PRINCIPLE AT STAKE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20726, 9 February 1939, Page 3

PRINCIPLE AT STAKE

PROVISION OF TROPHIES “FITNESS WEEK” FUNCTION In view of the significance of “Physical Fitness Week” it was questioned at a meeting of the Hamilton "Physical Fitness Week" committee last evening whether trophies should be presented for events at a special sports meeting to be held in connection with the campaign at Hinemoa Park on the evening of February 22. Opinions on the subject were divided, but a motion that if trophies were donated they should be allotted for the various events was carried by a narrow margin. “Surely the aim of physical fftness week is to demonstrate to the public the need for physical well-being - and a sports meeting having this aim in view can be run without offering prizes,” said Lieutenant H. McDonald. Opposition to this point of view was expressed by Mr W. Percy, who contended that there should be some reward for the strenuous effort which cyclists and athletes would be expending. There would be other meetings held on that night and if competitors were given no inducement to race in Hamilton they would go elsewhere. Mr L. Gross considered that in view of the aim of the special meeting athletes should be prepared to do their part towards interesting the public without the reward aspect entering into it. “I am sorry to say that there is a great deal of truth in what Mr Percy has said,” stated Mr R. B. Joyes. “While the majority of athletes look further than the prize in a race there is a certain section who will not lend their support without the chance of gaining a trophy.” The opinion that on principle trophies should not be donated, but that in view of the stimulus they would provide it might be wise to present them, was expressed by Mr A. E. Gibbons, the chairman. He pointed out that no expense would be entailed in this direction as members of the committee had undertaken to canvass for donations.