1970 Empire Games "Far From Settled”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30608, 26 November 1964, Page 17

1970 Empire Games "Far From Settled”

“We have always been aware that Scotland would have a claim on the Commonwealth .(James of 1970,” said Mr H. P. Smith, general chairman of the Commonwealth and Empire Games Promotion Society, Canterbury, in a statement yesterday.

“However, the position is far from settled and we think the following points could he relevant.”

Scotland failed to obtain the 1966 Games (which were voted to Jamaica), presumably because their case was insufficiently strong. We understand they have still not solved the problem of a swimming venue while rowing also could present a major difficulty. Scotland's strongest argument, therefore, seems to be that they missed out in 1966. We have no wish to be uncharitable but it is possible that Scotland could continue to miss out because of the very same shortcomings. It is possible that a New Zealand city may have

superior facilities by 1970 and, properly presented, could conceivably swing the Commonwealth vote in its favour. We have reason to believe that a New Zealand application could succeed if it were based on Christchurch. 1958 In Cardiff The New Zealand Olympic and B.E.G. Association is, of course, not yet aware in detail of our development plans. We hope we may have an opportunity of describing them, if only in outline, before they make a decision next March. The Games were most recently staged in the United Kingdom in 1958. In spite of comments from various sources, we note that Mr H. 1. Austad clearly intends to go ahead with definite action and this is something we applaud. We here in Christchurch intend to continue with the work of planning for a Commonwealth Games in 1970. This also implies we will be just as ready for 1974 if our application is deferred.