AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22492, 30 October 1944, Page 2

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

NEED FOR FACILITIES WAIKATO SUB-CENTRE MEETS Delegates from Rotorua, Te Aroha, Matamata and Hamilton attended the 16th annual meeting of the Waikato Subcentre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. A successful season was referred to in the annual report. Several clubs had come out of recess to give the sub-centre a total of 212 registered athletes, compared with 172 the previous season. A Waikato championship meeting was held at Matamata. Hinemoa Park, Hamilton, was proved one of the fastest tracks in the Dominion when three New Zealand junior records were equalled and one senior record broken at an Auckland provincial championship meeting. The balance-sheet showed the subcentre to be in the strongest financial position it had ever enjoyed. Mr H. J. Sommers, the president, appealed to all club officials to give of their best during the coming season in order to have the sport in a live condition when the men returned irom overseas. It was contended that civic authorities and public-spirited men should take more interest and pride in providing up-to-date sports facilities for their towns in order to improve the physique of the young people. New Zealand was many years behind the times with regard to most sports facilities. In contrast there was the action pf public men and public bodies in America who donated indoor and outdoor stadiums and other facilities for the young people of their home towns.

The following officials were elected for the 1944-45 season:—

Patron: Mr G. C. A. Gould; president, Mr H. J. Sommers; vice-presidents, Messrs F. Findlay, M.P., F. A. de la Mare, A. J. Denz, E. G. Guy, G. B. Hunt, F. H. Hart, R. B. Joyes, C. J. Thompson. F. Buckingham, G. Reid, W. G. Wareham, R. L. Mandersnn, and presidents of affiliated clubs; secretary-treasurer, Mr Thompson; handicapper, Mr C. G. Goosman; assistant handicapper, Mr E. Sherman; starter, Mr Sutcliffe; record steward. Mr G. Sherman; auditor, Mr S. E. Senior; executive committee, Messrs Wareham, Malcolm, L. Titheridge, R. Dent.