EMPIRE GAMES ALLOTTED TO AUCKLAND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22732, 2 September 1948, Page 6

EMPIRE GAMES ALLOTTED TO AUCKLAND

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 2. The British Empire Games, which have been allotted to New Zealand in 1950, will be held in Auckland. This decision was reached last night by eight votes to four by the council of the New Zealand Olympic and Empire Games Association.

Only two applications were received —Auckland and Christchurch. Delegations were heard from both centres. Council went into committee to discuss the merits of each case. Before hearing delegations, the chairman, Mr. A. D. Bayfield, gave a review of the discussions held with the Government. It recognised that the venue of the games was a matter for the association, but was prepared to assist in every way. He said the one point stressed by the Prime Minister. Mr. P. Fraser, had been that accommodation should be a question of highest importance and should be a credit to New Zealand. Rival Delegations

The delegations were:— Canterbury: Mr. T. H. Langford, public relations for the Christchurch City Council, Mr. W. J. Cowles, a city councillor, Mr. J. M. Stanley, secretary of the Canterbury Empire Games Promotion Committee.

Auckland: Mr. A. Moon, president of the Auckland Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A., Mr. T. W. Ashby, Town Clerk. Each delegation gave a comprehensive picture of the iacilities, the accommodation and organisation available and planned.

Canterbury stressed the great value of the games toward its centenary. Major questions asked of the Canterbury delegates dealt with accommodation, adequate swimming pool, cycling stadium, and rowing course. The Auckland delegation stressed that the games could be held in that centre without any new building. It quoted a population of 321,000 within a radius of 2u miles of the centre of Auckland and over 400,000 if Waikato were included.

Based on a conservative scale, it was estimated that attendances would total 173,000, with gross receipts of £29,000. Estimated Deficiency

Including a grant of £15,000 towards the travelling expenses of the visiting teams, the estimated expenditure would be £35,000. The deficiency of £6UOO might well be changed, through prudent management and greater public support, to a profit. Both delegations gave assurances that adequate guarantees were available. It was also pointed out that the Gov* ernment had indicated it was prepared to share in any loss should there be one. Following the decision, the Canterbury delegation congratulated Auckland and assured it of its support. Both delegations are commended for the able manner in which their cases had been presented. “We are naturally delighted with the decision,” said Mr. Moon, Auckland. Auckland had a big task ahead but would face it with the utmost confidence.