A. & P.s lose sponsor

Press, 2 August 1977, Page 3

A. & P.s lose sponsor

Sponsorship of agricultural and pastoral events by Rothmans, New Zealand, Ltd, will cease. In a letter believed to have been circulated throughout the country, the company said the time had come to “redirect our support.”

For several years, most agricultural and pastoral associations have used the sponsorship for horse jumping. polo or rodeos. In a letter to the Canterbury A. and P. Association, Rothmans said that its decision “in no way infers dis-

satisfaction on our part with| past associations. On the contrary, we have been delighted’ with our involvement, and sincerely hope the support we have given your organisation over the years has been a positive contribution.” The Canterbury A. and P. Association used the sponsorship for polo. Up to three years ago, this was worth $3OO. It was later increased to $5OO. “This is naturally a disappointment to the association, as we valued the sponsorship very highly, and felt we were able to give

[value in return.” said the association’s secretary-man-ager (Mr T. M. R. Maskew) yesterday. “It is unfortunate that this information has come so late, but the association will now try to find a new sponsor.”

Mr Maskew said sponsorship paid one-third of the cost of the polo at the annual show, and the polo was very popular.

Three A. and P. associations in Mid-Canterbury have been advised that sponsorship by Rothmans has been withdrawn.