ATHLETIC CONTESTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26626, 24 November 1947, Page 6

ATHLETIC CONTESTS

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

INAUGURATION FAVOURED P.A. WELLINGTON, Nov. 23. Athletic contests between Australia and New Zealand may be inaugurated in 1949. A- remit with this aim, submitted by Auckland, was carried at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association on Saturday. Mr H. L. Towers said that, with air travel booming, there was more chance of the contests being possible. Mr H. I. Austad said the Management Committee was particularly keen to bring such meetings about. He suggested that contests should be held every two years. Mr B. R. McKernan (Otago), who recently returned from Australia, said there was a good possibility of getting teams to New Zealand. They were keen in Australia to have visits from New Zealanders. It was decided that in future, at championship meetings, third place will receive recognition with one point. Points awarded will be 5,3, and 1. Cross-country Criticised The prepared track or ground in the national cross-country championships will in future be no more than one-third of the total distance. This was a Wellington motion. Members made reference to a “ real ” crosscountry. Mr N. A. McKenzie (Hawke’s Bay) said that last year’s championship was xio more than a glorified track race. It was recommended that the proceeds from the broadcasting rights of the American tour should be put.aside to form part of a film and coaching fund. This was an amendment to the original Otago remit that the proceeds should be divided equally among the affiliated centres.

A Canterbury remit suggested that the New Zealand Women’s Championship Relay should be run in accordance with the rules. Reference was made to a bad spiking accident at Wellington last year, when the relay was not run in lanes. The rule states that runners must use separate lanes. Venue of Championships