EMPIRE GAMES

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 36, 11 August 1936, Page 9

EMPIRE GAMES

DISCUSSION BY DELEGATES

CINDER TRACK WANTED

LONDON, August 10. The Australian Associated Press news agency's special correspondent at Berlin says that the Empire Games Federation, at a meeting in the Olympic Village, resolved that the importance of the Games at Sydney in 1937 warranted provision of a cinder track, but if this could not be provided the Sydney Cricket Ground would be acceptable. Mr. N. Alderson, manager of the Australian Olympic team, promised that Australia would do its utmost to secure a cinder track. The federation approved the draff programme except for deleting the quarter-mile backstroke. Rowing and sculling were included on Mr. Alderson's stating that Australia was disappointed that there was no rowing in the London Games, seeing that England was the home of rowing. Canada and England indicated that it was unlikely that they would send crews. The federation rejected a' proposal to introduce metric distances," and decided to use the fresh water North Sydney swimming pool, despite Mr. Alderson pointing out the adverse effect of chlorinated water on the Australian swimmers at Berlin and elsewhere. It was agreed to accept three entries per event per nation, including cycling. Olympic cycling delegates expressed the opinion that Australia must be prepared for small entries in some events. The only assurance of strong representation came from Dr. A. E. Porritt, manager of the New Zealand loam at Berlin, who said that New Zealand would send the largest team possible.