Hockey president replies to Bishop

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32639, 22 June 1971, Page 18

Hockey president replies to Bishop

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND.

"What right have we not to Invite any country? A* far as New Zealand Is concerned wo are doing nothing wrong," said Mrs A. Gooder, the president of the International Podoration of Women's Hockey, In reply to the Bishop of Auckland (the Rt Rev. k. A. Sowing).

Bishop flowing, speaking at the opening service of the Auckland Anglican Diocesan Synod in Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday night, said he hoped the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association would withdraw the Invitation it had “so unwisely” issued to a South African allwhite team to take part in a world hockey tournament In Auckland In August. "Some of Bishop statements are inaccurate and at no time did he contact me as president of the international federation,” said Mrs Gooder. “There are 32 member nations of the association—not 33," she said. “At no time were 21 teams coming for the tournament, and only two countries—lndia and Malaysia—have withdrawn because of South Africa. Thirteen overseas teams are definitely coming.” "New Zealand was elected tn 1963. during the LF.W.H. conference In the United States, to host the 1971 conference,” she said. Mrs Qooder sald that the conference Is the paramount part of the member countries’ visit to New Zealand. “We are an international federation and any association which pays Its affiliation subscription is entitled to attend the

conference and play in the tournament,” said Mrs Gooder. “New Zealand, as host country to the international federation, is obliged to invite all affiliated member countries.” Mrs Gooder emphasised that delegates will be attending from the six member countries which are not sending teams to play in the tournament—including India and Malaysia. New Zealand will pay all travel and accommodation expenses for visiting teams during their stay in New Zealand between August 19 and September 2. “The girt hockey players of New Zealand have raised over *Bo,ooo—they started In 1963 when we were elected hosts for 1971 —and they have done this without any gate receipts—we have no gates, she said.