AGITATION FOR EMPIRE GAMES AT CHRISTCHURCH

Grey River Argus, 8 September 1948, Page 6

AGITATION FOR EMPIRE GAMES AT CHRISTCHURCH

Mass Meeting CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 7. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr n. H. Andrews) will call a mass meeting in Cathedral Square on Friday in the lunch h'our to ascertain the views of citizens on an appeal which the Christchurch Empire Games Premotion Committee will make immediately to the council of the New Zealand Olympic and Empire Games Association against the decision of its executive allocating the 19p0 fixture to Auckland. Steps are being taken to nave a special meeting of the full council requisitioned by at least five members, as required by the constitution All national sports bodies will be asked to discuss the question and t.o ensure that their full quota of delegates attends the proposed meeang of the Empire Games Council. The Canterbury claims will be sent to each association. The Canterbury centres of these sports bodies will be asked to 'foster support for these claims in other provinces. . All of these decisions were made at \a special meeting late yesterday afternoon after the Christchurch Empire Games Committee had heard a legal opinion on grounds for appeal from Mr C. S. Thomas. It was stated that examination of the New Zealand Empire Games Association constitution indicated that those who adopted it never envisaged the fixture coming to the Dominion, as no specific reference was made to the council’s powers in circumstances such as the present. The executive was directed to refer all its decisions to th? council. . *. In answer to the criticism that Canterbury should accept the referee’s decision in the allocation ot the Games, the meeting said that there was always provision for an appeal against a mistaken decision. The proposition that Aucklanas population would ensure maximum attendances at the Games was not accepted by the committee. It held that, all available accommodation would be filled wherever the Games were held, and that Christchurch could offer accommodation for more spectators and better facilities for all sports. ■ i It was emphasised that the original claim for the Games to be held in New Zealand was made by groups discussing the Canterbury centennial celebrations several years ago.

Otago Trades Council Favours Christchurch PA DUNEDIN, September 7. After a spirited discussion at the monthly meeting on the decision of the executive of the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association, to hold the next Empire Games at Auckland, the Otago Trades Council decided to send a strong letter to the Association protesting that the decision would deprive many thousands of workers in the South Island from attending the Games.. . The Council expressed the opinion that Christchurch was the logical venue for the Games owing to its ideal geographical situation.