NEW 'CYCLING CLUB FOR CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 375, 3 December 1898, Page 2

NEW 'CYCLING CLUB FOR CAMBRIDGE.

Some years ago, w hen 'cycling first became the rage in the Waikato, a club was formed in Cambridge, which went along merrily for a time and then suddenly collapsed, and all that now remains of it is a very small credit balance in hand (about 6s 6d) and half-a-dozen broken-down chairs. Since wheeling has become such a popular recreation the want of a club has been greatly felt, but some were in favour of the cash system, and so the matter did not progress further than arguing the question until about a week since, when Mr A. Wilkinson, the captain of the late club, from the opinions he had heard expressed, felt warranted in calling a meeting to endeavour to inaugurate a cash club. The meeting was held at the National Hotel on Wednesday evening, there being present: Messrs A. Wilkinson, Ewen, Popple, Jackson, McVeagh, Smith, Kelly, Arnold, McNoisb, Boyce, McLeish, Plescher, Craig, Wallace, Ferguson (2), and several others whose names we did not know. As convener of the meeting Mr Wilkinson introduced to those present Mr Norden. ot Auckland, the District Consul for the New Zealand League of Wheelmen, and he was voted to the chair. Mr C, W. Arnold kindly undertook to act as secretary pro tern. The Chairman stated it afforded him much pleasure in being present at, and takiug part in, what he thought would prove to be the formation of a really good cash club in the Waikato, He could assure those present that the bicycle riders of the colony, as a whole, where heartily sick of the amateur business, where you raced for a trophy worth, say, £5, and received au article worth 15s. It was much more satisfactory to know what you were really to get, and indeed he knew that many of the amateurs disposed of their trophies, poor though they were, preferring the little ready cash. The New Zealand League of Wheelmen was a strong body, comprising 4000 members, and up to the present, 472 riders ; it was affiliated with 65 Clubs, as against 5 for the Amateurs. He considered it just as gentlemanly and honest to race for cash as for trophies, and that the people of the colony were ot the same opinion was shown by the rapid strides made by the Cash Clubs. He was told they had a good Athletic Club in Cambridge, and that it would not pay to run two meetings in a year ; but he could not see the slightest reason why the two Clubs should not amalgamate and have one good meeting. If that could be arranged he was sure a good number of riders from Auckland would attend, if the Railway Department could be persuaded to put on a trip train, or issue tickets at excursion fares, i.e. at Id per, mile. Considerable discussion ensued, many thinking it seemed rather presumptuous to ask the old Club to sink its identity and join the new one, but the Chairman stated that all both Clubs wanted was to encouarge sport, and surely any good sportsmen would not stick at trifles to accomplish that object. It must be called a Cycling Club to affiliate with the League. Mr Wilkinson then moved : That a Cash Club be formed in Cambridge, to be called the Cambridge Cycling and Athletic Club, and that it be affiliated with the New Zealand League of Wheelmen.

Seconded by Mr Jackson and carried. After a lengthy discussion, the subscription was fixed at 5s per annum. Mr Norden stated that each rider would have to obtain a license costing 2s 6d per annum, and also a set of colours and a number, which would be registered, before he could enter for any race. Another difficulty rose over the appointment of officers, owing to the intention to try and amalgamate with the Athletic Club, but finally it was resolved to appoint them for one month, during which time it is hoped the negotiations with the old Club will have been successfully completed. The following were then elected :—President : Mr W. F. Buckland (the Mayor-elect). Vice-Pre-sidents : Messrs H. Kerr and A. A. Smith. Captain : Mr A. Wilkinson. Secretary :Mr C. W. Arnold. Treasurer :Mr E. Smith. Vice-captains : Messrs C. Craig and W. Popple. Executive Committee . Messrs H. and B. Ferguson, W. McVeagh, J. Allport and T. Smith. The Captain, Secretary and Mr Allport were asked to draw up a programme of events and submit same to the Athletic Club for approval before it is brought up at next meeting. The Chairman expressed great satisfaction at the hearty manner in which the matter had been taken up, and if the Athletic Club joined in the undertaking there would not be the slightest doubt of Cambridge becoming one of the best places for a country meeting in the province. He should at all times feel a pleasure in doing any business the club might require in Auckland, such as taking entries, etc., and he would take care that Auckland riders attended the meetings at Cambridge, The liuntly Club would also send its quota of riders ; and if it could be arranged to have the first meeting on the '29th. January, ha knew it would be a huge success. After the usual compliment to the chair the meeting terminated.