Little Opposition To Gaines Bid Expected

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32324, 16 June 1970, Page 15

Little Opposition To Gaines Bid Expected

Reported opposition of Malaysia and Singapore to Christchurch’s bid for the 1974 Commonwealth Games was probably made without full appreciation of the All Black tour issue, a spokesman for the Games Promotion Committee said in Christchurch last evening.

“I am sure they don’t realise that most New Zealanders see the tour as a step in breaking down apartheid in South Africa and not a means of supporting it,” Mr R. S. Scott, leader of the Games Promotion delegation, said. “I am positive that when they have this pointed out to them they will mellow; I hope so.” Malaysia and Singapore are among this country’s closest friends, he said. “From my talks with sports officials in both countries in 1968 I would certainly feel

that they were our supporters in our games bid. “If they do reject New Zealand at this time it will come as a very great surprise to many, many New Zealanders.” Mr Scott was speaking after the second public showing of the special promotion film that will be taken overseas in the next few days to support Christchurch’s bid for the games. The film was shown to the annual meeting of the Canterbury Progress League, which, Mr Scott said, had been one of the “parents” of the Games Promotion Committee.