Auckland help for Games

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32406, 19 September 1970, Page 18

Auckland help for Games

The Mayor of Auckland (Sir Dove-Myer Robinson) said in Christchurch yesterday that he had promised to open a public subscription fund in Auckland to assist Christchurch in making the 1974 Commonwealth Games a “success that will redound to the credit of all New Zealand.”

“I said at the Games in Edinburgh, after seeing the wonderful organisation required, that I was sure that

Christchurch could make a success of it on her own.

“But I also said that I .thought all New Zealand would want to weigh in. The Edinburgh Games were a credit not only to the capital city but also to Scotland. “I have since been asked if I said that Auckland City Council would make financial assistance available to Christchurch. I did not say that; of course I had no authority. “But I will open a public subscription fund, with a pretty good sub from myself, and I think that many sporting bodies and other organisations in Auckland will help. I have raised thousands through public subscriptions. I think Auckland will make a pretty good contribution. “I have told the Christchurch people that I will open the fund at the appropriate time—when they say so, nearer the Games, of course.

“I told the Municipal Association conference that I thought ail cities should get in and help Christchurch stage the Games to the credit of ail New Zealand,” said Sir Dove-Myer Robinson.