INVITATION TO JAPAN

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28747, 19 November 1958, Page 7

INVITATION TO JAPAN

Tour Of N.Z. Next Near A formal invitation for four Japanese swimmers to tour New Zealand next season will be made by the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association’s council After receiving a letter from the secretary of the • Australian Amateur Swimming Union (Mr W. B. Phillips) which held out little hope for gaining a visit by Australian swimmers in the near future, the council has decided to by-pass Australia and seek a tour by the Japanese. In his letter which was read at last evening’s meeting of the council. Mr Phillips said the New Zealand request for a visit by swimmers with a minimum of 16 appearances was not acceptable. “As you know, there has been ! considerable criticism in the past lof tours by our swimmers which have taken place in your country. [That is why we have arranged 'that a detailed programme must be approved by my union before i there is any visit.” Mr Phillips went on to explain that the two world record breakers, John Konrads and lisa Konrads, would definitely not be available next year, and that many of the other Australian top swimmers would not be interested in a tour of New Zealand because of studies or training for the 1960 Olympics. “Hard To Deal With” “I won’t say we have had the Australians, but it is quite evident they are hard to deal with and we are not going to get very far.” said Mr D. W. Cain. ‘‘We could invite the Japanese, especially since they are progressing at a rate which is alarming Australia.” The secretary «Mr Baxter ! O’Neill) said that no part of i New Zealand had been interested in taking overseas visitors three years ago. He suggested the same situation might arise again. One of the three national selectors. Mr A. J. Donaldson, said the council should not get disheartened because it was rebuffed by Australia. lie considered the idea of inviting th*.’ Japanese was an excellent one.