THE FIFTH OLYMPIAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14972, 20 April 1912, Page 8

THE FIFTH OLYMPIAD.

OBSTACLE TO CHAMPION'S VISIT. THE OLYMPIC COUNCIL STEPS IN. An unfortunate hitch occurred yesterday in the arrangements to have New Zealand represented in the swimming section of the Fifth Olympiad at Stockholm by M. K. Champion, of Auckland. The trouble was created by the New Zealand Olympic Council, which has its headquarters in Wellington, and through which nominations for the Olympiad must bo made. When it was first suggested that Champion should be sent to Stockholm, what appeared to be an insurmountable obstacle arose in the financing of the tour. Later support was promised by people in tho South, but tho proposed support did not tako definite shape, and tho matter dragged until it was found that the trip could bo undertaken at less cost than was originally thought. The stumbling block had been the matter of providing for the support of Champion's family dui-ing his absence. Last week the question waa solved by the members of the committeo of tho Waitemata Shimming Club individually guaranteeing a very large proportion of the amount required. Champion therefore left for Wellington on Tuesday evening, in order to leave for London by the Athcnic on Thursday. Tho steamer's departure, however, -was delayed. In estimating the cost of Champion's visit to Stockholm, the Waitemata Swimming Club's committee based its calculations on the expenses involved in sending Champion to the Festival of Empire sports last year, with additional provision lor the necessary stay in the Swedish capital. It was considered that tho trip could bo financed by the provision of £101, apart ,from tho' maintenance of the Bwimm.ar'B family. Champion himself was (j[i»to satisfied with tlioso figures, and it was not anticipated that any trouble would be caused by the New Zealand Olympic Council, although, owing to the haste in which tho arrangements had to be completed, that body could not bo consulted before Champion left Auckland. About £25 in cash had already been raised in Auckland, and the members of the committee of the Waitemata Club paid up a little over £80. Out of this Champion's passage money to London was (paid, he was allowed a small sum for his journey to Wellington, and tlip balance was (handed over to his family. The New s.!ealand Swimming Association and the Canterbury centre of the Association had undertaken to provida £20 and £10 respectively. It - was intoned to cable this money, with the small remainder, required, to the Association's representative in London. Since Champion left Auckland, however, the New Zealand Olympic Council stepped in, with a statement that it did not recognise Mrs. Champion in the matter, and with a demand that £100, apart from Champion's passage-money, already paid, shall no handed over to it. This meant that the Council really demanded £166 before nominating Champion for the Olympiad. Of this sunt it asked for £50 at onoe. Whilo the Waitemata Club's committeo did not object to paying reasonable managerial v 'expenses, it failed to see the necessity for the provision of as much as £65 above* its estimate, especially since the estimate was based upon the figures of the Festival of Empire Committee, which became this New Zealand. Olympic Council. The Olympic .Council even went so far as to threaten to send Champion back to Auckland unless arrangements were made to send tho money it demands through it. Last night Mr. J. J. Mulyityill, honorary secretary to the Waitemata -Swimming Club, received a telegram frpm Champion (stating that he would return* to Auckland to-day. . _ .t: " ' However, at the last minata, it appears, the matter was settled in Wellington.