CYCLISTS ANGRY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19137, 21 October 1927, Page 10

CYCLISTS ANGRY.

+. CLUB MEETS CENTRE. THREAT OF WITHDRAWAL. Cycling 'affairs are reaching a crucial point in Canterbury, judging by the outcome of a meeting held last evening, and the withdrawal of the Christchurch Cycling Club from the. North Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union appears imminent. The withdrawal of this club from the Union would mean the loss of more than half the district cyclists, and according to statements which have been made to The Press by representatives of the club committee, such a step is unavoidable. Last evening the North Canterbury Centre of the Union and representatives of the Christchurch Club, including Messrs H. F. Garrard, chairman, C. M, Kavanagh, F. C. Reynolds, and J. Bearman, met to discuss the. club's threat to withdraw from the Centre. Mr W. J. Walter, president of the Centre, presided. The club's grievance is that while the Centre refused to allow it either of alternative dates suggested for the club's fixture at English Park Stadium, on the grounds that the Centre having taken control of the park, required the best dates available, yet at least one other club had been granted a date as requested. The meeting was held in committee, but at its conclusion the Centre decided to publish a report of proceedings. ■ ■< ' It is alleged that the Christchurch Club made every effort to meet the Centre in regard to the trouble that has arisen. The club offered to forego its requested date on the condition that no other club was granted a fixture at the Stadium, and also offered to' allow the Centre to conduct certain of the club's big cycling events, provided 10 per cent, of the gate was allowed. The Centre members retired to discuss the proposals, but Mr Walter announced later that they had been rejected. He added that steps would, if necessary, be taken to disqualify the Christchurch Club. "We made every possible effort to meet the Centre," said a deputation of the club members who called at Thg Press Office after the. meeting. "We regret that the Centre are taking the attitude they have, and consider they have taken a mean advantage." The club intends, if necessary, to appeal to the New Zealand Union.