ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 16 January 1931, Page 2

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

NEW ZEALAND ATHLETIC UNION ELECTION OF OFFICERS (By Telegraph—Press Association) STRATFORD, This Day. The annual conference of the New Zealand Athletic, Cycling and Axemen’s Union was held here last night. It wasdecided that both in running and cycling the result of sweepstake races be included in the performance sheet if other performances are not sufficient.

A new chopping rule was added that any person interfering with or destroying the head of a block without the consent of the officials be disqualified for that event.

A motion was passed cutting out the use of the whistle in starting.

Rule 25 was altered to read that when there is only one fee charged the club may handicap the entrant not sending in an entry fee, and having done so shall have the right 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 the referee power to inflict a penalty for breaches of the rules, but only as regards a particular event. The decision of Last conference on the matter of breaking the mark was rescinded and the previous rule re-enacted, putting all matters of the start in the discretion of the starter It was decided to take step to secure affiliation with the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, Mr R. B. Meek (Oamariij, Vice-presidents, Messrs N. J. Walter (Christchurch), J. H. Hansen (Manaia), H. H. Fraser (Tiriiaru). Committee, Messrs J. Collingwood (Wanganui), G. E. Perkins (Greymouth), J, T. Qualter (Pyramid), A, J. Fisher (Blenheim!, J. D. Forbes (Oamaru), W. J. Worthington (Kaikohe), C- Church (Gisborne). Secretary, Mr J. Kennedy (Geraldine). Auditor, Mr J. B. Stewart (Geraldine). The matter of whether or not the conference be held next year was left to the committee,