AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1940, Page 12

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

MEETING AT STRATFORD GOOD SEASON REYIEWED "The season, in spite of the weather and consequent financial loss, was quite a successful one so faV as Taranaki was j concerned with regard to performances," stated Mr. A. G. Whiting, president, in ■^presenting his report to the annual meeting of the Taranaki sub-centre of the West Coast (North Island) Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Atbletic Association held at Stratford last night. "Most impressive were two national titles annexed by Taranaki, F. Adlam winning the javelin, in the absence of his instructor, Stan Lay, and D. Weichart the pole vault. Taranaki was also well to the fore at the West Coast championships, where no fewer than 18 titles weie obtained by . Taranaki , athletes. Registrations for the year were 126, the same as last year," stated the report. "Unfortunately, the sub-centre championships were held on a day duiing which it rained heavily in the morning and showers continued during the afternoon and evening. Consequently , the loss is only to be expected, and congratulationsi are in order to the executive oj the New Plymouth club, which did all in its power to have a successful meeting. New Plymouth gained 95 points. Stratford 93 and Hawera 40. West Coast Championships. "The West Coast (North Island) centre championships were held at Wanganui in February, and Taranaki gained the record number of 18 titles. J. Radicb threw the discus 115ft. 7:;in. "The New Zealand championships were held at Wellington in March. In the unavoidable absence of S. A. Lay, the javelin event was won by his pupil, F. Adlam, while D. Weichart annexed the pole vault at 12 feet, being the only athf lete at the championships to equal a best New Zealand performance. Once again, the executive was able to extend congratulations to two new Taranaki champions for 1940. The women's and junior championships were held at Christchurch in March also." Taranaki records approved during the year were:— O. Mander, junior mile, 4m. 37 l-5s.; D. Weichart, pole vault, 12ft. 4 l-8in. , "As yet, the war has not seriously atfected athletics in Taranaki's but the coming season will probably see many departures through enlistments, while benzine restrictions will probably hamper meetings. Nevertheless, the executive is of the opinion that the desire for physical fitness and other factors will lead to an increased interest in the sport, especially from junior and women members," said Mr. Whiting. . "In conclusion, your executive dcsires to place on record its great appreciation of the work done by all officials of clubs and their delegates, and all those who have in any way assisted in making the season such a successful one," he concluded. Income and Expenditure. The statement of income and expenditure disclosed an excess of expenditure over income of £7 3s Cd. This was occasioned by the loss at the sub-centre championships of £9 6s ld towards which the sub-centre had granted £5 5s. "It is unfortunate that a usual source of income should this year sustain a loss but it is to the sub-centre's credit that in spite of this, the finances are not seriously affected," said Mr. Whiting. It was decided to request clubs to compile and keep for reference at any time a roll of their members leaving the Dominion on active overseas service. In making the suggestion, Mr. H. A. Heslop said that such a role would be of value in post-war years. 51 Officers elected were: president, Mr. A. G. Whiting; vice-presidents, presidents of affiliated clubs; executive, chairman, Mr. C. H. Croker; local officers, Messrs. Croker (north) and W. P. Linkhorn (south); selectors, Messrs. Whiting, L. I. Marter and S. A. Lay; handicappers, athletics, Mr. H. A. Heslop; cycling, Mr. Linkhorn; surveyors, Messrs. H. B. Goodman and M. James; hon. auditor, Mr. G. A. Carter; hon. solicitor, Mr. R. R. Tyrer; hon. treasurer. Mr. H. A. Heslop; starter, Mr. A. G. Whiting; delegates to centre, Messrs. Whiting and Croker. The position of honorary secretary was held in abeyance while inquiries for replacement are made. After expressing dissatisfaction with the running of the West Coast (North^ Island) Centre at Wanganui it was decided to communicate with the centre secretary. Inquiry will he made as to the whereabouts " of certificates won by competitors at the February championships and the payment of expenses incurred upon that occasion.