Commonwealth hockey tournament in Christchurch in 1974?

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32394, 5 September 1970, Page 11

Commonwealth hockey tournament in Christchurch in 1974?

PRELIMINARY inquiries in a number of hockey playing countries have indicated that there would be no lack of support for a Commonwealth hockey tournament in Christchurch shortly before or immediately after the 1974 Commonwealth Games. The idea for the tournament, based on the hope that the city would receive the games, was mooted by the Canterbury Hockey Association at the last annual meeting of the New Zealand Hockey Association. Before the three Games delegation teams departed for their assigned countries en route to Edinburgh, the chairman of the Canterbury Hockey Association’s management committee (Mr T. L Crossen) approached the delegation leader (Mr R. S. Scott) and asked if the teams would inquire from the various associations in hockey playing countries if they would favour a Commonwealth tournament Seven countries indicated they would be definitely interested. This response was described by Mr Crossen as “tremendous,” more so because three of the nations were African.

Kenya, Uganda and Ghana were the black nations concerned. The remaining countribs interested were India, Pakistan, Canada and Malaysia. Great Britain and Australia were not approached by the delegations but if these two nations, and New Zealand, are added to the list an excellent tournament among the 10 teams could be held. Some problems might arise through a clash with the World Cup hockey tournament. This will be conducted for the first time in Pakistan next February. In the next two years, Germany and Holland, respectively, will be the hosts. No venue has been set for a 1974 tournament and whether one is held depends on the policy of the International Hockey Federation. If the federation decides to hold another World Cup series in 1974, the Canterbury Hockey Association could apply to conduct this instead of the Commonwealth tournament. This would be more desirable but there could be many problems associated with the larger tournament, especially since the first has

yet to be held. However, the Commonwealth tournament would be an excellent innovation as many of the top teams are well placed by world standard. Five of the first eight platings at the Mexico Olympics were filled by Commonwealth countries. Mr Crossen said his association would suggest to the national body that a select committee be set up this summer to investigate the feasibility of the tournament from the point of view of accommodation, venues and travel arrangements. At present it appears that the most favourable time for the hockey would be after the Games when the teams would have the benefit of using the festival’s accommodation and ground facilities. The Games begin on January 24 and for about two weeks before athletes would be arriving. If the tournament was held before the Games it would have to be in early January, an unsatisfactory time, with many people still on holiday after the Christmas-New Year period. After the Games there would be the likelihood that

English and Lancaster Parks would be available for use as hockey fields. Both, with excellent spectator accommodation, would be ideal venues. The Addington Showgrounds, with some preparation, could also provide a ground with spectator facilities. By 1974 the Canterbury Hockey Association will have four or five grounds ready for use at its new headquarters at the Merry Estate, but Mr Crossen doubts if there would be enough facilities there to stage any matches. Until the all-weather track proposed for the estate was laid there would probably be few facilities and no spectator seating. The success of the tournament would almost certainly rely on the amount of finance available, but if the organising body could offer to pay half the return airfares it would be a worthwhile proposition in the eyes of the countries invited. The cost of fares would be considerable but tournament costs could be cut by using the hostels after the Games athletes, and concession rate air tickets.

Tournament organisation would have to be a joint venture by the New Zealand and Canterbury Associations, the latter being responsible for the bulk of the work as the originator and host province. The national headquarters being in Christchurch would enable the two to work more closely than if they were in separate centres. Before the tournament can become reality, however, the permission of the International Hockey Federation has to be obtained. If Christchurch was large enough to conduct the games it would surely be able to run an international hockey tournament which would be considerably smaller, said Mr Crossen. The possibilities at this stage had to be looked at positively and any organising committee set up would have to “think big.” There would be a tendency to allow a feeling to creep in that the means to run the tournament could not be found, said Mr Crossen. Planning would have to commence almost immediately and not in a year or 18 months. The sooner it was started the easier the work would be for the organisers when the event drew closer. The first step was to present a plan on how the tournament would be run, said Mr Crossen.