RE “SHOP DAYS.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 December 1928, Page 4

RE “SHOP DAYS.”

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Can “Sport” give any information as to how the average takings of a “Shop Day,” distributed amongst the tradesmen of the town, would increase their turnover, and if it would be likely to affect their income tax return? If they suffer to- any appreciable extent-, as suggested by your correspondent, then more, power to those good fellows amongst them who show such a fine spirit of sportsmanship- that they are willing to assist these functions, _in some cases even to the extent of giving commodities- from the sale of which they derive their livelihood. Referring, more particularly, to the “Shop Day” to be held to-morro-w, the position of the Park Bowlihg Club’s finances may not be generally known, and if you will permit the use of your valuable. space to shed some-light on this subject, perhaps even “Sport” may be induced to give us bis support. .. > Since 1921, when the borough fathers graciously granted permission for the laying down of a green on borough property, the club has paid to the authorities a sum of £BO 19s lid for work done by their employees, the whole of this amount being paid in the first year of the club’s existence; they have erected a pavilion at a -cost of nearly £6OO, paid architect’s fees of over £25, and- for the services of an expert to lay the green, £36. The total sum of these expenditures was provided by an overdraft on the club’s banking account, guaranteed by eight members of the club in the usual manner. The amount that can be shown on the club’s balance-sheet as assets against this _ expenditure is nil. Any assistance received, other than by the club’s own efforts can also be written down as nil. Can it be wondered at that the club i-s desirous of releasing the responsibility of their guarantors ? To turn to upkeep, is there a- sport’s body using the public park that asks less from the authorities? When the hedges have been trimmed and the flower beds attended to, their part has been done, and the cost and work of maintenance is a charge which takes about £l5O out of the club’s resources annually. Now, “Sport,” are we learning to support our own game? May we not appeal to- the public for help on one day in the year, especially as we offer some slight return for that help in the shape of produce, etc., provided by members of the club and their fellow (shall we say) sports? Thanking you, Mr Editor, for your indulgence, and trusting tq see both you and “Sport” in Union Street. —I am, etc.,

CHAS. J. CUMMINGS, Hon. Secretary Park Bowling Club