SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 101, 29 October 1924, Page 11

SWIMMING

NEED FOR TEPID POOL

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ' CENTRE.

Matters concerning the control of the sport of swimming in Wellington were considered last evening at the annual meeting.of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. Mr. P. N. Bundle presided in the absence of the president., Mr. T. Ronayne. Welcoming the new delegates, tho chairman said it was very gratifying indeed to see once more the faces of several men who for Eom» years had not taken an active interest in the centre. He felt certain that with the return of such willing workers, the sport in Wellington would be sure to go ahead. Commenting on the annual report and balance-sheet, details of which have already appeared in "The Post," the chairman said that during the year the centre had been strengthened by the affiliation of the Wairarapa Club, of Masterton. There had been a steady increase in past' years in affiliations. Some eight or nine carnivals were held during the season, both in the city and in the country towns, with gratifying success. TEPID BATH NEEDED. While on the subject of carnivals, the speaker said he could not help once more remarking on the lack of suitable accommodation in the city for such functions. Wellington was very badly in need of a tepid bath where swimming | could be conducted.all the year round— the centre was not overstrong financially and it always had to rely on the gate receipts to clear the expenses of a carnival. The centre had been battling for years for a large tepid bath, but the speaker regretted to have to say that despite the promises of the city councillors the object in view seemed as far off as ever. It seemed very strange that Wellington, the Capital uy ,f n, d a very progressive town, should be without a bath where swimming could be indulged in all the year round. Mr. Bundle added that he was not overlooking the tepid bath in Tasman street, but it seemed to him that this was fully occupied in providing for the requirements of the Boys' Institute. However, what was urgently needed was a bath, a tepid swimming pool, where the public and swimmers could follow the art for twelve months in the year. "DISAPPOINTED." It was very difficult to say when the centre could expect the City Council to take some action, but for thn present he could only express his disappointment that so far nothing had been dona. A of very successful carnivals had been held during the eeasoh— especially the meeting which was held when the South Island swimmers were returning home from the New Zealand championships. Another gratifying feature of the year's activities was' the fact that Wellington had won the Nordern Cup from Canterbury, a centre which had held the cup for many years. Ihen there was the recent carnival at which the Australian Olympic swimmers took part—a meeting which proved to be generally successful. The speaker also touched upon the work that had been done among the children, over one thousand distance certificates having been issued. In conclusion, he touched upon the fine public spirit that had been displayed by Messrs. Riddiford brothers in generously donating £5000 towards tho provision of a swimmih" bath at Lower Hutt. Tho Evans Bay Uub was doing its best to improve conditions in its particular part of the harbour, and members had worked really splendidly in an endeavour to secure funds to provide an up-to-dato club-house. Tho report and balance-sheet -were adopted. On' the motion of the secretary, it was decided that rules 57 and 58, providing for tho payment of a levy of sixponco per club member, be rescinded. This course was taken as tho result of tho action of the Dominion Council in deciding to impose a levy of ono shilling per club member, for' the purpose of raising funds to assist in sending swimmers to tho Olympic Games. It vyas decided to ask tho Dominion Council for a ruling on points raised in regard to the proposed levy of one shilling per club member; Officers for the ensuing year -Were elected as follow:— President, Mr. T. Ronayne, 1.5.0. ; vice-presidents, Hon. J. G. Coates, M.P., Messrs. J. V. Maxwell, and I. Duncan and ! Dr. W. E Herbert; local officer, Mr. P. Coirachairman, Mr. P. N. Bundle; hon. secretary, Mr. V. N. Bcasley (pro. tern.); hon. treasurer, Mr. J. M; Nio; delegate to N.Z.A.S.A., Mr. B. O'Neill; hon. auditor, Mr. A. A. Somerville; handicappor, Mr. J. Calnan; members of-the executive committee, Messrs. P. Coira and R. Smith. ' \