ATHLETIC TOURS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 111, 6 November 1935, Page 30

ATHLETIC TOURS

VISIT TO JAPAN

SOME MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Several letters in connection' with the visit of Mr. L. Gudsell to Japan created some discussion at the meeting of the council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association last night. • ■' • Some time ago Mr. Gudsell, who was intending'to visit Japan, agreed to approach the athletic authorities there with a view to finding out the possibilities of arranging a tour of Japanese athletes to New Zealand. It was made clear at the time that no decision had been reached regarding a tour but that all that was desired was information regarding the position in Japan. A letter received from Mr. Gudsell, written on board ship, stated that he had interviewed Mr. Weir (hon. secretary of the Amateur Athletic Union of Australia), in connection with the Japanese visit, and he felt that Victoria would be willing to take a Japanese tour next year. However, New South Wales were keen to have the team this year, if possible. Next year they pro- \ posed asking over a team for their fiftieth anniversary celebrations. The other letter was received from the hon. secretary of the A.A.A. of New South Wales, and stated that Mr. Gudsell had informed him that] New Zealand was prepared to invite a Japanese team for the coming season, and that failing success in arranging the visit the New Zealand authorities had in mind the possiblity of a visit early in 1937. Mr. McVilly: Mr. Gudsell has ideas of his own apparently. It was decided, in view of the impressions evidently created abroad, to cable Japan making it clear that Mr. Gudsell had no authority to arrange for any visit. It was also decided to write to Australia on the same lines. One member stated that if such steps were not taken they might find Mr. Gudsell coming back with a Japanese team.