EMPIRE GAMES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 129, 2 June 1937, Page 5

EMPIRE GAMES

MEETING THE COST

REINSTATED ATHLETES

A number of matters relating to the British Empire. Games, to be held in Sydney next February,' were discussed at the meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association Council last night. Mr. H. I. Austad presided.

A circular letter was received from the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association inquiring. whether the N.Z.A.A.A. would care to join the Cycling Association in applying for a permit to conduct an art union to raise funds towards defraying the cost of sending representatives to the British Empire Games.

The consensus of opinion was that it did not appear likely that a permit would be granted for one of the big art unions.

It was decided to leave the matter ,o the administration committee.

A letter was received from Mr. Evan Huntar, England, enclosing a copy of a letter sent to Australia pointing out that the British team's visit to Ausralia for the Empire Games would be limited because the reduced steamer rates which had been granted applied for a certain period only. He understood that there were proposals to hold meetings in various parts of Australia after the Empire Games. If members of the British team were required in Australia or New Zealand the extra expense that would be involved by the athletes remaining away longer would either have to be borne by the athletes or be made a charge against the meetings at which they competed. To take advantage of the specially reduced fare the team must connect with the Stratheden, which leaves Sydney on February 18. The Auckland Centre asked the reasons for the council declining to send forward to the conference to be held during the Empire Games a remit dealing with the question of reinstated athletes being eligible to compete at the Games, and^another remit recommending the inclusion of women's discus and shot-putting events in the programme. It was decided to reply that the council's attitude was based on former negotiations and past experience. Mr. C. A. Willis said it appeared that the council was definitely in opposition to two centres (Auckland and Otago) over the reinstatement issue.

The chairman said that if it was desired that the matter be reopened notice of motion could be given.

Subsequently Mr. Willis, supported by Mr. F. M. Reid, gave notice of motion.