SKI OFFER DECLINED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31206, 2 November 1966, Page 6

SKI OFFER DECLINED

Schoolwork Comes First CN I Prfm Asioc»atton> NEW PLYMOUTH. The 15-year-old David John, son of Mr and Mrs G. L. John, of Stratford, has declined an invitation to compete in the Japanese ski championships early next year. John, who is among New Zealand’s top 12 skiers, said he felt schoolwork should come first. "The decision was left to me. Next year is my school certificate year and I would like to go on to university. Besides, there is the possibility that a New Zealand team may go to Australia next year to practice for the 1968 Olympics," he said. John, who is taking a professional course at the Stratford Technical High School, was invited to compete in the Japanese championships, together with Margaret Blakely. of Auckland, and Robert Dorflinger, of Kaponga. The three had been competing in ski-ing events in Australia and the invitation was extended by the manager of the Japanese junior team. John said Miss Blakely, who is 16. had also declined the invitation because of schoolwork. Dorflinger, aged 17, son of Mr and Mrs D. R. Dorflinger, works on his father’s farm. He said that he had not definitely decided about the trip. ‘ “It seems unlikely I’ll go.” Ihe said. “Money is the big j problem.”