$30,000 gift for Games

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32667, 24 July 1971, Page 16

$30,000 gift for Games

The Bank of New Zealand has given $30,000 towards the cost of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Christchurch in January-February, 1974. Mr D. O. Whyte, chairman of the Bank of New Zealand handed a cheque to Sir Keith Holyoake, in his capacity as vice-patron of the Commonwealth Games, in Wellington yesterday afternoon.

Sir Keith Holyoake described the gift as “overwhelming.” The appeal had met solid support from all sections of the community, from individuals to industrial and commercial “giants,” he said, according to a Press Association message. “This support is exemplified by this wonderful contribution from the Bank of New Zealand,” he said. “It comes at a most timely stage in the appeal, and should give a great lift to the 500 committee members working hard for the appeal throughout New Zealand. If there are any waverers left, it should give just that challenge to help them make up their minds about their own contribution.” “STAFF DELIGHTED”

“The B.N.Z. staff throughout New Zealand are delighted with this decision,” said Mr G. C. Miller, manager of the bank at Christchurch, “but none more so than here in Christchurch, where we welcome the involvement in|i this major undertaking. I “The Games are going to i be a great and memorable i event for Christchurch and i for Canterbury, and it is our i pleasure to be contributing towards the success it i deserves. i “We intend to do morei

|than give money, and as the! Games draw nearer to reality, the B.N.Z. will offer, in conjunction with the Games Committee, a variety ■ of special services through all branches, and later on the Games site, for all our customers and for New Zealand as : a whole.”

j The chairman of the Games organising committee (Mr R- S. Scott) said his com[mittee was extremely grateful for the “exceptional contribution.” "I am sure all New Zealanders will be greatly impressed—first, by its size, and second, by the wish of

i the Bank of New Zealand to i become closely identified • with and involved in the ■ Commonwealth Games pro- ■ ject," Mr Scott said. He hoped that the gift ■ would encourage other major - national organisations to , contribute on a generous f scale.