A FINAL APPEAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 311, 23 March 1928, Page 10

A FINAL APPEAL

TT is a matter for sincere regret that the response to the Neiv Zealand Olympic Committee's appeal for funds to send representatives to this year's Games has been so meagre. It now looks as if the sending of a rowing team to Amsterdam is out of the question . despite the fact that New Zealand oarsmen have carried all before them in international contests since 1919. Apart from that, there will have to be a marked increase in the funds in the next neck or so, or else only a skeleton team will go from New Zealand. New Zealand has the reputation of being a sporting country, but as far as the public is concerned, it seems to be more interested in putting its money into the tote than doing anything to give its most brilliant athletes a chance to distinguish themselves against the representatives of other countries. Even from a purely provincial aspect , the paltry JvSo raised in Auckland is a poor tribute to what Miss Ena Stockley has done to put Auckland on the map in Australasian swimming, nor can it be forgotten that little Miss Wilson, of Gisborne, is the representative of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Centre , to which her club is affiliated. If every person who professes to be interested in clean, healthy sport were to put in a few shillings each, the amount required to finance a representative New Zealand team to the Games would be raised without any difficulty. It is only once in four years, and for the sake of New Zealand's reputation in sport, it may be hoped that the final appeal of the New Zealand Olympic Connnittee will not go unheard.