THE ATHLETIC WAR.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 404, 13 January 1909, Page 9

THE ATHLETIC WAR.

AUCKLAND AS MEDIATOR. MR. ATACK DENOUNCES WELLINGTON. (11T TELEORArn— rKBSS ASSOCIATION.) Christohurch, January 12. The oontending claims of tho Chriatchurch and Wellington amateur athletic bodies, each of- which claims tho , distinction of being the Council of tho. New Zealand. Amateur Athlotio Association; was further discussed at the mooting of the Christchurch body this evening. Tho subject was raised by the receipt of a letter from tho Auckland Centre making the following suggestions for a compromise:— ■ (1) That tho headquarters remain at Christchurch fov the present season, tho present council to be the governing body during that period, and to be recognised as such by all the .affiliated centres.

'■ (2) That, during tho season, the council effect alterations in tho constitution of the association so that direct representation on the council should bo afforded the various centres, instead of having tho council nominated generally, as at present. -

(3) That before tho expiration of the present season si vote of the centres be taken as to the desirability, or otherwise, of removing tho headquarters from Christchurch, and, if it then bo considered desirable, as to "what centre it shall bo removed.

The council discussed for some little time tho attitude of the Auckland Association, and some difference of opinion was expressed as to whether tho centre would continue its support to .j;ho Christchurch Council after the present season. Soma importance was attached to the question, 'as it appeared that Auckland would hold the balance of power. Mr. .'Nbidon suggested that . the council should send a delegation to the Wellington and Otago Centres to discuss the differences which had arisen. A little conciliation might be tho solution of tho whole difficulty. The President (Mr. W. G. Atack): What if they refuse to receive us? Arc you not putting yourself in the way of getting a snub? Wellington is so frightfully parochial that they would not listen to anything there. Mr. G. H. Mason: It is no use going to Wellington, because; as far as their so-called association is concerned, we are not likely io got much change out of them. Mr. Nordon: What standing have thev got?' -

The President: No standing whatever. Mr. Nordon said that ho agreed that'it would bo useless to send a delegation to Wellington. If they could convince Otago that the council was in the right the centre would probably withdraw-its support from we irresponsible body in' Wellington. Mr. Mason suggested that any delegation appointed should also visft Invercargill. The president said that the centres should be mvitcdto state their grievances, so that tho council would know what vras alleged against it. The 'statements made by Mr. Sanderson in Auckland were absolutely incorrect,, but if they represented the feeling of the Otago centre it; was no wonder that Otiijo had same feeling against the council. Finally it was resolved to receive the letter, and point out to'the Auckland Centre that tho couneil could n»t de»l with tho suggestions, hit presumed thst the centres wonld de«l with them in du» course. In regard to the Otago Centre, it m understood that the president would cemraunieato with the president of that centre in regard to the suggestion that i delegation should visit the south. ■ .-..- ..■■-.■'.- ■.A letter.was received from Dr. Newman, chairman of the executive of the Wellington Council, requesting ; Mr. Aitken to hand over to thfi.newiT-appoinfed secretary (Mr. Talbot) all: the funds, books, snd property, of the association, "so that the business of'the council may be facilitated.". Mr'. Aitken reported ■that he had refused to accede to the request. ; .. ■■'■.•■.-.• ; •■■-.