SWIMMING.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 248, 18 October 1924, Page 57 (Supplement)

SWIMMING.

Charlton's sudden announcement that, he has decided to give up 6wimming will cause a great deal of disappointment m in Australia, as much -was expected of him. He -seems quite decided, and apparently he has given no definite reason for "his It is to be hoped that he will change his mind, for Australian people will not like to see Jiim fade out in this way after having gone to the expense of sending him to the Olympic Games. Johnny Welsmuller, the world's sprint. champion up to 440 yards, is likely to visit Australia, and it is hoped New Zealand (says the "New Zealand Observer'M. His advent would prove the greatest drawing card in the history of swimming. His record is wonderful, and his methods of propulsion would be a great source of interest to all swimmers. If Weismuller does not make the trip, it is certain that the Japanese crack, Takaishi, will come. The Japanese showed great form at the Olympic Games, )fut, of course, he would be nothing like the attraction of the American flier. In the matter of swimming facilities there are few towns the size of Hastings so badly provided (complains a Hawke'e Bay paper), and with the sea not handy enough for an early morning dip it seems a great pity that a borough which is so progressive in other respects should be so lacking in this respect. An effort was made last season to have up-to-date tepid baths erected, and it was intended that a loin for this purpose should be included in the lnan proposals. Had it lieen included, there seems little doubt that it would have been carried, for every ratepayer must agree that Hastings is badly in need of good baths. However, the council in its wisdom, or otherwise, decided to cut out the proposal for baths, and so swimmers will have to be content this season with the [futilities offering