CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GREYMOUTH

Grey River Argus, 9 August 1948, Page 4

CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GREYMOUTH

Athletic, Cycling And Axemen’s Union Preparations

With the setting up of three sub-committees for the purpose of deciding the number and variety of the events in cycling, athletic and field, and bushcraft the West Coast Centre of the N.Z. Athletic, Cycling and Axemen’s Union on Saturday last set in motion, preparations for the New Zealand Championships, which will be held at Victoria Park, on February 4 and 5 next.

The annual meeting of the Union, which was held in the Rugby League Rooms on Saturday was attended by the following: Messrs J. Tennent (Chairman), A. Greaney, B. Topp, T. Morgan, J. Donaldson, R. Dixon, J. Swarbrick, F. Williams, V. Messenger, W. Maloney, and the Secretary (G. B. F'iveash). It was decided that a committee be set up to consider ways .and means of having funds transferred to the union. It was stated that Karoro. Ngahere and Paroa clubs which had not functioned for some years had some financial assets, and if the accounts of these clubs were not operated for a period of six years they would be taken over by the Government. As the money, in the first place had come from the competitors indirectly, it was only right that it should go back to the competitors and to the sport in general. The President said it seemed wrong that such funds should lie idle until claimed by the Government. Mr. F. Williams said the constitution did not authorise the Centre to take any action. Mr. W. Maloney said it would be a pity for the money to go to the State. Mr. G. Fiveash (Secretary) said Karoro Club, which now had £9O, had had £2OO when it ceased to function.

Mr. Topp said there should be a provision at registration, that if a club became defunct, all funds after an interval, should accrue to the centre.

A committee comprising President, Secretary and J. Donaldson was set up to frame a remit for the next annual conference and to discuss the mattei’ of the Karoro Club’s funds

The President said there now were ten clubs affiliated, one fewer than last season. Season registrations had increased by 14 to 98, and day registrations fell by foufi to 32. Expenditure totalled £5O (excluding sports), an increase of £8 ss, while receipts of £4l 17s was also up by £6 ss. There was a loss for the year. Tim credit balance had fallen from £262 to £193. A loss of £7O resulted from a sports meeting held at Greymouth. Mr. F. Williams said they must guard against such losses. The President stated that he did not consider it as a loss, because they had gained a lot by experience, and in any case the money had gone back to the competitors, from which it came, and this would all help the sport. Reference was made to the long service of Mr. J. Donaldson as starter by several members, and it was decided to elect him a life member of the Union.

The following dates for next season were allotted:—Rapahoe, December 26; Mokihinui, January 1; Reefton, January 29; Championship Meeting, February 4 and 5; Nelson Creek, February 12; Ikamatua, February 26; Te Kings, March 6; Brunner, March 13; St. Patrick’s, March 19. Dates for Wataroa, Ahaura, Camerons and Blackball Clubs were held over until applications for same had been received from these clubs. The election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as follows:—President, Mr. J. Tennent (re-elected); Vice-Presidents, Messrs R. Dixon, J. Donaldson, Topp and F. Williams; Treasurer, Mr. J. Tennent; Trustees, Messrs J. Tennent and J. Donaldson; Secretary, Mr. G. B. Fiveash (reelected). All present were elected to the committee, with power to add. All accounts to hand were passed for payment. It was decided to make inquiries regarding having a phone installed at the secretary’s residence. At the conclusion of general business, a discussion took place on arrangements tor the Championships. The Secretary explained that he had received several communications from North Island Centres regarding the events to be put on. Many competitors in the North were already in training for the Championships, but they were handicapped by not being aware of the class of timber to be cut, also the sizes of the logs. It was necessary that some decision be made almost immediately on this matter to ensure the success of the fixture. It was decided that three sub-com-mittees be set up to bring down reports on cycling, athletic and field, and bushcraft events. The following were appointed: Athletic and field events, Mr. F. Williams, convenor; cycling, Messrs V. Messenger and M. Sheldon; bushcraft events, Messrs J. Donaldson, G. Fiveash, W. Maloney, A. Greaney, J. Swarbrick. ,

The committee dealing with the bush craft events met later in the day and drew up the following programme, which will be submitted to a general meeting for approval:— 24” Championship double-handed saw; 24” Championship single-hand-ed saw; 24” Handicap double-handed saw (all one cut); 14” Standing Championship; 12” Standing Championship; 16” Underhand Championship; Teams Relay Chop Championship (North Island v. South Island), 12” Standing, 14” Standing, 12” Underhand, 14” Underhand. Handicap events would include: 12” Standing; 14” Standing; 12” Underhand and 15” Underhand. Silver Birch was decided on as the most suitable timber for all these events, and would suit the axemen of both islands. Underhand.

The next meeting will be held on Friday, August 20. at 6.45 p.m.