Hockey Bungle

It is a serious matter that in the second year of Tournament a first-class bungle has lopped a major sport from the group meeting in Auckland, August 29 to September 4. I hear that Women's Hockey is excluded by reason of the conflicting national contests at Christchurch.

Firstly, those concerned with Tournament in Auckland should have seen that the national contests were held at a date not conflicting with Tournament. This applies to the majority of sports and can be done easily If sufficient notice is given.

Secondly, if a clash is inevitable, there should be more sportsmanlike ways out than taking Women's Hockey out of Tournament. Either the Hockey Associations are prohibiting teams from travelling or the Colleges concerned are pulling out of Tournament. In either case it shows poor spirit if the interests of one or two representative players are put before those of the whole hockey team, indeed of the whole Tournament.

In my opinion, if a clash in unavoidable, the choice should be left to the players concerned whether they support their College, or seek representative honours before an NZU Blue. The attitude of the NZAAA last year is a notable contrast. They not only allowed University runners to compete for their Colleges, thus weakening the Provincial teams, but also provided officials for the NZU event.

I understand that VUC are not at fault I hope, sir, that you will tell readers just whose selfishness and bungling is involved, and assure them that when Winter Tournament is here next year nothing of this sort will occur.