Ski-ing at Coronet Peak Attracts Record Crowd Additional Tow-Line Installed

Lake County Mail, Issue 14, 27 August 1947, Page 6

Ski-ing at Coronet Peak Attracts Record Crowd Additional T ow-Line Installed

Record crowds were attracted to the Coronet Peak Ski Grounds, Queenstown, by the ski competitions, run by the Wakatipu Ski Club, which began last Saturday. The Wigley Cup was the first event on the programme and the Aorangi trophies were run in conjunction with this. Many fast times and some excellent performances were recorded. The snow and weather conditions were ideal. The peak number of skiers was reached on Sunday, when over 90 cars, together with 10 buses were parked on the Skipper s Saddle. If an old prospector were to have looked down on this scene on Sunday, he would probably have imagined that gold was again to be had for the taking out of the Shotover and that the rush was again on. An impressive sight was the gay colours, worn by the skiers against the white mantle of the snow. This left a lasting impression with the onlooker.

To cater for the large crowd of visiting skiers that were anticipated, the Mount Cook and Southern Lakes Tourist Co., Ltd., had the enterprise and foresight to install an additional ski-tow during the preceding week. This tow, it was considered, would relieve the pressure on the main tow and would afford the less experienced skiers the opportunity they required. This tow line, which is much shorter in length than the first tow erected, nevertheless has. opened up a new field that is suitaole either for the novice or the most expert skier and is another excellent contribution by the company and an added acquisition to the field. Both tows have been working to the maximum to cope with skiers wishing to take advantage of their wonderful asset. In the writer’s opinion, if anything is wanting to make this sport more popular, the erection of these tow lines is the answer. The Wigley Cup, which is a team event for two women and two men from each club, drew entries from seven clubs. This was begun on Saturday with the down hill event. The best combined time recorded by a team is awarded this cup. The large crowd of skiers qnd onlookers, estimated ■at about 400 on Sunday, were thrilled by the graceful action and skilful manoeuvres from some of the best skiers that the country possesses. RESULTS Results were: — Aorangi Ski Club, Wellington, 550.9 points, 1 (members of team; Mr J. Young, Mr P. Lawlor, Mrs Hill, and Miss S. McEndoe; Christchurch Ski Club, 491.1 points, 2; Southland Ski Club, 470.3 points, 3; Otago University Ski Club, 460.9 points, 4; Otago Ski Club, 428.1 points, 5; Ruapehu Ski Club, 425.32 points, 6. The Wakatipu Ski Club, with 524.2 points was disqualified because one member failed to find the flags on the downhill course on the first day’s run.

The Furkett Cup was won by the Aorangi Club. This cup goes automatically to the winners of the Wigley Cup. The Cadbury Fry Hudson Cup was won by R. McKenzie, of the Ruapehu Club. The Aorangi Down Hill Ladies’ Cup was won by Mrs J. H. Gilkison of the Otago Club. Jumping Competitions, Coronet Peak Cup (presented by the Mount Cook and Southern. Lakes Tourist Co., Ltd.), won by R. McKenzie (Ruapehu Club), distance of 83ft, SUpoints; H. Carter, 60ft, 31 points, 2; L. Frost, 47ft Sin, 20 points, 3. President’s Cup (presented by the president, Captain G. A. Herbert), for the fastest time recorded by a lady competitor was won by Mrs J. H. Gilkison, Otago Ski Club. Embassy Cup (presented by Mr G. D. Cochrane), for men’s fastest time, was won by R. McKenzie (Ruapehu Ski Club). Fastest Times Women’s Downhill: Mrs J. Gilkison (Otago Ski Club) 84 4-ssec; Miss E. Batham (Otago Ski Club) 102 l-sscc; Miss R. Adams (Otago University Ski Club), lOosec. Men’s Downhill: R. McKenzie (Ruapehu Ski Club), 88 l-ssec; P. Lawlor (Aorangi Ski Club), 92 l-ssec; B. Todd (Ruapehu Ski Club), 105 sec. Slalom (ladies); Mrs J. H. Gilkison (Otago Ski Club), Imin 2Gsec; Miss R. Adams (Otago University Ski Club), Imin 26 2-ssec; Mrs REnsor (Wakatipu Ski Club), Imin 41 4-ssec. Slalom (men): R. McKenzie (Ruapehu Ski Club), Imin 57 2-ssec; P. Lawlor (Aorangi Ski Club), 2min 9sec; A. W. Hansen (Wakatipu Ski Club), 2min 18 2-ssec. In the Slalom event the men had two runs against the ladies’ one. Mr Olaf Rodegard, official ski instructor, gave demonstrations on various events. Showing ‘-expert skill he thrilled the spectators by bettering all previous times and jumping distances recorded.