THOSE AMERICAN ATHLETES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12613, 25 November 1926, Page 6

THOSE AMERICAN ATHLETES

(To the Editor, “N.Z. Times.”) Sir,—Why all this secrecy about the proposed tour of the Dominion by two American athletes? The secretary of the N.Z.A.A.A. is certainly not acting in the best interests of the sport in this country by keeping to himself the very important communication received within the last week from our official representative in U.S.A. As you soy in yoUr issue of to-day’s date, Mr Tracy’s attitude is hard to understand. There may be some justification for his withholding this information from the Press (I am not admitting there is), but there is no reason why centres are being kept in the dark as to what is going on. Mr Tracy was discussing athletic matters with the chairman and another prominent official of the Wellington centre last Friday evening, and although he had this information in his possession at the time, not a word was said about the matter. Now, sir, the information received is of vital importance to all athletes, and instead of being suppressed should have been. given to the Press, and at the same time all the centres and clubs concerned officially advised. As far as the centres know at the present time, the tour is definitely off. Now I understand there is still a possibility that the visit may yet eventuate. Therefore Aose bodies who will be conducting meetings should know where they stand so that a rearrangement of dates will not be necessary later on.—l am, etc., ATHLETE. Lower Hutt.