GRANT THAT COULD NOT BE TRACED.

Shannon News, 17 December 1929, Page 4

GRANT THAT COULD NOT BE TRACED.

SWIMMING CLUB ASKS COUNTY ’COUNCIL FOR AID. ; NOT POSSIBLE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. An application somewhat out of the ordinary came before the Horowhenua County' Council on Saturday, in the form of a letter from Mr H. J. Jones, chairman of the Levin Swimming and Life-saving Club and supervisor of the District High School swimming classes, lie stated that, some years ago, the Council voted £ls towards improvements at the Coronation Baths, but the sum was not collected and the vote lapsed. The Baths, he added, were used by many people from outside the Borough, especially school children, the latter being admitted at a nominal fee. The Club suggested that the £ls be again voted, and that on this occasion it be paid over to the Club for much-needed improvements at the Baths.

Cr. Gimblett stated that Mr Jones had rung him up in connection with this matter: The Club was a much more live body now than at the time when the Council passed the grant. It had surprised him (Cr. Gimblett) that the money liad not been lifted. There had been a good many calls on the funds of the County just lately, more particularly in the Wirokino riding. He did not know whether this was a riding matter. The Chairman: Undoubtedly.

Cr. Gimblett added that, much, as he would like to see the grant made — and he did not think that the Council could give money to a much better purpose than swimming and life-saving —he would like to hear the opinions of councillors as to whether the Council was giving away too much money through calls made upon it. At tho same, time he would like to encourage swimming.

The chairman (Mr G. A. Monk) said it was for a very good purpose, but unfortunately he must ask the Council to hold it over, till the end of the financial year at all events. The Council had gone just as far as it should go this financial year with donations. He had been on the Council a good many years, but he did not recollect this grant. A search had been made, and the office staff could not find any record of it.

Cr. Ryder: I don’t remember it. Or. Gimblott: It is only a few years ago that it is supposed to have happened.

The Chairman: if think they had an idea that it was likely to be granted. I am very much in favour of the idea >f swimming, and every child should be taught. Mr Jones is doing a very fine work, but unfortunately we have gone as far as we can go this year, and I must ask you to hold it over till after the end of the year.

The chairman moved accordingly, and Cr. Gimblett seconded the motion.

Or. Catley stated that in future iie intended to take a more economical stand in these matters, because the Council would be faced next year with the responsibility of more roading. Swimming was one of the finest things that could be taught to children, but the financing of it was more a matter for tlic general public than for local bodies. The motion was carried.