COOK STRAIT SWIM

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29722, 16 January 1962, Page 12

COOK STRAIT SWIM

New Approach Considered

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 15. When Miss Margaret Sweeney’s Cook Strait swimming guide, Mr G. Perano, is in Wellington on business this week, he may discuss with Mr A. Hunter, skipper of the Wellington trawler St. Bartolo, the possibilities of Miss Sweeney attempting to swim the strait from the North Island side. On Saturday Mr Hunter anonymously offered to pilot Miss Sweeney over a zigzag course from Titahi Bay to Wellington Head, in the South Island. The offer was made through the licensee of a Wellington hotel, Mr J. A. Young, who visited Miss Sweeney and Mr Perano yesterday. Mr Young said today that Mr Perano, and Miss Sweeney were “most interested’’ in the trawlerman’s offer.

In a telephone Interview today Mr Perano said he did not know when he would be in Wellington but it would definitely be one day this week.

“If I have time I will confer with Mr Hunter about a swim from the North Island side.’’ he said. Mr Perano said he could see problems in the swim from the North Island, “but, if anyone can show us a better route and why it is better, we are prepared to try.” Miss Sweeney said she was prepared to make the swim if Mr Perano considered it feasible.