BADMINTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1940, Page 8

BADMINTON

SHUTTLE IN SHORT SUPPLY. IMPORTATION TOTALLY RESTRICTED. The following letter has been received by the secretary of the Wairarapa Badminton Association from the secretary of the New Zealand Badminton Federation concerning the total import restrictions on shuttles: —• For the past two seasons the New Zealand Badminton Federation management committee have examined various proposals mainly with the object of keeping the price to affiliated clubs at the lowest possible figure. A scheme had been decided upon at the end of 1938, but the introduction of import restrictions prevented its being adopted. A further scheme was arranged in 1939, but more stringent import restrictions and the declaration of war resulted in its having to be abandoned. As the result of import restrictions and the desire of Government to conserve its overseas funds, the stocks of shuttles in New Zealand at present, together with overseas orders to arrive, are rather limited, and, in consequence, this season's play may be slightly curtailed. Naturally, the federation are very much concerned with the present position and, realising that in view of the Avar the Government should be assisted in every possible way, it now feels that the federation should ask associations to appeal to all clubs under their jurisdiction to conserve supplies of shuttles. It is suggested that dubs should reduce their past season’s usings of shuttles by at least 20 per cent and it is estimated that by so doing all players in New Zealand will be able to play badminton for most if not all of the coming season.

The federation is fully alive to the danger that can be done to the game by a shortage of shuttles and will continue to closely watch the position and, directly the opportunity offers, will again make strong representation to the Government to permit further stocks to be imported. Associations can materially assist by asking clubs: (1) Not to purchase shuttles in unusually large quantities. (2) To economise as far as possible. The federation feels that, by asking for the co-operation of associations and clubs, the duration of existing stocks of shuttles, and of quantities on order, will be considerably lengthened with obvious benefit to all players.