EMPIRE GAMES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20455, 7 November 1934, Page 6

EMPIRE GAMES.

New Tourney May Be Held in Australia. That the difficulties in the way of holding the next Empire Games in Australia, as suggested by the manager of the returning Australian team (Mr H. Maxwell) were not insurmountable was the opinion expressed last week by the secretary of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association (Mr H. R. Weir), who managed the Australian team to the first Empiad in Canada. “It would be foolish to underestimate the difficulties,” said Mr Weir, “ but if finance were guaranteed, and England sent a really representative team, it might be possible. I think £20,000 would be the first guarantee needed from Government, municipal or private sources. England’s assurance that a full and representative team could make the trip would be the next. “ We could only hold the Games during the English off-season, and I doubt if many Englishmen would be able to spare the six months necessary, even in the athletic season.” In Mr Weir’s opinion, these would be the two main difficulties. Suitable cinder tracks, a cycling track and satisfactory accommodation and quarters for the visiting athletes would be other necessities. “ Canada’s Empiad cost the city of Hamilton about £40.000.” he explained. ‘Most of the outlay was returned either in takings or tangible assets, which the municipal authorities, who guaranteed the money, took over after the Games. The recent Games in London were financed mainly, I believe, by wealthy amateur sportsmen who are members of the British Empire Games Federation in England. Crowds there probably would recompense the outlay.” As a venue, Mr Weir would choose Melbourne before Sydney, because of the stronger patronage generally for amateur sport in that city.