EMPIRE GAMES

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1938, Page 6

EMPIRE GAMES

METHODS OF TEAM SELECTIONS

(Per Press Assoc:"tion —Copy right)

CHRISTCHURCH, March 11

Revelations of the methods of selection of the New Zealand teams for the Empire Games were made at the annual Conference of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association tills morning. Strong criticism was voiced by two Auckland - delegates, and a letter was received from Mr J. IC. Moloney, Christchurch, one of the. selectors. In his letter, Mr Moloney contended that fiTe- conferred on selectors made them advisers- only and 'not selectors. It would appear that power was spread over a number of’ individuals and associations.'

“When i arrived in Wellington tho Secretary of the Empire Games Comanittee, Mr H. Amos, was the first to try his hand,” wrote Mr Moloney. He intimated to the large gathering of athletes before the trials who the successful ones would be, as a number, of athletes had paid their own expenses. This was to say at least a tactless attitude.

The other selector Mr A. C. Kitto ami* I conferred and though in the dark as to the number to be sent we produced a list in order of merit which we thought covered the ground. We were informed that five women were to be sent and there can be no doubt that we chose the five best on the day. we chose the five best on the day, “although 1 personally would not have sent any of them.” Mr Moloney denied allegations that Mr Kitto was the sole selector. The real selectors were the New Zealand Council as witness the inclusion of 'Wellers whose name was in the first list published. “He had no -claims whatever and his selection was a pure case of provincial bias. I would suggest a sole selector with absolute powers. If this man came from Auckland there would be no dissentient •voice.”