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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 1 (April 1, 1938.)

New Zealand A.A.A's. Jubilee

New Zealand A.A.A's. Jubilee.

During March the Jubilee celebrations of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association were held in Christchurch, where, on July 28th, 1887, the New Zealand A.A.A. was formed at a meeting held in Warner's Hotel.

An extract from the “Lyttelton Times” of July 29th, 1887, reads:— “In response to an invitation from the Secretary of the South Canterbury Athletic Club, delegates from different clubs in New Zealand met last evening at Warner's Hotel. “The following were present: Bunny (Hawke's Bay), Blanchard (Dunedin), Anson and Cuff (Christchurch), Teschemaker and Rhodes (South Canterbury). “The Southland Club wrote saying they would be pleased to join the Association, and would be bound by the decisions arrived at by the delegates. Auckland refused to join. “Mr. Rhodes was voted to the chair and briefly explained that the object in view in forming the Association was the furtherance of athletics in New Zealand. “It was resolved that the Association be called ‘The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association.'

“A sub-committee was then formed consisting of the following:— Messrs. Bunny, Cuff, Anson, Teschemaker, Clulee and Loughnan. “It was resolved that a meeting of delegates be held on August 12th to frame rules, etc. Mr. Cuff was appointed secretary pro tem.”

Through the passing years, the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association has had many days of lean and of plenty, but it has progressed until to-day it has more than 3,000 registered athletes.

A Jubilee luncheon was held in Christchurch on March 11th, and was attended by veteran champions and officials who pioneered the sport in the early days. They came from far and near to exchange anecdotes and renew friendships formed on the track and field. It did a young man's heart good to see the old-timers assemble to participate in the celebrations and watch the present day champions parade their wares.