Australians Competing In N.Z. Skating Titles

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 11

Australians Competing In N.Z. Skating Titles

'THE appearance of the x Australian ice dance pairs champions, W. Hewison and Miss E. Sloman, and the winner of the Australian women's free skating title last season, Miss M. Holland, should add much interest to the New Zealand indoor championships, which begin at the Centaurus Rink tomorrow. They will compete in several championship events tomorrow and Monday and also will give demonstra-

tlons. They will be giving a special school figure demonstration at the rink on Tuesday. With G. Glover a doubtful starter, the men’s championships in both figure and speed skating sections appear wide open. Last season Glover, now concentrating on roller skating, completely dominated both facets of the championships. In the speed events, T. Skerten, the present New Zealand long track 160 and

1500 metres champion, should be prominent The tight track of about 110 yd should be to his liking and he could easily capture the 440 and 880 yards titles. The mile might not be beyond him either, although his best performances have been below this distance. D. Grieve, T. Grieve and J. Phillips are others who will be strong challengers for the titles. Entries do not close until the day of skating and some late entries by some of New Zealand's leading outdoor skaters appears possible. P. McLachlan and B. Maxwell will be to the fore in the intermediate speed events. C. Sparrow, W. Maxwell and A. Rowe are among the contenders for the junior titles. The women’s speed events should be particularly entertaining. All likely entrants are of a very even standard and the titles could go to anyone. Miss F. H. McDonald, who showed excellent form to win two titles at the New Zealand long track titles a fortnight ago, is one who must stand a good chance of adding to her championship list. Misses J. Wyatt, D. Weeds and D. Walker are also well in the running. One of the main figure skating events tomorrow is the men’s free skating championship. I. B. McDonald, who has held many national titles in his career, seems likely to win this title, although he could encounter strong opposition from C. Sparrow and A. Herriott