THE CONTROL OF CYCLING.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 906, 27 August 1910, Page 12

THE CONTROL OF CYCLING.

[To the Editor/] - , Sir, —After refusing to ratify the reciprocal agreement entered into .with the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, the-New Zealand Athletic Union, at :ts last annual conference, resolved that the union take control of cycling as from July. 31, 1910. They also had tho audacity to write to the league, informing it of the union's decision, and earnestly desiring the league to give effect to tho resolution. The League Council, in reply, wrote to the union stating:— .. ... "That this council consider that the motion carried at the Greymouth Conference was a vote of no-confidence ia tho league, and was in effect a reflection, on the New Zealand Athletic Union's own delegates, who assisted in the framing of the proposed agreement, and I whilst recognising thai, the New Zealand Athletic Union Executive must perforce conform to the instructions issued them at the conference held at Greymoulh, this council is of . the (Spinion that such 'vote, as far as the league fs concerned, is totally unwarranted, . and, until such time as the Loaguo_ Council is in possession of information as to warrant the conclusion arrived at it will unalterably maintain its position as tho governing body of cycling in New Zealand," As an outcome of tho union's unwarranted attempt at interference ia the government of cycling,, a number of clubs that cator for both athletics and cycling have not- only voiced their dissatisfaction, but havo actually rosigned N from the union, it being- tho intention of tho clubs to cater, so far as'athletics are concerned, for amateurs only. Largo and influential Caledonian Societies refuse to support the union. The Ot-ago Centre is considering the matter. of forming a union for themselves, and the North Canterbury Centre has stated in no uncertain terms its intention to take such steps as it inaj* deem fit to protect its own interests. ■ : . , The union executive,' finding itself in an unenviable position, has now of its own motion approached the , League Council graciously offering to allow it (to "allow" it, mind!) to continue control of cycling until the end of the present year, providing that the league will consent to amalgamate with the union. Tho League Council has ; decided to forward a copy of the letter to its affiliated centres, asking aa ex» pression of opinion. For one sport-governing body to treat another such as the union has treated the league is nothing short of. insult and bombast, and it is to be hoped ; that the League Council will stand firm and give the union's ' proposal that quietus it.so richly deserves. Tho union has had to relinquish their socalled control of piping and dancing events; it failed after repeated efforts to handle axemen's associations; and now that they discover even athletics are.finding the union's views and mismanagement' irksome; tho union is endeavouring to seek co-operation of a body it hus treataxl with scant courtesy to stem the tide of further disaster.

Without the full consent of the league and its members, no other body than the League of Wheelmen can or will control the sport of wheeling, in the Dominion. The league is in the pleasing position of knowing that it is in reciprocation with every cycling governjng body in the civilised. world, and its riders thereby enjoy privileges that no other body can give. As one who has taken an active part in cycling for many years, 1 sincerely hope that the ■■ League Council will use every-cffort to repel the attacks of the insidious; in fact, it behoves every true sport to bring such pressure to"bear on the League Council and ite affiliated centres as will effectually secure the retention of the management 'and control in its entirety of cycling by rightfully established League of New Zealand Wheelmen.— I am, etc., , ROAD AND TRACK.