SOLDIERS & SPORT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2380, 9 February 1915, Page 8

SOLDIERS & SPORT

WHOLESALE DISQUALIFICATION OF AMATEURS. Wholesale disqualification of competitors and suspension of officials has resulted npon tho holding of tho recent sports meeting at Trantbam Military Camp. Cash prizes were offored as rewards to tho winners of the various ovonta at the meeting, and tho_ NewZealand Amateur Athletic Association warned all concerned that 'those who took part in tho gathering -would be disqualified. Howover, the events were run, and -when the council of tho Athletic Association met last evening the matter, was the subject of consideration. Mr. A. A. Marry att spoke at some length on tho subject. "It is a very important matter as far as we are concerned," ho said, "and very objectionable that officers and men should be competing for cash prizes. It is a clear fracture of the lules of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. But, as an officer (Major Pinwill) said that tho men would not forfeit their amateur status, the men probably thought that they were entitled to compete." Mr. Marryatt thought that tho men who competed must be disqualified. In fact, they had disqualified themselves by competing. Ho thought that the officials, too, should be disqualified, for somo of tho officers might attempt to compete in amateur events at Home, and the amateur bodies in the Old Country should be advised on the point. After further discussion it was resolved that the offioials of the meeting" should be • suspended. They will be given an opportunity to "show cause." A deputation from the council of the Athletic Association will wait on the present Commandant of the New Zealand Forces (Colonel Robin), and ask him if he will ratify the agreement, entered into with General Godley, that sports for the troops should, be conducted on an amateur basis. The deputation will consist of Messrs. A. A. Marryatt, C. E. Bridge, and W. " I'\ Larkin,