SWANKERS’ CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19843, 18 May 1927, Page 6

SWANKERS’ CLUB

Sir, —“Business Alan’s” criticism of the Swankers’ Club makes it apparent that the public need to be cautious in regard to appeals made to them in the name of charity. As his figures aro taken from the audited balancesheet of the club, it cannot be said that he has been unfair in his criti-

cism. I consider that he has done a public service by protesting against these ever-recurring appeals, and, as his figures are undeniably correct, ho has shown that, however worthy the desires of the Swankers’ executive may be, their methods of relieving distress are necessarily very expensive. One does not like to see the splendid record put up by the Swankers in the past nullified by present-day expensive methods, and it is not a reproach on the present executive that their efforts are so nullified, conditions to-day being so very different from what they were in years gone by. Therefore, the Swankers themselves must realise that it is impossible for them to continue their activities under the conditions now existing, and in my opinion they will be w’ell advised if they leave the work of alleviating distress in the hands of the proper authorities, Le., the Hospital Board. CHARITY. May 17. -

Sir, —“Business Man” states that h» has carefully perused the balance sheet of the Swankers’ Club, but I wish to point out that he has slightly erred in his calculations regarding percentages. There are only two conclusions to be drawn from his statements. Ono is that it is quite evident that “Business Alan” has distorted the position to suit his own viewpoint, and also to undermine public confidence or that his non de plume is totally inappropriate. To support my view, I may mention that he has very conveniently disregarded the amount of £l4l 19s 4d shown as balance in hand at the end of December, as if this amount is taken into consideration it will be clearly seen by any business man that the correct percentage is 39 per cent, as compared with “Business Man’s” computation of 61 per cent, only an error on his part of 21 per cent. Of course, in endeavouring to make his own case goed this discrepancy has apparently appeared very small in “Business Alans” estimation, but it is too big a margin to pass by unnoticed by the Swankers’ executive or the public. In conclusion, I would advise “Business Man” to brush up his knowledge on percentages before rushing into print and, whatever his personal views may be, he should at least endeavour to be fair and not misinform the. public. Remembr the old adage: “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of tho people all of the time!” L. C. SWAN. Secretary, > Swankers’ Club. May 17. Sir,—-I notice that tl Moderator” haa presumed some knowledge of the conduct of the Swankers’ Club business in stating that I have not violated any custom of the club in answering anonymous correspondence, but I wish to state that I have been a member of the Swankers’ Club practically since its inception, and have held the position of secretary for the past three years, and I can say that it is not the custom to answer anonymous correspondence. Ho has further adopted the role of grammarian in alleging that I have misused the word “anonymous,” but if “Moderator” will again consult Webster. or any other standard dictionary, he will perhaps moderate his idea of the correct interpretation of the word. Another grammatical fault which he attributes to me, is the mis quotation of the word “adversely.” Whilst admitting that the initial request to publish the figures was quite a reasonable one, the subsequent criticism has been most adverse from the club’s point of view, and, moreover, is not likely to have been in the best interests of the community for which the club has always striven.

I would welcome both “Afoderator” and “Business Afan” into the ranks of the Swankers’ Club (that is if they are not already members) and perhaps bo fortunate enough to secure their services on the executive committee. L. C. Swan, Secretary, Swankers’ Club. May 17.