SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 117, 13 November 1926, Page 22

SWIMMING

By 'Head** ■ 1

COMING SEASON EXCELLENT PROSPECTS ACTIVE CONTBOLLING BODY. The annual meeting of the local centre has been disposed of, and, in discussing the position, Mr. P. N. Bundle, who was re-elected chairman, had many interesting observations to make, first, the spirit of the delegates present was such that an improvement in the sport generally could be looked for, and was confident that the coming season would be one of considerable progress, the enthusiasm shown being keener than at the previous meetings The members presont were very much in earnest that all should get togsther and revive in swimming the interest that is necessary, and towards that end all were prepared to rouse up their club members in fostering the competitive side to the extent required. Previously, much of this work was left to the energetic few, but it is now anticipated that all the members, of the new- centre will realise their responsibilities in the direction indicated, so that prospective competitors may. rely upon being watered for far better than has been the case jn former seasons.' Admittedly, the lack of facilities hinders the progress that is desired, and the absence of a tepid salt-water swimming pool is still a matter of rogret, but ho did not wish to say anything further on the bath matter at prpsent, other than to reiterate the remarks previously reported in the Press. However, despite this disadvantage, proposals were being -considered by the centre for stimulating the interest of the swimmers and public alike, and one or two had already been adopted. The chief of these was that relating to carnivals. It is obvious, stated Mr. Bundle, that unless a series of carnivals is staged during the season, public support %rill not bo forthcoming. During recent seasons an odd carnival hero and there did not make for success; in fact, financially, a loss resulted on most of them, with the result that clubs and the centre also, had to think twice about staging any similar gatherings. It naturally followed that without carnivals the public became apathetic, and several of the swimmers,, too, but happily the centre, with the assistance of all the clubs, intend to make a worth while ■effort, and anticipate being able to run r-veral carnivals at short intervals, wliich, together with the annual functions of clubs, like Worser Bay, Evans Bay, and Island Bay, will ensure a full season's activity. Work in the Schools. "Then again." went on the speaker, "our educational work has suffered recently through various causes, and one erstwhile educational officer, Mr. J. Duffy, has been compelled to . give up his duties owing to pressure of his private business.- The very'fine'work he has done wo hope to maintain, and I am confident that the results gained amongst the children this season will be one of the best on record. The value of the educational work in the schools throughout the Dominion is of great importance, and we do not lose sight of this fact, therefore, our efforts will be directed towards increasing the previous results gained. We want every child to learn to swim itnd shortly hope to be able to arrange for their tuition, and also the coaching of those desirous of competing in racing events. At all our carnivals races for boys and girls will be held, and no entry fee will be charged, so we are hopeful of getling plenty of support from the children. In addition, we plan to hold a big carnival solely for the schools, at which all standards will be catered for, and the winning school will be presented with a shield. This gathering will be made an annual affair, and our present intentions are to hold this season's one about the middle of December, just prior to the annual break-up. By this means we hopo to discover unknown talent, and the centre's selector will be present to pick out any performers whom he considers worthy to represent us at the national championships. We are always anxious to be represented in the junior and intermediate grades, at these championships, and any boy or girl swimmer considered good enough will certainly be sent by us to compete." In his final remarks, Mr. Bundle stressed the necessity of co-operation from everyone interested in the sport, and if this came about the progress aimed for would certainly materialise. The present-day competitors must train, and train hard, because, unless in good condition, they could not give of their best, and it was good racing that interested the public. Therefore, each and every | swimmer,-in addition to the controlling officials, must do his share towards obtaining a result that would be to the mutual advantage of everybody. Many Good Omens. The above remarks are very heartening, and, from the opinions already heard from other members of the centre, there is little doubt that the proposals enumerated will be carried out. Indeed, a start is being made this day week, when the; official opening of the season will take place at the Te Aro Baths. In conjunction with the Wellington Club, the centre will put on a carnival which, although not on a big scale, will be of sufficient interest to make an auspicious start. The club will hold three , events for their own members—senior and junior—while the centre will be responsible for the remaining part of the programme, which will comprise . inter-club ' races, diving, novelty events, otc. Following on the afternoon's affair, the Institute Club is holding its opening in the evening at the Tepid Baths in Tasman street, and here again the opportunityy presents itself to swimmers of all classes to show their early paces. A varied programme has been drawn up, including special events for the members of the warships now in port, so that the comedy side will be in capable hands. ..Entries for the.afternoon carnival close on Thursday evening, and for the Institute on the Tuesday. Ladies Club. It is now an established fact that a jtrong ladies' club is to bo formed in the city, and a meeting towards thin end will be* held on Wednesday evening next at the V.M.C.A. For many years past the need of such a club has been very apparent, and although the Institute Ladies' Club have performed good work their scope has been Bomewhat restricted. Tho proposed new club is likely to be a very strong body, and all those ladies who are in sympathy with ■ the project can lend their support in 'a practical manner by attending the meeting.