Vote Gives Auckland The Empire Games

Chronicle (Levin), 2 September 1948, Page 6

Vote Gives Auckland The Empire Games

Press AssociaMorv )

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WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. ^ The British Empire- Games whicliv have been allotted to New. Zealqnd in c 1950, will be held in Auckland. This decision was reached toniglit by 8.. votes to 4 by the council of the NvZ.- Olympic and Empire Games Association. Only two applications were received — Auckland and Christchurch. Delegations were heard from both centres and the council weht into committee to discusss the merits of each ease. Before hearing the delegations, the chairman, Mr. A. D. Bayfield, gave a review of the discussiqns held with the Government. It was recognised .that the venue of the Games was a matter for the association but was prepared to assist in every way. He said oue point stressed .by the Prime Minister, Mr, Fraser, had been that accqmmodation should be a question of the highest importance, and should be a credit to NeYv'1 Zealand. Each delegation gave a , eomprehen*sive pieture of the facilities, accommodation and organisation available and pl'anned. Canterbury stressed the great value of the Games toward its centen* ary. The major questions asked of ihe Canterbury -delegates, dealt with accommodation, an adequate swimming pool, cycli-ng stadium and rowing course. The Auckland delegation stressed that . the Games could be held in that centre without any new buildings. It quoted a population of 321,000 within a radius of 20 miles of the centre of Auckland and over 400,000 if Waikato were ineluded. Based on a oonservative scale, it was estimated that the attendanees would total . 173,000 with gross reeeipts of £29,000. Ineluding a grant of £15,000 toward the travelling expenses of the visitihg teams, the estimated expenditure would- he £35,000. The deficiency of £6000 might well be changed, through prudent management and greater public support, to a profit. Both delegations gave ' assuranees that adequate guarantees were available. It was also pointed out that the Government had indicated it was prepared tp share in any loss should there be one. Eollowing the decision the - Canter bury delegation congratulated' Auckland and assured it of its support Both delegations were commended for the ahle manner in whieh their cases had been presented.