Protest At Retention Of Boat Show Funds

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31771, 30 August 1968, Page 12

Protest At Retention Of Boat Show Funds

The Christchurch International Boat and Outdoor Exhibition organisation’s decision to retain $2OOO to cover possible losses on boat races was criticised by delegates at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Water Ski Association last evening. They agreed to support a remit to the organisation from the Canterbury R Class Yacht Squadron, suggesting that a working capital of $5OO be set Five delegates, Messrs R. Mars, W. Ruske, N. Gardiner, R. Whyte, and R. Butler, were appointed to attend the next meeting of the organisation on September 9. "It appears that we are working to finance two boat races,” said Mr G. Mitchell. “There is $2OOO being retained for activities which have nothing to do with what we are working for,” he said. The retiring treasurer (Mr N. Gardiner), reported that $3OO had been received from the exhibition organisation as a result of the boat show.

Several delegates felt that the organisation would be better with a working fund of $lOOO. They agreed that many ski boats would take part in the races, which were intended to display a form of motorboat water safety. Mr Gardiner said that it would be two or three years

before another boat show was held and the organisation needed the money to cover losses on the races it staged annually. GRADES OPPOSED

A decision to oppose the move by the technical rules division of the national body to introduce A and B grades to the New Zealand championships was carried. The delegates to the New Zealand council (Messrs Mitchell and B. Murray) were instructed to vote against this at the next meeting in Auckland on September 28. The association will also ask that the present qualifying standards for the championships be rigidly enforced. Members felt that the aim of the national championships was to find the best skier. Substandard skiers were not wanted there. The proposed B grade championship would give mediocre competitors a holiday at the championships. RESIGNATION The association resigned from the South Island Publicity Association after receiving an account for back subscriptions. The acting-chairman (Mr Murray) reported that the Bryndwr club had gone into recess and was in the process of winding up.

Officers elected are:— President, Mr W. Askew: vice-president, Messrs R. Butler, R. Whyte and B. Murray; secretary, Mrs E. Walker; treasurer, Mr E. Ruske.