SKI-ING IN OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26479, 5 June 1947, Page 2

SKI-ING IN OTAGO

OPENING OF SEASON Weather conditions were reasonably good at Rock and Pillar during the King’s Birthday week-end for the official opening of the Otago Ski Club. A heavy snowfall during the week proved most opportune, covering the upper part of the range and providing excellent running conditions, although a prevailing fog restricted visibility. Some 43 enthusiasts gathered at the club hut, and beside club members there was strong representation from the Otago University Club and Otago Tramping Club. It was encouraging to see so many of the younger members on the snow, and this initial enthusiasm augurs well for the future of the sport, which shows every sign of rapid expansion throughout the country as equipment becomes more readily available. - On Sunday members who had no', already done so were given the opportunity of passing the club tests, whicn consist of the essential turns and running technique forming the basis to more advanced ski-ing. Those successful were Miss E. Batnam, Allan Cameron, Maurice Bellugue. Dennis Clapperton, Roger Monk, R. Phillips and G.' M. Goodwin. The club has been fortunate iri securing the services of Mr J. Niderost as ski-instructor, and several large and enthusiastic “ schools ” were held on Sunday and Monday. Mr Niderost is well qualified for the position as he previously held the post of skiinstructor and guide at Mt. Ruapehu, whilst prior to that he was coach to the Swiss Military High Ski Patrol The instruction should raise the stam dard of ski-ing generally in the club for the more experienced will find it beneficial in preparation for competition. and what is more important, it will start beginners off with the correct technique, and give them early confidence. IMPETUS TO SOCCER

No better impetus to the sport of Association football, nor any better indication of the respective merits of the Otago team against outside competition. could have been offered than the English Football Association matches held in Dunedin over last week-end. The evidence that interest in the round ball game is being slowly revived in the city was offered in the attendance of about 3500 op Saturday. and a slightly smaller number on Monday. Association football in Dunedin has long been the Cinderella of the main winter sports in this respect. The loss of the Logan Park enclosure was a blow from which the sport is now slowly recovering with the use of the Caledonian Ground, and the happy coincidence of the English Trophy matches has created an interest in the game which should last.