WAR MEMORIAL SHIELD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 14 January 1938, Page 6

WAR MEMORIAL SHIELD

OTAGO WILL RECEIVE STRONG CHALLENGES ■ EMPIRE GAMES COMPETITOR FROM SOUTHLAND Otago, with a team of eleven, has the largest representation, and reports state that it is the strongest team ever to leave that centre. Otago are the present holders of the War Memorial Shield, which is awarded to the centre gaining most points at a championship meeting, and they must have a great chance of retaining the trophy at this meeting. Strong opposition is however expected from Bay of Plenty team whose Maori members are likely to Cause surprises.

Auckland also has a likely team of seven members, the chief star being Miss K. Grey, who competed in the recent Empire Games’ Trials.

Another strong contender will be Southland, with a team, of five, chief among whom is Miss J. MacDonald, who has been selected for backstroke events at the Empire Games.

Other centres competing are Canterbury with a team of six, Wanganui with a team of three, Hawkes Bay with a team of three. South Canterbury with $ a team of two, Wellington with a team of six, South Auckland with a team of one, Taranaki with a team of two, Manawatu with a team of one and Nelson with a team of ten.

These teams are more or less unknown qualities, but as no championship meeting was held last year on account of the infantile paralysis epidemic, there are many contestants who have not previously appeared at any meeting, and it is on the cards that many surprises are in store.

In addition to racing events, great tussles are expected in both boys and girls diving events, in which some difficult dives have to be executed.