EMPIRE GAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22985, 12 March 1938, Page 14

EMPIRE GAMES

SELECTION MUDDLE CHRISTCHURCH CRITICISM WOMEN COMPETITORS THE AUCKLAND GRIEVANCE [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION]] CHRISTCHURCH, Friday Bovelations of tho methods of selection of the New Zealand teams for tho Empire Games were made at tho annual conference of tho New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association this morning. Strong criticism was voiced by two Auckland delegates and a letter was read from Mr. J. K. Moloney, of Christchurch, one of tho selectors. In this letter Mr. Moloney contended that tho power conferred on tho selectors made them advisors only, and not selectors. It would appear that power was spread over a number of individuals and associations. "When I arrived in Wellington the secretary of the Empire Games Committee, Sir. H. Amos, was the first to try his hand," wrote Mr. Moloney. "Ho intimated to a large gathering of athletes before the trials who the successful ones would bq. As a number of athletes paid their own expenses this was, to say the least, a tactless attitude. The other selector, Mr. A. C. Kitto, and I conferred, and although in tho dark as to tho number to be sent, wo produced a list in order of merit which we thought covered the ground. Wo were informed that five women were to bo sent, and there can be no doubt we chose the five best on tho day, although I personally would not have sent any of them." Allegations Denied Mr. Moloney denied allegations tliat Mr. Kitto was the sole selector. "The real selectors were the New Zealand Council, ns witness the inclusion of Weller's name in tho first list published," ho said. "He had no claims whatever. It was a pure case of provincial bias. I would suggest a sola selector with absolute powers. If this man camo from Auckland there would be no dissentient voice." "The statements made by Mr. Amos were entirely without authority," de«clared Mr. H. McCormick, secretary of the association. "Auckland felt sour at the selection of the Empire Games team, but we were sports and gentlemen enough to take our licking," said Mr. A. Moon. "Wo made our protest through tho proper channels. If the £Tew Zealand Council has power to veto the selections made tho selectors aro not worth anything." No Confidence in Council "The selection of the New Zealand team was made completely unconstitutionally," declared Mr. H. Jenner Wiley (Auckland). "When we find tho council has not abided by tho rules we have a perfect right in not having much confidence in the council." Mr. G. Benson (Wanganui) suggested that one selector be appointed. Athletics did not want a team of selectors like the New Zealand Bugby Union, and then not know who to blame. It was eventuallv decided to recommend to the Now Zealand Council that teams should be chosen by two selectors. one'in the North Island and one in the South Island, and that, in the event of any disagreement between the selectors, the decision of a referee appointed by the council should be final.