WEMBLEY FOR SALE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1926, Page 1

WEMBLEY FOR SALE

FATE OF THE STADIUM

LONDON, April 10

In the middle of June the freehold of the British Empire Exhibition is to bo offered for sale by public auction as a whole, and widespread interest is being shown, for enquiries have come from all over the world. Many of the leading financiers of the United States and of British Colonies and Dominions, have made themselves familiur with the details. A large number of enquiries from agents of intending i urcliasers have also been received. Iho tremendous task ot valuing the Exhibition and of compiling a comprehensive catalogue is now nearing completon, and the whole of the information gathered has to be compressed so that it will fall within the limits oi 500 pages.

Tim fate of the Stadium, -which the Duke of York lias claimed should be maintained Us the home of British national sport, is the subject of much speculation in sporting circles. In 1025 an agreement was made hy the Exhibition authorities to allow the Football Association to hold important matches in the Sthdium for the following 2L years, anil that the Association should pay the Exhibition authorities 20 per cent of the gross receipts, Tinder this arrangement the Exhibition received £6OOO for the use of the ground for the Cup Final last year. It is felt in sporting circles that the Stadium should not bo allowed to fall into the bands of an industrial undertaking wbicb would have to pav dividends, hut that it should he puichased by the nation and placed in the bands of trustees to be nipintained as the borne of sport. It is pointed out that the price expected for the Stadium is very small when compared with the cost of construction.