FOOTBALLER'S FINANCES

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 65, 18 March 1925, Page 9

FOOTBALLER'S FINANCES

CONFLICT OF STATEMENTS. LEAGUE SECRETARY REPLIES. NO PROMISE OF FURNITURE. In connection with the bankruptcy of G. Gardiner, a prominent League footballer of lust season, and his statement to the Oflicial Assignee, as published yesterday, implying , that part of his troubles were due to unfulfilled promises on the part of a League football club, the following statement was made to the "Star" this morning by Mr. 11. J. Lipscombe, secretary of the Marist Bros.' Club: — "The prominence and remarks in your report of the bankruptcy proceedings of Mr. G. Gardiner would suggest to many that his present unfortunate poistion was due somewhat to the nonfulfilment of promises made to him by this club. Such remarks are totally untrue. It was news to mc to read that a certain sum had been advanced by the club for the purchase of furniture, this to be paid back by weekly payments. No such arrangement was ever suggested or made, and not one shilling ever advanced by the club. Any purchase of furniture etc., by Mr. Gardiner was made on his own private initiative." "The remark of a guaranteed job of £6 per week is not carrect, although Mr. Gardiner wae told that an endeavour would be made to obtain a suitable job for him. Every endeavour was made to get him a suitable job. Personally, I was under the impression that duri'nothe football season at least, good wages were being obtained on the waterfront although I understand a lean period has been experienced of late months. •'Endeavours were also made by riany members to obtain a suitable house for Mr. Gardiner to let, but without much success as far as cheap rent was concerned. Re 'being in the soup' and the club 'having to fork out,' as stated in your remarks, Mr. Gardiner presented a legal demand for board, etc.. and stated he had not the money to' pay. The club being unable to do anything as regards payment, several* members generously came to his help, and paid the account. "The only financial promise made was the payment of fare and expenses to Auckland, and this obligation was discharged. "We do not wish to prejudice Mr. Gardiner's case in anyway, but must see that an adjustment is made if the incorrect remarks published as regards this club. I fed sure that Mr Gardiner has always had fair treatment from our club. At various times he- has stated Ins appreciation, and from remarks made to mc personally, it would appear that his financial embarrassment is through circumstances outside Auckland."