Goldstern Loss To N.Z. Ski-ing

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31118, 22 July 1966, Page 13

Goldstern Loss To N.Z. Ski-ing

IBy Our Ski-ing Reporter 1 The loss of the finest male skier New Zealand has yet produced, P. P. Goldstern (Wellington), is a severe set-back to the start of the 1966 racing season. Goldstern would certainly have added to the quality and public interest in the ski races this year.

At the age of 25 Goldstern, who was bom in New Zealand but learned to ski in the United States, has taken a step which will almost certainly mean the end of his ski-ing in this country. An engineer, he has taken up a position in the United States which will raise his salary two times and a half. He is most unlikely to return.

Last year Goldstern won the New Zealand giant slalom, downhill and combined titles

at Coronet Peak, and was the best and most consistent skier there. He led the New Zealand team competing against Australia with distinction and must take considerable credit for New Zealand’s most convincing ski-ing victory. With R. W. Palmer (Auckland), he was selected to attend the world ski-ing championships at Portillo, Chile, and spent the recent summer ski-ing in Europe. Little Success

But he met with little success in Europe and returned to discover New Zealand was considering withdrawing its entry for the world championships. He agreed that little benefit would accrue from sending a team, but then he found himself with little immediate prospect for this winter. His decision to go back to the United States and concentrate on his career is hardly surprising in the circumstances.

But there can be no question but that he will be missed. His technical proficiency and determination were what New Zealand skiracing needed and the sport in this country will be the poorer for his leaving.