ATHLETIC DISPUTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9334, 2 January 1909, Page 5

ATHLETIC DISPUTES.

Press Association. Dunedin, Jannary 2. The Athletic Union sat till two this morning. There was a warm discussion;in reference to the attitude of Lilywhite Amateurs towards cash athletics. The Chairman said that in the event of the Union receiving much more criticism of the kind indulged in lately it would seriously consider the abolition of all amateur events from its programmes. Such a course would not cause trouble with the Sports Federation.

Southland proposed the abolition of permit fees for cycling events as well as amateur athletics. The Chairman moved as an amendment that no society contribute a permit or affiliation fee to anybody except the Athletic Union, but on it being pointed oat that such auto? cratio action was likely to alienate the sympathy and snpport of affiliated societies, it was withdrawn.

All competitors at Southland Caledonian gatherings in 1908 and 1909 have been disqualified during the Association’s pleasure. The disqualification has been removed from Thomas Johnston, of Bluff, who competed in a wrestling match at the Scottish Societies’ gathering at Christchurch.