TO AUSTRALIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 205, 29 August 1936, Page 13

TO AUSTRALIA.

SLALOM EVENTS.

N.Z. SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS.

APPALLING CONDITIONS.

(By Teleprraph.—Special Reporter.)

NATIONAL PARK, this day.

Again in appalling weather conditions the New Zealand ski championships were advanced a further stage yesterday with the deciding of the men's and women's slalom events on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. In both contests victory went to members of the Australian team, the men's to the captain, T. W. Mitchell, and the women's to Miss P. Farquhavson.

The slalom is the tricky downhill run in which the competitors swerve in and out of poles set in line and between flags placed p.t sharp angles in the snow. It is a branch of the sport which calls for fine judgment and an ability to turn sharply at high speeds. Tha course used was a fairly steep slope, and in spite of the state of the weather thrilling exhibitions were given. Mist and Snow. Driving mist and falling snow made the conditions extremely difficult, and some of the skiers started off in a murk which hid half the course. The snow, soft with recent steady falls, had to be hardened by stamping, and to this work enthusiasts who had gathered to watch devoted half the morning. The weather became worse as the day went on, and, unable to keep warm by continual stamping of feet and slapping of hands, many of the spectators resigned to the bitter cold and turned for home. Each competitor was allowed two descents, and his aggregate time was taken. Outstanding was T. W. Mitchell in his winning performances, made without a fall. The effortless grace of his runs and turns contrasted with the tense strivings of some of the others. Second place went to D. Stogdale, another member of the Australian team, noteworthy for the confidence and I strength he showed at the turns. New Zealand's best performer was A. Wigley (Tasman Club), with third place. ! Best Times Taken. Times taken by the best six men were: —T. W. Mitchell, 1.50 1-5; D. Stogdale, 2.7 4-5; A. Wigley, 2.19 4-5; B. Murphy (Ruapehu), 2.21 1-5; B. McMillan (Stratford), 2.24 4-5; and Colin Wyatt (Great Britain), 2.28 2-5. Fourteen completed both runs. In the women's contest Miss Farqnharson ran confidently for a fine victory. Miss J. Murphy (Kaponga) was .unlucky to fall on both runs, but gained a good second place. 111-luck was also met by Miss D. Tickle, Australian champion, who hurt her back in a heavy fall, and Miss J. F. Beale, of Stratford, holder of the New Zealand title, both of whom showed great promise in practice during the week. The best women, with their times, were: —Miss P. Farquharson, 2.28 3-5; Miss J. Murphy, 2.50 1-5; Miss 0. Lamble (Australia), 3.5 4-5; Miss J. F. Beale, 3.9; Mrs. A. O. Davy (Australia), 3.24 4-5; Mrs. T. W. Mitchell (Australia), 3.20; Miss M. B. Hordern (Australia), 3.35; Miss M. Boyd Wilson (Tasman Club), 6.32 3-5. The women's course was shorter than the men's.