SKI-ING MEETING

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 234, 1 July 1939, Page 5 (Supplement)

SKI-ING MEETING

Council’s Ambitious Plans

For Centennial

TEAMS EXPECTED FROM OVERSEAS

It was reported at the annual meeting of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand that an invitation to the Centennial meeting had been sent to the Australian ski-lug authorities, and word bad been received that the invitation was accepted and that an Australian team would be present. There was every prospect of visits from teams from other countries, as invitations had been forwarded to Great Britain, India, and the Dominions, U.S.A., South America, the Continental ski-lug countries. and Japan. At the same time, as much publicity as possible would be given to the meeting to interest overseas skiers generally. It would be necessary for the council to seek the co-op-eration of the Tourist Department and the Mount Cook Company to assist in this ambitious project. The council was in communication with the Tourist Department with a view to obtaining the provision of jumping hills at Mounts Cook and Ruapehu. Mr. G G. Lockwood (Christchurch) said that the proposal to conduct a Centennial ski meeting was ambitious for such an organization as the Ski Council, which had a very small annual income. In Continental countries skiing was undoubtedly the sport of the people; it was regarded by Governments as a matter of national prestige, and of national advertising of the winter sports resorts. A large number of international contests were held, and though there were on occasions some undesirable features they undoubtedly resulted in great gain to the countries in which they were held. The magnitude of the task facing the Ski Council in endeavouring to promote and run an international ski meeting in New Zealand would be appreciated, and he trusted that the clubs, the Government and private tourist agencies realized the full implications of such a meeting from the point of view of the potential permanent advantage which would accrue to New Zealand once its facilities for ski-ing were publicized overseas. It would be absolutely necessary for every <?lub in New.. Zealand to help the Ski Council and do everything to promote the meeting.

Mr. Lockwood said that while the report of the ski council was under consideration, he wished to refer to a subject of great importance to the future of ski-ing in New Zealand. The Alpine Club had decided to form as a section of that club a ski mountaineering section to bridge the gap which at present, existed between ski-ing and mountaineering, and already it was assured of a membership of between 60 and SO members. He had encountered an erroneous impression that the Alpine Club was a closed preserve for experienced mountaineers, and it was an impression which he wished to contradict. The aim of the Alpine Club was to attract to its ranks every person who was in any way interested in the mountains, and lie hoped that no rejudice would stop skiers from joining the ski mountaineering section._ The immediate object of the section was to conduct regular courses in ski mountaineering this season. An instructor would take a party away to a suitable locality, such as the Godley Peak, for a week of practical instruction. Nothing of this sort had been attempted in New Zealand before. It was hoped to hold three or four such courses during the season. Full advantage would be taken of the services of skilled Continental coaches available in New Zealand, and the parties would be graded according to skill, so that everyone might obtain the maximum benefit. The cost should not be more than about £5 a head. He trusted all clubs would do their utmost to promote the success of the courses and of the section.

Mr. R. Syme (Ruaipehu) said that clubs and delegates might ibe able to further the council’s application to the trustees of the art union, and he trusted they would do everything in their power in this direction. He also said that it was desired to obtain an assistant to the secretary, and he hoped the Wellington clubs would find a suitable and willing skier for the Job. It was resolved that a vote of appreciation be passed to the Ski Council for its work, that the New Zealand Alpine Club be congratulated on the formation of a ski mountaineering section, and that the federation pledge itself to help promote a successful centennial ski meeting.