Games post filled

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32678, 6 August 1971, Page 1

Games post filled

Mr A. W. Barrett, of Christchurch, will be the executive secretary of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee. His appointment was confirmed at a special meeting of the committee last evening. Fifty-four applied for the position, which was advertised throughout New Zealand. Mr Barrett, who is 37, was educated at Christchurch I Boys’ High School and on leaving school he !' took up a career in draughting but in October, 1967, he became the full-time secretary of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. He resigned from this position at a meet- '' ing of the association’s council last evening. Mr Barrett served the Wharenui Swimming Club in a number of capacities before his N.Z.A.SA. appointment. Also prominent in men’s basketball, he retired from the presidency of the Canterbury Men’s Basketball Association in 1969, ending 15 years in administration of the sport. He is still a nationally-recognised referee. Provincial rep. Mr Barrett has represented Canterbury in swimming, water-polo and men’s basketban. During Mr Barrett’s term as secretary, the N.Z.A.SA. has considerably improved its organisational structure and it is widely accepted that his capacity for work and thoroughness has contributed to this. These qualities were what the Games committee sought, as it is intended that the secretary will be < a behind - the - scenes worker attending to the day-to-day running of the organisation and implementing policies laid down by the committee. Mr Barrett will take up his new appointment about the middle of next month.