Water Polo Asks For More Money

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32005, 4 June 1969, Page 14

Water Polo Asks For More Money

Mr D. F. Stewart, the water polo board representative, expressed concern that the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association’s finance committee had allocated only $lOOO to water polo, at the association’s Council meeting last evening.

He said that the board’s allocation was only one third of what was needed for water polo’s development during the coming season. Mr Stewart moved an amendment to the finance committee’s recommendation, that the allocation be increased to $2OOO. He said that a major part of the water polo board's development could be achieved if the grant was Increased. Mr Stewart criticised the allocation of 81000 to the contingency (reserve) fund. “This is money set aside,” he eald. “We need it now." Utt Players Reported Mr D. W. Caln asked how many water polo players there were in New Zealand? Mr Stewart replied that there were 1162 players; howsver, this did not Include Waikato, which had not forwarded numbers to the board: Mr J. Johnson said that the water polo players made up only 4 per cent of the over-aft numbers connected to the N.Z.A.S.A. and that the grant of SlOOO was a high percentage of the finance available.

The budget had been worked out from the figure ot just under 118,009 received for last season’s affiliation fees. After making allocations, allowing for fixed overheads and other known commitments, a balance of 13650 remains, which must include some provision for the next Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1(70. The councillors voted heavily against the amendment and supported the financial committee's allocations.

Mr Stewart said it was gstting to the stage where “water polo should go on Its own.” The allocations made were: Water polo, 31000; diving; 3500; synchronised swimming. 6100; swimming activity—select committees. 3750; contingency (reserve) fund, 61000; regional coaching forums, 61000: coaches’ association. 6500. Bigger Membership The total club membership In New Zealand for the 1965-69

season hat been estimated at 25,700, according to the finance committee’s report. Thii Is an increase of 1128 on the previous year. Fees should be lust under 118,000, which is 1070 better than the 1967-68 season. Seven clubs have still to make their final returns.