"ATHLETICS AS USUAL.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 32, 9 February 1915, Page 2

"ATHLETICS AS USUAL.”

THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Per Press Association. Wellington, February 8

An important decision, embodying the motto of “athletics as usual” 01 spite of the war, was arrived at by the Council of the New Zealand Anritemn Athletic Association this evening. There were present: Messrs W. H? Pollock (in the chair), A. A. Maryatt, C. E. Bridge, B. A. Guise, M. Burnett, and A. Davies. The Auckland centre wrote stating that it had been decided not to have the championships run there. Otago centre wrote that in view of the large number of the best athletes at present on active service the centre considered it inadvisable to hold the New Zealand championships this year. The championships, if held, would fall to second-rate athletes, who would not be worthy of championship honors. Canterburv centre wrote that while it agreed that the championships should not be abandoned, it could not arrange for grounds for this year’s

meeting. The Chairman expressed the opinion that the championships should be held as usual. It would give the younger athletes the opportunities for which they had been waiting, and would bring new blood into the athletic field. Mr Maryatt agreed, and proposed that the championships should ho hold at Wellington jointly by the New Zealand Council and the Wellington centre. the understanding being that the meeting would not count in the ielation of the championship meetings, at the various centres year by year. The meeting would be held as a benefit one for the war funds.

Mr Bridge seconded the motion. Business as usual was the motto of the Empire just now, and he saw no reason why it should not ho aj>plied to athletics. The following motions were then carried unanimously; “That the cham. piouship meeting be held this year in Wellington by the Council, and that the Wellington centre he asked to co-operate, the meeting not to count in the rotation of championship meetings“that all profits arising from the meeting he devoted to the Now Zealand Soldiers and Dependents Relief Fund.” The Chairman, Mr Burnett, and the secretary were appointed a programme committee, and it was decided to wait upon the City Council to ask for the Basin Reserve free for the meeting in view of the profits being for relief pur--IUIBPS,

The meeting is to be held on March 13th if the ground is available.