"HERE TO STAY"

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 21, 26 January 1938, Page 18

"HERE TO STAY"

BRITISH EMPIRE GAMES

Interviewed on his arrival at Sydney, Mr. M. M. Robinson, manager o£ (he Canadian team ; referred to the revival of the Empire Uamcs less Umtj ten years ago, . The idea was discussed at Amsterdam during the Olyiu. pic Gan.es of »928. "Our good; friends it- England" continued Mr Robinson, "wlr. are slow on the up lake,' said we coulo. i.ot do' it, but it has since been demonstrated that the Empire Games are here to stay, and .they will prove to other nations that the old Empire is still stumbling along.

The manager of the Canadian team lias a cheery "manner and a wealth of good humour. Mr, Robinson was a sporting journalist on the Hamilton "Spectator" until Ke became city editor. This is the fifth time he has managed a Canadian team He was in control of his country's iCpresentatives at Uic Amsterdam Olympic Games in 1928, he organised the Empire Garnet at Hamilton, Ontario, °in 1930. and was • in" charge of the team, he took the Canadians to the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1932,' and to the Empire Games in London hi 1934

Mr. Robinson said his greatest pleasure was in being able to ' bring his team to Australia without mishap, in view of the change of climate from the tim -. the team left home. tic thought that with 14 countries repro sented, and nearly 00 competitors efigaged, the Sydney Games would be. the greatest yet held, and it also proved that, the distant Dominions could handle such fixtures. Ten.years ago, he never drea ed that Australia or New Zealand would be the scene of the Gair.es. It cost Canada 60,000 dollars £15,000)' to send the team, but. it was'easier: to .'aise the ' money for this .our than foi.any of the Olympic Games. It was firs! intended s.o s>_nd 40 representatives, dv. the numbei continued to. increase as the funds' poured in ' . . ;

After inspecting the Empire Village.' ivlr. Ro inson aid . that he and histeam were delighted with the1 accommodation provided for them Athletes renewed friendships made in othar countries, and the 'others soon felt at home with the men already assembled at the village.