AUCKLAND SECURES THE BRITISH EMPIRE GAMES FROM N.Z. OLYMPIC ASSN.

Grey River Argus, 2 September 1948, Page 5

AUCKLAND SECURES THE BRITISH EMPIRE GAMES FROM N.Z. OLYMPIC ASSN.

CHRISTCHURCH FAILS AFTER ■ A STRONG BID (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, September 1. The British Empire Games, which have been allotted to New Zealand in 1950, will be held in Auckland. This decision was reached, to-night’ by eight votes to four by the Council of the New Zealand Olympic and Empire Games Association. Only two applications were received, those of Auckland and Christchurch.

Delegations were heard from both centres. The council then went into committee to discuss the merits' or each case. Before hearing the delegations, the chairman, Mr A. D. Bayiieid, gave a review of the discussions that had been held with the Government. The Government, he said, recognised, that the venue of the Games was a matter for the association, but it was prepared to assist in every way. He said that one point stressed by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, had been that the accommodation should be a question of the highest importance, and it should be a credit to New Zealand. , The delegations were:— Canterbury: Messrs T. H. Langford, Public Relations Officer for the Christchurch City Council; W. J. Cowles,'City Councillors; and J. M. Stanley, secretary of the Canterbury Empire Games Promotion Committee. Auckland: Mr A. Moon, President of the Auckland Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A.; Mr T. W. Ashby, Town Clerk. Each delegation gave a comprehensive picture of the facilities, accommodation and organisation available and planned. Canterbury stressed the great value of the games towards its centenary. Major questions asked of the Canterbury delegates dealt with accommodation, an adequate swimming pool, a cycling stadium and a rowing course.

The Auckland delegation stressed that the games could ne held in that centre without any new building. It quoted that there was a population of 321,000 within a radius of 20 miles of the Centre of Auckland, and over 400,000 if the Waikato were included. Based on a conservative scale, it was estimated that the attendances would total 173,000, with gross receipts of £20,000. Including a grant of £15,000 towards the travelling expenses of the visiting teams, the estimated expenditure would-be £35,000. The deficiency of £6OOO might well be changed through prudent management and greater public support to a profit.

Both, delegations gave assurances that adequate guarantees were available. It was also pointed out that the Government had indicated it was-pre-pared to share in any loss should there be one.

Following the decision, the Canterbury delegation congratulated Auckland, and assured it of its support. Both delegations were commended for the able manner in which their cases had been presented. “We are naturally delighted with the decision,” said Mr Moon. Auckland had a big task ahead, but it would, face it with the utmost confidence.

Rival Deputations To Government . ...WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. “The Empire Games should go to Christchurch and if it is practicble they will probably go there—that’s as plain as I can make it,” said the -Prime Minister (Mi- P. Fraser) to a deputation of Auckland members of Parliament. Twelve Auckland members waited on the Prime Minister to put forward that city’s claim: Messrs T. E. Skinner (Government, Tamaki), VFreer Government, Mt. Albert), F. Langstone (Government, Roskill), A. S. Sutherland (Opposition, Hauraki), W. T. Anderton (Government, Auckland Central), T. C. Webb (Opposition, Rodney), W. H. Fortune (Opposition, Eden), R. McDonald (Government, Ponsonby), R. M. Algie (Opposition, Remuera), D. M. Rae (Opposition, Parnell), A. G. Osborne (Government, Onehunga), and Dr. A. iM. Finlay (Government, North Shore).

“We don’t want it felt that we are parochial when we put forward the claim that the Empire Games should be held in Auckland,” said Mr Skinner. “We hold that Auckland has the most facilities available. The fact that Auckland has a population of about 300,000 must have a considerable effect on the gate receipts and on making the Games a financial success.”

“I have said repeatedly and I say again to the Auckland representatives that if facilities can be provided in Christchurch that city should have the Games, and that they should be an important part, of the centennial celebrations,” Mr Fraser said.

Mr S.’ G. Holland said: “I think it can be said that Canterbury’s decision to forego holding the exhibition in its centennial year because of the world position and supply difficulties must weigh heavily in Canterbury’s favour when a decision is being taken about the Empire Games. I have reason to believe that the very strong claims of Canterbury, which have been placed before the Government and on which the opinion of the Government has already been expressed, will make the province’s claim to hold the Empire Games more than likely to succeed,” “If we get a,permit to build Olympic standard baths the preliminary work will commence next Monday,” said Mr Langford. *