Mervyn Jones big loss to Southland Athletics when he moves on in 1972.......

Southland Athletics administrator, Mervyn Jones had been associated with the Southland centre since 1946 and was transferred to Ashburton in 1972.

It was a great loss to Athletics in Southland.  He started off as a competitor, and would enter in anything from the 100 yards to the 12 mile road race.
In 1948 he became secretary to the Invercargill club, and became the Southland secretary in 1953.  He held that position for 18 years.
Mervyn would be seen in many roles over the years from track announcer, time keeper, cleaner,.  At the time of  his departure he said that they need for an 'all weather track' was paramount for athletes to be able to sustain good competition.
He cited Tokanui's Michael Earwaker as a typical example of a Southland that has reached great heights and it was the commitment and passion for the sport that drove him to be as good as he was.

Reference:  Mervyn Jones Will Be Missed.  The Southland Times.  December 1972.