INTERNATIONAL SPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 13, 16 January 1936, Page 9

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

OLYMPIC REPRESENTATIVE VISITOR TO DOMINION. MR. J. S. EDSTROM WELOOMEID. WELLINGTON, Jaan. 14. Representatives of the Government, the Wellington City Council, and amateur sports organisations of the Dominion gathered yesterday to welcome Mr. J. Sigfrid Edstrom, president of the International Amateur Athletic Federation, and a member of the International Olympic Committee. Mr. Edstrom was given a civic reception in the Town Hall by the deputy-Mayor, Cr. W. H. Bennett, and was the guest of honour at a luntaheon given him by amateur sports bodies. At the civic reception, in the absence of the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) the deputy-Mayor, Cr. W. H. Bennett, welcomed Mr. Edstrom, saying that their guest was a very representative man, since he was a member of the firm which had supplied equipment to the Arapuui power work*, and a member of the International Chamber of Commerce, in addition to his interest in international amateur sport. The Hon. I?. Fraser, M’ulster of Education, representing the New Zealand Government, said the Government wished to join cordiaily in Die welcome to Mr. Edstrom, not only as a sportsman but also as a represenauv?, of ■««. northern Scandinavian countries which were retaining an attitude of friendship and peace to other nations—an attitude which should be common among all nations of the world. The Scandinavian countries were doing much to assist the League of Nations in its workings toward international peace and brotherhood. It would, indeed, not matter from what country Mr. Edstrom came, for sport was international and there should be no barriers between the countries. Sport had achieved marvels in the work toward international good fellowship; its contribution hqd been most valuable. Spirit of Friendliness. Of all the sports organisations the one which had led the way was the Olympic Games body. He was sure that the ideal must have forced itself into the minds of New Zealand representatives at the Olympic Games that if the peoples of tile earth could meet in friendly rivalry on the field of sport there was no reason why it should not be possible for them to meet on all fields and be friends. For M. Edstrom's personal contribution towards international sport, for the interest he was taking in the Olympic Games and for hie friendliness to the Dominion, Mr. Fraser said the Government thanked him. Mr. R. W. McVilly, president of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, welcomed the visitors on behalf of that body. He expressed the pride of New Zealand amateur athletes in being associated with Mr. Edstrom’s organisation and thanked him for what he had done for amateur athletics in New Zealand. The chairman of the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association, Mr. H. McCormick, who also represented kindred sports, joined with the other speakers in. welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Edstrom. Mr. J. T. Nfurtin. Consul for Sweden in New Zealand, welcomed the visitors on behalf of Bwedish people in New Zealand. Visitors’ Thanks. After thanking Mr. Bennett, Mr. Eraser and the sports bodies for their reception. Mr. Edstrom spoke of the pleasure they had found in seeing New Zealand, and commented upon the natural beauties of the country. Mrs. Edstrom also spoke of the desirability of educating young people to a conviction that peace was essential. Anything people could do for peace they should do. Welcome by Athletes. At a. luncheon given Air. J. S. Edstrom bv amateur sports bodies at the Grand Hotel. Wellington, yesterday, Mr. R. W. McVilly, presdiont of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association presided and welcomed Mr. Edstrom. The Hon. W. E. Parry. Minister of Internal Affairs, representing the Government. proposed the toast of “Our Guest.’’ He apologised for the absence of the Prime Minister (the Hon. M. J. Savage), and assured Mr. Edstrom of Mr. Savage’s friendship and goodwill. Mr. Parry recalled the time when as a goldminer he had worked with two Swedish mates underground, and had been associated with them in the rescue of two Australian miners. He himself would be glad to encourage the spirit of international good-will which was represented by Air. Edstrom’s organisation. He believed the International Olympic Association breathed that spirit of international goodwill which was essential in the world today. Mr. Edstrom also represented a country which had ideal conditions prevailing and which had an important purchasing power. It 'was also governed by a Government similar to that governing New Zealand. Mr. Edstrom represented a very powerful industrial organisation and possessed very great knowledge of things material to the prosperity of New Zealand. Tn reply Mr. Edstrom thanked the Government and the amateur sports bodies for their welcome. He said it was essential that a young person should got his body into good shape. It made him morally and physically fit for his work. He should concentrate his whole being upon a clean life; he should renounce alcohol and tobacco; ho should be morally fit—-that was why sport was so important. Among those present were ATessrs. H. Amos (secretary of the New Zealand Olympic and Empire Games Association). A. C. Kitto (New Zealand Rugby Union), R. C. Thomas (president of the New Zealand •Cycling Association). A. 1). Bayfield (secretary of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association). J. A. Milburn (chairman of the New Zealand Football Council), P. Coira (chairman of the ‘Wellington Amateur Swimming Association), J. R. Simpson (Boxing Association), J. Kershaw (Bowling Association), J. W. Heenan. Malcolm Leadbettor, W. H. Bennett. H. T. Austad. G. Aldridge. C. A. Willis, F. S. Hill. A. L. Stevens, Earl Stewart. .G. Lauclilan, H. Payton, and T. W. Leslie.