SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 August 1939, Page 9

SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

NEW ZEALAND CONTESTS (PER press association. J THE CHATEAU, August 24. .A new figu.e entered New Zealand p.kiing this week with the success o£ Dr. W. Crank, of Cambridge, in the men's straight race, the first event of the national ski championships, which opened at Ruapehu to-day, Dr. Crank, formerly of Austria, has been in New Zealand only nine months. In spile of only two days’ practice he defeated Brian Murphy (Wellington) by 10 seconds, his time being a little more than that of Franz SkardaraSy, the Austrian professional at the Chateau, who set the course.

The women's straight race, was won by Miss .loan Murphy (Taranaki). Although she has been in bed for several days with severe influenza, she and her sister, Miss Pat Murphy, who was second, and Mrs. Ely, were of a higher standard than the other women competitors. Results were: — Men’s Straight Race:— Frank (Ruapehu Ski Club), Imin. 57.35ec, 1; Erian Murphy (Ruapehu Club), 2min. 7.B2see. 2: C. Ambury (Stratford Mountain Club), 2min 33.835ec. 3; T. Keogh (Ruapehu Club), 2min 47.45ec,‘ 4; A. M. Collier (Tasman Ski Club), 3inin IG.2sscc, 5; J. Swan (Otago >ski Club), 3min 35,SGscc, G. Women’s Straight R(a.ce: —Joan Murphy (Ruapehu Club), 2min 29see, 1; Fat Murphy (Ruapehu Club), 2min 33sec, 2; Dlrs. Ely (Ruapehu Club), 2min 44.45ec, 3. CENTENARY MEETING THE CHATEAU, August 25. The holding of the International Centenary ski meeting at Mount Cook, in 1940, would be the biggest undertaking of the Ski Council of Federated Mountain Clubs, said the chairman (Mr. R. Syme), at the annual meeting. The council had been given £l5O from the proceeds of the Grand Sports Art Union for the meeting. Support had been promised by clubs in Britain, Australia, and the United States. The Ski Club of India was also interested. The Canadian authorities proposed to postpone their 1940 Empire Winter Games.

•So far, the Council had had very little encouragement from the Tourist and other Government Departments, and arrangements were made for a deputation to the Ministers, in charge of tlie Tourist, Internal Affairs, and Railways Departments. The idea' was not only for a meeting at Mt. Cook, but also for meetings at other Dominion resorts, explained Mr. Syme.. The delegates of several clubs offered their support.