted for there was a credit of £l2 8s 3d, with cash in bank totalling £PO lis 6d. The balance sheet was adopted. The president said the position was very satisfactory, seeing that the Union started off without funds. The position was entirely due to the secretary. The president tendered a welcome to the "faithful four" who had kept the Union going. However, some very good work had been accomplished during the year. After the reading of the minutes the president moved a vote of sympathy with Mr Barr-Brown in connection with the death of his wife, which was carried in silence.

A complaint was made by a competitor named McNamara against the attitude of the Waiuku Club in regard to the Maxwell Cup, wfcich had been withdrawn from the competition on account of the full three entries not having been received as per the Waiuku Club conditions.

Mr Swain, secretary of the club, maintained that the competition for the cup was cancelled at 5 p,m., as insufficient entries had been received, but after that hour other entries had been received and rejected. The Union decided to endorse the action of the Waiuku Club. The secretary referred to the retirement of Mr. J. McKean, a competitor at the recent Mauku sports,.who had recently won the half milt: and was sexxrad in the mile event. He ran his first race 35 years ago. The secretary thought that the services of the veteran athlete should be recognised by the Union. It was agreed to present Mr. McKean with a gold medal valued £5 5s as a recognition of his close adherence to athletics.

It was agreed on the motion of the president to retain the headquarters of the Union at Te Aroha. Mr. Findlay remarked that great credit is due to' Te Aroha for iis enthusiasm in reviving interest in athletics. Messrs. Swain and Brown supported the headquarters being removed to Waiuku.

Election of Officers,

the following officers were elected: President, Mr. R. Coulter; vice-presi-dent, Messrs. J. Barr Brown (Putaruru), L. Dunn (Waiuku); hon. auditor, Mr. E. 11. Edmunds; executive council, Messrs. R. Collier (Kamo), P. Pilkington (Te Aroha), W. Shannon (Springdale), G. Swain (Waiuku), I. Robinson (Hlkutaia), J. R- Buddy (Whakatanc), W. Munro (Dargavillc) ; official handicappers: chopping and sawing, Mr. C. L. Hardy (Auckland) ; athletics and cycling, Messrs. H. T. McAneny (Auckland)", and C. S. Morison (Tc Aroha) ; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr J. L. Harris (Otahuhu); hon. solicitor, Mr A. T. James (Te Aroha); consuls, Messrs J. M. Dawson (Victoria Valley), G. N. Bennett (Raupo), R. Cornthwaite (Bombay), E. Boberts (Pio Pio), J. J. Guest (Te Teko), and J. N. McKay (Waiuku Valley).

It was agreed to make the secretary a bonus of 35 guineas. Special reference was made to the very excellent services rendered the union by Mr Harris. '" Mr Howard, on behalf of Waitoa Club, asked permission to hold a sports meeting on January 2. —This was agreed to. The secretary remarked that Morrinsvillc had previously held a meeting on January 2, but no application had so far been received from Morrinsville. Te Puke was granted Easter Saturday. The union decided to have a badge struck for use of delegates, which' would admit members to all athletic gatherings under the union's administration. The president made complimentary reference to the Times for the splendid manner in which it had catered for athletics. Genera!. Mr Swain referred to the matter of prominent athletes entering for chopping events, and not fulfilling engagements. It was pointed out that it was sometimes done as a "draw." He thought that such tactics were only "taking the people down." The president referred in glowing terms to the good work carried out by the handicappers, Messrs Hardy, Morison and McAneny.—A vote of thanks was accorded them.

Mr Howard advocated the appointment of an assistant handicapper.— This was agreed to.