The Press MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1974. The friendly Games

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33450, 4 February 1974, Page 16

The Press MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1974. The friendly Games

Now that the tenth Commonwealth Games are over life in Christchurch will return to normal. After the excitement of the last fortnight a certain sense of anti-climax, if not a sense of “ the morning after ”, can be expected. This should give way to a more balanced feeling of solid achievement as the city’s performance is soberly assessed. It would be easy to list criticisms, omissions, deficiencies — complaints of over-charging and profiteering, shortcomings in some of the arrangements for receiving visitors, inaccurate budgets or estimates, hasty planning or execution. The complaints do not count for much now; most of the deficiencies were made good in time. There were no serious incidents or accidents: the formal opening and closing ceremonies went off without a hitch (even if a little behind schedule), the temporary stand at Queen Elizabeth II Park did not collapse, there were no affronts to Royalty or other distinguished visitors. The published comments of visiting journalists were almost entirely favourable. And the weather was generally kind. Christchurch’s good fortune was not undeserved. So many able people gave unstintingly of their time and talents to prepare for the Games that the city more than earned its run of luck. At the head of the organisation, Mr R. S. Scott, whose own example inspired a cohort of helpers, saw the labours of years crowned with success. The host city’s Mayor (Mr N. G. Pickering) appeared with dignity on splendid occasions; the lavish praise showered on the city and on the Games venues by visitors must have given his Worship wry amusement after the controversies of the last three years. The warm Christchurch regard for Royalty was once more demonstrated, and although the Royal visit was — for the first time — an adjunct to another occasion rather than the main event, this may not have been unwelcome to the Royal visitors themselves. The glare of publicity, which briefly exposed Christchurch to millions of viewers and newspaper readers round the globe, showed the city — and New Zealand — in a favourable light. The rest of New Zealand shared, and earned, the plaudits of the Commonwealth, for the Games are awarded to a country, not to a city. The Government was involved, not merely as a sponsor and guarantor, but — on more than one occasion — as a rather embarrassed custodian of the country’s diplomatic relations. Fund-raising and the supply of expertise was a national rather than a local responsibility, and many of the keenest supporters of the Games were to be found outside Christchurch. The invasion of Christchurch by the leading contenders for Commonwealth titles from every continent provided a sporting feast such as has never been offered in this country before. Long after the details of medals won, records broken, titles lost, and surprising results have been forgotten, those who took part in the contests — and that much greater throng who watched — will remember the occasion. Already the phrase “ the friendly Games ” has become hackneyed; but, like many a hackneyed phrase, it expresses a truth. If Christchurch is remembered by its visitors — humble or Royal, competitors or spectators — as the scene of “ the “ friendly Games ” that should be sufficient reward for those who worked for their success, and for all the Christchurch residents whose welcome helped to make these “ the friendly Games ”.