THE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 674, 28 October 1933, Page 6

THE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

RIP VAN WINKLE.

(To the Edifor) Sir, — I was most surprised to read Councillor G. Steele's remarks in Thursday's "Morning Post" when the Rotorua Amateur Swimming Club asked the IBorough Council for a guarantee against loss for swimming sports t0 be held during Carnival Week. •Mr. Richard's reply was entirely justified, 'but I think he could have made his point even stronger. In understand tihat the Biorough Advancement Committee approached Ihe cluib' to hold. tbe proposed carnival during Ohristmas Week, and that the swimming club itself has to practically double its usual expenditure for bath charges, etc., if it agrees to the date suggested by the Advancement Comimittee. From conversations I, have had with different members connected with this sports ibody, it seems very doubtful if they would consider holdin|g a carnival on their own initiative during Christmas Week, as apart from the increased expenses incurred, officials of the club have their own business to attend to. Wlith the interests of the town at heart members of this body are prepared, however, to put themselves to inconvenience to assist the borough to make a bigger and brighter Christmas Carnival this year, and yet when they ask for a guarantee against loss, they are met with the statement of a councillor that "he failed to see why the council should •be expected to support the activities of every sports body that cared to apply." Does the councillor concerned think this body is just a moneymaking concern? It is a pity that some members of our "City Fathers" do not speak with more knowledge of their subject. Writing as a disinterested ratepayer I consider this club has done more to popularise Rotorua than the Advancement Committee itself. A clean, healthy sport is being eneourajwed bv men who think and do things

and do not just make rash and vague statements. In one season's activities a large number of children have been taught to swim and to compete in healthy rivalry against their mates. Councillor 'Steele probably did ndjj think of this. He remarks are certainly not encouraging to men who are trying to make Rotorua a popular summer resort, but who do at least use a little business acumen. I am not aware as to what the club itself thinks of this type of support for its good work, but if the council had refused to grant the request I consider it would have been quite justified in telling the council that it was not prepared to assist during carnival week. Pprhaps if Councill Steele were to pay 2/6 and join the club, he would have his views changed when he saw the amount of work and organisation which officials have to carry out before a carnival can be held. Apart from the swimming club's request it would be interesting to learn if any .project brought forward for the advancement of Rotorua has received Councillor Steele's support. — I am. etc..