BLIZZARD FOR N.Z. SKI RACE

Grey River Argus, 29 September 1949, Page 6

BLIZZARD FOR N.Z. SKI RACE

P.A. NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept 28. Blizzard conditions prevailed at Mt. Ruapehu to-day. They caused a further postponement of the interDominion downhill ski race. The New Zealand long distance race, however, was run under conditions that were described by an experienced competitor as the worst he had ever known for such an event. A strong cold westerly wind, with driving sleet and mist reduced the visibility to a few yards, and made it very difficult for the competitors to pick up th? undulations in the course. As a result, J. Pattinson (N.S.W.) ran off the course and broke a ski. Pattinson was one of the most favoured competitor, s for the event. The course required six rounds —a circuit of one and a quarter miles—a total distance of nearly eight miles. This was the best course available, although not entirely satisfactory, because it lacked level running. Results

were:— R<. Tilley (Tasmania) Ihr 27min 7sec 1. C. Sloane (Victoria) lhr 31 min 2 sec 2. R. W. Clelend (Fielding) lhr 46min 16sec 3. J. A. Blyth (Hawera) 2hr 25sec 4. F. Pullar (Victoria) 2hr llmin 5. J. Bates (Morrinsville) 2hr 43min 38sec 6. There, were 10 starters, but only seven completed the course.