THE LETTER BOX.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18031, 20 January 1923, Page 2

THE LETTER BOX.

RESOLUTION CRITICISED

To the Editor of the ‘‘Timarii Herald.'’ Sir, —Referring io the decision of the Automobile Association in turning down the request to provide cars to take visiting swimmei's for a ride into tho country, 1 should think that this is the first resolution of its kind ever passed by such' an association. YYMien one considers how hospitable our representative footballers were treated one and ail on their Northern tour, and when we consider that in future, our Timaru .swimmers will in all probability bo competing in some other centre at a. similar gathering it does not. speak highly of the hospitality of Soutli Canterbury.

Tho remarks concerning "people coming to Timaru to compete lor prizes’’ are in distinctly had taste, us a glance at tho prize list will show that tiu; prizes are of very small value for the ability required to win them. Amateur champions swim more for the glory and honour of the district they represent, than for the prizes. A body of athletes such as these, coming from all parts of New Zealand, may prove a splendid advertisement or otherwise for Timaru according to the treatment meted out to them; and if in future Timaru gains anything from such a visit, it will be mostly the men with motor cars who will reap the gain! I trust private individuals will look on this matter in a broader manner than tho Association lias done, and will help the centre to favourably impress l the visitors with Timaru, and its residents, MOTOR. Timaru, January 19, 1923.