OLYMPIC GAMES

NZ Truth, Issue 1198, 15 November 1928, Page 17

OLYMPIC GAMES

Chance of Dominion Rowers (From "N.Z. Truth's" ' Christchurch Rep.) The third consecutive win scored • by a Mew Zealand crew m the . Stewards' Cup at Henley.-on-Yarra draws attention to New Zealand's claim to a place among the rowing .nations of the world. TN four years,. New Zealanders have ■*• won three times, while since 1888 ttie'ir assaults on Australia have resulted m their hardly ever being out of "a place. Taking the performances of New Zealand scullers both 'm Australia and England, there .is nothing but proof that the Dominion is m the first flight of the light boat men,, and this should appeal to the sporting public generally that their support should be extended to embrace this important phase of our sporting life. . The fact that the New Zealand eight was unable, through lack of funds, to take 'its- place at: the last Olympic Games, should, be . borne m mind, and "N.Z. Truth" can only repeat its previous warning that New . Zealanders must prepare beforehand for the Dominion's adequate representation at subsequent Games by competitors who have a i-easonable chance m their respective events. A rally a few months before the team is due to depart is--puny m the extreme. What is required is concerted effort through the four-year period between the Games, and no better means can be suggested than an Olympic Day once a year when the mitifature badges which were sold last year, could be marketed at one shilling a time. This should not only be confined to the , four metropolitan centres,, but sliould be * .put into' practice m the projVincial towns." : The spirit of rivalry between the "cities, providing Olympic Day was made a national affair and everyone was working ,oii the one day, would ensure that sellers, would- work their., utmost to place their city or town on top of the list, and there is little doubt that, a minimum of £1000 per year could.be collected by this means. - .New Zealand's rowing eight, judged by present day standards, had reason- . able prospects of success at the last Olympic Games, but wer;e deprived of ihe^ opportunity of bringing honor and credit, to the Country through, lack of organization on tfie part of those whose primary interest it should have been to. raise the money beforehand. ■ : ' j It merely rests with the Olympic ' Council to, drop elaborate theories and introduce a little practical common- i sense into their organization for the' next' Olympic Games. I