SUNDAY SWIMMING RACE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1914, Page 3

SUNDAY SWIMMING RACE

PROSECUTION TO FOLLOW. ALLEGED OBSTRUCTION OF BATHS' CARETAKER. On the 20th June last the following advertisement was published in the Evening Post: —"Wellington Amateur Swimming Club. The midwinter handicap will b© held on Sunday, the 28th, at 10 a.m., at Te Aro Baths. Hail, rain, or snow. —M. Bevan, hon. secretary." Nothing was heard of the matter' just then, and a notice wae posted on the Wellington Club's board at the baths inviting entries. Several names were put down, and considerable interest was being taken in the event. In the meantime, however, written protests were forwarded tp the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), drawing his attention to the fact that the race was fixed for a Sunday, and objecting to such a proceeding on the Sabbath. The matter was put in the.haDds of Councillor G. Frost, chairman of the Reserves Committee. He found that no permit to hold the races on Sunday had been given or applied for, and, in consequence of the objections that had been raised, and because the City Council's policy is opposed to Sunday competitions in its baths, it' was decided to prohibit the fixture. J The caretaker at Te Aro Baths was duly informed, and, it is v asserted, he removed the notice placed in position by j the Wellington Swimming Club, and leI. placed it by one reading, in effect, as tollows : —"This race has been postponed until further notice. —By order." It is , -, stated that there was nothing to show that the ordei had been issued by the City Council, and the captain of the club removed the caretaker's notice, and it was not again posted up until it read : [ "By order of the council." It was also ; added that'the notice had no connection i with tho Wellington Club, and meni- ; bers were invited to, a meeting at tho baths on Sunday to decide what action > should be taken. A race was held on the 28th (Sunday), J in which there were fourteen competi- | tors. The matter was reported to the j council, and subsequently a Summons was eerved on the club member mentioned, alleging that he obstructed the caretaker in the execution of his duty. The caso v will be heard io the Magistrate's Court shortly. .It is understood that the Sports Protection League has agreed to I act on the member's behalf.