ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1931, Page 5

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OF ATHLETIC, CYCLING AND AXEMEN.

:By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

STRATFORD, January 16.

The annual conference of New Zealand Athletic, Cycling and Axemen’s Union was held here last night.

It was decided that both in running and cycling, the ivsult of sweepstake races be included in the performance sheet, it the other per.orinaneos were not si fficiciit.

A new chopping rule was adopted, that any person interim ing with or destroying the head of a block, without the consent of the officials, he disqualified for that event. A motion was passed cutting out the use of a whistle in starting. Itule 25 was altered to read that when there is only one fee charged, the Club may handicap an entrant not sending the entry fee, and having dono so shall have the light to recover the fee and to put the entrant’s name on the defaulters’ list, if the fee is not paid. A motion was passed giving a referee power to inflict a penalty for breaches of rules, but only as regards a particular event.

The decision of last conference on the matter of breaking at the mark Was rescinded, and the. previous rule reenacted, putting all mutters of the start in the discretion of the starter.

It was decided to take steps to secure affiliation with the Australian Axemen’s organisation.

The use of starting blocks in running races, was not approved. The following officers were elected:—• President—R. 11. Meek (Oamaru). Vice-Presidents —N. J. Walter (Christchurch), J. H, Hansen (Manaia), H. H. Fraser (Tiniani). Committee.—J. C'ollingwood (Wanganui), 0. E. Perkins (Greyniouth), J. T. (Jualter (Pyramid). A. J. Fisher (Blenheim), J. P. Forbes (Oamaru), W. J. Worthington (Kaikohe), C. Church (Gisborne). Secretary.—J. Kennedy (Geraldine). Auditor.—J. B. Stewart (Geraldine).

The matter of whether or not the < inference be held next year was left to the Committee to decide.