CHRISTCHURCH TO FIGHT FOR THE EMPIRE GAMES

Grey River Argus, 3 September 1948, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH TO FIGHT FOR THE EMPIRE GAMES

Or Hold Its Own Centenary Games CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 2. From the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) in his office, to the housewife in the kitchen, and to the urchin kicking a football in the streets, Christchurch is a city up in arms today. Much of the comment on the decision to allot the Empire Games to Auckland is unprintable. All of it is terse and to the point. Representatives of all sections of the community are referring z to lack of sportsmanship on the part of Auckland and the pre-eminent claim that Canterbury should have had in view of 1550 being the centennial year of the province. If the final decision goes against Christchurch—as has the initial decision made by the executive committee of the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association—Christchurch should hold its own Centennial Games and go one better than Auckland, waß one suggestion made to-day by Mr J. K. Moloney. who has been in the forefront of the movement to secure the Games for Christchurch. He said that to the Centennial Games should be brought the cream of the world’s athletes and Christchurch should make a start organise on a scale that would make them the biggest sports carnival ever held in New Zealand or Australia, said Mr Moloney. Heads of sporting and athletic bodies in Canterbury say that had it not been for the Christchurch efforts the Empire Games would never have been allocated to New Zealand. The original request for the Games as a centennial mature came from Canterbury in 1946. It was first proposed by athletes who called a meeting of sports organisations ,as a result of which an application was forwarded to the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association in Wellington. Round one has been won by Auckland, but the bout is not yet over. “I am very disappointed and very shocked that Auckland should be so selfish in such circumstances,” ,sa.id the Mayor (Mr. E. H. Andrews), when informed by a reporter last evening that the Empire Games had been allocated to Auckland. “There is nothing else to say. It is very bad news, indeed,” he added. “We Canterbury people have become such experts at turning the other cheek that even Aucklanders can have a slap at us with impunity,” said the chairman of the South Island Protest Committee (Mr. A. M. Hollander) ( last evening. “My only comment is that the Mayor of Auckland and some of his fellow citizens have set a record low-water mark of discourtesy which will be remembered in Christchurch for many years to. come.” a

Will N.Z. Olympic Council Alter Decision ?

The executive committee of the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association cannot or itself decide whether Auckland or Christchurch shall have the Games, but under the rules must report to the council of the association and it is bound by any direction given to K by the council. The cuncil is a body of far wider representation than rne executive and three times as big numerically, and under the rules can upset the executives decision. Rule 18 leaves the question open and it reads': “The executive committee shall deal with all th e business of 'the association and shall report to and be bound by any direction given to it by the council, or by any resolution "passed at, the annual general meeting of the association.” Anv nve members of the council may requisition for a special meeting to be held and that a special meeting must be held within one month. WELLINGTON, Sept. 2. “I feel very sad, after having looked forward to the Empire Games being held in Christchurch ,to read that the decision has gone against us,” said Mr S. G. Holland, as M.P. for Fendalton. “I do think that the claims of Canterbury’s centennial year might have been sufficient to have tipped tn r beam in our favour. There is no difficulty or problem in connection with the organisation of the games that could not have quite easily been overcome in time for the event. If th e absence of a bath was the main reason why Christchurch was unsuccessful. he had seen as much steel and other building materials used in Auckland for no more worthy object.” "‘Now that the thing is all over and the decision appears to be irrevocable, wq must all be good sportsmen and wish Auckland all success and do everything in our power to make the Empire Games the success we know can be made of them,” he concluded. P.A AUCKLAND.’ September 2. “I am naturally delighted that the Games are to be held in Auckland, and we are now going to get busy to ensure their success,” said the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. J. A. C. Allum), when informed of the decision of the Olympic and Empire Games Association. “It will be a great event for Auckland, because it will mean that we will have visitors from all parts of the Empire. I am sure Auckland will rise to the occasion,” said Mr Allum.

Benes Not Expected To Live PRAGUE, September 1. An official spokesman said that Dr. Eenes, the former President, was not expected 1o Jive through the night. A bulletirf issued to-day stated that Dr. Benes is still unconscious and his condition is still very serious, circulation being maintained only by intensive medical efforts.