£1 Registration Fee For Swimming Defended

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31206, 2 November 1966, Page 18

£1 Registration Fee For Swimming Defended

Adverse comment on the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association’s decision to strike a registration fee of £1 a head for members of affiliated clubs appeared to have stemmed from a misunderstanding of the intention, members of the association s council claimed last night.

The treasurer (Mr J. O. Turpin) said he was preparing a report for circulation to clubs explaining the intention of the decision, which was made at the annual meeting of the association.

Many people thought the money was to be used solely for sending swimmers overseas, he said. “I have been getting it in the ear at the pool and at the beach,” he said. “I have had threats that the New Zealand Association will have only 1000 members next year.” People did not seem to realize that the money would be spent on the multitude, said Mr D. W. Cain. The association intends to use the money “for the pursuance of swimming at all levels.” Mr S. Williams’s contention that many people had misunderstood the implications

of registration drew a quick retort from Mr H. T. Dean. “They understand, but, being Kiwis, they don't want to,” he said. Eighth Term

I Mr A. J. Donaldson entered his eighth consecutive term as chairman of the council when the meeting re-elected him unopposed. Mr G. S. Brockett was re-elected dep-uty-chairman, also unopposed, and in a ballot to choose the other members of the executive, Messrs B. E. Mackenzie and S. Williams defeated Mr D. W. Cain and Miss Doreen Brown.

I In recognition of his elec i tion as a New Zealand vice ! president, Mr M. R. Duckman I ton was appointed an addit ional member of the execut ive.

Mr E. H. Williams is still secretary of the association. The executive is considering the re-organization of the day-to-day affairs of the association, and Mr Williams is appointed until such time as this is settled.