Plans To Strengthen Polo Finances

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31135, 11 August 1966, Page 14

Plans To Strengthen Polo Finances

The South Island Polo Association planned to raise £750 to strengthen its finances, the chairman, Mr A. C. Deans announced at the annual meeting.

It was hoped to raise £lOOO gross with a raffle, and £250 would be paid in prize money. “This will enable us to run the South Island association without calling on the clubs.” he said. “We could also call on visiting coaches and umpires for our tournaments. “Rothmans (N.Z.). Ltd., has given a sum to the New Zealand Polo Association to send coaches around New Zealand and we would hope to get some. *We spent quite a bit on advertising,” said Mr Deans. “I was rather disappointed that this amount had no effect.” Mr G. R. Gould said if spectators’ finances were wanted, something would have to be done. "You have to put on something good for them." he said. "When we first started playing we had terrific crowds, but they have dropped since. "It might cost you a fortune in advertising, but you have got to ram it down their throats." North Island Match Mr R. M. D. Johnson, the association president, said the standard of play in all clubs had improved tremendously during the last year. “I hope that a team will be able to go to the North Island. Until we do this we will find it very hard to get a North Island team with its own ponies down here to play us. "After this year I think we could provide a local team to play a North Island team on the Show Grounds." he said. “I

don't care who they bring down for it."

The association will apply for the use of Addington Raceway on January 29 and April 8-9. April is the probable time at which the Gould and Rhodes Cup tournaments will be held. It was decided, unanimously, that all horses must wear a standing martingale or a breastplate and cirsingle before taking the field for a game. Waimate Interest A delegate from Waimate. Mr L. Meyer, said it was hoped to form a new club in his district. There was sufficient interest in the area for the club to field a team in competition this summer. The 1966 affiliation fee will be £1 a playing member, based on the previous year’s membership. Officers elected were:—patrons. Messrs D. W. J. Gould. L. R. C. Macfarlane. R. M. D. Johnson, D. C. Macfarlane and W. E. Hazlett: president. Mr R. M. D. Johnson, chairman. Mr A. C Deans: secretarytreasurer. Mr P. M. O'Sullivan: auditor, Mr K. F. Churstain; handicappers. Messrs W. R. Lemon, T. H. Rutherford and R. M D. Johnson; delegates to the New Zealand Polo Association, Messrs R. M. D. Johnson, A. C. Deans and E. O’Sullivan.