Bowlers and Empire Games

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 159, 8 July 1938, Page 9

Bowlers and Empire Games

WHAT IS THEIR POSITION 7 ENQUIRIES TO BE MADE IN LONDON Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 6. “Now that bowling has been accepted as an integral part of the British Empire Games we should make an effort to find out if bowlers are subject to the same conditions which govern other sports,” said Mr. A. E. Whitten, of Auckland, at tho annual meeting of the Council of tho New Zealand Bowling Association. He said the position was somewhat indefinite at present, the main points under consideration being whether as accepted members of a Games team bowlers should have their expenses paid, also whether they would be under the control of the general manager of the Games team. The question of accommodation was another point at issue. “You can’t expect middle-aged bowlers to be housed under the same conditions as young athletes,’’ he said. The fact that New Zealand players at the last Games in Sydney had competed with such outstanding success and had established themselves among the best bowlers in the world, made it f imperative, said Mr. Whitten, that the authorities controlling the game in the Dominion should make every effort to ’’ uphold this reputation, and to make certain that the best representation j was secured. As the next Games would be held in Canada he did not think it would be feasible to leave the question of the Dominion’s representation to indivdiual enterprise, as had been done for tournaments in Australia. Players of a right type and those capable of adapting themlelves to conditions foreign to them should be chosen. Mr. Whitten’s views were well received by the delegates and it was de- j cided to refer the matter to the council’s executive for consideration. ! Mr. Whitten suggested that to clarify the position as regards the standing of bowlers at the Games an enquiry should be sent to the Empire Games Federation in London.