"BURY THE HATCHET"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 140, 11 December 1930, Page 26

"BURY THE HATCHET"

MINORITY'S WAY OUT

A letter has been received fi-om Mr. H. D. London, formerly oi! Wellington and now of Christchurch, on the subject of cycling control by cyclists, with special reference to the claims of the New Zealand Union of Cyclists. Mr. London, who has been prominently connected with the "breakaway movement," writes as follows:—"I have read with interest your articles on cj'cling in tho 'Evening Post' during the last few woeks. While your general comments arc undoubtedly an aid to tho sport, may I suggest that your attitude to tho New Zealand Union of Cyclists is 'not understood.' In your notes of the Cth November you state, inter alia, that 'neither the professionals nor the great majority of the amateur cyclists in New Zealand are desirous of being controlled by the recently-formed N.Z.C.U. Surely you. know that the cyclists who are standing aloof are only waiting for finality. Surely you do not imagine that cycling people are so different from other sections that they, .refuse to embrace democratic ideas and take their control into their own hands. So far as amateurs are concerned, I have .been definitely assured by two prominent local (Christchurch) clubs that • they arc simply 'sitting on the fence,' while I have actually been approached by many amateurs—and ■ professionals— with the view to forming clubs under the N.Z.U.C. ... It seems strange to me that, the control of cycling in New Zealand having now been practically given to the N.Z.U.C. (an entirely cycling organisation), cyclists and supporters cannot 'bury the hatchet' and come together for the common good instead of all this bickering. . . . Why do you prolong the fight? You have the influence and you have judgment. Why not take the lead and force everybody to do the right thing. No doubt a little- 'give and take' would soon settle things. Surely it is not too much to ask in these days of specialisation that the cyclists control their own sport. It has already been acknowledged that the N.Z.U.C. can successfully conduct its events." A detailed reply to the points raised in Mr. London's letter would mean covering much old ground. "Cotterpin" is satisfied that the great majority of tho cyclists of the Dominion do not place much confidence in the N.Z.U.C. as a controlling body, and, that being.the case, there is little hope of the N.Z.U.C. functioning to the extent it had anticipated. On the other hand, the sport under the bodies which have controlled it in the past (bodies now represented on a Board of Control) is in quite a flourishing state, and all cyclists on tho side of the great majority appear to be quite content to remain where they are under control which has brought the sport up to its present strong position. Mr. London refers to the fight being prolonged, and suggests that tho hatchet should be buried and the right thing done. The way, of course, is simple, and it rests entirely with that small section of cyclists which elected to break away. It is for them, to bury the hatchet and seek re-admission to the fold which claims most of New Zealand's cyclists. There is no need for any conferences. The easy way is to apply for re-admission. Fobte, the Consistent. To start four times and win each, event is no mean achievement; J. A. Foote acomplished it last Friday evening when racing at the Basin Eeserve. It was at tho second all-cycling meeting of the Port Nicholson Boad Kacing Club (Inc.) affiliated to the New Zealand Union of Cyclists, and good fields started in all races. In the last two meetings Foote has won seven times in seven events. L. Eoberts, the ex-Aucklander, although riding well, did not show up as well as was expected.. With further experience of local tracks his times probably will be faster. The B grade riders showed good form, A. Pennington, Holmes, and Davies being promising cyclists. The first of a series of three match races between Eoberts and Foote attracted interest, particularly as the races are under Continental rules. Eobers made the first "break," after covering about 40 yaTds, but Foote caught him. At the half-way mark Foote "jumped'"' and led Eobert.s home by a length. Tho two-mile A grade- points race saw a field of four face tho starter. Foote was again superior and won easily by over 30 yards. Stavelcy, who showed excellent form, came away with a good sprint 100 yards from the finish and headed off Eoberts for second place by a wheel. Points scored for this race were Foot© 5, Stavelcy 4, Evans and Eoborts 3 each. The club's third meeting will be held to-morrow night, and the second match race between Foote and Eoberts should prove interesting. Next Evening Meeting. No cycling events were- included in the programme for the evening meeting held at Athletic Park on Monday. The custodian (Mr. C. Collyer) has improved the "quarter" track and it is now in much better condition than it was a few weeks ago. It should not be very long now before it will be available for cyclists, althoiigh, as yet there are still some rather rough patches. The next club evening meeting is to be held on the Basin Eeserve on Monday, and at this the cyclists' will be provided for. Entries close to-mor-row. The meeting will be the last evening fixture before Christmas.

Competing at a meeting hold at "Western Springs Stadium, Auckland, a few days ago by the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club, E. G. Foubister won the second heat of the senior one mile event in the club record time of 2min 2 4-oscc. He rode- from scratch. His effort in the heat, however, evidently cost him much energy, for in the final ho could do no better than finish fourth when the time was 3 2-ssoc slower.