Newspaper Article 1967 – Second time selector for North Island

Second time selector for North Island

Hawke’s Bay basketball gained national recognition this week with the announcement that Mrs L. J.(Rona) McCarthy, Hastings, has been appointed to the North Island selection panel for the second time – she was first appointed in 1963.

Mrs McCarthy was a Hawke’s Bay representative for eight years and twice was selected for North Island honours while in 1937 she was chosen in the New Zealand team that was to have toured Australia but because of a disagreement between the two countries’ administrators did not eventuate.

She has been Hawke’s Bay selector [coach] for 12 years and a Hastings selector for 14 years, and is a life member of the Hastings Basketball Association, having served on the executive for 23 years. In addition she has been on the Hawke’s Bay Council for six years.

Mrs McCarthy, who has coached Convent Old Girls’ Club for 28 years, was formerly well known in athletics as Miss Rona Tong, and won a bronze medal for the 80 metres hurdles at the 1938 Empire Games at Sydney.

Photo caption – Mrs RONA McCARTHY