OLYMPIC GAMES TEAM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22830, 14 March 1936, Page 14

OLYMPIC GAMES TEAM

CLAIMS OF CANTERBURY RUNNER OFFICIAL'S COMMENT RESENTED. (Per United Pbess Association) CHRISTCHURCH, March 13. "This is a very improper action for an athletic official, and one that ehows bias." A statement was made in these terms by Mr R. Beattie at a meeting of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Centre last evening when lie commented on the action of Mr W. F. Ingrain (a member of the council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association and the Olympic and British Empire Games Association) in publishing a statement to the effect that the Canterbury runner, V. P. Boot, had no chance of inclusion in the New Zealand team for the Olympic Games. Mr Beattie said the selection of the New Zealand team had not yet been made, nor had Boot yet had the opportunity of showing his ability before members of the Olympic Games Association. It was unfair and improper for an official to express an opinion in print before the athletes nominated for the team had gone through their trials. Mr Ingram had accused Boot of jostling another runner during a race at the New Zealand championships at Dnnedin. Actually Boot had not been concerned in jostling, and the referee had warned another man, Dickson. It was decided to send a letter to the New Zealand Council protesting against the action of Mr Ingrain.