OLYMPIC GAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 139, 14 June 1932, Page 3

OLYMPIC GAMES.

MISS KENCH GOING. N.Z. TEAM FAREWELLED. GATHERINGS IN EMPIRE CITY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The New Zealand Olympic Games team assembled in Wellington yesterday and members had a busy day preparing for their departure by the Monowai and attending a series of farewell gatherings. The manager, Mr. P. N. Bundle, conferred with various sports bodies concerning remits to be put forward on behalf of New Zealand at the confcrcnce to be held at Los Angeles. A farewell afternoon tea to the athletic representatives was tendered by the Council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. The chairman of the council, Mr. H. I. Austad, presided and said the team which was being sent was a record one for New Zealand, as there were 24 representatives. For the first time they were sending a road cyclist and an official starter. Lovelock, of Oxford University, who had put up such a splendid performance in England last week, would join the team in Los Angeles. Although all the members of the New Zealand team might not be successful in winning events, Mr. Austad said lie was sure athletics in the Dominion would be all the richer for what they would learn. The three boxing representatives, B. Lowe, of Dunedin, middle-weight; H. Thomas, of Wellington, light-weight, and li. Purdie, of Auckland, feather-weight, were farewelled by the council of the New Zealand Boxing Association. Dr. McEvcdy, president of the council, presided, and, in wishing the three boxers success, said they were fortunate in going with such an experienced trainer as Mr. Heenan. Although the final appeal for.funds has not so far resulted in the full amount being raised, the Wellington Athletic Centre has decided to send Miss Thehna Kench, the Dominion's leading woman athlete, to the Olympic Games. Subscriptions totalling about £40 were sought and the sum of £25 is still required. The centre decided to advance this sum in order to allow Miss Kench to leave with the team to-morrow.