N.Z.A.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1927, Page 4

N.Z.A.A.

AFFILIATION WITH I.A.A.F. SOUGHT. (Bv Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Dee. 211. A new era in X.Z. amateur athletics began to-day when the Board of Control of the Australian and X.Z. Amateur Athletic Union agreed to the Dominion withdrawing from that body. They were bringing the matter forward not because they had any complaint: to make with regard to the treatment which they had received I min the bode, as at present constituted, sail I Mr H. W. MeVilly. President ot the Xew Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. in moving: "That the X.Z.A.A.A. shall Tie permitted to withdraw from.the Amateur Athletic Union of Australia and X.Z.. and obtain separate affiliation to the International Amateur Athletic Federation.” hut bora use they felt that the time had arrived when X.Z. should control her own athletic destinies. They thought that they should he able to compete, not with the individual Australian States, but with the whole ot Australia. They thought also that they could produce men as good as any other country, and wished to give their men the opportunity of competing against the representatives ot other countries under the auspices of a national body. It. would take about six months to complete the arrangements for X.Z.’s withdrawal, said Afr Is. Marks (Xew South Wales). Therefore he threw out the suggestion that the proposals for biennial meetings between Australia and X.Z.. anil biennial conferences, to commence in 1020. should he held over unti matters were re-arranged between the Australian States. 'lbis Mr .MeVilly accepted. Mr G. K. Langford (Victoria) said there was no doubt that X.Z. was capable of competing with Australia’s host and it would mean a great deal to an athlete to he selected to represent the Dominion.

The motion was carried unanimously. The following motion was also passed: " That this conference make strong and immediate representations to the International Amateur Athletic Federation with regard to having Australia and X.Z. exempted from the provisions of the rule which prohibits American and Continental athletes undertaking tour- occupying more than 21 days.” Important legislation aliening amateur athletics was passed to-day when with Mr B. Coombes presiding, the Biennial Amateur Athletic Union was hold.

It was decided that the headquarters of the union for the next two years should he at Sydney. Mr 1!. Coombes (Xew South Wales) was re-elected President; Mr r.. Marks, honorary Secretary: and .Mr W. B. Alexander, honorary Treasurer.

The following Australian and Xew Zealand records were confirmed:—loo yards’ running. f> -I—j secs.. M. Leailheiter February 12. 1027). at Auckland; L. C. Parker > August I I. 1020), at Brisbane; 220 yards running, 21 secs.. X. J. Greluin, Brisbane, (Augusi 21, 102!!); miles running, M mins. 20 1-7, sees., li. 11. Bose. Wellington .March 2(1. 1020; 120 yards hurdles 00 flights, ,‘lft. bins.), lot sees; B. W. Lander. Auckland (February 12. 1027). (grass;: III) yards hurdles (10 (lights Oft.) 7,1 0-10 sees.. A. L. Whit-

son. .Melbourne ('February 2(1, 102 i) throwing the javelin. 20olt. 11 (in.. S A. Lay. Brisbane (August 11. 1020) throwing the discs. L'1211., P. Monro. Hobart, Tasmania (February 0. 1021) i;i7ft. I’. Minim, Wellington, New Zealand (March 22. 1021).