COMBINED SPORTS MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2567, 14 April 1923, Page 3

COMBINED SPORTS MEETING.

The meeting convened by Mr E, Parkin was held in the Town Hall supper-room on Thursday evening, there being a good attendance present, all classes of sports being well represented.

Mr Jewell was voted to the chair and briefly outlined the objects of the meeting. He stated that, after the last Queen Carnival held in Foxton, about three years ago, which was such a success, it had been mooted then that they run an annual combined Sports meeting on much the same lines as the Oroua Downs meeting, but owing to the slump coming on so suddenly, which was so far reaching An its effects, the matter was dropped, but he considered it was now an opportune lime to revive the matter, hence this meeting. He pointed out that much smaller places than Foxton ran successful meetings and that without having the advantages of such a. splendid ground as we have at our disposal. On the race-course there was plenty of room and providing a good committee was set up to run the different branches of sport, there was ample room to have several events run off simultaneously. The having the buildings, gradstauds, etc., would make the ground an ideal spot, for the purpose. By having a diversified programme with wood chopping, motor cycling, cycling, horse and athletic events he was sure such a meeting would be a huge success. Mr Parkin, the convenor, stated his idea was to run a meeting much on the same lines as Oroua Downs. He had discussed the matter with other sports and by the interest shown, thought it wise to call a meeting and let the meeting decide as to the best course to pursue.

A motion by Messrs Barber and Leaver: “That a. united Sports Association be formed and that all present become members” was carried unanimously. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron: Mr -T. Linklater, M.P!, president: Mr W. Jewell, vice-presidents: Messrs .1. Clirystall, Cornier, H. G. Hammond, M. Perreau and F. Bobinson, secretary, Mr D. Ogilvy, assistant secretary, Mr McMurray, treasurer, Mr E. Parkin; general committee: Messrs R. Austin, W. E. Barber, Christie, Follas, Green, Hutchins, Davidson, McMurray, Neylon, H. Bobinson and J. Thomson. It was decided to obtain copies of rules and programmes from various other similar societies, so as to have a guide in forming the local Club.

At this stage Messrs Hammond (president), Gates (secretary) and Gore, of the Oroua Downs Club arrived. Mr Hammond stated that they had come down to Foxton to place at the disposal of the new club the experience gained by them (luring the past eight years. To many it might seem a simple matter to start and their recent meeting was the only one which had been run off without a bitch. They were able to improve on this by cutting out the not too popular events and substituting others which would appeal more to the public. Mr Gates, had brought with him copies of minute book, copies of programme, rules, etc. and they were prepared to help Foxton in every way possible and by avoiding the mistakes they find made, the Foxton venture would be a success right from the start. To prove how successful their Club was, be stated that two years ago they erected a Hall costing over £BOO and- with the aid of the Queen Carnival, in which Foxtonians had given great assistance, the Hall was now entirely free of debt.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Hammond and bis Oroua Downs colleagues in coming to Foxton and in offering so generously to help the Foxton meeting. Mr Davidson asked whether there would be any provision for primary school competitions, which were a great success in the South Island. The chairman replied that the idea was a good one and no doubt these competitions would be arranged for and referred the mater to the general committee. II was decided that members’ tickets be 5/- each to admit member and two ladies, Mr Hammond pointed out that if any horse events were held in which the first, horse past the post was the winner, it would be necessary to obtain a permit from tlie Minister - of internal Affairs, also that the various Athletic controlling bodies would have to be affiliated with, ' The question of whether pedestrian events could be run on an amateur or professional status was left to the general committee to decide. On the motion of Messrs Christie and Perreau, it was decided to hold the initial meeting next February on a date to be fixed later. The chairman pointed out that as the race meeting was held on the 22nd of January, the course then would be in good condition and it would not be necessary to spend money in putting it into order, Mr Gates mentioned that delegates from various clubs had been invited to meet in Feilding about the 19th inst, and it would perhaps be as well if the Foxton Club was represented. This matter was left in the hands of Mr Hammond to arrange. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman terminated a very successful meeting.