Croquet N.Z. Official Replies To Auckland’s Criticism

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29931, 19 September 1962, Page 5

Croquet N.Z. Official Replies To Auckland’s Criticism

Mrs W. H. Kirk, publicity officer to the New Zealand Croquet Council, yesterday expressed her concern at the statement made by an Auckland spokesman regarding the exclusion of Auckland as a venue for the forthcoming MacRobertson international shield test matches between New Zealand. England and Australia. "The Auckland spokesman was unfortunately misinformed on several points. First of all. the headquarters of the council is in Hawera. not in Christchurch, as stated in a Press Association report.” s a i d Mrs Kirk. ’Second. the

test itinerary was approved by a full meeting of councillors, including a delegate from Auckland who expressed the Auckland association’s pleasure in being alloted the New Zealand championships which will finalise the tour.

“In 1950-51 when England played New Zealand for the shield Christchurch was not allotted a test mach, but the national titles were held in the city and several members of the English team competed. Auckland on that occasion was the venue for the first test,’’ said Mrs Kirk. “No protest from Auckland has been received by the council. so that the Press Association report from Auckland, that the council has refused to alter the itinerary, is incorrect. “Auckland’s claim to have ’by far the highest proportion of players in New Zealand’ is based on a lead of 41 from Canterbury." said Mrs Kirk.

Captain Withdraws A. D. Heenan, of Wellington, the captain and number one player in the New Zealand croquet team to play England and Australia in the Macßobertson international shield test matches next year, has withdrawn from the team for business reasons.