CLUB MEMBERS’ FEES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 59

CLUB MEMBERS’ FEES.

THE. SPECIAL SHILLING LEVY.

WANGANUI, January 18. A meeting of the Wanganui Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association last night discussed the question of club members’ fees. This' was in view of the fact that an attempt is to be made by the Hawke’s Bay Centre to have the special shilling levy abolished. ~ It was explained that the , levy w.as imposed several years ago to assist the Olympic fund. ' The general of the .meeting was that the levy should be discontinued. The President expressed the opinion that the whole business ,was a prostitution of amateurism A country went to the expense of sending amateur sportsmen to the Olympic Games, and if, it produced an outstanding periormer professionalsm came along and alluring overtures that were irreFistible. The country that sent the sport in question lost one who should return to his country, and help 'to others up to the same standard. He was decidedly opposed to this country sending men along who ultimately became the property of professional organisations in other countries.

Others spoke in similar strain, and it yias contended that experience had proved in other fields of sport, that an outstanding performer was soon in demand, and it became a question of the highest bidder. lhe meeting decided to help the Hawke’s Bay Centre to have the shilling levy imposed on swimming club members abolished. The matter will be discussed at e annual conference of centre delegates to be held at Dunedin during the swimming championships.