No Decision Yet On World Cup Hockey

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32302, 21 May 1970, Page 12

No Decision Yet On World Cup Hockey

The New Zealand Hoekey Association decided at its meeting last night to invite the Australian team to play the 1971 World Cup elimination matches in New Zealand and will offer to pay half the return trans-Tasman air fare and all internal costs.

The N.Z.A.H.A. had previously asked Australia to bring forward its four one year to enable the elimination series to be played. The Australian association in its replay, declined to do so, stating that there would be insufficient top-class players available, that the players would already have had four’weeks Off work for the Australian championships and tests against Japan, and that to tour New ; Zealand would mean the players taking another three weeks off work.

The letter added that any arrangements should be made on a shared basis and costa be kept to a minimum. Between $l5OO and $2OOO was involved in assembling the Australian team, and the Australian association suggested the elimination matches be played In Melbourne between the fourth and fifth tests of a proposed tour of AuS* tralia by the Japanese side. Mr G. S. Maister saio last evening that the times sugf tested would not suit New Zeaand as they would clash with the national tournament and the University vacations, and if a team was sent it would not be the strongest. Mr F. A. Mond said the respective associations could not force dates on each other, but if there was a stalemate, the International Hockey Federation would decide where the match would be played.

The New Zealand team has been invited to play two or three matches )n East Germany in August next year, over a period of three or four days. A letter from the East German Hockey Assocition was held over until a more detailed interpretation of part of it could be obtained.

A letter from the West German association was also re ceived, inviting the national side to a tournament in Bavaria in May next year. Several other top hockey nations had been invited to the tournament and the Bavarian Hockey Association had offered to pay part of the costs.

Umpires.—Messrs R. H. Campbell Christchurch) and M. J. O'Carroll (Auckland) have been appointed to umpire the interisland match at Napier at Queen's Birthday week-end. J. H. Christiansen was appointed captain of the South Island team.